S11, a family bungalow located in the Malaysian suburb-city of Petaling Jaya, Selangor, was consciously designed to embrace sustainable development concepts. Part of this effort includes, for example, the preservation of five existing trees and propagating local flora and fauna on site.
It is the first house to receive the platinum award of the Malaysian Green Building Index (GBI), the ultimate GBI rating. This was achieved through the incorporation of many eco-friendly features and innovative “green” solutions such as rainwater harvesting, light tubes, photovoltaic panels, greenery walls, sun-shading, wind turbines and an insulated roof. Additionally, the house was designed to promote cross-ventilation.
The construction of this prototype eco-friendly house also utilized a huge amount of materials, including timber, salvaged from the owner’s old house and recycled. The external decking made of Chengal is a case in point.
Internally, certified Mahogany was used to line the floor. Large, solid pieces of old Teak and Rosewood were also used to make unique indoor furniture, making them interesting conversation pieces.
This eco-friendly abode has won many awards since its completion, including the Malaysian Institute of Architects’ Silver Award in the Single Residential category, as well as the Asia Pacific Design Centre’s 2011 Award for Sustainable Design and Residential Unit.
Quote: “The sustainable design award also reinforced the acknowledgement of Malaysia’s respectable standing in the world’s ‘green’ and sustainability design community.” – Dr Tan Loke Mun, S11 house owner.