May 29, 2018

 

Big Dutchman Asia wins architectural award

 

Press release

  

The PAM (Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia/Malaysian Institute of Architects) Award night which was recently held in a 5-star hotel saw Big Dutchman Asia (BDA) took home the prestigious PAM Gold Award 2018 in the Industrial Building category. BDA was also among the top five nominated for the PAM Building of the Year Award category.

 

PAM awards are presented annually to deserving architectures in the country. Architects are being recognized for their best works in terms of design quality, durability and sensitivity to the surrounding environment. PAM Gold Award is the highest honour being bestowed on local architects in recognition of their contribution to the architectural industry.

 

Designed by NWKA Architects Sdn. Bhd., the 20-acre site of BDA, consisting of the HQ and warehouse, lies in a high-density heavy industrial zone in Bandar Bukit Raja, Klang. The new Klang campus breaks the mould of industrial facilities with a lush green landscaped environment. It is built on a low plinth ratio, adopts a human-scale approach to a large-scale warehouse operation, and maintains a low-carbon footprint in Green-friendly sustainable environment.

 

BRICK BY BRICK

 

The over burnt brick is used throughout the façade of the main office building and warehouse as an expression of durability and timelessness. Practically, the bricks act as a robust and heat-insulating material requiring minimum maintenance. Expressively, the iconic 3-meter-high floating brick wall acts as an air funnel for cross ventilation to negate heat build-up and maximise air flow throughout the facility.

 

SUSTAINABILITY

 

The fundamentals of good sustainable architecture are anchored by the building's passive Green design.

 

The site reduces dependency on fossil fuel energy by generating solar power as part of its clean energy programme. A 4000 M² solar panel has been installed on the warehouse's roof to supply clean energy. Rainwater harvesting and recycling conserves water consumption. On-site surface water detention capacity acts as part of the area's flood mitigation programme. Waste is managed through a structured disposal programme.

 

The design adapted a second skin heat insulation concept to lower the air-conditioning load demand by reducing direct heat gain. The sun sensors operable louvres allow the major glazing areas to be shaded – they follow the sun's direction throughout the day to keep a constant ambient temperature at the workspaces, while allowing maximum visibility and light penetration.

 

NWKA Architects' principle designer, Mr Ng Wai Keong, together with his team, has brilliantly conceive a design concept that actively creates and encourages the use of comfortable external-internal spaces functioning on minimum energy needs. Creating pleasant, healthy and attractive well-lit work and recreational spaces also encourages increased use of the facility, resulting in less need to travel out during breaks, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Sustainability is not just a concept but a commitment.