This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on November 11, 2019 - November 17, 2019

WINNER
The International School of Kuala Lumpur

The judges were unanimous in the selection of the winner of this year’s award, stating that the building “hits the right spot at every turn”. The deliberation focused on the thoughtfulness of the overall design elements and the building’s approach to sustainable architecture, which resulted in it achieving a Green Building Index platinum rating.

Everything about the building filled the judges with awe. Each space has been meticulously planned, laid out and presented, with careful integration of fenestrations that are protected by sufficient sun-shading devices — recognisable and prominent signature features of the building’s façade that also connect its exterior to its interior, providing useful daylighting and outdoor views. This has resulted in an indoor environment that is pleasing and comfortable to be in.

The judges also commented on the clever use of building materials that were chosen from a selection of safe and sustainable products, emphasising the need for healthier indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. The building achieved this using energy-efficient fittings and air conditioning, supported by passive building envelope features that allow the building to enjoy optimised energy performance, which translates into lower monthly energy bills. These are further reduced by energy offsets from its on-site solar panels.

Of special mention was the building’s integrated landscape elements of natural plants and waterbodies, which are designed to enhance students’ learning experience while promoting the natural ecosystem and biodiversity.

The judges were highly impressed with these tangible features that allow occupants to appreciate and enjoy the building as a place of learning and playing, setting it apart from other institutional buildings of its kind. The building has a number of features that make it “green” and aesthetically appealing.

Methodology
This award is open to all Malaysian property developers — both listed and unlisted — with projects in the country as well as corporate members of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) with projects in Malaysia. The projects — of any size or type — must be completed.

One of the judging criteria for the green award is that the project must showcase innovation beyond the industry standard required by the Green Building Index, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark or other recognised green-building certification.

The judging panel, comprising three representatives from PAM and two from The Edge, also deliberates on the design, sustainability, implementation, cost efficiency and relevance of the project to the community. More on Pages 64 and 66.

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