1 Lasam

More than eight years ago, when Malaysia’s Green Building Index (GBI) rating tool was new and the idea of Green buildings was still considered novel in Perak, the owner wanted to create the first-ever GBI Platinum-rated building in the state as its headquarters to align with the company’s position as a pioneer in its many businesses. Thus, the vision of 1 Lasam (BVH HQ) was born.

At the outset, the most notable characteristic would be its form. The V-shaped form was derived from the triangular-shaped site with limited space on the ground. As such, the floating massing was created to maximise the building’s footprint. Considering the local climatic conditions and sun path, a central courtyard was carved out for natural daylighting and ventilation.

The application of louvre windows also facilitated cross and stack ventilation. These minimise the use of artificial lighting and air-conditioning—all common and circulation areas are naturally ventilated.

The west-facing wall is double-layered and installed with dense louvres that not only blocks solar heat and glare to the office spaces in the evening, but also eliminates direct views to a nearby army camp, in compliance with the regulatory restrictions.

They also include limitations to building height and roof access—thus, 1 Lasam’s height is restricted to five storeys tall and its out-of-bounds roof is installed with a 40kWp solar PV system to generate clean, renewable energy instead. The energy generated on-site is used in the building and common areas such as staircases that were installed with movement detection sensors to save electricity.

ASSESSMENT

The project scored maximum points for Energy Efficiency in the GBI Platinum Design Assessment Score. The building is about 64 per cent more efficient than a similar conventional office building, with a Building Energy Intensity (BEi) of 72 kWh/m2 per year (conventional buildings have BEi of 200 kWh/m2 per year).

PROJECT DATA

Project Name
1 Lasam

Location
No 1, Jalan Lasam, Greentown, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Completion Date
November 2021

Site Area
2,094.24 square metres

Gross Floor Area
2,829 square metres

Number of Rooms
12 offices

Building Height
Five storeys

Client
Nurilim Sdn Bhd

Architecture Firm
Kuee Architecture

Principal Architect
Kuee Sheau Shyuan

Green Building Consultant
Green Quarter Sdn Bhd

Main Contractor
CLCE Construction Sdn Bhd

Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
ATEC Consulting Engineers

Civil & Structural Engineer
AJL Perunding

Images/Photos
Kuee Architecture