Unlocking new markets

THERE is huge potential for the local real estate market for new homes to be expanded if developers focus on design quality.

However, delivering design quality homes is challenging as proper solutions would need to be implemented in order to win buyers.

The other challenge is to meet the growing concerns among potential buyers that design standards may deteriorate as developers struggle to minimise costs against the current economic backdrop.

Developers know that the homes they build must be environmentfriendly and sustainable, and both desirable and enjoyable to work, play and live in. People are willing to pay for a good home no matter what the economic situation is as they want to upgrade their living conditions.

The successful design of a good quality and sustainable housing project depends on the balance struck between a range of factors that includes accessibility, security, safety, privacy, availability of public infrastructure, amenities and adequate space for a park.

The needs and expectations of residents are also fundamentally important.

The typical family dwelling will

be required to meet the needs of young children, adults and senior citizens where the basic necessities are built in to help them in their daily lives.

The achievement of a successful outcome presents a significant architectural challenge and the success of a housing project depends on the quality of planning, design and workmanship, and how these are followed through during construction.

A good developer will pay close attention to what buyers or residents want, take their views into consideration and make the appropriate changes to its product line. In other words, developers should avoid designing houses that people don’t want to live in! The way a developer delivers good design and high quality homes would also depend, among others, on who the project architects and builders are.

The trend these days is also to build homes optimising energy-efficient features as more people recognise the importance of going green. They want to save energy and money. They also want their homes to be comfortable and durable.

Having said that, the planning process by a developer for a housing project should consider a renewable energy system that can provide electricity, water heating, or space heating and cooling.

In Malaysia, there is an increased awareness of the need to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient house designs. Energy use in the home is a significant contributor to the overall energy consumption and to greenhouse gases, especially since more houses today are equipped with airconditioning, and some form of lighting that use up a lot of energy.

Not only is this impacting the overall energy consumption, there is pressure on electricity generation infrastructure, especially during peak periods.

Designing and building an energyefficient house has the potential to substantially reduce the amount of energy consumed in space cooling.

There are several local property developers that practise building energy-efficient house designs. Take Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd for instance, which builds houses and develops integrated projects with lifestyle options and energy- efficient mechanisms.

For Naza TTDI, energy efficiency simply means improving energy consumption by optimising building orientation, minimising solar heat gain through harvesting natural lighting, adopting the best practices in building services including use of renewable energy, and ensuring proper testing, commissioning and regular maintenance.

According to Naza TTDI deputy executive chairman and group managing director SM Faliq SM Nasimuddin, the company does focus on environment quality and sustainable

site planning and management in

providing value added proposition.

“Wh a t th is means is that we select appropriate sites with planned access to public transpor tat ion, community services, open spaces and landscaping.

We also try, either to avoid or conserve, environmentally sensitive areas through the redevelopment of existing sites and brownfields. We implement proper construction management and storm water management, as well as reduce the strain on existing infrastructure capacity,” SM Faliq told Property Times.

Naza TTDI also promotes the use of environment-friendly materials sourced from sustainable sources and recycling. The company has a proper construction waste management system with storage, collection and re-use of recyclables and construction formwork and waste. Rainwater harvesting, water recycling and water-saving fittings are other features established in some of its key developments, SM Faliq said.

“Achieving points in these targeted areas will mean that the building will likely be more environment-friendly than those that do not address the issues. Under the Green Building Index overassessment framework, points will be awarded for achieving and incorporating environment-friendly features which are above current industry practice. I am proud to say that Naza TTDI has won many awards over the past several years to represent what we have been doing, and continue to do,” SM Faliq said.

From a developer that developed the acclaimed 286ha award-winning Taman Tun Dr Ismail township in Kuala Lumpur, Naza TTDI is currently involved in several award-winning projects in Klang Valley.

One of its most interesting developments is TTDI Alam Impian, which is a thriving residential development and GBI township pilot project in Shah Alam, Selangor, designed towards sustainable development by incorporating green building strategies.

The 84-hectare housing and commercial project is a rapidly growing township that is made up of close-knit communities centred around exquisite parks. The unique a r r a ng ement of the homes is designed to foster strong community ties. It is a sanctuary that offers the conveniences of contemporary living

with the warmth of a traditional neighbourhood.

SM Faliq said coming home to TTDI Alam Impian is like escaping into an oasis of tranquility where verdant foothills form a mesmerising backdrop.

Families can enjoy the freedom of open spaces as well as the intimacy of cosy corners.

The concept of the whole township is inspired by gemstones, portraying them as the treasures of Shah Alam.

The phases are named Spira, Viola, Sephira, Aquina, Zircona, Citrina, Emerald and Carmenia. All except Carmenia have been launched.

Spira residences, which is Phase 1 of TTDI Alam Impian, were snapped up within 72 hours. The residences proved to be incredibly popular due to their striking architecture which features huge windows, clever floor plan which emphasises spaciousness, privacy and unsurpassed quality in every detail which boosts their intrinsic value as well as investment potential.

Viola, Sephira and Aquina are sold out while limited units are available for Zircona, Citrina and Emerald.

The Viola homes feature stylish and contemporary architecture that is ideal for the modern family. Vast windows allow for better ventilation while sunshine illuminates the sizeable rooms.

The ingenious floor plan offers growing families the luxury of spaciousness as well as the soothing ambience of cosy corners.

Aquina homes are a breath of fresh air, sparkling with the best of nature while Zircona was developed through incorporating green building strategies.

The upcoming launch will be the Carmenia semi-detached homes, comprising 56 premium units.

Naza TTDI is also developing the 45.7ha TTDI Grove residential and commercial development in Kajang, and several high impact projects, notably the RM4 billion Platinum Park and the RM21 billion 30.5ha KL Metropolis.

The company’s innovation process has been recognised by various awards from local and international assessors.

This year, Naza TTDI bagged the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2014 for TTDI Dualis Equine Park as Malaysia’s Highly Commended Retail Architecture and Malaysia’s Highly Commended Retail Development Last year, its project, Matrade Centre, won the International Property Awards 2013 for World’s Best Public Service Development. Matrade Centre also won the Asia Pacific Awards 2013 for Asia Pacific’s Best Public Service Architecture, Asia Pacific’s Best Public Service Development, Malaysia’s Best Public Service Architecture and Malaysia’s Best Public Service Development.

Its other project, TTDI Ascencia, won awards for Malaysia’s Best Residential

Apartment Architecture and Malaysia’s Best Residential Apartment Development TTDI Plaza was also accorded the CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards 2009 for Best Residential Apartment.

~ By BUSINESS TIMES