GREEN SPAN
by Candice Lim

When buildings get old and dilapidated after decades of use, often the easy way out is to tear them down and construct something brand new in their place.

But for Atria Green Residences, the developer prefers to turn something old new again, transforming old buildings into carbon-efficient structures while still maintaining their cultural heritage value within the community. They hope that, through a passive design process and adapting renewable energy applications, such properties will not only become relevant and useful but also contribute towards a reduced carbon society. According to Amil Khan, director of KF Developments Ltd, the "regeneration of buildings is the ultimate example of recycling".

And that is exactly what they did to an old Chinese-style tong lau or tenement building built in 1968. The 19 Lyndhurst Terrace Penthouse named Green Span has been fitted with 'green' technologies and features to minimise the negative environmental impact of the property in the long and short run while preserving its traditional character.

ENERGY:

• Photovoltaic solar installations on the roof saving the property an average of nearly 1.4 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions versus regular electricity use per year.
• T5 fluorescent tubes on each staircase landing in the common stair area are connected to a timer light switch that efficiently regulates the energy usage of common staircase lighting. These lights are solar energy generated by rooftop PV solar panels, making it totally off-grid.
• The LED illuminated advertising billboard on the side of the building is generated by rooftop PV solar panels; once again totally off-grid.
• Passive solar water heater is installed on the rooftop, generating hot water for the apartment.
• The green roof system acts as a natural insulator for the building mitigating the harsh summer heat and reducing the need for excessive air-conditioning usage.
• The property features economical, energy-saving kitchen appliances, all awarded Grade A EU energy labels.

To read the complete article, get a copy of the 3Q 2009 edition at our online shop or at newsstands/major bookstores; or subscribe to FuturArc.

Table of Contents