Birds Island

We have applied an integrated strategy of developing a zero-energy house that seamlessly dovetails the economic and environmental advantages of environmentally friendly living with the needs of a demanding and cosmopolitan clientele. The environmental and economic features of this way of living do not conflict with our client’s lifestyle; rather it furthers their ability to comfortably enjoy their time at home. While providing an expansive outdoor living deck that spans the whole of the site, the primary living space is concentrated inside cooled zones. A maximum amount of economical and energy efficient floor area is created and sheltered from the elements by a dynamic tensile structure. The traditional relationship between indoor and outdoor has been shifted, allowing for comfort while free of the bonds of traditional walls. Extended living spaces are arranged separately from each other and bisected by landscaped areas with local vegetation. The surrounding tensile fabric flows through the interior, shaping and imbuing the spaces with sublime shading and view patterns. Heavy sliding curtains enclose living spaces and create privacy. Understanding of the Term 0-Energy Every building needs Energy for illumination, water heating, various electronica appliances and cooking. In extreme climates – like Malaysia with its extreme heat and humidity- energy is needed for cooling as well. The term 0-Energy refers to developments which use renewable energy sources on site, to supply the required energy. The architectural design goal is to minimize energy need and by doing so reducing the demand for on site power generation. In case of the Bird Island development the required energy for all 6 villas and on site traffic by electrical carts will be generated by an on site solar plant, and heat pumps. The solar plant and heat pumps will be centralized for the 6 villas and are not within the scope of work of Graft. Skin The skin is a tensile, environmentally friendly fabric through which the outside world is seen. The skin turns and twists along the façade changing its transparency and guiding the view of the residents out to the landscape and views of the area. Viewed together, the individual strands of fabric create patterns which flow naturally over the skin. The skin material will be Silicon covered glass fabric. Due to the climatic conditions in Kuala Lumpur we are proposing Silicon covered glass fabric instead PVC covered fabric, it is less susceptible to the high humidity and UV light in Malaysia; and therefore has a longer life span. In addition, it is easy to clean with a high pressure water cleaner and biodegradable detergent. Material specification: Atex 5000, Heavy grade silicon covered glass fabric Weather-proof, Hydrophobic, UV light resistant. No toxic emission No residual odors, easily cleaned, dimensionally stable