BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES)

ARCH 3260
BUILDING STUDY & REPORT

PAM CENTRE, BANGSAR, KUALA LUMPUR

Prepared by:
MUHAMMAD IZZAT B IBRAHIM 153015745
TUAN IKMAL AIZAD B TUAN MOHD JAMIN 153015508
LUQMAN B MOHAMMAD AKMAL 153015507
AHMAD SHAZWAN B AHMAD SUFFIAN 153015865
MURNI MASDINAH BT ROSLAN 153015992
RUSYDIAH SALIHAH BT SAALUDDIN 153015869

Lecturer:
IDRIS TAIB

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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In completing this assignment, we have to acquire the help and support of some respected

persons. To them, we would like to give our sincerest gratitude. The completion of this report have

given us more insights into the study of buildings within the scope of architecture.

We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Idris Taib, subject lecturer for Building Study

and Report, for giving a good guideline in this study throughout numerous lectures. We would also

like to thank Dr. Golnoosh Manteghi, group mentor, in providing her insights and supervision

throughout several consultations.

In addition, we would like to express our gratitude towards Sir Qaiss N. Khudeir, Sir

Sharyzee Mohmad Shukri, Ar. Mohd Sokri, and Prof. Dr. Zulkifli Hanafi for their support and

lessons in this class. We would also like to thank the Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur for

giving us permission to carry on this assignment.

We would like to express our appreciation towards the administration and staffs of PAM

Centre, Bangsar, especially our tour guide, Mr. Muhammad Asadi, for providing their consent and

assistance in completing this report. Their hospitality of welcoming us to their building and their aid

they had provide us have become the backbone for our study.

There are many other people that we would like to thank to, especially our classmates and

group members in providing their suggestions and hard work in completing this report. Last but not

least, we would like to thank everyone that have helped us in completing this report. Our sincerest

gratitude to all the support you have delivered.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgement
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LIST OF FIGURES

1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………….6

1.1. Overview

1.2. Brief Description of the Case Study Building

1.3. Methodology & Limit of Study

1.4. Summary

2. SITE STUDY…………………….……………...…………………………………….13

2.1. Overview

2.2. Literature Review

2.3. Site Context, Landscape & Surroundings

2.4. UBBL Analysis; Firemen Access & Fire Hydrant

2.5. Summary

3. ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS……………...…………………………………….22

3.1. Overview

3.2. Literature Review

3.3. Design Analysis

3.3.1. Form & Function

3.3.2. Space & Circulation

3.3.3. UBBL Analysis; Fire Regulation & Passive Containment

3.3.4. Active fire protection

3.3.5 Passive fire protection

3.3.6 UBBL Analysis, Mean of escape, horizontal & vertical circulation

3.3.7 Fire rated Building material

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3.4. Environmental Study & Sustainable Design

3.4.1. Climatic Consideration

3.4.2. Design of Space, Light & Ventilation

3.4.3. Sustainable Design: Passive Design Solution & Selection of Materials

3.4.4. UBBL Analysis; Light & Ventilation

3.5. Findings and Recommendation

4. THE BUILDING SYSTEM…………………...…………………………………….59

4.1. Overview

4.2. Literature Review

4.3. Building Structure System

4.4. Construction Method & Details of Construction

4.5. Building Materials

4.5.1. Type of Material for Construction

4.5.2. Selection of Interior Materials

4.6. Mechanical & Electrical Services;

4.6.1. M&E System & UBBL Active Intervention System

4.6.2. HVAC

4.7. Water Supply & UBBL Active Intervention System

4.8. Sewerage Systems

4.9. Finding and Recommendation

5. INTEGRATED ANALYSIS…………………...…………………………………….90

5.1. Analysis of Building Design, Construction & Services

5.2. Analysis of Building Performance

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5.3. Compliance of UBBL and Critical Assessment

5.4. Finding and Recommendation

6. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION……………….……………………….102

REFERENCES

APPENDIX

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW

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The purpose of Building Study and Report subject is about to analyze and proposing a report

of a building chosen in terms of the history, design, services, environmental design used,

mechanical system, electrical system, construction and structure of the building chosen. This report

is done by a group of six architecture students throughout the semester.

Basically, this analysis will provide information about the building from the start of the

construction until the building is being used and how the response of the users. Besides, it will also

include information on the building architecture design to provide for the good of the people.

Building chosen for our group is PAM Centre, Bangsar. In Chapter 1, it is a history about

the building which the current building is the continuation of the old existing building which we

also summarized it into a timeline. For chapter two, we covered site study of Pam Building such as

the site context. The information is collected from our online research and also site visit to the

building.

For the next two chapters, which is chapter three and four, we analyze the services, structure

and construction of the building such as in terms of the how the electrical system works in the

building and how the water supply being regulated throughout of the building. Analysis of

environmental study and sustainable design is also included in chapter three.

For chapter five, we developed a 3d of PAM Centre based on the collected floor plans from

the authority. From the 3d, we analyzed the building performance and make connection of all the

information collected before but in 3d version. Thus, analysis of the building will be clearer for

understanding. The last chapter, which is chapter six, we concluded our analysis and make

recommendation based on our study. Attachments of appendixes follow.

1.2 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE STUDY OF BUILDING

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PAM stands for ‘Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia’ or the Malaysian Institute of Architects. It is

a focal point for members’ activity, main or administration architecture office in Malaysia and

training center in order to comply PAM’s hopes as a center for architectural development and

advancement.

In 1920, it started with a group of Malaysian architects but PAM was first registered in

1967. At that time the meetings were held in hotel lobbies and homes. There were no funds and no

home base. PAM only rented a room in Merlin Hotel for any meetings in 1969. Currently, Merlin

Hotel is known as Concorde Hotel which located in Jalan Sultan Ismail. During 1973, PAM moved

and rented the Peninsula Hotel in Jalan Tangsi.

Then, in 2010, PAM managed to buy four-storey building. The building is located in Jalan

Tandok in hopes of developing it as an architect-driven center for contemporary arts. Unfortunately,

in 2012, DBKL whom the local authority charged with the administration of Kuala Lumpur city

asked PAM to vacate the original PAM Centre along Jalan Tangsi by June 2012. Then, the initial

intention to make the building in Bangsar as only architect-driven center had to change and make it

as an administration office.

In order to build the new PAM Centre in Bangsar, a competition was held to design a new

building. 36 entries were submitted and the winner war architect Mohd Heikal Hassan of HMA &

Associates. In 2016, PAM Centre has finally completed its construction and the building is being

used till now. The existing building at the site is still remained by the architect.

About the architect, the young architect Mohd Heikal is the graduate of UITM with a

diploma in architecture. He then pursued degree in Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom

and followed with a master’s degree in urban design. His design concept of PAM Building Centre is

‘The Space Between’ which comprises of four design elements.

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The elements are the plane, the stairs, the space between and the screen. The plane is

represented by the concrete back wall that becomes the spine of the building. It acts as a shield from

the surrounding block that has an eye-striking color scheme. The stair is the second element of the

design approach which has the plane as the backdrop. This represents by steel straight-flight stairs

which the intention to have more transparent environment to obtain visual connection which the

flow of spaces within the building can be witnessed.

The next element is the space between which is the core of the building. The element has

been inspired by the courtyard in the old Chinese shop houses. These were used for privacy the

same way gardens were used in English homes. The last element is the screen which represents by

the black aluminum powder coating which has been enveloped the front façade of the PAM Centre.

The intention of the façade is to protect the building from heat and glare of the sunlight from the

West. The repeatedly pattern is very minimalist and modular, which creates a distinctive character

for the building.

1.3 METHODOLOGY AND LIMIT OF STUDY

METHODOLOGY:
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This report is finalized after several phases of methodology in order to collect data regarding

PAM Building Centre. The phases are:

1. Literature review:

This comprises of our online research, publications and books regarding PAM Building

Centre and also UBBL requirement that related to the building. For instance, our online research is

about the history of the building and also the services that is working through the whole building.

We also managed to get flyers publication from PAM itself that has plenty information about the

building such as sustainable design that has been applied to the building. The flyers publication is

given by PAM through our exchanging conversation in email.

2. Site Visit:

We managed to do the site visit in PAM Building Centre according to the schedule that has

been planned and prepared by our lecturer. We set the appointment with PAM through email and

the tour was conducted by Mr. Muhammad Asadi. He explained step by step all the systems

involved in the building such as electrical, mechanical, water supply and sewerage system. From

the visit, we also managed to collect all levels of floor plan of the building which really helped us to

develop 3d version of PAM Centre.

3. Observation:

Several observation and data recording has been made throughout our visit at the site. All

the information explained by Mr. Muhammad Asadi is recorded and several pictures that shows the
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services throughout the building are taken. This method really helps us to get clearer picture of

anything that we have read based on our online research.

4. Compilation:

Each team members are given several topics for them to work for based on the data

collection and write their own part of the report. This results in a final compilation in the end after

several inspection and changes made.

LIMITATION OF STUDY:

Throughout the process, we had a few limitations that eventually become hindrance through

our research and reporting. We encountered lack of some information such as regarding how
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sewerage system works in the building. Even after seeking information from PAM, we still could

not get the answer. So, after being advised by our lecturer, we had to assume on how the sewerage

system works based on our data collection about water supply.

Besides, we encountered lack of floor plans given by PAM. We missed one level which was

level 6. Thus, it became an obstacle for us to make 3d version of PAM Building. Fortunately, all

floor levels of the building are same size and the size of rooms available in level 6 is based on what

we have measured from our site visit. Finally, we managed to develop the 3d version.

The other limitation is that the truth of our online research cannot be verified. This is

because we were not sure if the online information is based on ones’ assumption or their study of

the building. But, after visiting PAM Building and getting information from the tour guide itself, we

managed to compare both of the information and finalized the information for report of the

building.

Next, the limitation is that lack memory of members regarding the information collected

from our visit to the building. We as humans tend to forget what has been explained and results in

error when reporting. Thus, our precaution is that we recorded when Mr. Muhammad Asadi

explained to us. This method has been so helpful as we managed to play the recording again while

doing our report and thus, resulting in more accurate information about PAM Building.

1.4 SUMMARY

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Currently, PAM Centre is the new landmark in Bangsar as it has such a striking façade,

uniquely designed from other neighborhood buildings. The building has become a new architecture

icon in Malaysia. Based on our visit, we observed that even though the site is very challenging as it

is very narrow and sloping, but the architect has made the building possible. He successfully came

out with an elegant solution by employing a minimalist and grid design.

The building creates an interaction between outside and inside by an exploration of views

and boundaries through dichotomy of solids and voids. People can literally feel the outside

surrounding even though they are in the building such as they can feel the air, the rain and also the

view.

Besides, several limitations that have become hindrances throughout our process, we

managed to overcome and have tried to minimize all the possible errors in order to produce more

accurate information of PAM Building. Thus, this report is hopefully can be handy or reference to

study about PAM Building as it is one of the example buildings that responds to the tropical

climate. Not only aesthetically pleasing, yet also functional.

Figure 1:History timeline of PAM Building

2.0 SITE STUDY

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2.1 OVERVIEW

The purpose of doing this Building Study and Report subject is to let us understand and to

analyze the building. The project was carried out in multiple phases, analyze the building

structure, mechanical and electrical, services, and site analysis. After analysis has been made and

have all the relevant information we have to do a report which is to write about the whole analysis

of the building.

Firstly, is to introduce the chosen building for this case study, which is the New Pam Centre.

The New PAM Centre building is located in one of the busiest area in Kuala Lumpur which is

located on Jalan Tandok in Bangsar. PAM Centre building is the current head office of Persatuan

Arkitek Malaysia. It was designed by Mohd Heikal Hasan of HMA & Associates and completed in

2016. The building is striking in its liberal 1Jse of raw finishes and clever spatial organisation on a

limited land area.

Site study is actually to know the circulation of the Pam building itself and to study the

building. The building is the new landmark in Bangsar as it has such a striking facade and uniquely

designed from other neighbourhood buildings. The building has become a new architecture Icom in

Malaysia. Even though the site is very challenging as it is very narrow and sloping, but the architect

made the building possible.

2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

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Site context, landscape & surrounding

A good site context, landscape and surrounding is a crucial step in accomplish a good design

in the planning process of the design process is divided up into three sections, research phase,

synthetic phase and analysis phase. These three phases are divided into the eight chronological steps

in the design process.

Research phase: Firstly, is to define the problem and its definition. This is the part of the

research phase. The site planning process and site design begins with the initial problem to be

solved. This started by a client contracting a planner to work with a particular site.

Analysis phase: Secondly is to involves programming the site as well as site and user

analysis, which is focused on in-depth below. There are numerous site elements related to the

analysis during the phase. This is the part where the analysis phase in site planning.

Synthesis phase: Thirdly from the analysis, a program is developed, which is also part of the

synthesis phase. The next step deals with the schematic design of a site plan and as well as the

preliminary cost estimate for the site. Step five requires more developed designs and a detailed cost

estimate. Step six is the plan or the construction document. Contracting and bidding for the project

follows as step five. Afterward, construction then will take place as step seven. The last step, is step

eight, in the site design process is occupation and management of the site.

2.3 SITE CONTEXT, LANDSCAPE & SURROUNDINGS

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A landmark fixture of Bangsar, the new PAM Centre is designed with considerations for the

environment, culture and society with a timeless and minimalistic approach in overall design and

detailing, befitting PAM’s aspirations as a centre for architectural advancement and development.

Figure 2:Shows key plan of the site (source: https://www.google.com/maps/ )

The new PAM Centre in Bangsar is located at 99L, Jalan Tandok, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala

Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. It was built with the intention of developing it as an

architect-driven centre for contemporary arts in the same spirit as the National Art Gallery, and

Museum of Modern Arts (MOMA).

The building is surrounded by different types of building, which are, The New Straits Time

Press, Australian Restaurant Breakfast Thieves APW Bangsar, Narayana Moorthy Flour Mill,

KLIUC Hostel and housing.

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Figure 3: PAM Centre and The New Straits Time Press (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

The buildings that are surrounding the PAM Centre are mostly has almost the same number

of storeys and height which is roughly 30 m height. As we can see in the picture above of figure 1.1

the building in orange colour which is The New Straits Time Press behind PAM Centre has almost

the same height.

Figure 4: Jalan Kurau (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

In front of PAM Centre, across the road there is a building called KLIUC Hostel. In figure

1.2 above show the road in between the two building is Jalan Kurau road and it is a two-way road.

What we have observed is that the road is often been use and narrow. It is difficult for people to

find parking to go PAM Centre as it has narrow and busy road.

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Figure 5: Australian Restaurant Breakfast Thieves APW Bangsar (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

Figure 1.3 shows an Australian Restaurant Breakfast Thieves APW Bangsar beside the

PAM Centre on the right. It is a single storey restaurant with an outdoor greenery concept. The

restaurant is covered with lots of green plant around the restaurant. The road of the restaurant is

called Jalan Riong.

Figure 6: Narayana Moorthy Flour Mill (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

Opposite the PAM Centre on the left side of the road is a single storey green building. The

green building is a factory of Narayana Moorthy Flour Mill. The road between the two building of

PAM Centre and Narayana Moorthy Flour Mill Factory is called the Jalan Liku road. The jalan liku

road is a one way road heading to Jalan Kurau road.

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Figure 7: housing area (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

Figure 1.5 shows housing area in front of PAM Centre beside the KLIUC Hostel on the left.

What we observed is that people park around that area because of the limited parking spot. The road

is called Jalan Kurau road and it is a two-way road.

Figure 8: Jalan Liku (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

The one-way road beside the PAM Centre the jalan Liku road is a row of shop lot and two

double storey houses. The orange building one the left picture of figure 1.6 shows the The New

Straits Time Press building. Beside the The New Straits Time Press building is a legal parking spot.

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2.4 UBBL ANALYSIS, FIREMEN ACCESS & FIRE HYDRANT

FIREMEN ACCESS:

Figure 9: Site plan with firemen circulation access (source: https://www.google.com/maps/ )

According to UBBL of Access from the street, every building to be erected on a site which

does not front a street shall have access from the street and the means, nature and extent of the

access shall be in accordance with layout plan approved by the competent planning authority or the

local authority. Refer to figure 1.7, the firemen access circulation of the surrounding is very straight

forward. Most of the roads are one and two-way street except for the main road at the East side of

the building.

The main access for the firemen access to the PAM Centre building is from the and East

entrance. This is due to the two-way road people with vehicles often passing through the building in

order to get to the highway road which is to the Jalan Bangsar highway road on the South. Also, it

is because the east road is the only main road for the firemen to access the building.

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FIRE HYDRANT:

Figure 10: closest fire hydrant to PAM Centre (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

For the fire hydrant, there are no nearest fire hydrant around PAM Centre, the firemen can

access the nearest fire hydrant at the north side of the road of Jalan Riong. The distance between the

fire hydrant to the PAM Centre is around 100 meter. The one in the figure 1.8 shows the red fire

hydrant beside the road. According to the UBBL law.

Figure 11: second closest fire hydrant to PAM Centre (source: https://www.google.com/maps/)

The second fire hydrant that we found which is the second nearest fire hydrant

from the PAM Centre building is from the west road of Jalan Tandok. The distance

between the fire hydrant from the PAM Centre building is around 200 meter. The one in

figure 1.6 shows a yellow fire hydrant between the landscape. According to the UBBL

225 (b), one fire hydrant should be located not more than 91.5 meters from the nearest

point of fire brigade access.

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2.5 SUMMARY

The PAM Centre is surrounded by buildings and narrow road. There is only one main road

for the firemen to access the building which is the Jalan Bangsar highway. Since the road in front of

the PAM Centre is a very two-way narrow road, people cannot park at will there and they have to

park their car at the parking spot that is provided. Thus, there are no nearest fire hydrant around the

PAM Centre building, and the nearest fire hydrant can be found is 100 meter away from the PAM

Centre building on the North side.

3.0 ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS

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3.1 OVERVIEW

This PAM center is a ten storey concrete frame structure constructed with precast concrete

consist of the existing structure from the previous small two storey bungalow that was located on

the land. The building has a simple facade of rectangular shape cladding that made from aluminum.

This building plan is consisting of straight lines that making the building is very straight forward. It

has three staircases, two staircases for the fire staircase that located at both site of the building and

another one is straight flight staircase that connect the ground floor to the eighth floor. This building

is an office building and a center for member’s activity, administration office, conference center and

training center. Based on the concept of the building “The Space Between” the core of the building

is the stepped atrium that brings courtyard and garden elements inside the building.

3.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

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Form refers to the shape or arrangement of a building. Form and space create primary

elements of architecture. It is given the intention of architecture to provide internal sheltered space

for human occupation. Form and space are given shape and scale in the design process. In addition,

the placement or arrangement of a building form is referring to the site and neighboring context is

another crucial aspect of this form/space relationship. The internal space is created by voids in

building form, exterior space can influence the form or the building. Certain aspects must be

considered in order to analyze or design an architectural form, including shape, form or size, scale,

proportion, rhythm, articulation, texture, color, and light.

Circulation are the pathways that people or user take through and around buildings or urban

places. It is defined as ‘space between space’ by having a connective function. In architecture,

circulations are depending on the several aspects which is:

● Direction of movement: horizontal or vertical

● Type of function: public or private

● Frequency of function: common or emergency

● Time of use: morning: evening and so on

3.3 DESIGN ANALYSIS

3.2.1 FORM AND FUNCTION
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The building form is mainly of linear form, all the forms created form the straight lines and

the void from the stepped atrium created the variation to the building that can be seen from the

elevation of the building.

The elevation from all sides also do have used all straight lines. From the elevation the form

and space have the character or the basic form of the squares mixing together. The void from the

stepping atrium or courtyard gives the variation to the square shapes that transform to the rectangle

shape. See figure 12 and 13.

The diagram in figures 14 and 15 shows the concrete back wall that becomes the spine of

the of the center. The plane acts as a shield for the center from the surrounding block that has and

eye-straining color scheme and it also acts as backdrop for the second element.

The screen that provides from the black aluminum enveloped the front facade of the PAM

center. The screen or the facade protects the building from heat and glare of the sunlight from the

west. The repeatedly square is very minimalist and modular which creates a distinctive character for

the building

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Figure 12: Front elevation of PAM building (source: 3d modelling)

Figure 13: Concrete back wall (source: site visit)

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3.2.2 SPACE AND CIRCULATION

Space and circulation of the building is simple linear way which is very straight forward that

is common and easiest way. In architecture, the arrangement of the spaces in this building is

also linear because the space arrangement is aligning and only have one long corridor (figure

3.2(a)) that can be used by the user to walk from space to space in the building. Most of the

floor have the atrium or courtyard. Every floor that have atrium can see the atrium below the

floor through the void above the courtyard. The void can provide connection between people

from below and above and its relate to the concept of the building which is “The Space

Between”. The courtyard is inspired by the courtyard in the Chinese shop houses. These were

used for privacy the same way gardens were used in English homes.

Figure 14: Fourth floor plan that shows atrium and void (source: PAM Building)

Figure 15: stepping atrium in PAM building (source: 3d modelling)

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3.3.3 UBBL ANALYSIS, FIRE REGULATION & PASSIVE CONTAINMENT

Fire is the cause of a chemical reaction between oxygen found in air and any form of fuel or

combustible material. Furthermore, Sufficient heat and a subsequent exothermic chemical chain

reaction is required for the fire to form. This chemical process is known as combustion. Hence, in

any case of fire occurring, the fire will last as long as oxygen, heat and fuel are available and

sufficient. This relationship can be effectively brief in the fire tetrahedron diagram 16 as shown

below:

Figure 16: Fire tetrahedron showing all the necessary component for fire to occur.(source:

 Fuel:

This related to the building material used in construction as an entire which include the

structural components, finishes and also flammable objects such as furniture, paper and electronics.

There are some materials are fireproof or fire resistance which are optimum to be used.

 Oxygen:

Oxygen is basically everywhere on the surface of the Earth due to the atmosphere. Removing

oxygen is one effective way to stop a fire such as fire suppression system, limiting natural

ventilation and replacing oxygen with carbon dioxide, usually seen in the form of powder in fire

extinguisher.

 Heat:

For any combustion to occur heat must be presented up to its ignition temperature. Applying

water is the best way to reduce the temperature fast which in turns extinguish the fire.

 Chemical Chain Reaction:

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It is the idea that for combustion to occur, it must have all of the essential aspect of the fire

(heat, oxygen, fuel) to be presented and sufficient for initiation of fire to occur. Taking any aspect

away could extinguish the fire or prevent it from happening.

3.3.4 ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

Active Fire Protection (AFP) is the component of fire detection and prevention which reacts

to action or motion. AFP is a group of systems that require some amount of action or motion in

order to work efficiently in the event of a fire. Actions may be manually operated, like a fire

extinguisher or automatic, like a sprinkler, but either way they require some amount of action. It is

crucial for a building to equip with systems that capable to immediately detecting any potential fire

hazards, in order to protect both said furnishings and the people making use of them. Active Fire

Protection can be categorized in 3 types:

● Fire Detection System

A fire detection system is a number of devices working together to detect smoke, fire or
any other emergencies and to quickly alert people before any major damages happen.

● Fire Notification System

Fire notification system is devices used to discover fires early in their development when
time will still be available for the safe evacuation of occupants. Early detection also plays
a significant role in protecting the safety of emergency response personnel.

● Fire Fighting System

Firefighting system consists of equipment installed in a building to control a fire, there

are two types of firefighting system, water based system and non-water based system.

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3.3.5 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION

Passive fire protection is an essential component in structural fire protection and fire safety

in any building. it works by containing fires to slow the spread, usually done by compartmentation

of the building through the use of high fire rated structural components such as walls, floors and

doors. The compartment also allows for smoke to not overwhelm the building by diverting it

outside which is vital as estimated death from smoke related injuries during fire account for more

than 50%. It also works by allowing a safe escape passage in case of fire emergency and efficient

access route for the firefighters and their equipment. Unlike active fire protection, it does not take

any type of action during any fire events. Therefore, it can be said that both are meant to work

together during a fire, not one in place of the other.

Careful measures are specially paid attention on passive fire protection through simulation and

comprehensive testing to ensure that it is suitable and work as planned should any fire emergency

events. It is worth noticing that these passive fire protections should function in extreme heat

condition for a specific amount of time before failing. This is known as fire resistance ratings which

are expressed in terms of how many hours it can last about (30 minute, 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2 hours, 4

hour or more) Both fire protections are heavily regulated and monitored through UBBL 1984 and

its compliance are checked thoroughly by the authorities before construction started to guarantee its

effectiveness as expected by the building codes.

Active fire protection in PAM building:

● Smoke detector

The fire detection system used in the New PAM center is an addressable smoke detector. A

smoke detector is a device that senses smoke, or harmful gas particles, typically as an indicator of

fire.

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Figure 17:of smoke detector in PAM building (source: site visit)

● Reference to UBBL 2013:

Part VII, Clause 153: Smoke detector for lift lobbies.

● All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detector.

● Lift not opening in into smoke lobby shall not use door reopening devices.

● Manual Call Point

PAM building also equipped with manual alarm call points. Since it is manual, it requires

human intervention for its activation by breaking the glass to be able to push the button.

Figure 18: image of manual call point in PAM building (source: www.google/images )

● Hose Reel

A fire hose is a high-pressure hose that carries water or other fire retardants to extinguish a

fire. Outdoors, it attaches either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant. Indoors, it can permanently

attach to a building’s standpipe, such as in the PAM building.

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● Alarm Bell

This alarm bell is a device that make loud alert sounds. When the clapper hits the bell, it will

create a repetitive loud ringing sound to alert the occupants of an emergency. The main alarm bell

in the PAM building is located at the car park area, at the right above the fire department connection

and the post indicator valve.

Figure 19: images of hose reel and alarm bell in PAM building (source: site visit)

● Reference to UBBL 1984 (as at 2103) Part VIII, Clause 237: Fire alarms

● Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance to the Tenth Schedule to those

By-laws

● Provisions shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by action

of a master control

● Firemen Intercom System

Fireman intercom system used in the PAM center is a two-way emergency voice

communication system. It provides a reliable communication between the master console (Fire

Command Centre) and the remote handset stations. The intercom handset stations are located at the

staircases of every level.

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Figure 20: image of fireman intercom in PAM building (source: site visit)

● Reference to UBBL 1984:

Part Viii, Clause 239: Voice communication system.

There shall be two separate approved continuously electrically supervised voice

communications systems, one a fire brigade communications system and the other a public address

system between the central control station and the following areas:

● Lifts, lift lobbies, corridors and staircases;

● In every office area exceeding 92.9 square meters in area;

● In each dwelling unit and hotel guest room where the fire brigade system may be

combined with the public address system.

Figure 21: PAM Centre fifth floor plan Indicating Placement of Alarm Bell, Manual Call Point, Hose Reel, and
Firemen Intercom System

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● Fire Alarm Control Panel

The fire alarm control panel in the PAM building is located in the security/ control room. Its

purpose is to monitor and control the input devices found in the PAM center such as:

● Detector & sensors

● Manual call points

● Notification Appliances

● Switches

Figure 22: image of fire alarm control panel in PAM building (source: site visit)

● Emergency Lighting

Provide to minimize panic and ensure sufficient illumination to allow the occupants of a

building to reach a place where an escape route can be identified.

Figure 23: image of emergency lighting in PAM building (source: site visit)

● Reference to UBBL 1984 (as at 2013): Fire doors in compartment walls and separating

walls.

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Part vii, clause 162

● All exit signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.

● Illuminated signs shall be provided with two electric lamps of not less than fifteen

watts each.

● Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and

shall not be obscured by any decoration, furnishings or other equipment.

● A.B.C Fire Extinguisher

PAM building is well equipped with ABC Fire Extinguishers. This extinguisher is often the

most ideal due to its ability to put out many different types of fires. The fire extinguishers are

strategically located in the hallways and also at the fire staircase etc.

Figure 24: A.B.C fire extinguisher (source: www.google/images )

● Fireman Switch

A fireman’s switch is a specialized switch that allows firefighters to quickly disconnect

power from high voltage devices that may pose a danger in the event of an emergency.

Figure 25: fireman switch (source: www.google/images )

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● DRY RISER

The dry riser system applied in PAM Centre is a vertical pipe installed in a building for

firefighting purposes, fitted with inlet connections at fire engine access level and landing valves on

various floors, which is normally dry, water is being charged usually by pumping from fire engine

pumps. A dry riser system is required when the topmost floor is between 18.3 metres to 30.5

metres. The dry riser standpipes are erected vertically to each floor with a standing valve along with

hose cradle. The dry hydrant and hose cradles are located at the lift lobby and staircase of every

floor as well as the car park located at the lower ground floor.

Figure 26: PAM Centre third floor plan Indicating Placement of Emergency Lighting, Manual Call Point, Hose Reel,
and Firemen Intercom System

● Passive Fire Protection

● Fire Escape staircase

Fire escape staircase is a fire protected area, usually surrounded by fire walls as the main

designated escape route in case of any emergencies. The New PAM Centre contains two fire escape

staircases at each end of the building. This follows the bylaws Clause 166 regarding about having at

least two separate exits in each floor in addition to additional exits.

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Figure 27: images of fire escape staircase in PAM building (source: site visit)

● Escape Travel Distance

The distance of the escape route is strictly regulated to ensure that every space in a building

are within a reasonable distance towards the fire escape staircase or the exit. The distance of the

escape route should be measured from the furthest part of the room to any exit point. Since the New

PAM Centre is an unsprinklered building, the maximum escape travel distance permitted by UBBL

are 45m. Dead ends, which in our cases refers to the rooms, should be at maximum 15m which are

all in the permitted boundary following the plan arrangement.

● Reference to UBBL 1984 (as at 1st November 2013): Part VII, Clause 166. Exits to be

accessible at all times.

● Except as permitted by By-law 167 not less than two separate exits shall be provided

from each storey together with such additional exits as may be necessary.

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● The exists shall be so sited and the exit access shall be so arranged that the exits are

within the limits of travel distance as specified in the Seventh Schedule to these By-

laws and are readily accessible at all times.

● Part VII, Clause 168. Staircases.

● Except as provided for in by-law 194 every upper floor shall have means of egress

via at least two separate staircases.

● Staircases shall be of such width that in the event of any one staircase not being

available for escape purposes the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest

occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it calculated in accordance with

provisions in the Seventh schedule to these By- laws.

● The required width of a staircase shall be the clear width between walls but handrails

may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75mm.

● The required width of a staircase shall be maintained throughout its length including

at landing.

● Doors giving access to staircases shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no

point encroaches on the required width of the staircase or landing.

● Part VII, Clause 169. Exits route.

● No exit route may reduce in width along its path of travel from the storey exit to the

final exit.

● Part VII, Clause 190. External Staircase.

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● Any permanently installed external staircase is acceptable as a required exit under

the same condition as an internal staircase:

● Provided that such staircase shall comply with all the requirements for internal

staircases. External staircases shall be separated from the interior of the building by

walls and fire doors of the same fire resistance rating as required for internal

staircases.

● Exit Sign

The emergency exit signage functions as a guide to direct occupants to the nearest fire exit.

It signifies the presence of a fire exit and the general direction of the fire exit location.

Figure 28: image of exit sign (source: site visit)

● Fire Doors

A fire door is a swing door with a fire-resistance rating that is used as part of a passive fire

protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a

structure which enables safe means of escape from a building. Fire door can be made of different

types of materials, most commonly being steel, aluminum, glass or even timber. Door hardware

includes, but is not limited to:

● Automatic closing mechanisms

● Ball-bearing hinges

● Gas & smoke seals

● Positive latching mechanisms

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● Fire rated glass

Figure 29: image of fire rated door at PAM building (source: site visit)

● Reference to UBBL 1984 (as at 2013): Fire doors in compartment walls and separating

walls. Part VII, Clause 162

● Fire doors of the appropriate FRP shall be provided.

● Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be protected by a fire door

having a FRP in accordance with the requirements for that wall specified in the

Ninth Schedule to these By-Jaws.

● Openings in protecting structures shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of not

less than half the requirement for the surrounding wall specified in the Ninth

Schedule to these By-laws but in no case less than half hour.

● Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be protected by

fire doors having FRP of half-hour.

● Fire doors including frames shall be constructed to a specification which can be

shown to meet the requirements for the relevant FRP when tested in accordance with

section 3 of BS 476: 1951.

● Reference to UBBL 1984 (as at 2013): Door closers for fire doors. Part VII,

Clause 164

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● All fire doors shall be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulically spring

operated type in the case of swing doors and of wire rope and weight type in the case

of sliding doors.

● Double doors with rebated meeting stiles shall be provided with coordinating device

to ensure that leafs close in the proper sequence.

● Fire doors may be held open provided the hold open device incorporates a heat

actuated device to release the door. Heat actuated devices shall not be permitted on

fire doors protecting openings to protected corridors or protected staircases.

● COMPARTMENTATION

In New PAM Centre the use of compartmentation allowed the building to achieve several

important aspects. Firstly, it is used as a protection of the escape route, primarily both of the fire

escape staircase. It is also used as a separation barrier which significantly slows down fire or smoke

from spreading throughout the building. This not only increase the chance of stopping the fire more

systematically and controlled manner, but allowing time for people to thoroughly cleared from the

building.

Figure 30: Ground floor plan of New PAM Centre showing the two compartments, escape route directions as well as
the enclosed fire escape staircases. (source: PAM Building)

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Figure 31: Third level floor plan of New PAM Centre. The compartments vary between levels due to the architectural
design. (source: PAM Building)

Figure 32: Sixth level floor plan of New PAM Centre. Variation of the compartments is based around the void area.
(source: PAM Building)

The access of the have is from all four sides but the main entrance which is perpendicular to

the to the road which means the building was design to have a perfect entrance because of people

can easily access straight from the main road after the park at designated parking in front of the

building. If they from the sub-basement parking or lower ground floor they can enter the building

using the elevator or the fire staircase at both side of the building. To circulate within the building

ground floor is very comfortable for the user because they can move around freely because there is

multi volume atrium with wide opening that can stimulates stack ventilation effect (chimney effect).

Circulation for other floor is by the long pathway and only straight to access the space on every

floor. Besides the offices have the atrium that can give the space to relax while enjoy the natural air

ventilation through the opening provide at every atrium.

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3.3.6 UBBL ANALYSIS, MEAN OF ESCAPE, HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL

CIRCULATION

This refers to any route that one can take to go in and out of building safely during the

occurrence of fire. Evacuation routes are always clearly defined through a fire escape staircase in

every medium to high-rise building and is used to direct to occupants directly towards an exit point

without any obstruction in between. Furthermore, there would also be an assembly point whereby

people would gather after they escaped from the building.

UBBL 1884 Section 166 mentioned that no less than two separate exits shall be provided

from each storey together with such additional exits as may be necessary. This exits are required to

be accessible at all times without obstructions. Moreover, Section 169 also said to maintain the

accessibility of the paths, all fire evacuation routes are required to have a consistent width along its

path of travel from the storey exit to the final exit.

Stairs and elevator are used for vertical circulation move along from one floor to another.

There are four staircases which can be used by the user but there is only staircase that connect more

than one floor like the two fire staircases and the straight flight fire staircase. There are only one

that be used not more than one floor which is at the ground level to the main entrance. The stairs are

comfortable to use because the risers and threads are as per the required dimensions. The width of

stairs is wide enough for the use of the building. The staircases are in the appropriate size

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Figure 33: 3d layout for passive fire protection (dead end limit and maximum travel distance (source: 3d modelling)

3.3.7 FIRE RATED BUILDING MATERIAL

Figure 34: Sense of materiality; New PAM Centre (source: PAM Building)

New PAM Centre follows a modern approach with a rustic materialistic feel, that focus on

green building design. The structures mainly composed of precast concrete, which are carefully put

in its place through cranes. The main purpose of these material functions as passive design,

reducing heat to about 24 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 55%- 70%. There were also

indoor spaces with a transparent glass screen separating the rooms. However, the materials are not

only about passive design but care has also been given in terms of the overall fire resistance of the

structure.

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In addition to fire-resistance rating, which are usually measured by time to tell its relative

performance, there are also another classification of restriction of flames over surfaces such as walls

and ceiling, as per UBBL Clause 204. Five different classes have been mentioned:

● Class O. Surface of no flame spread. This refers to thoroughly non-combustible materials.

● Class 1. Surface of Very Low Flame Spread. Surfaces on which the spread of flame occurs

for less than 150mm.

● Class 2. Surface of Low Flame Spread. Surfaces on which during the first 1.5 minutes of the

test, the spread of flame is not more than 375mm and the final spread does not exceed 450mm.

● Class 3. Surface of Medium Flame Spread. Surfaces on which during the first 1.5 minutes of

the test, the spread of flame is not more than 375mm and during the first 10 minutes of test it is not

more than 825mm.

● Class 4. Surface of Rapid Flame Spread. Surfaces on which during the first 1.5 minutes of

the test, the spread of flame is not more than 375mm and during the first 10 minutes of test it is

more than 825mm.

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3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY & SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Urban planners and regional developers shape the physical landscapes of our communities

to create environments that frame our daily lives. With an added focus on sustainability, these

community builders help ensure that the places in which we live and work are environmentally safe

and resource-efficient. Thoughtfully planned communities provide us with livable cities, smooth-

running transportation systems and healthy urban space.

The PAM building is an environmentally conscious design as it is full of personality and is

always seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment. The building features a facade-

enveloping external egg crate louvre device that provides shade against the glare and heat and acts

as a “breathable skin”. The minimalist theme is consistent throughout its exteriors and interiors. The

design aims to create fluidity, flexibility and structural honesty.

Its interiors are a combination of flat concrete slabs, steel columns, brick walls and open

spaces. Despite its simplicity, the building is packed with slick finishes, from its acrylic-made desks

to its stately, cutting-edge marble conference table.

PAM has maintained three storeys of the original structure, in which the cafeteria is housed.

For that section, they purposely left the original beams to give the building more character. Apart

from the original structure, the rest of the building is beamless — its support lies in its overall

structure

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Figure 35: The PAM Centre, 3D front view and perspective. (source: PAM Center)

GREEN TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

● Solar energy

Solar energy gives direct power support averaging at 10%-15% electrical power, and is integrated

with the building power grid. The solar energy is not stored.

● Hybrid car charging place

Hybrid vehicle charging parking spaces. For the use of hybrid or electric vehicles.

● Live feed power usage

Building power supply are integrated and its usage is shown in real-time on a screen at the

receptionist.

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Figure 36: The Roof Garden, 3D view and perspective (source: 3d modelling and PAM Centre)

● Sustainable energy use

Rain water harvesting is located at the top of the floor

Figure 37: Rain water harvesting (source: 3d modelling)

Flush Irrigation

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3.4.1 CLIMATIC CONSIDERATION

This building was carefully designed and these are the climatic consideration to protect the structure

from climate damage effectively.

Figure 38: design influenced by climate (source: 3d modelling)

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● Black aluminum screening/cladding facade - As aesthetic value to the building, the facade

features an aluminum screening that covers the most part of the building. This feature also enhances

the sustainability for the building as it acts as shading device for the building.

● Planted trees at the side of building - Trees are planted in tubs at all floors within and at side of the

building. The building has vertical greenery for human comfort and consumption respectively. This

brings in nature to the building.

● Yellow vibrant fire staircase - Application of intumescent fire-retardant coating for the fire

protection. There are two exit fire staircase at the end of the PAM building.

● Masonry wall - This building used clay brick for the wall for the some of the part of the building

such as the interior space.

● Materials used are mainly raw and unfinished to avoid gimmicky trends that rarely age well.

Figure 39: Shadow casting for natural lightings (source: 3d modelling)

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Figure 40: The PAM Centre building orientation (source: 3d modelling)

3.4.2. Design of Space, Light & Ventilation

The spaces in this building were designed with proper lighting and ventilation. The lighting

system in this building is divided into two categories which are natural lightings and artificial

lightings. This building depends on natural ventilation through open spaces and louvers. It also

supported by the Big Ass Fan, and air-conditioning system which only applied in-rooms.

Figure 41: The natural lightings in the PAM Centre (source: PAM Publication)

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● Natural Lightings

Usually depends on their natural lighting during the day. Every important spaces are filled with fair

amount of sunlight entering through the windows and openings. The squares openings facade

design also allows and promote natural lighting. The louvered windows functions to improve

ventilation in the building, the architect uses the louvre window in the west side. The other benefits

are even though there is a lot of opening in the window, it does not allow rainwater to enter the

building.

● Artificial Lightings

All the artificial lighting in this building uses power saving LED lights. It is huge advantage as it is

more efficient and saves energy. These power saving LED lights also looks stunning and

minimalist. Manual switches are only for in-room lightings; for example, the meeting room and

main offices. Most of these artificial lights are equipped with automatic sensor lighting. 50% of the

lights were installed with light sensor which will allow the lights automatically turned on during

night time. Another 50% ware installed with movement sensor which will react (lights on) when it

senses movement within range.

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3.4.3 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: PASSIVE DESIGN SOLUTION AND

SELECTION OF MATERIALS

1. Rain water harvesting

PAM building uses rainwater harvesting technology for sustainable energy. It is a technique

used for collecting, storing and using rainwater for many uses besides drinking as to avoid any

infection to the users.

In PAM Building, rainwater is only used for two functions which are for irrigation and

flush. Tank to collect rainwater is located at the top of the floor. Piping used for the rainwater to be

supplied is UPVC type. This type of piping has 15 years’ warranty.

This type of energy used will help to reduce water bills in PAM Building. Besides, rainwater

harvesting provides an alternative supply to help maintaining green, healthy plants around PAM

Building such as plants that are being planted at the front façade of the building.

Figure 42:Rainwater harvesting is located at the top of the floor and being supplied for flush and irrigation (source: 3d
modellig)

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2. Solar panel

Another sustainable design used in PAM Building is the roof of the building is using solar

panel which acts as shelter at the top floor of the building and also for electrical supply. Solar panel

at PAM Building is not for storage, it instantly become direct current which the transported to

converter and then to the usage for air-conditioner. Average supply is between 10% -15%. System

installed in the building is total 25kWp and PAM uses 100 Canadian modules. The system uses

2ABB 12.5TL String inverters.

The location for inverters, combiner boxes and all the surge protection devices are in a well

ventilated room. Surge protection device is a device to protect electrical devices from voltage spike.

Both safety warning signage and electrical diagram is placed together for service or

troubleshooting. There were plenty benefits from the usage of solar panel as it reduces electrical bill

and also decreasing carbon footprints.

Figure 43: Canadian solar panel which also acts as the roof at the top of the floor of PAM Building (source:
https://ressupply.com/solar-panels/canadian-solar-cs6u-320p-maxpower-solar-panel)

3.4.4. UBBL ANALYSIS; LIGHT & VENTILATION

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● UBBL Analysis: Ventilation

Ventilation can be classified into passive and mechanical ventilation. Natural ventilation can

be achieved by differing the pressure between one part of the building an another, or between the

interior and exterior. Mechanical ventilation functions by the use of electricity which drives fans

and other mechanical equipment. It also incurs installation, operational and maintenance cost. In

some situation, natural ventilation is needed as a means to support the movement of air within the

building. For example, should the air quality deteriorate due to haze. Passive ventilation options

should be avoided, and mechanical ventilation would kick in. issues pertaining to passive

ventilation can also be avoided by a carefully designed mechanical ventilation.

The intention is to maximize natural ventilation and thermal comfort. Openings are provided

on all sides of the building to allow for cross ventilation. Stack ventilation effect through the

creation of stepped atriums with abundance of openings. All public and circulation spaces are

naturally ventilated, including lift lobbies, escape staircases, toilets and sub-basement.

● Mechanical Ventilation in the New PAM Centre

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The mechanical ventilation in the above literature review consists of various types of system

depending on the type and size of the building. The New PAM Centre in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, is

a low energy building which does not require large mechanical ventilation system to achieve

thermal comfort. It uses passive ventilation design to reduce the dependence on mechanical

ventilation and has thus been rated Platinum by Green Building Index (GBI). However, some

spaces still require mechanical ventilation system for the comfort and safety of its occupants. The

mechanical ventilation system used in this building are propeller fans and the spot ventilation

system. Installed in the atrium and uses big ceiling propeller fan. Cool the surrounding air by aiding

natural ventilation. The propeller fan uses the wind chill effect (fan runs anticlockwise, the air is

pushed down, forcing the space to be cooler than usual).

Figure 44: “Big Ass” propeller fan at atrium (source: site visit)

● Spot Ventilation System

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The PAM Centre uses extract spot ventilation in the washing area inside the prayer room.

This is due to its location which is in the basement level of the building, meaning that it is enclosed

and lacks of good airflow. This may cause a foul smell within the enclosed space should the area

remain wet. As mentioned above, this building does not have other mechanical ventilation system,

except a multi-split, VRF air conditioning system in the office area, meeting rooms, and halls. The

corridor of the building is ventilated passively by cross ventilation and stack effect through the wall

openings and stairwell.

Figure 45: The extract ventilation system in the washing area (source: site visit)

● UBBL Analysis: Lighting

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The New PAM Centre maximise the use of natural day lighting. The whole northwest

facade from the floor to soffit of slab is of clear glass. Skylights provided over the straight-flight

stairs light up the area near the southeast facade. All light used in the building are LED lightbulbs.

Saves energy and more efficient. Furthermore, the PAM Centre use automatic sensor lighting,

where it detects 50% movement and 50%light sensor. Manual switches are available in-room, such

the meeting room, toilets, prayer room and so on.

Figure 46: Light sensor (source: site visit)

Figure 47: LED Light Bulbs (source: site visit)

● UBBL Light & Ventilation

UBBL 39: Natural lighting and ventilation have to be provided in every enclosed space. For

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institutional building, the minimum requirement that is needed for openings to allow natural

lighting and ventilation is of 20% of clear floor area. 10% of such floor area should allows

uninterrupted natural air flow. However:

UBBL 41: The above clause can be ignored if there is existence of permanent mechanical

ventilation and air-conditioning.

4.0 THE BUILDING SYSTEM

4.1 OVERVIEW
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The building system is related to the whole package of the building from the bottom of the

construction, the foundation until the end of the construction and the building finishes. The building

sub structure is the foundation or the base of the building. In every building, there must be support

structure, which is columns and beams are called the super structure of the building. Superstructure

also include the roof system as well as the staircase inside the building.

Our group have surveyed the building and take pictures of the building to study about the

construction of the building. The building is using common construction method and materials

which is reinforced concrete and brick. As a response to the climate in Malaysia, the building

finishes is using paint for both external walls.

4.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

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Building Systems involves the study of buildings as constructed of materials forged into

components unified into assemblies organized into systems. We seek to understand how these

component assemblies have evolved over time, what sorts of physical forces act on building

elements at various scales, and how the materials and processes used in construction impact our

ecosystem. Understanding methods of material extraction, industrial production, fabrication and

construction enables us to make informed and intelligent design decisions for the sake of elegant,

durable, and sustainable construction. We will sample the techniques and technologies of

construction as we also seek to compare and measure the successes or failures of the efforts of our

predecessors and contemporaries in the field of architecture. We will compare different methods for

measuring the environmental impact of buildings and examine the various codes and certification

standards that have been established.

4.3 BUILDING STRUCTURE SYSTEM

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After the analyzing the building externally and also based on our understanding of building

construction, we presumed that the building foundation are using common known type foundation

which is the raft foundation. The raft foundation is strong enough to support a building with 10

storeys high.

Raft foundation is used to support the load from the 10 storey Pam Center. Raft foundation

is a thick concrete slab reinforced with steel which covers the entire contact area of the structure

like a thick floor. Sometimes area covered by raft may be greater than the contact area depending on

the bearing capacity of the soil underneath. The reinforcing bars runs normal to each other in both

top and bottom layers of steel reinforcement. The advantage of using raft foundation are to lower

the cost of construction as it uses less material and to save time during construction despite

providing a strong base and support to the building.

Figure 48: abasement of raft foundation (source: http://www.understandconstruction.com/raft-foundations.html)

Figure 49: Figure 4.3 abasement of raft foundation (source: http://www.understandconstruction.com/raft-foundations.html)

4.4 CONSTRUCTION METHOD & DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTION

The construction begins with site cleansing. After site has been cleared, the group will be

excavated per engineer requirement for the foundation. After preparing the site for the foundation,
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the steel bars will be tie into location and the formwork will be placed around it. Then a mixture of

cement and gravel will be poured into it. This is the first phase of the building which is the

construction of the foundation.

After the foundation is done, the construction of the vertical support will start. Steel bars

will be tied onto the foundation so that the column will be able to stay in place. Then the cement

mixture will be poured the build to column. After the columns, beams will be construct to tie

together the columns. When the beams and columns is dry enough for further construction, the first

floor slab will be construct. After finishing the ground floor, the brick walls will start to be

construct. During this time, the very same process of building the columns, beams and slabs will be

repeat until the desired building height. The construction of the staircase goes concurrently with the

beginning of the columns. This is to provide access for the workers to the door and windows. This

will be the second phase of construction.

Then the process of finishing the building starts. Firstly, the plastering and the sanding of

the wall. After this process, the site will be clean as there is no more wet work on the site. After the

site has cleared, the finishes for the walls and floor will be applied. Concurrently, the fittings of the

door and windows will take place. The doors and window will be wrapped with a layer of

protection as per safety precaution of not to harm it. During this time, the mechanical and electrical

wiring will take place. After all the wiring has been installed, the finishes on the ceiling will start.

Aluminum frame will be hanged from the bottom of the slab to support the gypsum boards. Then

the lighting system will be installed onto the ceiling. This will be the end of phase 3.

Details of Construction:

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Figure 50: PAM ground floor plan (source: PAM Centre)

The architect of PAM Centre use grid line arrangement system. Figure 4.4a above show the

grid line arrangement on the PAM Centre floor plan. The building follows a grid arrangement for its

columns and beams. The main loading-bearing structural material that is employed throughout the

building is precast concrete, which are made using prefabricated regular sized beams and columns

transported and assembled in-situ. There are lots of advantages using the grid line arrangement

system, it helps the designer highlight the most important elements without overcrowding the site.

Also it allows elements to be aligned horizontally and vertically, which creates columns and beam

that keep things organized. Grid line arrangement system also can also provide stability and making

it easier to build the site.

Bubbledeck System:

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Figure 51: bubbledeck

PAM Centre building use bubble deck system for their floor slab. The use of bubbledeck in

every floor slab increase the strength in the floor structure which made the building to not require

any beam in the construction. Bubble deck system is a revolutionary construction method by

eliminating concrete from the neutral axis of a floor slab that is structurally not performing, as a

result dramatically reducing in dead weight. The Bubble deck system is based upon patented

integration technique the direct way of linking air and steel. Void formers inside the flat slab

eliminates at least 30% of a slab’s dead weight.

Incorporation of recycled plastic bubbles as void formers allows wider space between

columns. Combination of this with a flat slab construction approach spanning in two directions - the

slab is connected directly to in situ concrete columns without any beams produces a wide range of

cost and construction benefits.

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Figure 52: shows steel structure members (source: site visit)

The PAM Centre building use steel structural members and it use to support non - critical

element., the picture figure on the left shows the steel structure use in PAM Centre. PAM Centre

features different types of steel elements, such as the minor structural members (H-column and

bracing), stairs and services pipes and conduits. The stairs and services elements are composed of

hot-dip galvanized steel. Although these steel are generally fire-resistant, it can become severely

weaken when exposed to fire for a specific amount of time by which the steel structural elements

may collapse.

Therefore, assumption has been made that the hot-dip galvanized steel may be coated with

intumescent coating or other types of fire-retardant coating which rapidly expand when in contact

with flame for an extended period.

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Use of Existing Structure:

Figure 53: original columns and beam in the exhibition room (source: site visit)

Before the building was built, a small 2-story dwelling was previously located on the land.

The architect decided to keep the structure of the house inside the big building. On the first and the

second floor, you can see the original columns and beams in the exhibition room. It is amazing how

the older structure remain in this big project.

Figure 54: 3D model showing the original column and beam

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Figure 62 above shows the existing column and beam on the ground and first floor. The

PAM Centre uses their old structure from the existing building as their structure. The benefits of

having this are cost effective plus contributing the most point in achieving platinum award for the

GBI index. On the other hand, this part is the only part that have beam.

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Figure 55: shows the shear wall of PAM Centre (source: site visit)

Shear wall on the west side of the building act as one of the supporting member in the

structural system. The wall also acts as a backdrop to the second feature, the straight-flight stairs

that link the floors both in a physical and visual sense. The architect explained the use of the shear

wall on the east side as the spine of the building and he also designed a few opening to let air to

enter for ventilation.

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4.5 BUILDING MATERIALS

4.5.1 TYPE OF MATERIAL FOR CONSTRUCTION

Figure 56: steel structure members (source: site visit)

● Steel structural members, use to support non - critical element.

● PAM Centre features different types of steel elements, such as the minor structural members

(H-column and bracing), stairs and services pipes and conduits.

● The stairs and services elements are composed of hot-dip galvanized steel.

● Although these steel are generally fire-resistant, it can become severely weaken when

exposed to fire for a specific amount of time by which the steel structural elements may

collapse.

● Therefore, assumption has been made that the hot-dip galvanized steel may be coated with

intumescent coating or other types of fire-retardant coating which rapidly expand when in

contact with flame for an extended period.

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● Concrete

● precast concrete also used for the firewalls surrounding and for the emergency

staircase.

Figure 57: New PAM Centre during construction process, December 2015. Courtesy of Google Maps

● Brick

● This building used clay brick for the wall for the some of the part of the building

such as the interior space.

● Brick is one of the strongest and long lasting material for the building structures.

● Like precast concrete, masonry is generally non-combustible and is also a material

that have high thermal mass that requiring lots more energy to increase the

temperature of the dense material.

● These walls are non-load bearing, the thickness of the masonry wall needed to

achieve 2 hours’ fire-resistance rating are 100mm and for 4 hours it is 170mm

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Figure 58: masonry wall (source: site visit)

Bubble deck in every floor slab

The use of bubble deck in every floor slab increase the strength in the floor structure which made

the building to not require any beam in the construction.

Figure 59: Composition of bubble deck slab

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4.5.2 SELECTION OF INTERIOR MATERIALS

The PAM building interiors are a combination of flat concrete slabs, steel columns, brick

walls and open spaces. Despite its simplicity, the building is packed with slick finishes, from its

acrylic-made desks to its stately, cutting-edge marble conference table. PAM also used the type of

window that most suitable for our country and vernacular architecture which is louvered window.

Most of the window in this building is louvered window which can improve ventilation in the

building. This method helps in decreasing the usage of air conditioning except in certain space that

require AC. The benefit using this type of window is it does not allow rainwater to enter the

building.

Figure 60: Louvered window at the ground floor. (source: site visit)

For the floor finishes, this building used cement render for most of the floor except for the

toilet that used tiles and for the rooftop garden the uses timber like finishes at the event space there.

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Figure 61: Interior floor finishes at the roof garden (source: site visit)

For the interior lighting, all the artificial lighting used are power saving LED bulbs that

provide energy saving and more efficiency.

Figure 62: Power saving LED at the corridor (source: site visit)

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4.6 MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL SERVICES

● Mechanical System

“Big ass” fan

Installed in atrium. Uses big ceiling propeller fan. Cool the surrounding air by aiding natural

ventilation. The propeller fan uses the wind chill effect (fan runs anticlockwise, the air is pushed

down, forcing the space to be cooler than usual).

Spot ventilation system

As additional system. Located at washing area inside the prayer room in basement. Reasoning; this

enclosed space lacks good airflow. Without the system, the enclosed space may always remain wet,

resulting in the growth of mould and decay of walls.

● Electrical System

Power supply for PAM Building is highly integrated with many green technology features.

Power supply are as follows;

1. Incoming TNB Supply

2. Transformer

3. LV (low voltage) room at lower ground level of building

Figure 63: The PAM Centre building electrical flow diagram

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● Mechanical Parking System

The space of PAM building is limited to provide bigger parking area. So, it used mechanical

parking system that can fit more cars into the parking spaces. This building used Lift Box type of

double decking parking system that provides two parking levels in the space of one. However, the

lower vehicle needs to drive out of the parking bay before the upper deck can be lowered. This

system provides safety sensors to ensure that cars are not accidentally lowered while car still on the

ground level. The post of the double deck can be shared when it can be installed side by side to save

cost and the space.

Safety system for the mechanical parking

● Mechanic Lock

The platform holding the motor vehicle shall be mechanically locked automatically when it

reaches the upper stop position. A visual indication or audible signal will be given, if the

platform has not reached the upper or lower stop position or has not been mechanically

locked every 10 cm of the post

● Overload Device

Unless there are other means to prevent lifting a motor vehicle exceeding the capacity of the

platform/equipment, an overload device should be installed to prevent any movement of the

platform and to give an alarm when the load on the elevating platform is in excess of the

rated capacity. A limit switch to stop lifting mode when maximum height is reached.

● Emergency Operation

Emergency button to stop all operations immediately.

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● Operation and maintenance

-The double-decker car park shall not be used for lifting persons or vehicles with person.

- Platform can't be use to rise oversized or overweight vehicles

-The platform shall not be lowered when the lower deck is occupied. The floor area directly

beneath the platform should be clearly marked.

-Good maintenance is essential to safety. So ensure the car parking system is always in good

working condition by following the contractor's advice.

Figure 64: The double decking parking system in PAM building (source: PAM Centre and site visit)

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

No digging required Confusing for unfamiliar users

Reliable and smooth operation Lower car must be moved first in order to

access or to move out the car on top

Requires minimum maintenance

Figure 65: The advantages and disadvantages of double decker car park

Type of vertical transportation in PAM Building, Bangsar

● Mechanical Elevator: Motor room-less elevator

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Figure 66: The location of the elevator (source: PAM Centre)

Figure 67: ground floor elevator (source: site visit)

This building used ‘CONE’ brand car elevator that is machine room-less. The elevator was

arranged side by side and the only vertical transportation that is provided at PAM building.

This elevator transport people or goods from lower ground to the rooftop. This building

doesn’t have service lift because the used the same elevator to transfer goods for service, because

one of the elevator already installed by fireproof padding.

Machine room-less elevators are not like standard elevators because its do not have a fixed

machine room on the top of the hoist way, instead the traction hoisting machine is installed either

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on the top side wall of the hoist way or on the bottom of the hoist way. PAM building is mid-rise

building and this kind elevator is suitable because machine room less elevators are used for low to

mid-rise buildings. Machine room less elevators in mid-rise buildings usually serves up to 20 floors.

Vertical Transportation

This vertical mechanical transport system that brings passengers from one level to higher or

lower level of the building. It can be found in many building that are higher than 4 levels high. It

also provides access for disabled and elderly people to move to different levels.

Standard Elevator Components

● Machine room

Machine room is located above the lift shaft. It includes motor, gear, engines brakes and

power supply

● Car

Car is the platform where passenger or goods are transported up and down to the different

levels.

● Shaft

Hostway is the space where car moves vertically. It is constructed with reinforced concrete

that has to be fire resistance.

● Counter weight

The function is to balance the car. It goes down in order to pull the car up and also other

way around.

● Guard rail

Guide rail functions are to keep the car and counterweight. It is mounted on both sides of the

hoist way which is attached to the wheel of the car.

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Figure 68: motor room-less elevator

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Requires less space due to the needless of More difficult and costly to service

rooftop machine room

Faster car speed Parts of MRLs are more expensive and not

readily available

Reduce the initial cost for construction Takes longer time to install

Consume 30% to 80% less power while It consumed more power on standby mode

running
Figure 69: The advantages and disadvantages of motor room-less elevator

Types Description

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Traction elevator
● Common type used Motor room on
top of hoistway
● Use electric lift cable to lift the
elevator
● Used in building higher than 60ft

Motor Room-less Elevator

● Head room is not needed
● Less space needed

Hydraulic Elevator
● Powered by piston that travels inside
a cylinder
● Can come down in case of power cut
by opening manual valve.
● High energy consumption

Figure 70: Types of elevator systems

4.6.1 M&E SYSTEM & UBBL ACTIVE INTERVENTION SYSTEM

Uniform Building By-Laws

● 124 Lifts
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For all non-residential buildings exceed four storeys above or below the main access level at least

one lift should be provided.

● 152 Openings in Lifts Shafts

(1) Every opening in a lift shaft or lift entrance shall open one into a protected lobby unless other

suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of the local authority is provided.

These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and other special buildings as may be

approved by the D.G.F.S

● 243 Fire Lifts

(1) In a building where the top occupied floor is over 18.5 meters above the fire appliance access

level fire lifts shall be provided

(3) Fire lifts shall be located within separate protected shaft if it opens into separate lobby.

(4) Fire lifts shall be provided at the rate of one lift in every group of lifts which discharge into the

same protected enclosure or smoke lobby containing the rising main, provided that the fire lifts are

located not more than 61 meters’ travel distance from the furthermost point of the floor.

4.6.2 HVAC

Air conditioning system used at PAM is VRF. VRF is an air-conditioning system in which

one outdoor condensing unit can be connected to multiple indoor units. The outdoor unit can have

variety number of modules depending on the required capacity. Each indoor unit can be adjusted

individually by its user such as temperature preference. The unit styles can be variety, depending to

the individual tenancy requirement such as cassettes, ducted units and high walls.
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Figure 71: Typical diagram on how VRF system works (Source: https://www.fujitsu-general.com/th/en/products/ventilation/oau/index.html )

Figure 72: VRF system in PAM Building (source: 3d modelling)

Brand of VRF system used in PAM building is Panasonic FSV-EX System. There are

several benefits in using VRF system such as it can reduce noise pollution as the system is operated

in low noise. Moreover, the outdoor unit is placed on the top floor of the PAM Center which is the

rooftop. There activities held on the rooftop does not require silent noise. Besides, it is eco-friendly

as the system responds to the changes in indoor and outdoor temperature by adjusting power

consumption and compressor. Thus, energy used can be minimized. Other than that, the system
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provides comfort to the users as different rooms in the building can be set in different temperatures,

depending on the users in each room.

Figure 73: Brand used in PAM Building (source: site visit)

Components of VRF system is divided into two units such as outdoor unit and indoor unit.

Outdoor unit is comprising of DC inverter compressor, condenser, refrigerant pipe and cooling fan.

DC inverter compressor compresses the R1410a refrigerant, moves out of the compressor as the

high pressure gas.

Figure 74: Refrigerant pipe at the top floor of the building (source: site visit)

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Indoor unit of VRF system is comprising of electronic expansion valve, fan coil unit and

remote control unit. Fan coil unit used in PAM Building is cassette type.

Figure 75: Cassette type of fan coil unit used in the meeting room of PAM Building (source: site visit)

Figure 76: Remote control unit which the temperature of the room can be adjusted (source: site visit)

4.7 WATER SUPPLY & UBBL ACTIVE INTERVENTION SYSTEM

WATER SUPPLY:

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Figure 77: water supply diagram for PAM Building (source: 3d modelling)

Water distribution system for PAM Building is indirect system. This system can be defined

when water is supplied to the building at main pressure, this water is fed directly to water storage

cistern via the supply pipe called the ‘rising main’.

In PAM Building, water of supply incoming main is from Syabas and is filtered before

being pumped to the water tank at the rooftop. Then, water from the water tank is being distributed

to all sinks and pipes in toilets and pantries, and also to every shower in every floor. Before being

distributed, water will be passed through Digital Power Meter for GBI record.

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For rainwater harvesting, the water tank is also located at the rooftop. Water collected from

rainwater is being distributed to only for functions which are flush and irrigation. Type of pipe used

in PAM Building is UPVC type. According to our tour guide, Mr. Muhammad Asadi, UPVC type

has 15 years of warranty. The properties of the type are rigid, durable and also fire-resistant.

Besides, UPVC has smooth inner walls that aid in encouraging the flow of water.

UBBL ACTIVE INTERVENTION SYSTEM:

Reference to UBBL 1984 (as at 2013):

Part VI, clause 89. Chases:

● A chase is made in a wall for pipes and other service facilities shall leave the wall at the

back of the chase not less than 100 millimeters thick in external walls and not less than 100

millimeters thick in a party wall and shall be not wider than 200 millimeters.

Part VI, clause 115. Roof coverings and drainage:

● All roofs of buildings shall be constructed as to drain effectually to suitable and sufficient

channels, gutters, chutes or troughs which shall be provided in accordance with the

requirements of these By-laws for receiving and conveying all water which may fall on and

from the roof.

Part VI, clause 123. Pipes and service ducts:

1)Where ducts and enclosures are provided in any building to accommodate pipes, cables or

conduits the dimensions of such ducts or enclosures shall be -

a) Adequate for the accommodation of the pipes, cables or conduits and for crossings of

branches and mains together with supports and fixing; and

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b) Sufficiently large to permit access to cleaning eyes, stop cocks and other controls there to

enable repairs, extensions and modifications to be made to each or all of the services

accommodated.

2) The access openings to ducts or enclosures shall be long enough and suitable placed to enable

lengths of pipe to be installed and removed.

4.8 SEWERAGE SYSTEMS

Sewerage system in PAM Building is one pipe system. This system uses only a vertical

main pipe to collect both all soil and waste water. There is also another pipe which is main

ventilating pipe to connect all branch ventilating pipes. The main ventilated pipe is ventilating at the

top.

This system is basically replacing the dual pipe system and lent itself very well to us in most

developed countries. One pipe system is proved to be more economical than two pipe system in

terms of costing.

One pipe system also requires lesser space for shaft and duct. Besides, it can be quickly

constructed and commissioned. But, one disadvantage of the system is it has the chance for

backflow of sewage in waste fittings.

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Figure 78: Typical diagram for one pipe system (Source: https://www.slideshare.net/ColPawanKumarRoy/pipe-systems1)

Figure 79: Water sewerage diagram for PAM Building (source: 3d modelling)

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4.9. Finding and Recommendation

These observations on the PAM Centre building system has shown some good use of

construction materials and design systems. This includes the good method of construction,

acceptable choice of fire retardant materials, and decent application of mechanical and electrical

systems.

The PAM Centre uses some typical construction method for a high rise building such as

having raft foundation, and a column and beam skeletal structure. One distinctive construction

method of this building is the strong yet light bubble deck system for the floor slab, which reduces

the dead weight of the structure while eliminating the need of floor slabs. The building also

incorporated an existing structure that had been on the site within the construction. These rare yet

remarkable construction methods shows a great efficiency in the building construction, and could be

a great case study for other development projects.

The materials used in the construction of the PAM Centre also shows the competence of the

structure. An example of this is the meticulous use of steel as non - critical element of the building.

This may due to the fact that steel is not a good fire retardant material. In contrast, an example of

fire resistant material used in PAM Centre is clay bricks. The use of bricks in the structure shows a

level of competence regarding the choice of construction materials.

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Additionally, the building systems installed in the PAM Centre puts the building on an

exemplary level. The building uses VRF air conditioning system. This system produces a lower

noise pollution compared to other air conditioning system. In reducing water consumption from the

main water supply, the building have a rainwater harvesting system, which is use for toilet flushing

and plant irrigation. These choices of low noise VRF air conditioning system, and rainwater

harvesting system show the good planning of the PAM Centre construction.

From these remarks, it is clear that PAM Centre has a great building system that shows it

deserves the green building certificate it has acquired. Many other building projects would benefit

from learning the features used in the PAM Centre.

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5.0 INTEGRATED ANALYSIS

5.1 ANALYSIS OF BUILDING DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & SERVICES

● Technology materials

● Black aluminum screening/cladding facade

As aesthetic value to the building, the facade features an aluminum screening that covers

the most part of the building. This feature also enhances the sustainability for the building as

it acts as shading device for the building.

● Planted trees at the side of building

Trees are planted in tubs at all floors within and at side of the building. The building has

vertical greenery for human comfort and consumption respectively. This brings in nature to

the building.

● Planted trees at the side of building

Trees are planted in tubs at all floors within and at side of the building. The building has

vertical greenery for human comfort and consumption respectively. This brings in nature to

the building.

● Materials used are mainly raw and unfinished

to avoid gimmicky trends that rarely age well.

● Masonry wall

This building used clay brick for the wall for the some of the part of the building such as

the interior space.

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● Louvered windows -

To improve ventilation in the building, the architect uses the louvre window in the west side.

The other benefits are even though there is a lot of opening in the window, it does not allow

rainwater to enter the building.

● Solar Panel

Using renewable energy, a 25 kWp solar photovoltaic system is installed on the roof terrace.

● Main staircase made out of hot-dip galvanized steel.

● Raw concrete stairs that connect outside and inside.

Figure 80: Building elevation showing technology materials (source: 3d modelling)

● Structures and materials

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PAM Centre, give forth a minimalist feel. With its facade covered in dark aluminum screen,

the 10-storey building features concrete slabs, exposed pipes and raw brick walls. PAM Centre

structure is full of personality. The building features a facade-enveloping external egg crate louvre

device that provides shade against the glare and heat and acts as a “breathable skin”. The minimalist

theme is consistent throughout its exteriors and interiors. The design aims to create fluidity,

flexibility and structural honesty

Its interiors are a combination of flat concrete slabs, steel columns, brick walls and open

spaces. Despite its simplicity, the building is packed with slick finishes, from its acrylic-made desks

to its stately, cutting-edge marble conference table.

PAM has maintained three storeys of the original structure, in which the cafeteria is housed.

For that section, they purposely left the original beams to give the building more character. Apart

from the original structure, the rest of the building is beamless — its support lies in its overall

structure.

● Lightning system

This building really depends on their natural lighting during the day. Every important spaces

are filled with fair amount of sunlight entering through the windows and openings. The squares

openings facade design also allows and promote natural lighting.

All the artificial lighting in this building uses power saving LED lights. It is huge advantage

as it is more efficient and saves energy. These power saving LED lights also looks stunning and

minimalist. Manual switches are only for in-room lightings; for example, the meeting room and

main offices.

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Most of these artificial lights are equipped with automatic sensor lighting. 50% of the lights

were installed with light sensor which will allow the lights automatically turned on during night

time. Another 50% ware installed with movement sensor which will react (lights on) when it sense

movement within range.

Figure 81: images of artificial light used in PAM building (source: site visit)

● Sustainable energy used

● Rain water harvesting

Figure 82: rainwater harvesting diagram (source: 3d modelling)

● Water supply
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Figure 83: water supply diagram (source: 3d modelling)

● Air conditioning system

Air conditioning system at PAM : VRF system

Figure 84: VRF System in PAM Building (source: 3d modelling)

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● Integrated power supply

● Power supply for PAM Building is highly integrated with many green technology features.

● Power supply are as follows;

● Incoming TNB Supply

● Transformer

● LV (low voltage) room at lower ground level of building

● Solar panels are installed on the roof.

● Smart power usage monitor keeps track of power usage.

Figure 85: diagram of power supply system of PAM building (source: 3d modelling)

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5.2 Analysis on Building Performance

Figure 86: Exploded perspective of PAM Centre building performance (source: PAM Publication)

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PAM Centre is relatively a new building. Maybe due to this, its design aspects are working

properly and there is no major defective feature. Features that can be seen working in PAM Centre

are its fire safety system, green technologies system, natural lighting system, thermal mass, and

green lung feature. These features would affect the building performance.

Figure 87: Use of existing structure and building fire escape stairs.(source: 3d modelling)

Based on our observations, its interior fire safety is adequate and functions properly. The

dry riser system is functional, the sprinklers are well located, the fire safety intercom functions, and

the exit sign lit up. The Centre uses their old structure from the existing building as their structure.

The benefits of having this are cost effective plus contributing the most point in achieving platinum

award for the GBI index. On the other hand, this part is the only part that have beam. Fire escape

staircase is a fire protected area, usually surrounded by fire walls as the main designated escape

route in case of any emergencies. The New PAM Centre contains two fire escape staircases at each
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end of the building. This follows the by-laws Clause 166 regarding about having at least two

separate exits in each floor in addition to additional exits. From this we analyze that the safety

aspects of the building functions properly and accordance with the safety guideline of the UBBL.

The green technologies applied in the building are the rain water harvesting system and the

solar panels. It is observed that the rainwater catchment tank is connected to WC, and plants

irrigation by pipe system around the building. The tanks are able to store water and functional. The

WC flushes properly and the plants irrigation have water flow through them. This signifies that the

rainwater harvesting is working. For the solar panels, the electrical usage monitor shows that the

solar panels are operational. The shower heater is connected to the solar hot water heater. The

heater can be seen operational too.

Figure 88: Sun topography effect on building orientation (source: 3d modelling)

The use of many windows and shading devices show the application of natural lighting

within PAM Centre. The open space design of the floors allows as much as natural lighting into the
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building. This is also helped by the positioning of windows such as full height glazing skylight

around the building. Not many lights are needed in the building during daytime. This can be seen

that the natural lighting is well applied in the building.

The building thermal mass would also affect the building whole performance. Thanks to the

choice of building materials, the building is able to absorb cool air mass at night and cools the

building in the morning. The building thermal mass is also helped by the natural ventilation of the

building. The planned positioning of the fenestrations helps in providing natural ventilation across

the floors. The atrium within the building also helps by allowing stack ventilation effect. These

thermal mass can be seen functional as PAM Centre doesn’t require too much air conditioning

system.

Figure 89: Diagram of ‘The Space Between’ concept. (source: 3d modelling)

PAM Centre also have a green lung where landscaping is made on above ground floors.

These green lungs can be seen especially at the stepped voids. Plants are grown and irrigated along

the stepped voids, allowing the absorption of carbon dioxide to oxygen through photosynthesis.

This also affects the building thermal performance by cooling the building as the plants supply

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oxygen throughout. The concept ‘The Space Between’ can clearly be seen through all the atrium

that feature a nice garden in almost every floor. The concept refers to the all the connection

between spaces and environment with the user and the feeling when we were at this space is

priceless

As all these features are operational, it can be seen that PAM Centre has a good building

performance. This is commendable and anticipated as the building itself is certified green under the

Green Building Index.

5.3 COMPLIANCE OF UBBL AND CRITICAL ASSESSMENT

Although all the element, structure and fire equipment are in compliance with UBBL, there

is some part of the building system that is needed to be upgraded to have a better performance.

There is no nearest fire hydrant around the PAM Centre building, and there are only two fire

hydrant that we found and it is quite far from the building which is 100 meter to 200 meter from the

building.

Furthermore, the narrow road makes it very difficult for the firemen to access the building. I

hope the authority will solve the problem to make it easy for the firemen to access the building if

there is any emergency in the future.

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5.4 FINDING AND RECOMMENDATION

From these analyses, it can be seen that PAM Centre is an impressive structure. It applies

many good building design, reasonable construction materials, and great services. The building

performance is also good as the building features are functioning properly. Although this can be

credited due to the building’s reasonably young age, it is still praiseworthy as the building

performance and its green GBI status are both exemplary.

Structurally, the PAM Centre is in accordance with the UBBL. Its fire safety features such

as its dry riser system, fire extinguishers, and fire exits are all in line with the fire safety codes

within the UBBL. The choice of construction materials also shows a level of fire resistance aspect.

Although, maybe due to the site location, the building external firefighting system are not really

well planned out. The far located fire hydrant and narrow fire truck access to the building could

provide some unwanted hindrance if any fire emergency happen.

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6.0 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

Our study has shown many great design features of the PAM Centre. From its construction

materials, to its continuous application of green technology, PAM Centre has proven itself to be an

exemplary building for the 21st century. The building planning, its integration with its

surroundings, its compliance of UBBL and fire safety features, the construction materials and

method used, the environmental friendly and green technology features, are some of the aspects that

shows how thorough and well designed the PAM Centre is.

Most development projects would prefer to demolish any existing structure within the

project site, but when there are an existing two story structure within the site of the PAM Centre,

the developers chose to integrate the existing building within the construction of the PAM Centre.

Although this method of construction is uncommon, it reduces the need of new construction

materials, and thus reduces the construction cost, while preserving the historical aspect of the site.

The development of PAM Centre has shown how significant it is this construction method.
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Any building projects would also need to follow the guidelines provided in the UBBL. This

also can be seen at the PAM Centre. From its special design to its fire safety, the architect of the

building had adhered to the UBBL precisely in designing the building. The building fire safety

features such as its dry riser system, fire exit stairs, fire retardant, are in accordance with the UBBL

codes. In addition to this, the fire safety features of the building are integrated well with the

building design and aesthetic. The building minimalistic and industrial look complements both with

its interior and its surrounding buildings.

As the PAM Centre is a new development, it gets the chance to apply many green

technology features within its structure. To name a few, PAM Centre have installed solar panels,

rainwater harvesting system, passive natural lighting design, passive ventilation system, electrical

usage monitoring system, above ground green lung, and electrical vehicle charging station that

advocates the use of hybrid transport. These features would benefit the environment and thus the

society in the long run. With such numerous environmental friendly features, it is expected that

PAM Centre to a have been certified as green in the Green Building Index.

There aren’t any major suggestions or recommendations for the PAM Centre due to its

many marvelous design aspects. Although, its external firefighting system such as fire hydrants and

fire truck road access need to be improved probably by the local authority, and some may disagree

with the building aesthetic choice especially of its interior design, people should realize the

importance of good environmental features within this building and any kind of building. The

designers and developers of the PAM Centre have shown their admirable skills in creating a

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prestigious office building that is both user friendly and environmental friendly. It is undeniable that

PAM Centre will be a prodigious case study for any future building development for both locally

and internationally.

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APPENDIX

–Transcripts, Field Notes & Sketches

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