Described as the 'test bed for sustainable living and responsible development', Bird Island in Kuala Lumpur's Sentul Park is an exclusive resort with an exclusive range of designers. 8 high-profile architects were invited: Atelier ten; Grant Associates; innovarchi; KplusK associates; MAD; Plasma Studios; and Zoka Zola alongside Graft to compete in the Green Homes competition to design 6 energy efficient residential dwellings for the 35 acre park.Graft's design, shown here, provides a model for sustainable architecture in which design is enhanced rather than compromised:
We have applied an integrated strategy of developing a zero-energy house that seamlessly dovetails the economic and environmental advantages of environmentally friendly living with the needs of a demanding and cosmopolitan clientele," say Graft. "The environmental and economic features of this way of living do not conflict with our client’s lifestyle; rather it furthers their ability to comfortably enjoy their time at home."
Achieving a pre-certification LEED Homes Rating of Platinum, with more than 90 credits, the design features include a highly reflective tensile silicon coated fabric skin which guides the residents views out to the park as well as 50% of solar energy out to space preventing overheating; construction materials are chosen when appropriate from renewable or recycled materials; cooling effects are created through a cold rainwater harvesting system collected in spaces in the ceiling during the day; and cross ventilated during the night.
Bird Island is a development exclusive to the gated community of Sentul West, KL. Being developed by infrastructure conglomerate YTL, the island is a 'natural oasis' which is home to many local and migratory birds.