CHANCERY AND RESIDENCE OF THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE, VATICAN EMBASSY

Project Description

GBI Rating

Platinum

Certificate No.

GBI-RNC-0060

Validity Date

11 Mar 2019 – 10 Mar 2022

Building Category

Residential New Construction (RNC)

Location

NO. 17, JALAN AMPANG HILIR, TAMAN U-THANT 54999 KUALA LUMPUR, Kuala Lumpur

Local Authority

DBKL - Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

Owner

GOVERNMENT OF HOLY SEE

The Vatican Embassy of Malaysia also known as Chancery and Residence of the Apostolic Nunciature, Vatican Embassy is a certified GBI Platinum Rating building in Malaysia. This 13,500ft2 development is a refurbished bungalow with an extension block of two floors, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at Taman U-Thant. Located in the prominent area of Kuala Lumpur brings about the convenience of both public transportation and basic amenities within the radius of 1km from the Embassy. With its simple yet stunning architectural design that includes the element of a green building concept (passive design) are the main contributive factors in achieving GBI Platinum Rating certification. In general, the development is facing in a North-South direction reducing most of the external heat gain coming from the East-West direction. The roof system of this development is integrated with a bubble foil insulation layer found under the ceramic roof tiles, and a 30mm insulated ceiling board which increases its thermal performance. Additional insulation is to be found in the triple brick wall system, along with the double-glazed windows, which not only insulate but also minimizes the indoor noise levels significantly. More than 50% of external window shading can be found on the external building façade, reducing direct heat penetration into the habitable space. These features are contributive in achieving a low Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV). A low OTTV value is a building of low heat gain, thus requiring much less cooling load BTU/m2 to cool the habitable space inside. Hence, this reduces the overall building energy consumption. In efforts to further reduce the building energy consumption, a 20kWp Solar Photovoltaic system is installed at the rooftop of the Embassy. The power generated by Solar PV system ensure an annual savings for the household electricity consumption, while excess power generated will be transferred back to the National electricity grid (TNB) via a Net Metering System. Another alternative way in reducing its household electricity consumption is via using a solar hot water system for all its showers. All electrical appliances found in the Embassy are 5-star energy efficient rating for energy savings. To promote a cleaner transportation alternative, the Embassy have also provided an electric vehicle charging station for green vehicles and bicycle facilities for its building occupants. Much of its building structure seen today are retained/reused from its previous construction, this include parts of the wall façade, marble floorings, and the solid timber doors. Furthermore, most of its furniture found in the Embassy are either brought in from other sites or had underwent refurbishment. This will reduce demand for virgin materials and reduce creation of waste. On the other hand, an 18.0m3 capacity rainwater harvesting tank was constructed at the backyard of the Embassy to harvest rainwater for landscape irrigation, thus reducing the potable water consumption. In addition, all the sanitary fittings installed are water efficient with low water flow rate per min for further savings on potable water. With a total land size area of 37,170ft2, more than 50% of its land are covered by lush green landscape and waterbody which also includes an herb garden for self-consumption. Having a large landscape area helps in minimizing the heat island effect on site. The Vatican Embassy has also taken a step further to conserve trees that were previously present on site before the refurbishing works. In order to reduce landscape and organic wastes, a composting bin is set up at the garden area to recycle any landscape or organic waste found on site to produce its own fertilizer for landscape maintenance.