ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION AND INNOVATION CENTRE SDN BHD (EPIC)

Project Description

GBI Rating

Platinum

Certificate No.

GBI-NRNC-0196(P)

Validity Date

14 Jul 2017 – 13 Jul 2020

Building Category

Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC)

Location

CENVIRO ECO-PARK, LOT PT 8436, MUKIM JIMAH, LADANG TANAH MERAH A3 DIVISION, 71960 PORT DICKSON, NEGERI SEMBILAN DARUL KHUSUS, Negeri Sembilan

Local Authority

MPPD - Majlis Perbandaran Port Dickson

Owner

KUALITI ALAM SDN BHD

In an age where environmental sustainability is no longer a mere concept, but of the utmost importance for the survival of life, The EPIC is a purpose built incubator facility to instigate creativity in reforming how we view environmental sustainability. Amidst modern technological advancements, one of the key aspects that are at the heart of environmental sustainability is energy – how we extract it from our environment and how to sustain it through the times as our demand increases. With that in mind, we have designed The EPIC to be a training and research platform for our quest to develop creative and sustainable forms of renewable energy. Seemingly carved out of the very rocks it stands, The EPIC was inspired by the terrain of which it is built upon. It is a celebration of nature’s beauty while keenly reminding us of the impermanence of man-made structures in the absence of respect for nature. In our pursue to develop our design, we sought to create aspects of the building structure to reflect as much the importance of both Mother Earth as well as the minds that will come to heal her. This building was built in two parts – seemingly submerged in the terrain, the building emerge and form a hanging floating structure as visitors approach the building’s main entrance. Where the building is anchored into its terrain, we have designed a multi-purpose auditorium, which cantilevers outwards and opens up to allow for a panoramic and telescopic view of The EPIC’s surrounding natural greenery. Similarly, the administrative and management division of the building is effectively an upward extension of its rooted anchor, designed as a hanging structure whereby the building is suspended from the roof to give the illusion of a floating space off the ground, signifying minds that can reach far and beyond for creative solutions. In line with environmental sustainability, this building was designed with GBI platinum rating in mind. Some of the integrated key features to achieve high energy efficiencies with BEI of less than 90kWp energy consumption and fitted with photovoltaic on the roof and BIPV to provide renewable energy of more than 40kW. Being in a tropical climate, the building was also designed with rainwater and grey water harvesting features with capacities to provide for 100% of irrigation requirements for the entire site. The administrative area was also designed with optimum indoor environment quality, which encompasses an internal courtyard featuring greenery to allow for the cultivation of a healthy work environment. With all the green building features integrated into The EPIC’s design consideration is to create a space where work, lifestyle and innovation meet in a sustainable environment.