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Traditional Sedge Weaving Inspires Sun Cosmo Residence in Da Nang

18 October, 2023/in Architecture/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Sun Cosmo Residence Da Nang is a high-end development located in Da Nang, Vietnam, a vibrant coastal city in the fifth largest city in the country. Da Nang is situated along the South China Sea and is known for its stunning beaches, scenic landscapes and rich, cultural history. Sun Cosmo Residence will be located along the Han River between two famous bridges — Tran Thi Ly and Dragon Bridge — and offers breathtaking views of the river.

Comprising multiple plots, Sun Cosmo Residence features high-rise condominiums, shop villas, and shophouses that span across the riverside. The development is divided into two phases, with the first phase consisting of the Panoma, which comprises two towers — Panoma one and Panoma 2 — as well as plans for the development of the third lot in the next phase.

The site provides good accessibility as the plots are located along the main road such as An Hai Road and Tran Thi Ly Bridge, located by the riverbank. This allows for convenient travel to locations, including a five-minute drive to the beachfront, and a nine-minute drive to Da Nang International Airport. The strategic location of the site will also provide residents with picturesque views of the Han River to the west and Eastern sea view too.

Designed with residents’ comfort in mind, Sun Cosmo Residence offers a range of amenities, such as a swimming pool gym, children’s playground, garden and community room located at level three on the middle floor of the tower. The rooftop of the tower also boasts a viewing deck and sky garden, which provide residents with panoramic views of the city behind the river and the coast.

Inspired by the local culture and crafts of Da Nang, the development’s architecture draws from the Cam Ne traditional handcraft sedge mat-making village. Blending design elements from traditional crafting with the desire to create a new and unique space, a dialogue between traditional and modern art presents itself in the architecture.

Learning about techniques and materials from the Scaft village, the facade design takes the alternating horizontal and vertical lines of sedge weaving and skills it up through the frame grid, building a strong and coherent tower. Interspersed with the main grid is a system of traditional sun shading, which not only shows the sophistication in the design but also creates a beautiful architectural facade that attracts and brings a unique visual experience.

Apart from traditional Vietnamese weaving, the design of Hoi An lanterns is incorporated into the facade — from the podium to the crown in the form of terracotta materials and traditional Vietnamese patterns, further weaving cultural symbolism into the fabric of the development. The resulting design establishes an interplay between light and the crown, creating a visually captivating experience.

Despite the deferring missing the design language stays consistent across the two plots. Panoma 2 sits as a single tower, while Panoma 1 notably stands as a massing of three towers of staggered heights. The building retains the same vertical and horizontal rib motives with each tower section adorned with differently coloured rib elements. This creates visual demarcations between sections. The staggered heights of the massing create more communal spaces on the rooftops of each section and maximise views for residents.

Sun Cosmo Residence is a unique and modern development that draws inspiration from the traditional culture and crafts of Da Nang. It also offers a range of amenities that prioritise the comfort of its residents with breathtaking views of the river and easy accessibility to nearby locations. This residence is an ideal place to call home for those seeking a luxurious living experience in Vietnam.

Grundfos Wins Climate Award at Sustainability Awards 2023

17 October, 2023/in Awards, News/by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Grundfos, Salling Group and Nykredit were finalists for the Climate Impact Award, which was awarded on the basis of, among other things, goals, ambitions and documented results. Between inspiring presentations and heated debates, winners of this year’s awards were announced when the Sustainability Awards were held by the Danish Chamber of Commerce and EY on 14 September 2023.

The Climate Impact Award was among the awards presented in the Stock Exchange Hall, which was filled to the last row of chairs. The winner of the Climate Impact Award was selected by an independent jury that assessed eight nominated companies based on a number of criteria. Out of the eight nominees, three finalists were selected:

Grundfos
Salling Group
Nykredit

And so it was Grundfos that came out on top. The Climate Impact Award is an award given to a company that has particularly ambitious goals and actions in its work on climate change, says Jan C. Olsen, CEO of EY in Denmark.

“With the Climate Impact Award, the focus is on companies that are already doing well but want even more. For example, by introducing new initiatives that can inspire and set new standards. It is therefore about clear impact, and the criteria for the award are tough, so solid results must be shown that support ambitions and goals. The independent jury found Grundfos to be a good example of this.”

The value of lifting together

Among other things, the jury justified the choice of Grundfos with their solid results and a complete plan for net zero. The jury also highlighted Grundfos’ partnerships to find solutions to, for example, more climate-friendly production.

“This year’s winner of the Climate Impact Award is very ambitious and at the same time understands the value of pulling together. Many exciting initiatives can be highlighted, and at the same time, Grundfos also has a global impact across the value chain. They go beyond the country’s borders – with positive impact and change,” says Brian Mikkelsen, CEO of the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

Mikael Geday, Group Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Grundfos, says: “Making a positive impact on the world’s water and climate challenges is deeply rooted in our business. Thanks to strong collaboration across Grundfos, our Science-Based Targets were approved last year, and we have already, in 2023, allocated DKK 150 million to support initiatives that will enable the realisation of our 2050 Net Zero target. We are immensely proud of the recognition it is to receive the Climate Impact Award for this work.”

Eco Expo Asia 2023 to Introduce Five New Pavilions from Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland China

2 October, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Eco Expo Asia 2023 will be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from 26 – 29 October 2023, with online business matching services “Click2Match” available from 19 October to 6 November. The exhibition will bring together leaders from Mainland Chinese regions and overseas, with new pavilions for Jiangsu and Hunan provinces, the cities of Shanghai and Zhongshan, the Macao SAR as well as a debut hydrogen pavilion from Hong Kong. These new additions come alongside returning pavilions from Japan, Canada, Hong Kong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, presenting solutions to the most imminent global climate issues.

Under the theme of “Taking the Leap towards Carbon Neutrality”, the show aims to gather prominent figures from Mainland China and the global environmental industry to promote concepts such as carbon reduction, the circular economy and new energy. This is with the ultimate goal of transforming Hong Kong into an international hub for green technology and finance. In addition to the returning exhibition groups from Canada and Japan, several new groups from Mainland China will mark their debut participation.

Strong support of the Greater Bay Area

Eco Expo Asia has gathered strong support from the Greater Bay Area, with the participation of the new Macao SAR and Zhongshan pavilions, as well as a hydrogen pavilion composed of Hong Kong companies. This, with the return of the Guangzhou and Shenzhen pavilions, will help to reinstate the role of Hong Kong as a catalyst in facilitating inter-cooperation within this thriving megalopolis. Recently the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs and the Environment and Ecology Bureau visited Guangzhou and Shenzhen in a bid to pursue talks to establish a “Zero Waste Bay Area” for Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The presence of these pavilions, together with many other waste management companies, will make this edition an ideal platform to discuss ongoing developments in this area.

Participation from various Mainland Chinese provinces and cities

Other new pavilions from Mainland China include those from Jiangsu and Hunan provinces, as well as the city of Shanghai. Jiangsu province in East China is well represented in renewable energy, registering over one million green electricity certificates this year, each representing 1,000 kilowatt hours of green energy. Hunan province meanwhile contains robust supply chains for green hydrogen, particularly in the cities of Zhuzhou and Changde. The city of Shanghai meanwhile frequently experiments with green initiatives, including the green credits scheme rolled out earlier this year as well as the recent announcement to launch an electric cruise ship on the Huangpu River. Eco Expo Asia 2023 will further explore these topic areas, with leading players in renewable energy, hydrogen, green finance and more all taking part in this year’s show.

Global green industry leaders unite at Eco Expo Asia 2023

Eco Expo Asia also attracts the leading players in green industries from around the world, with confirmed participation this year from 11 countries and regions including Austria, Canada, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mainland China, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan and the USA. Several big names including Alba, Baguio, China Everbright Environment, GMI Motors, Grander Technology, Huawei International, Wallbox and Wisdom Motors will be present at the fairground in October.

Eco Expo Asia 2023 will take place from 26 – 29 October 2023 at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, with the online matching service “Click2Match” available from 19 October to 6 November 2023. The show will once again be jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lendlease Calls on Industry to Tackle Built Environment’s Biggest Carbon Challenge

28 September, 2023/in News, Sustainability/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Global real estate company Lendlease has thrown down the gauntlet at Climate Week NYC – calling on industry peers to expand their decarbonisation efforts by addressing the largest source of the sector’s carbon emissions value chain or Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions that occur in an organisation’s value chain and often make up the majority of an organisation’s carbon footprint. They are especially challenging to address in the real estate sector due to limited guidance on Scope 3 reporting boundaries. The built environment currently contributes approximately 40 per cent of global carbon emissions. In Southeast Asia, the sector accounted for almost a quarter (23%) of emissions, according to a report by PwC. Markets in Asia are also taking steps to create greater transparency and accountability for managing carbon emissions by the built environment sector.

In Singapore, listed and non-listed companies may soon be required to report climate-related disclosures based on International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards. In Japan, plans are being made to draft sustainability disclosure standards based on the ISSB framework. Lendlease is on track to achieve Net Zero Carbon (Scope 1 & 2) in Asia by 2025. With approximately 90% of total carbon emissions by Lendlease globally attributed to Scope 3 emissions – from upstream activities, such as the manufacturing of building materials and downstream activities, such as emissions from the use of electricity and natural gas by building tenants – Lendlease is turning to tackle scope 3 emissions in its journey to reach Absolute Zero by 2040.

To help accelerate the pace and scale of decarbonisation and contribute to the conversation on establishing consistent and comparable Scope 3 reporting boundaries across the real estate sector, Lendlease has launched its Scope 3 Protocol during discussions at Climate Week NYC. With the launch of the Protocol, Lendlease is calling for others in the industry – including developers, builders and construction material manufacturers – to turn their focus to addressing Scope 3 emissions, accelerating the shift to a low-emissions future. Lendlease is also calling for an industry-wide data-sharing platform to enable the secure exchange of digitised, verified Scope 3 emissions data across vast value chains.

“The Protocol is a seminal piece of work on our pathway towards Absolute Zero – with no offsets – by 2040. To know where to focus our decarbonisation, we need to first know how we are accounting for our Scope 3 emissions – what is material and therefore, what is in and out of scope. We want the Protocol to spark conversation and engagement across our sector, to help drive to a consensus on how to account for and report on Scope 3 emissions. If we can achieve this, then we can collaborate as an industry to solve the two big systemic challenges: the decarbonisation of harder-to-abate materials, and the digitisation and sharing of Scope 3 emissions data. The Protocol is intended as an important first step towards that outcome,” said Cate Harris, Group Head of Sustainability & Lendlease Foundation, Lendlease.

“Carbon is a new currency that the built environment sector is only beginning to grapple with. It is wonderful that Lendlease is taking the lead with active efforts to address and eliminate Scope 3 emissions without the use of offsets. This will send a strong message to the entire value chain and create the lead demand for low-carbon materials, as well as catalyse more industry collaborations to comprehensively and collectively address built environment carbon emissions. SGBC looks forward to supporting Lendlease’s efforts with our growing toolbox of carbon-centric initiatives, such as the newly launched Embodied Carbon in Buildings Calculation Guide,” said Yvonne Soh, Executive Director, Singapore Green Building Council.

Image Credit: Climate Week NYC via Facebook

Grundfos Introduces New Range of End-Suction Pumps to Advance Asia Pacific’s Smart Green Cities

12 September, 2023/in News, Product/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As demand for intelligent solutions in the region accelerates to build more connected, resilient, and sustainable cities, Grundfos has launched its new NK and NKE range in Asia-Pacific. The new long-coupled end-suction pumps feature industry-leading energy efficiency, with the premium NKE range utilising smart technology to bring ease of use, monitoring capabilities, and greater connectivity.

Being one of the most vulnerable regions in terms of climate risks (1), Asian countries are increasingly focusing their sustainability efforts on the built environment, as this sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of total energy consumption and energy-related carbon emissions (2). Smart cities leveraging intelligent technology for their operations are now on the rise, as they can achieve more efficient use of resources such as energy and water.

As multi-purpose pumps that play a role in a variety of different applications in areas including cooling and heating in commercial buildings, Grundfos introduced the new and improved NK and NKE range to complement its strong portfolio of energy-efficient water solutions, providing customers with a holistic range of highly efficient solutions at every level.

Achieving tomorrow’s efficiency demands today

The new NK and NKE range offer industry-leading energy efficiency as standard. All pumps are built to IE3 as a minimum, which reduces energy consumption and operation costs and exceeds all current regulatory requirements. For even greater control and efficiency, the premium NKE range is able to operate up to the highest IE5 efficiency, achieved through intelligent features such as an integrated permanent magnet MGE motor with variable frequency drive, and built-in pressure sensor.

These features work together in detecting and adjusting water pressure and flow intuitively, ensuring optimum conditions 24/7. With these intelligent components built directly into the solution, NKE removes the need to install any external components such as controllers, frequency converters, and sensors, which can add further complexity and costs to the process.

Intelligent control and monitoring at your fingertips

Combining cloud connectivity and digitalisation, the NKE range also allows for remote monitoring and access over the system, enabling intelligent control right at your fingertips. This makes NKE compatible with today’s building automation and building management systems. Users can monitor, control, and schedule water use from their smartphone with the Grundfos GO REMOTE app, available for both iOS and Android operating systems.

With the ability to manage tasks anytime when in range, NKE reduces the need for manpower, lowering operating costs. Users can also easily access pump diagnostics, and create and email reports on-site from the app. This ensures any operational issues can be quickly addressed, reducing unnecessary downtime and maintenance costs, and ultimately extending the lifespan of their end-suction pumps.

Designed and built to last

In addition to their advanced efficiency and intelligent upgrades, the new NK and NKE range also include significant technical improvements to maximise reliability and durability, enabling the pumps to be installed, operated, and maintained more easily. Notably, Grundfos utilised a single manufacturing process which eliminates misalignment, producing longer-lasting seals and bearings.

The pumps also boast improved hydraulics, which supports the overall efficiency in water flow conditions. The new pump design allows users to easily access the mechanical seal without the removal or disruption of other components. Other improvements include greater noise reduction and an increased temperature range.

Kenth Hvid Nielsen, Regional Managing Director, APAC, Commercial Buildings, Grundfos, said, “Rapid urbanisation, demographic shifts, and climate change in Asia-Pacific are key drivers for the need for smarter and more sustainable solutions to build more resilient future cities. As the first company in the water solutions sector to receive full validation of our 2050 net-zero target from the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we are proud to launch the new NK and NKE range, which not only contributes to the region’s development of smart cities but also aligns with Grundfos’ climate commitments. With the new offering, we look forward to delivering more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective pump solutions with shorter lead times and locally supported services across Asia Pacific.”

Philips Hue Integrates Smart Lighting, Sensors & Cameras to Help Secure Your Home

11 September, 2023/in Product, Technology & Softwares/by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), one of the world leaders in lighting, recently announced the launch of a new product category with Philips Hue Secure smart cameras, sensors, and app features to help secure your home. Philips Hue Secure allows you to monitor your home in real-time, and it offers instant motion alerts and unique light and sound alarms to help deter intruders. The new Security Center in the Philips Hue app offers even more advanced features when users subscribe to a plan. Other updates include Philips Hue Festavia string lights for both indoors and outdoors and the launch of Matter for all Philips Hue users.

Keep an eye on your home with Philips Hue Secure cameras

Philips Hue Secure cameras feature a clear 1080p HD video feed with night vision to help you monitor your home in real-time and trigger instant motion notifications. You can help deter intruders by triggering the unique combination of Philips Hue lights and sound alarms, or you can activate two-way talk to tell a delivery person to leave the package or just say “Hi!” to a friendly face.

Philips Hue cameras feature end-to-end encryption by default, ensuring any video clips, snapshots, and live views remain private. Specifically, the capability to recognize whether a notification is triggered by a person, a pet or a package runs on the camera itself instead of the cloud, which means end-to-end encryption is always enabled.

Suitable for both indoors and outdoors, Philips Hue Secure cameras are available in both a battery and wired version, as well as in the colours black or white. The Secure wired camera can be used with a convenient desktop stand, giving you optimal flexibility to place it around the home. Both cameras can also be placed outside with the Secure camera mount with ground spike and can be easily connected to Philips Hue’s existing low-voltage outdoor system.

Specifically developed for outdoor use, the Philips Hue Secure floodlight camera brings the best of the Philips Hue system together. It allows you to keep an eye on the backyard, patio, or driveway, and — when you trigger a light alarm from the Philips Hue app — the floodlight immediately illuminates a large area in any colour, such as bright white or even red. For all Philips Hue Secure cameras, a low-voltage outdoor charging cable and anti-drop cable are available.

Get alerted when doors and windows open with contact sensors

The Philips Hue Secure contact sensor — which can be used on doors, windows, cabinets, and more and is available in the colours black or white — sends real-time notifications when the contact sensor is opened or closed. For example, you can program your front door contact sensor to turn on your hallway lights and send a notification, so you can immediately check for potential intruders. You can also use the contact sensor to simply automate your lights anywhere else in the home: for example, you can program your lights to turn on and off when you open and close a cabinet or bathroom door.

All-new Security Center in the Philips Hue app

The Philips Hue app now features the new Security Center to control your smart home security system. When you receive a notification, you can tap it to open the app. From the Take action screen, you can manually trigger an alarm that flashes your lights, sound the siren on your Secure camera, or call the local authorities or a trusted contact.

Using the Philips Hue app, you can personalise your camera settings. Create Blackout zones, which make certain areas of the video feed private, or Activity zones, which prevent areas from sending notifications — particularly useful for busy sidewalks in front of the house. Users can arm and disarm the system, set up special armed states for whether they are home or away, review a timeline of events, and more.

“As the world leader in smart lighting, we know that light plays a major role when it comes to security. After previously having introduced innovations like Philips Hue motion sensors and the Mimic presence automation, we’re now extending with a full suite of solutions for home security in day-to-day life. By integrating our smart lighting system with cameras, contact sensors, and app features, we offer a unique security solution through light to help users secure their homes. And it doesn’t end here, as we will continue to build and innovate to unlock the potential of lighting and security for our users,” said Jasper Vervoort, Business Leader Philips Hue at Signify.

How to access Philips Hue Secure

Philips Hue Secure starter kits and bundles conveniently combine a variety of products to start experiencing the new Philips Hue Secure system. The Philips Hue Bridge is required for the full suite of Philips Hue Secure products and their advanced features, such as the contact sensor, floodlight camera, light and sound alarms, automation, and more.

In order to ensure the privacy and security of the Philips Hue smart home security system, it’s essential for users to have a Philips Hue account. Philips Hue accounts give users immediate access to their Philips Hue system and security features (even when they are away). Accounts also allow the administrators of a Philips Hue system to control individual member permissions in the app. Administrators can restrict members to only control the lighting, to control the lighting and arm/disarm the security system, or to have full control over the lights and security system.

Additional security features, which include access to Activity zones and detecting if a person, package, animal, or vehicle triggered the alert, can be unlocked with a paid plan. The Basic plan provides access to 30 days of video history, while the Plus plan offers 60 days of video history.

What else is new from Philips Hue

A new generation of the popular Philips Hue Festavia string lights will launch — and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Besides creating a cozy indoor atmosphere for holidays and special occasions, any barbecue or backyard party can now be decorated with a gradient of colourful light. The new string lights come in three varieties: 100 LEDs along an 8-metre cord, 250 LEDs along a 20-metre cord, and 500 LEDs along a 40-metre cord. Three new light effects, specially made for Festavia, will be available in the Philips Hue app: Prism, Glisten, and Opal. These effects will also be available for first-generation Festavia string lights, while the Prism effect will be available for all Philips Hue colour-capable lights.

The new Philips Hue MR16 smart bulb (pictured right at the top) lets you bring Philips Hue smart lighting to conventional spotlights anywhere in the home. The bulb works on the same 12 V low voltage as standard MR16 bulbs, making them compatible with most transformers. Featuring a bi-pin base and standard width, these bulbs fit perfectly both in size and style into most existing fixtures.

Lastly, all Philips Hue users can benefit from the interoperability of Matter via a software update to the Philips Hue Bridge available in September 2023. With the launch of this update, users will see a simplified experience when connecting their Philips Hue system with other Matter-compatible smart home devices and apps.

To find out more about the latest Philips Hue products and app features, visit www.philips-hue.com/newlaunches.

10 Design Unveils Master Plan for a Resilient Future Community South of Jakarta

8 September, 2023/in Architecture, Design, News, Sustainability/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

International design practice, 10 Design, which is part of Egis Group, is pleased to reveal the vision for Bintaro Jaya West District in Indonesia. Located along Bintaro Boulevard in South Tangerang, 15 kilometres from the Jakarta Central Business District, the development will become the western gateway to Bintaro Jaya Township, an emerging economic centre in the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area. The 36-hectare greenfield land has been reimagined into an innovative community promoting sustainable living and wellness, with enhanced connections to the natural environment.

The master plan follows the 15-minute city framework, ensuring a walkable environment to encourage residents and visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the cityscape, creating a lively, human-centric community. A vibrant mix of residential, mixed-use commercial, retail, and recreational elements are strategically placed for proximity and accessibility is enhanced through design and redefining what urban life looks like.

“There’s a growing need for restorative and resilient urban environments where people can connect, and feel inspired, our vision for Bintaro Jaya West District helps to achieve that,” shares Principal of Master Planning, Peter Barrett, “the sustainable and inclusive environment, integrates complementary land uses with generous multi-purpose green spaces to create a memorable, vibrant, and self-sustainable community where you can live near where you work, with a rich array of experiences and activities, always connected to nature.”

At the heart of Bintaro Jaya West District is ‘The Oval’, a publicly accessible green space anchored by a grand lawn and multi-functional landscaped amphitheatres, serving as a space to bring the local community together through music, art, and events. A multi-faceted community experience, cafes, restaurants, retail, interactive water gardens, and public artwork seamlessly weave throughout, encouraging exploration. An elevated pedestrian walkway, boasting 360-degree views, provides a sheltered connection to the diverse functional spaces, whilst enticing visitors to The Oval.

The master plan creates a series of interweaving greenways, parklands, and linear parks to form an interconnected network of urban spaces. Existing rivers and creeks have been preserved, reimagined and integrated, creating recreational opportunities, such as water-touching experiences and riverside promenades for jogging and cycling, all seamlessly connected to the wider Bintaro cycling loop.

Resilience has been built into the masterplan, to help mitigate the impact caused by extreme weather and climate events. Open green spaces, including The Oval, are designed as part of a dry pond system to manage stormwater, and localised flooding, and facilitate groundwater recharge. Supporting infrastructure for the new Bintaro Jaya West District started construction in early 2023.

IMPACT to stage BCT Expo & LED Expo Thailand in September 2023

7 September, 2023/in Events/by Editor

Reading Time: 4 minutes

IMPACT is teaming up with public and private sector partners to organise two co-current trade exhibitions – Building Technology Expo 2023 (BCT 2023) which will showcase the latest products, innovations and technology in building and construction, and LED Expo Thailand 2023, which brings together energy efficiency and digitalisation for smart lighting, to be held in Thailand. Both exhibitions will take place concurrently from 20 to 22 September 2023 at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.

BCT Expo 2023 will take up over 5,000 square metres of exhibition space at Hall 5. Organised under the theme “Towards digitalisation of the construction industry – Are you ready?”, this event is participated by over 150 exhibitors showcasing their latest building and construction technology and solutions to over 4,000 attendees coming from all sectors of the building and construction industry.

At the same time, LED Expo Thailand 2023, organised under the theme “Connecting lighting for sustainable living” will take up over 10,000 square metres of exhibition space at Hall 7 and Hall 8, gathering more than 400 exhibitors to showcase the latest technology for energy efficiency and smart lighting to over 5,000 attendees coming from more than 23 countries.

Both BCT Expo 2023 and LED Expo Thailand 2023 have received strong support and endorsements from many government and private industry organisations, reflecting the importance of these two events as key regional industry face-to-face platforms that help facilitate business opportunities, networking, knowledge exchanges, not only in Thailand but also for the surrounding ASEAN region.

BCT Expo 2023 is supported by both Thai and international bodies, namely the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), The Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT), Thai Building Information Modeling Association (TBIM), Thailand Facility Management Association (TFMA), THAI Generator Association (Gen Thai), Thai Machinery Association (TMA), The Building Inspectors Association (BSA), Thai Building Manager Association (TBMA), Environmental Engineering Association of Thailand (EEAT), Drone Association of Thailand (DAT), Singapore Institute of Building Limited (SIBL), Asia Pacific Assistive Robotics Association (APARA), and China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA).

Ms. Peerayaphan Pongsanam, Senior Project Manager at IMPACT Exhibition Management Company Limited, the organiser said “BCT Expo 2023 serves as the industry platform to promote the application of digital technology in architecture, building and construction. The event also focuses on showcasing the latest digital technology, machinery and equipment systems, innovative green building materials, safety and health, building resource management, smart facility management, and as well as human resource management.”

Attendees of BCT Expo 2023 can expect to see cutting-edge digital technology, machinery, equipment, and modern building material innovations. Other highlights and activities include Business Matching Program, Technology and Innovation Showcase Zones and Product Demonstrations.

There will also be a series of conferences and seminars taking place at BCT Expo 2023. These include the 1st ever AIBotics Summit organised by the Asia Pacific Assistive Robotics Association (APARA), on How automation and robotics support smart construction, and a SMART Facility Management Conference organised by PCS Security and Facility Services Limited, in association with Thailand Facility Management Association (TFMA).

The Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT) will organise a seminar on “Application of AI in Construction Delay Management”, while the Thailand Institute of Steel and Iron (ISIT) will run their seminars on “Advancing Multistory Buildings with HSS Columns Supporting RC and PT Concrete Flat Slabs” and “Future Building and Construction with Light Gauge Steel Modular Systems.”

LED Expo Thailand 2023 is ASEAN’s largest exhibition on LEDs and smart lighting. This exhibition is hosted by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and also supported by many organisations such as the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, the Electrotechnology and Illumination Laboratory of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Electricity Supply Industry Association Of Thailand, Illuminating Engineering Association of Thailand, Thai Electrical and Mechanical Industries Association, Thai IoT Association, Thailand Lighting Association, Thai Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication Industries Association, Thai Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Association, to name a few.

Himani Gulati, Director of MEX Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., IMPACT’s co-organiser said “LED Expo Thailand aims to drive the LED lighting industry towards progressive development, catering to the demands of the modern era with a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency and intelligent electricity usage.”

This year’s LED Expo Thailand 2023 is showcasing the latest technology for energy efficiency and smart lighting in a variety of lighting segments, covering lighting solutions for areas such as eco-friendliness, energy efficiency, healthcare and social care, horticulture, human-centric, smart lighting and more.

To help facilitate business deals, partnerships and collaborations amongst exhibitors and attendees, LED Expo Thailand 2023 is offering a Business Matching Programme that includes a Hosted Buyer Programme, which is an effective “buyers-meet-sellers” platform to match and link attendees and exhibitors through pre-arranged meetings during the exhibition.

Other event highlights include the Innovative LED Lighting Project Pitching Contest, which provides valuable insights into sustainable lighting concepts presented by leading Thai university students. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) Pavilion will showcase EGAT’s technological achievements, while a series of seminars on smart lighting will provide attendees with the latest updates on the government and private sector’s smart lighting projects and smart city roadmaps of Thailand. LED Expo Thailand 2023 serves as a bridge for international collaborations, where ideas, innovations, and partnerships come together. Another unique aspect of this event is the opportunity for networking that facilitates connections to drive the smart lighting industry forward.

How Schindler R.I.S.E Robots are Helping to Build Singapore’s Tallest Skyscrapers

6 September, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

In the fast-paced world of construction, Schindler Elevator Ltd. has emerged as a trailblazer with its groundbreaking Schindler R.I.S.E system. In this exclusive interview article, we have the privilege of speaking with Urs Püntener, the Head of Global Fulfilment at Schindler Elevator Ltd, to unravel the remarkable story behind their pioneering and proprietary system. Designed to automate construction processes and support the creation of some of Singapore’s tallest towers, the Schindler R.I.S.E system integrates cutting-edge robotics technology to revolutionise the industry. Building Review Journal explores the motivations, challenges, and future prospects of this innovative system that is reshaping the way we build and propel Schindler Elevator Ltd. to new heights.

Can you provide an overview of Schindler’s R.I.S.E system and how it revolutionises the construction process for tall towers?

Schindler R.I.S.E stands for Schindler’s Robotic Installation System for Elevator. This innovative technology was created in response to the ever-more demanding requirements of installation schedules. Buildings are growing taller, wider, and faster than ever before and Schindler R.I.S.E supports safe, high-quality and precise elevator installation in any building project. For the first time in history, an industrial robot is autonomously completing steps in the elevator installation process.

What were the key motivations behind developing the Schindler R.I.S.E system, and how does it align with the company’s overall vision and goals?

One of our key motivations is to utilise technology and digitalisation to:

Improve onsite health and safety
Proving high quality in a very sustainable, people-safe way
Boost installation efficiency

Schindler has around 70,000 employees globally and an average of 1.5 billion people travel in one of our elevators for an average of 30 seconds every single day. Our goal is to ensure the safety of each and every one of our stakeholders. We are a company built on integrity and trust, and aim to create the most value for our customers. Innovations like that of Schindler R.I.S.E enable us to do this.

Could you explain the role of robots in the Schindler R.I.S.E system and how they contribute to the construction of tall towers?

Our Schindler R.I.S.E system can complete a floor – drilling and setting the anchor bolts required for landing doors, divider beams and wall brackets – much faster than conventional installation methods. A camera is mounted onto the platform to allow remote viewing, but the system operates independently; no operator is required. Once installed in the elevator shaft, the autonomous Schindler R.I.S.E operates around the clock until all anchor bolts are installed.

For quality control and support, a Schindler R.I.S.E operator remains on site for the duration of the installation. With Schindler R.I.S.E, the installation team is relieved of the physically demanding, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks of drilling and setting anchor bolts, improving safety in a taxing work environment.

What are some of the specific tasks or processes that robots handle in the construction of these towers, and how do they enhance efficiency and productivity?

The robotic system takes over the very time-consuming drilling and anchor bolt setting for the elevator material fixation such as guide rail system, landing doors and divider beams, done today in a fully manual manner. With Schindler R.I.S.E, this will be done fully automatically. And once installed in the elevator shaft, the Schindler R.I.S.E can independently operate around the clock – no breaks needed – this is setting a new standard for installation speed and project schedules.

How does the Schindler R.I.S.E system address safety concerns and ensure a secure working environment for both human workers and robots?

Drilling holes and setting anchor bolts is a repetitive, noisy, dusty and physically demanding task that happens in a closed hoistway, many meters up in the air. With Schindler R.I.S.E, the installation team is no longer exposed to this harsh, dusty, and noisy environment – where temperatures can range from above 40°C to below 0. Instead, the teams can focus their energy on the installation steps where they add value.

Can you discuss the benefits and advantages of using the Schindler R.I.S.E system compared to traditional construction methods, particularly in terms of speed, precision, and quality?

Schindler R.I.S.E cutting-edge technology provides an unprecedented installation speed compared to conventional methodologies which support the builder’s overall schedule. While there is often concern that increased speed means reduced quality, this is certainly not the case with Schindler R.I.S.E.

In fact, with Schindler R.I.S.E we can deliver the same, if not better, installation quality compared to conventional installation methods. By using a digital hoistway map, the system can very accurately and precisely place the required anchor bolts for each floor. Additionally, since the system can integrate directly with BIM models, conflicts in planning can be reduced.

What were some of the challenges faced during the implementation of the Schindler R.I.S.E system, and how were they overcome?

The main challenge was to develop the overarching system software to bring together the different subsystems (vertical movement / detecting the correct drilling location / robotic arm / fetching the anchor) as this has never been done before. The team was challenged and it took time until the system was working autonomously but also reliably. The development of Schindler R.I.S.E was an intensive, but incredibly rewarding, learning curve for all involved.

How does the Schindler R.I.S.E system contribute to sustainable construction practices and environmental considerations?

The technology improves health and safety and introduces new opportunities for sustainable workplaces. When thinking about the ESG impact, Schindler R.I.S.E contributes to a deeper and more consistent impact in the workplace. We are committed to ensuring our worksites are safe and secure for everyone. Schindler R.I.S.E ensures that operators can remotely control the robot, from an ergonomic position and away from the noisy and dusty elevator shaft.

Can you share any specific examples or success stories where the Schindler R.I.S.E system has been employed in the construction of Singapore’s tallest towers?

You can view a BCA testimonial from Jardine Schindler. Schindler was a part of the Avenue South Residence project in Singapore. It is the world’s highest Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) building. Standing at nearly 200 meters tall, Avenue South Residence’s two towers house over 1,000 apartments and, in total, 10 of the elevator shafts were drilled by a Schindler R.I.S.E robot called Lea.

What are the future prospects for the Schindler R.I.S.E system? Are there plans to expand its implementation in other projects or locations globally?

Schindler R.I.S.E has been used to successfully complete projects on three Continents, including Poland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, the UAE, China, Singapore and Australia. One of the next exciting missions of the robot will be in Sao Paolo Brazil, at the JKSquare construction site. In addition to the above-mentioned project, there are several others in the pipeline, such as K8 in Stavanger Norway, The Bridge (Bellona Tower) in Warsaw Poland and Masar Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The adage of choosing between speed and quality is, quite simply, outdated. By using innovative robotic technology, Schindler can bring both a high-quality, and efficient installation to its customers, while also improving worker health and safety.

King Living Presents New Aura Sofa & Handwoven Luxury Rug Collection

31 August, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

King Living, the renowned Australian lifestyle brand synonymous with exceptional design and craftsmanship, is excited to introduce the ground-breaking Aura Sofa collection and a collection of handcrafted Australian-designed rugs in Singapore.

The Aura, an original new design Sofa Collection, the Aura Sofa’s organic curved shape invites fashion and art enthusiasts to indulge in the chic reimagining of the classic modular design. An island of relaxation, this innovative design promotes a contemporary way of living, designed to mould to your lifestyle.

Australian-designed, the Aura Sofa has been carefully created to invite living options that can be perfectly tailored to evolving modern spaces. Beautiful from every angle, the multi-perspective design suits any space, from open-plan living areas to compact rooms. The collection embodies the meaning of next-generation living, as customisation is at the forefront of the design. Position as a single relaxation zone or organise as multiple settings to create interconnected or defined seating areas.

Aura’s Unique-in-the-Market Features

Taking inspiration from the engineering of other sofas in the range, like the Delta Sofa, King Living has adapted its existing storage mechanism design to suit Aura’s curved shape. Unique to the market for curved sofa designs, the Aura Sofa offers the option of hidden storage. You can open the base with a seamless gas strut lift to find generous extra space, perfect for storing items to keep your home looking sleek.

The Aura collection delivers all the elements of the King Difference, offering layers of comfort engineering, limitless choices, modular arms, and removable covers while giving an entirely new stylish look. To personalise your setting, the Aura Sofa provides options to add side tables and matching ottomans for the ultimate design statement. The Aura Ottoman is designed to perfectly complement the sofa, seamlessly manufactured to nestle into the curve of the sofa front and side or be positioned separately. The optional platform tables easily connect to the sofa, providing a compact and convenient solution to keep your essential items close.

Further increasing the customisation, the flexible modular arms adapt to suit your design and lifestyle preferences, effortlessly rearranging to rest at the centre or either end, allowing you to create your ideal look and comfort. Tailored covers are easily removed for professional cleaning or replaced for a new seasonal style.

“The goal was to create a unique offering in the market that integrates our comfort engineering while offering an entirely new shape and style,” says David King, founder of King Living. “By integrating layers of customisation, we are able to provide our customers with endless living options for their evolving spaces.”

Rug Collection Unique-in-the-Market Features

Handcrafted in India by skilled artisans, the new rug collection from King Living champions its commitment to sustainability. Designed in-house in Australia and handmade in India, the collection is available in two durable fibres, 100% New Zealand wool or recycled PET, both promising an unparalleled textural experience.

The collection comes in an array of elegant hues, patterns and textures that are crafted considerately to work in harmony with exclusive King Living fabrics and leathers. Crafted with longevity and quality in mind, the rugs are generational pieces designed to last a lifetime. King Living is a proud member of Care and Fair, an international organisation that aims to eliminate illegal child labour in rug weaving areas. To support this cause, King Living endeavours to donate a percentage of all rug profits to Care and Fair.

Inspired by the Australian landscapes, from the Tasmanian wilderness to Western Australia’s majestic beaches, the collection’s colour palette encompasses creams, caramels and multi-tonal neutrals that weave together a poetic composition of textural offering to suit every discerning taste.

“The introduction of our rug collection emphasises our holistic approach to Australian design”, says Sebastian Nash, Textile and Rug Designer at King Living. “We aimed to create a harmonious offering that seamlessly integrates into any home, providing timeless and elegant designs for our customers.”

Each rug is thoughtfully designed to serve a unique purpose within the home, ranging from robust statement pieces to more elegant additions to suit every room in the house, including outdoor spaces. All rugs are available in three sizes and can be ordered in custom sizes, ensuring versatility and seamless integration with any interior design. The collection comprises eight designs:

Hawkesbury  

Hand-loomed and hard-wearing, Hawkesbury’s delicate array of pigmented colours effortlessly weave together to compliment any colour palette. Bleach-cleanable and durable yet soft underfoot, the composition is ideal for family spaces and recommended for medium-high foot traffic, including outdoor undercover spaces.

Gambit Check

A masterpiece in style, Gambit Check is reminiscent of the 1970s era with its daring aura and classic check design. Experience the soft-to-touch comfort of pure New Zealand wool, the caramel and cream colour combination makes an effortless statement. Gambit Check is suitable for living spaces with medium foot traffic.

Antipodes

Inspired by topography and the naturally beautiful forms and features of land surfaces, Antipodes features a hand-drawn design created in-house by King Living. Crafted from pure New Zealand wool and hand-loomed with precision, the result is textural, long-lasting craftsmanship and soft-to-touch comfort. Choose from three standard sizes or opt for Antipodes Organic, a unique shape where no two sizes are identical.

Bruny 

Subtle space-dyed effect achieved through hand dying reflects the light, offering a soothing gradation of colour that brings a sense of relaxed comfort. Beautifully soft pure New Zealand wool, Bruny is offered in three nature-inspired colourways that work seamlessly with any interior palette. Suitable for living spaces with medium foot traffic.

Grampians 

Multi-tonal neutrals weave together to create casual luxury, offering a poetic composition of textural colour that is at home in every setting. Effortless in style with calming softness underfoot, Grampians is offered in two neutral colourways. Crafted from New Zealand wool and available in a choice of three sizes, the design is suited to medium-traffic spaces.

Lillico

Named after Lillico Beach in Tasmania, the textured undyed wool is reminiscent of gently rolling ocean foam. With all-natural, undyed colours, each rug is unique in aesthetic. Crafted from pure New Zealand wool, the loop pile creates instant textural appeal. Available in three sizes and designed for low-medium use spaces, Lillico is ideal for bedrooms and formal living spaces with less foot traffic.

Tullah 

Harnessing the beauty of hand-drawn clouds that invite tactile exploration, Tullah’s unique pattern enlivens any space. Crafted from undyed New Zealand wool and designed for spaces with low-medium foot traffic.

Esperance 

Named after Esperance Beach in Western Australia, casual simplicity is achieved with natural Australian-inspired colourways and woven herringbone weave that offers gentle texture. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces, Esperance is effortlessly refined in its ability to complement any living space. Available in three sizes and three natural colourways, with no dying in the process.