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Philips’ New APAC Headquarters to Address Healthcare Needs

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The new Philips APAC Centre.

The new Philips APAC Centre.

Royal Philips has strengthened its commitment to improving the lives of people in Asia Pacific with its new state-of-the-art Philips APAC Centre in Singapore. Guests of Honour Mr. S. Iswaran, Minister of Trade and Industry (Industry), and H.E. Jacques Werner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Singapore attended the opening ceremony. Housed in Toa Payoh, the new 38,000-square-metre office building brings together Philips’ innovation and design expertise and business-creation capabilities to better serve the company’s business growth and address healthcare needs in the region.

Globally and in Asia, people are increasingly looking for ways to be healthy, to live well and to care for themselves and their families at home. To address these needs, collaborations and partnerships between healthcare professionals and corporate enterprises are imperative to delivering innovative solutions across the health continuum.

“Our new Philips APAC Centre – that will house our APAC headquarters and innovation activities – serves as a gateway to the region. Singapore, with its strong pool of skilled talent, is critical to us as we are increasing our focus into health technology. Our business is going through a transformation – from a supplier of individual medical and consumer products to a provider of integrated health technology solutions and services. This means that our facilities and ways of working need to transform as well,” said Fabian Wong, Chief Executive Officer, Philips ASEAN Pacific.

The Centre was built and designed with Workplace Innovation (WPI) in mind.

The Centre was built and designed with Workplace Innovation (WPI) in mind.

“We are confident that the new Philips APAC Center will be a critical node in Philips’ global innovation network, serving as a platform for Philips and its partners to co-create new digital healthcare solutions for Asia, from Singapore,” said Ms. Thien Kwee Eng, Assistant Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board. “Its establishment will reinforce Singapore’s capabilities in design, digital innovation and healthcare, as we build a future economy based on innovation and value-creation.”

 

 

 

The new Philips Toa Payoh campus is set to deliver innovative solutions across the health continuum through the following world-class facilities:

  • The Philips Continuous Care Monitoring Room is where healthcare professionals remotely monitor the health of home-based patients with advanced cloud-based healthcare equipment and solutions. Philips’ solutions leverage data that enables predictive and timely interventions, delivering accurate answers at the time of need, and detecting issues before they become critical. These pioneering technologies are able to optimise the utilisation of public health resources by reducing the need for hospitalization and empowering healthcare professionals with new ways of delivering care for their patients.
  • The Health Continuum Space has the capability to simulate multiple health-medical scenarios at the same time – from a mock hospital all the way to a patient’s home. The space enables prototyping of new solutions that help make a meaningful difference in the future of patient care. Through the simulation of these different environments, Philips is able to demonstrate and test new workflows that can then be used to build future healthcare models.
  • The Philips Learning Centre is fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment such as MRI and X-Ray machines, laboratories and classrooms. Here is where healthcare technicians and practitioners can enrich their knowledge and have first-hand experience handling and operating Philips medical equipment.
  • The Consumer Care centre comes equipped with a user-friendly digital platform where visitors can conveniently access Philips product information, ratings, and reviews in real-time. Purchases can also be made in the center through the online store. The centre will host cooking classes, new product launches, product demonstrations and more, allowing visitors to fully experience the Philips suite of products that promote health and well-being.

    The building is equipped with Philips' own LED lighting systems.

    The building is equipped with Philips’ own LED lighting systems.

In addition, the building is equipped with the company’s own LED lighting systems. Beyond sustainable features like energy-savings and a lowered carbon footprint, connected lighting with Philips PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) is built into areas where higher interaction levels are expected. Facilities management efficiency is improved with less mains wiring since the same cable can serve as the phone line, Internet cable and power cable simultaneously. Remote management of these lighting systems also means increased productivity and personalised control.

The Centre was built and designed with Workplace Innovation (WPI) in mind, a new way of working that encourages collaboration. With the aim to reduce carbon footprint, the new building now houses employees who used to occupy four buildings, with facilities that foster an activity-based collaborative work culture – a vivid manifestation of Philips’ business goals and role as the regional headquarters. The open-concept design of workplaces and the use of collaborative digital technologies enable employees to be more flexible and agile, in turn enabling them to be more productive, inspired and creative.

KONE to equip Middle East’s biggest health campus in Turkey

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The development is set to become the biggest health campus in the Middle Eastern region.

The development is set to become the biggest health campus in the Middle Eastern region.

KONE will install 130 elevators and escalators at the Adana Integrated Health Campus Project in Adana, Southern Turkey. The development is set to become the biggest health campus in the Middle Eastern region, comprising of three hospitals with a total capacity of 1,550 beds.

The main hospital consists of four patient tower blocks surrounding a common core and will have 1,300 beds. In addition to serving as a general hospital, it will include specialised hospitals for oncology, cardiology and cardiovascular disease, women’s and maternal health, and pediatrics.

The development will also include a physical therapy and rehabilitation hospital as well as a high security criminal psychiatric hospital. The campus will house health support facilities, a commercial area, a helipad, a technical unit building, and a combined cooling, heat and power plant.

Staff, patients and visitors will be able to move around the earthquake-protected buildings using 100 KONE MonoSpace® elevators, four KONE TranSys(TM) freight elevators, and 26 KONE TravelMaster® escalators.

“We are proud of this deal, which allows us to offer our eco-efficient technology for this state-of-the-art health campus,” said Pierre Liautaud, Executive Vice President for KONE South Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Ensuring the smooth flow of people is of utmost importance in hospital settings, where no one has time for unnecessary delays. We are happy to be able to offer our solutions for the benefit of everyone on the campus.”

The Turkish Ministry of Health project is set to become the world’s biggest base-isolated structure and will sit on 1,512 isolators, or flexible bearings, which will minimise building movement during an earthquake. The main contractor and architect of the project is RMI RONESANS MEDIKAL TAAH.INS.A.S and the project is due for completion at the end of December 2016.

Liberty Place achieves more than 20 percent energy savings with solutions from Johnson Controls

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Liberty Place is a new premium grade office complex in the heart of Sydney’s central business district

Liberty Place is a new premium grade office complex in the heart of Sydney’s central business district

Liberty Place is a new premium grade office complex in the heart of Sydney’s central business district by leading developer Grocon. Spanning five separate sites, including Legion House, a heritage building dating back to 1902, Liberty Place has a total of 58,316 square meters of office space and 2,800 square meters of retail space.

In recognition of the complex’s sustainable design and enhanced operational efficiency, it was conferred the 6- Star Green Star Rating by the Green Building Council of Australia and 5.0 Star NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) by the Office of Environment and Heritage.

Johnson Controls’ integrated building solution, comprising a fully automated tri-generation system, enabled Liberty Place to achieve energy savings of 20 percent, moving it closer to its zero carbon emissions goal.

At the heart of the solution by Johnson Controls lies a fully automated tri-generation plant that is integrated into the daily operations of the building. The system allows for the simultaneous generation of electricity and useful heat and cooling in a single process. The comprehensive solution from Johnson Controls includes:

 

 

  • Energy-efficient YORK® YK centrifugal chillers and YORK YIA absorption chillers optimally configured in the chilled water system
  • Re-engineering of existing plant room to reduce footprint by a third
  • Re-engineering of pumping systems to reduce chiller pump power
  • Sabroe® SABlight air-cooled chiller to provide option of generating power via synthetic gas produced by gasifier or natural gas
  • Central Plant Optimisation 10 (CPO10) software powered by Metasys® to optimise the performance of the chiller plant
  • Metasys Energy Dashboard software to track savings from each perimeter and provide a holistic analysis of the building’s energy efficiency

“We have achieved a major milestone at Liberty place by managing a fully automated tri-generation system that is truly integrated into daily building operations. The fact that the entire system is running smoothly demonstrates the value of the integrated solution from Johnson Controls,” said Dru Spork, Grocon’s Sustainability and Services Manager.

To learn more, please visit http://bit.ly/libertyplace.

Tuas Power Aids Businesses in Reducing Energy Expenses With Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution

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Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, BCA, was the Guest of Honour at the launch.

Tuas Power Generation Pte Ltd (Tuas Power), an energy solutions provider in the liberalised Singapore electricity market, recently announced the launch of Tuas Power Integrated Energy Management Solution (IEMS) for buildings and businesses.

The first of its kind launched by an electricity retailer, Tuas Power Supply (a subsidiary of Tuas Power Generation), Tuas Power IEMS provides an integrated suite of solutions tailored for building owners and tenants to better manage their energy consumption. With Tuas Power IEMS, building owners and businesses get an overview of their energy statistics, cost savings, and at the same time ensure that the building remains green and sustainable for the future.

In line with Building and Construction Authority’s 3rd Green Building Masterplan, Tuas Power IEMS will pave the way for businesses to monitor their energy consumption online, allowing for better control over energy usage. Tuas Power IEMS will ensure that both building owners and tenants are accountable for their energy use, which will promote change in consumption habits and increase in energy efficiency. Usage patterns containing real-time data will easily be available and will help both parties understand their usage patterns and identify possible cost savings areas. Many renowned buildings and developers had embarked on this solution as part of ensuring their building remains green and sustainable for the future.

Dr. John Keung, Chief Executive Officer, Building and Construction Authority, was present at the launch as the Guest of Honour, and felt that Tuas Power’s latest initiative is a good step towards helping building owners manage costs and improve energy efficiency.

“The third Green Building Masterplan was developed to engage building tenants and occupants more actively to drive energy consumption behavioural change,” Dr. Keung said. “Tuas Power’s Integrated Energy Management Solution for buildings and businesses facilitates tenants to better understand their energy usage pattern, thereby empowering them to make better decisions and adopt greener practices.”

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

The CusCare app condenses data into simple charts and statistics.

Together with Tuas Power’s consultation expertise, the IEMS will consist of three main areas: Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Solution, Building Management Solution and CusCare App. With the AMR solution, businesses will be able to monitor their energy consumption through real-time, half- hourly data, allowing for better control over electricity usage.

Jointly developed with NEC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Tuas Power’s AMR solution automatically collects energy consumption data from electricity meters, and simultaneously transmits this data for accessing through the TPS AMR Portal. This enables building owners to identify areas to increase energy efficiency, which in turn works to achieve a smaller carbon footprint.

The Building Management Solution in Tuas Power IEMS is a way of ensuring good energy management. With proven track records of handling more than 630 buildings since 2003, Tuas Power has professional and in-house capabilities to handle the management of tenants’ electricity accounts, meters, billing and collection, electricity management duties, on behalf of landlords. The solution helps building owners manage and integrate their tenant’s electricity accounts in an organised and systematic approach.

Rounding up these solutions in a convenient way is the mobile CusCare App – designed to give users a quick overview of their energy spend on a digital platform. Using this app, data is condensed into simple charts and statistics, yielding insightful information about energy consumption patterns, and leaving room for building owners and tenants to make informed business decisions on conserving energy.

“In keeping with the Building and Construction Authority’s vision to establish a future-ready built environment for Singapore, Tuas Power is committed to energy sustainability and continually strives to develop solutions and adopt technologies to aid building owners, along with their respective tenants to manage electricity consumption. Our goal is to help all involved monitor their energy usage, and provide solutions to make sustainable energy a reality,” said Mr. Michael Wong, General Manager, Tuas Power Supply.

APCREC8 Takes Business to the Next Generation

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APCREC8 is organised by Inlever Insights.

APCREC8 is organised by Inlever Insights.

The 8th Asia Pacific Commercial Real Estate Cooperation Forum China (APCREC8) intends to step outside the box by dropping out of the traditional commercial property framework and cross-referencing successful “community economy” models.

Expect dialogue sessions and talks from leading manufacturers, designers and e-commerce operators that aim to shed light on how to attract and retain next-gen customers. Pop-up expert teams will also share ideas and discuss the industry’s concerns.

Over 400 commercial property developers, principals from leading architecture design groups, creative retailer founders, community app and advanced solution providers are expected to attend the event, which takes place at the Shanghai Marriott Hotel, Luwan, China, from May 24 to 25, 2016. The event is organised by Linver Insights.

For more information, click HERE.

 

Green Building Developments Gets Boost from Carrier Singapore’s and Toshiba’s Newest Variable Refrigerant Flow System

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The SMMS-e is the next-gen model of the Toshiba VRF system.

The SMMS-e is the next-gen model of the Toshiba VRF system.

Carrier Singapore Pte Ltd. (Carrier Singapore) announced today the launch of the Toshiba Super Modular Multi System-e (SMMS-e), a next-generation variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system that combines industry-leading energy efficiency with expanded capacity loads and a smaller modular footprint.

 

The SMMS-e is the next gen model of the Toshiba VRF system and boasts a number of industry-leading system enhancements, including an expanded single outdoor unit capacity, as well as an expanded combination capacity.

 

An ideal system to support green building development, the SMMS is designed to help meet increased demand for high-efficiency building systems that use less energy and lower the overall carbon footprint of buildings. Driven by high-volume compressors and Toshiba’s high-performance inverter, the product is said to be one of the most energy efficient in the industry.

The SMMS-e has a single unit outdoor capacity of up to 22HP, which enables building owners to save on the footprint occupied by each system – with a reduced number of combined modular units necessary to obtain a high capacity.

Partial load performance for higher energy efficiency
SMMS-e is the only product in the heating, ventilating and cooling industry that has obtained a European Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ESEER) of at least 7.0 for all available chassis options – both on a stand-alone and combination basis. It has also achieved one of the highest-class nominal efficiency ratios in the industry: 6.39 for EER with the 8HP module.

Incorporated in Toshiba’s new VRF system design are three cutting-edge technologies that deliver industry-leading energy-efficient performance:

  • Compressor: Application of a diamond-like carbon coating to the rotary vane of the DC twin rotary compressor successfully reduces friction and provides an expanded RPS range from 15RPS to 115RPS, while ensuring reliable operation.
  • Heat Exchanger: The new and enhanced heat exchanger design improves overall heat exchange efficiency by using a smaller tube diameter to reduce the pitch of the tubes, increasing the number of tube rows.
  • Accumulator: The new refrigerant system is designed with a modified outlet tube, which improves refrigerant circulation and capacity.

High-volume single outdoor unit modules rated as one of the industry’s best
Toshiba 3The expanded capacities on both the standalone (22HP) and combination bases (60HP) enable the reduction in the number of outdoor unit modules and the labour hours required for piping, wiring and hoisting of units onto the top of the building for installation.

Toshiba’s standalone model has one of the smallest footprints among models of the same class in the industry. The two-propeller fan system was newly developed for the SMMS-e to minimise noise.

 

 

 

 

Easier service and maintenance

A contactless communication unit offers ease of service and maintenance.

A contactless communication unit offers ease of service and maintenance.

The SMMS-e is the first system in the industry to include a contactless communication unit as its standard equipment offering, designed for ease of service and maintenance. The SMMS-e is compatible with near field communication, a protocol for contactless communication between devices and smartphones. The SMMS Wave Tool application can be downloaded from a dedicated website and installed on the smartphone.

During installation and service, customers can obtain service and maintenance data such as system configuration and error code history through this application without removing the front panel of the outdoor unit. This feature can be used even when the outdoor unit is not connected to a power source. The data obtained via the SMMS Wave Tool may be sent via e-mail, which facilitates communication between on-premise personnel and colleagues in the office.

Expanded Flexibility in Piping Design
toshiba 2With the SMMS-e, up to 18 units of8HP module indoor units can now be connected. When the SMMS-e modules are used in combination, the number of connectable indoor units is also improved to 64 units.

The SMMS-e also features improvements on maximum piping length; the maximum pipe length between the outdoor unit and the farthest indoor unit is increased to 235 metres, while the maximum height difference between the indoor and outdoor units is extended to 40 metres, both of which are best in the industry. The piping length from the first branch joint to the farthest indoor unit is also extended to up to 90 metres. These enhancements provide the utmost flexibility in design and installation.

Carrier Singapore distributes Toshiba air conditioning products in Singapore as part of a global alliance agreement between the two businesses. For more information, log on to www.carrier.com.sg.

One of Hong Kong’s Largest Public Art Hoardings Takes Centre Stage at H Queen’s

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The building’s unique architecture provides maximum flexibility and eco-friendly features to accommodate a range of exhibition and entertainment needs

The building’s
unique architecture provides maximum flexibility and
eco-friendly features
to accommodate a range of exhibition and
entertainment needs

Henderson Leasing Agency Company Ltd., as a wholly owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Ltd. (collectively called “Henderson”) as well as the leasing and marketing agent of the development H Queen’s (HQ), has announced a new public art programme Time & Scale: 10 Hong Kong artists at HQ in preparation for the 2017 launch of its latest development.

 

“Over the years, Henderson has witnessed the growth in Hong Kong’s art and cultural landscape. The art scene has transformed dramatically in recent years and we hope to inspire conversation about the role of Hong Kong on the global art stage through compelling pieces by Hong Kong talents,” says Kristine Li, Assistant General Manager of Henderson Leasing Agency Company Ltd.

“HQ is a game changer. The building incorporates an historic setting with an advanced modern design and a premium tailored space that capitalises on the urban backdrop of Central. Committed to forging a creative community and making Hong Kong a more vibrant place to live. HQ presents this programme to bring art closer to the general public.”

To be unveiled on 21 March during Hong Kong’s period of art celebration when connoisseurs globally flock to the city, Time & Scale: 10 Hong Kong artists at HQ is the first time 10 of Hong Kong’s most notable artists have joined forces to create captivating artwork on the building’s hoarding

This select group of established and emerging contemporary artists were invited to answer the question of what it takes to make or change a culture and have their responses showcased in one of the largest scale public art hoardings seen in Hong Kong HQ’s hoarding, an art platform widely visible to the public until the last quarter of 20 comprises three sections, Queen’s Road Central (measuring 12 metres x 5 metres), Pottinger Street (36 metres x 3 metres) and Stanley Street (2r2metres x 3 (metres). Artist   featured inclue Frog King (Kwok Mang Ho),

Lam Tung pang, Ho Sin Tung, Bosco Law, South Ho, Damon Tong, Esther Poon, Stanley Siu, and Peggy Chan.

Designed by renowned architect and artist William Lim of CL3 Architects, and occupying a prime location on 80 Queen’s Road Central, HQ will b an architectural icon and a showcase for the city’s top artistic and ifesetyle ventures.

With an emphasis   on   spaciousness, functionality, eco- friendliness and energy efficiency, HQ is specially designed ideal kthspaces for art exhibitions, as well as floors dedicated for exclusive   retail and dining establishments.   Situated   in the   centre   of   Hong   Kong’ s   art   and   lifestyle hub, the award-winning building offers esthetes and gourmets around the world an unparalleled contemporary experience.

Featured Artists
The outdoor exhibition will feature works by celebrated Hong Kong artists, including Frog, King (Kwok Mang Ho) and, Lam Tung-pang.

An iconic landmark design with all glass mullions at the podium portion to create a glass box effect

An iconic landmark design with all glass
mullions at the podium portion to create a glass box effect

Since 1967, Frog King has exhibited his works in over 3,000 art events worldwide. In 1998, he   received the coveted Hong Kong Arts Development Council Emeritus Fellowship award, and also represented 5th Venice Biennale in 2011. In 2015, his works were featured in Mobile M+: Live Art presented by West Kowloon Cultural District

An MA graduate of Central St Martins College of Art, London, Lam Tung-pang is recognised for his paintings and sculptures that interpret social content   using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. He has received numerous scholarships and awards including The Schoeni Prize -Sovereign Asian Art Prizes (2006) and Young Artist of the Year – Hunting Art Prize, U.K. (2005).

From 21 March, the Stanley Street façade will double as a canvas for Lam’s drawing that incorporates old and new images of Hong Kong. The HQ public art programme will also present works from 8 emerging artists. Representing the next generation of contemporary artists, Ho Sin Tung, Bosco Law, South Ho, Damon Tong, Esther Poon, Stanley Siu, Tony Ng and Peggy Chan will apply their creative visions t the foot tunnel adjacent to HQ.

Living Free
The site-specific art forms will range   from intricate illustrations to photography and mix media collages to colrful yarn installations. Many of the exhibits will feature interactive elements to engage and connect passersby.

Johnson Controls Helps Hong Kong Landmark Sun Hung Kai Centre Exceed Energy Savings Goal

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Sun Hung Kai Properties is a pioneer in the application of new green technologies.

Sun Hung Kai Properties is a pioneer in the application of new green
technologies.

Johnson Controls’ comprehensive building solution has enabled 34-year-old Sun Hung Kai Centre, a 53-storey mixed-use development and headquarters of leading developer Sun Hung Kai Properties, to achieve energy and cost savings of around 10 percent, and reduce its carbon footprint by 300 tonnes per year. This translates to annual savings of close to USD 75,000 with an anticipated return on investment of only two years.

One of the most valuable real estate developers in Asia, Sun Hung Kai Properties is a pioneer in the application of new green technologies. Sun Hung Kai Centre is among the few buildings in Hong Kong that has achieved the “Excellent” certificate awarded by the Hong Kong Environment Technology Centre, as well as achieved global certification from the International Standards Organisation (ISO) for its accomplishments in improving quality and environmental management.

Sun Hung Kai Properties set out to further reduce the building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint by five percent with minimal disruption to the occupants. Working with Johnson Controls, the company doubled its energy savings goal.

At the centre of the Johnson Controls’ project is the optimisation of the building’s central chilled water plant, which typically consumes about 40 percent of the total energy consumption in the building. Johnson Controls’ Central Plant Optimisation 10 (CPO10) software, integrated with its Metasys ® building management system and YORK® YK centrifugal chillers incorporate best practices from world-class chiller plants to optimise plant configurations. As a result, chillers with different tonnage and starters can be utilised depending on building load and ambient conditions.

Johnson Controls also introduced its proprietary fault-diagnostic software, Connected Services, which allows for remote monitoring of chillers round-the-clock. With that, Sun Hung Kai Centre receives real-time information on its chiller plant performance, as well as timely insights through monthly, customised reports indicating the health of the chillers.

“Johnson Controls gave us valuable counsel and with their integrated solutions, we were able to exceed our energy savings goal. We are deeply impressed by their level of expertise and professional service,” said Ricky Kwan, Head of Technical Services, S.H.K. Real Estate Management Company Ltd.

Building Professionals Believe Indoor Mobile Systems Can Increase Property Value Significantly

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There are an estimated two billion smartphone users globally, with an estimated 80 percent of mobile traffic originating or terminating within a building. With that in mind, it is critical that residents, visitors and workers have access to strong and reliable cellular coverage in order to properly make use of their mobile devices. Despite this, only an estimated two percent of commercial buildings have dedicated technology to ensure strong and reliable mobile coverage and capacity indoors.

The second installment of a new global study, commissioned by global network infrastructure leader CommScope and carried out by Coleman Parkes, surveyed the professionals who design and manage such buildings – including building managers, facilities managers, real estate managers and architects – to explore this untapped business opportunity and consumer need.

Connectivity benefits
Survey respondents asserted that indoor wireless coverage could increase a property’s value by 28 percent on average, meaning that a $2.5 million office building could be worth $700,000 more with a dedicated indoor cellular system.

Screen Shot 2016-02-23 at 11.15.11 pmRespondents also cited benefits for the enterprise tenant, including an increase in workforce productivity (77 percent), supporting the recruitment of more talented individuals (46 percent) and even attracting more visitors (39 percent). Two-thirds of respondents also rated indoor wireless connectivity as ‘essential’ for employees.

Challenges to overcome
Providing mobile coverage to users within larger and more complex buildings can require investment in dedicated technology. However, there are clearly concerns around who is responsible for the provision and management of this infrastructure. When asked who is responsible for providing cellular coverage in a building:

  • Only one in five (22 percent) thought building managers should ensure mobile coverage
  • Over a third (35 percent) pointed to network operators
  • A quarter (26 percent) placed emphasis on IT managers

When asked what challenges prevented those from providing dedicated wireless networks indoors, they identified these three top roadblocks:

  • The cost of the network (35 percent)
  • The complexity of the technology (19 percent)
  • A lack of skilled workers to manage it (11 percent)

Dr. Ispran Kandasamy, global leader, Building Solutions, CommScope, believes building professionals should take greater responsibility. “People are obsessed with their mobile phones and see indoor wireless coverage as important as having access to water and electricity,” said Kandasamy.

“The time has come for building professionals to step forward and take ownership for connecting their tenants to mobile networks. While there are clearly concerns around the cost and complexity of the technology, building owners must acknowledge that ignoring this issue could result in more costly work in the future. Engaging with architects, facilities managers and enterprises at an early stage will ultimately save money – as well as providing an enhanced user experience. Only by taking the lead will building owners be able to provide much needed connectivity in their properties,” he explained.

This is the second installment of CommScope’s research into the building industry’s attitudes towards the provision of indoor mobile coverage. CommScope will launch a comprehensive report, with an analysis of the findings and recommendations to the industry, on March 7, 2016.

Click HERE to pre-register for an early copy of the report and to download the Executive Summary.

Deckshield takes Galaxy Macau to greater heights

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Phase 2 of mega casino Galaxy Macau’s development plan included the creation of a high performance car parking facility, ensuring that visitors to the resort would drive into a clean, quiet and visually appealing environment. The HK16 billion-construction project would see Macau’s new venue expand by 450,000 sq metres, with 3,600 hotel rooms and 500 more tables in the casino. This growth would see Galaxy Macau significantly increase both its footprint and customer volume.

To accommodate this expansion, a multi-storey car park that would reflect the site’s high standards of customer satisfaction, aesthetics and functionality was required. The resort knew that this was essential in order to provide a high quality visitor experience and to avoid delays, traffic congestion and failures from over-capacity and over-use.

Over 50,000 sq metres of high performance flooring materials was required to create the desired finish.

Over 50,000 sq metres of high performance flooring materials was required to create the desired finish.

Thanks to the success of Flowcrete Hong Kong’s work supplying floors for Phase 1 of the project, the casino’s operators once again turned to the resin flooring specialists to provide a high performance, reliable and long-lasting surface for its upgraded car parking structure. Over 50,000 sq metres of high performance flooring materials was required to create the desired finish. The main floor area was coated over a nine-month period using 20,000 sq metres of the flexible, polyurethane deck coating system Deckshield ID as well as 14,500 sq metres of Deckshield LBD, which has been designed to act as a barrier to protect against moisture rising from the substrate.

Deckshield ID has been specifically formulated to optimise the floor area within large, multi-storey car parks. Deckshield ID is exceptionally robust, which means that it can withstand heavy vehicles constantly moving in tight circles. The chemically resistant nature of Deckshield ID also prevents exposure to automotive fuels and oils from deteriorating the finish. To ensure that the car park is a quiet and calm environment, Deckshield ID’s texture has been designed to reduce unpleasant tyre squeals.

Galaxy Macau chose a sleek, modern grey colour for the floor finish, which not only created a contemporary aesthetic but it would also provide an effective backdrop for the bright yellow signage and demarcation. Underneath the finish, 10,000 sq metres of both Isocrete K-Screed and the damp proof membrane system, Isocrete M-Bond Extra, was applied to ensure that the floor build up was robust and that the finish would be protected from moisture rising out of the substrate.

2,300 sq metres of Deckshield IDSD High Grade was used on the multi-storey facilities ramp while 10,000 sq metres of Flowcoat SF41 3mm Composite was applied in the loading bay and back of house areas.

During Phase 1 of Galaxy Macau’s construction, which was completed in 2010, Flowcrete Hong Kong supplied 15,000 sq metres of Deckshield in the initial car park and 18,000 sq metres of Isocrete K-Screed in the casino’s basement floor.

General Manager of Flowcrete Asia, Francis Tang, said, “It is imperative that the building materials specified for a location such as Galaxy Macau live up to the high standards of the venue. For our work during both phases one and two of the casino’s development, this meant providing the required functionality to support the operations of such a large, complex site while also ensuring that the environment constantly conveys a clean, visually appealing image.”

He added, “The expertise and experience at Flowcrete Hong Kong combined with our high quality flooring materials meant that we were ideally positioned to meet Galaxy Macau’s needs. We are committed to working closely with the resort as it develops and grows over the coming years.”