NIPPON PAINT PARTNERS WITH PAM AND ARCHITECT CENTRE TO ALLEVIATE LANDSCAPE CHALLENGES FOR BETTER INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Architects and engineers convene to futureproof their practices in the construction industry, aiming to mitigate common industry complications for improved buildings and sites in Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 September 2024 – Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (“Nippon Paint”) in collaboration with Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) and Architect Centre, successfully hosted the Forward Reinvent Seminar focused on Defeating Design Demons: Navigating the Unseen Challenges in Architecture, drawing over 300 industry professionals, including developers, architects, quantity surveyors, and engineers. The event focused on upskilling industry stakeholders and discussing challenges in the Malaysian architecture landscape to mitigate these issues, ultimately contributing to the creation of more durable, sustainable, and high-quality buildings throughout Malaysia.
Building defects are often due to poor workmanship, faulty materials, and design flaws. The seminar addressed these concerns by sharing innovative techniques and best practices to minimise such problems, potentially saving the construction industry millions of ringgit annually. Moreover, with Malaysia’s urban population projected to increase to 80% by 2030, there is a heightened demand for better construction practices to support the country’s rapid urbanisation.
The seminar featured prominent speakers, Ar. Ellina Rahman from DP Architects, Ar. Anthony Lee Tee from Architect Centre and Ester Goh, Senior Manager of the Project Division of Nippon Paint, provided actionable insights into key challenges facing the construction industry.
Ar. Ellina Rahman, an expert in complementary architecture, highlighted some of the realities of the architecture industry: “As industry professionals, we have to juggle between material limitations, compliance codes, and, more often than not, a fluctuating client brief. Managing these variables while protecting the integrity of the building is no easy feat, but it is highly pertinent in ensuring a design remains functional, safe, and timeless.
“Maintenance is another component we need to take note of to address issues like deterioration or water leakage in rooftops. The job may not be glamorous, but it requires foresight, planning, and collaboration with skilled contractors and engineers. Ultimately, architecture is an evolving process, having to ensure our creations stand the test of time while achieving the vision in place.”
Prioritising Material Science and Long Term Solutions
Ar. Anthony Lee, a leading voice in the Malaysian architecture scene, pointed out that comprehensively tackling the root cause has to be prioritised as opposed to fixing the topline solution. For example, a leakage issue at the top slab can lead to cascading problems, requiring extensive and costly repairs.
“By investing in proper waterproofing and high-quality materials from the beginning, we can avoid the time-consuming and expensive process of fixing moisture-related problems down the line. This includes adopting the right formwork (temporary or permanent moulds used to shape and support concrete until it hardens) to avoid excessive plaster thickness. Collaboration with engineers is imperative in addressing this issue and ensuring the accuracy of material science throughout the construction process.”
Anthony also encouraged young architects to take on Alteration & Addition (A&A) projects. “A&A work often requires complex structural adjustments, such as navigating existing cables, curtain walls, and fire safety issues. However, this is where architects develop critical problem-solving skills that make future new construction projects far easier to manage. Remember, architects are not just designers but master builders. Design innovation is key to driving both progress and sustainability in our industry.”
The Importance of Refurbishment Projects
The seminar also focused on refurbishment projects, particularly in the urban areas. With limited land for new developments, many old buildings are undergoing restoration, adding new complexities to the construction process.
Ellina shared, “In refurbishment projects, we often awaken what we call ‘sleeping demons.’ For instance, old systems that are functional but outdated require upgrades, such as adjusting pool depths or dealing with water issues that the original design did not account for.”
Nippon Paint has vast experience in tackling refurbishment challenges. Through its Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS), the company has successfully collaborated with developers, architects, and contractors on over 100 new and refurbishment projects. Some of these include Sky Oasis Residence and Impiana Hotel in Johor, Setiawalk in Selangor, CIMB Hub in KL, and more.
Water Intrusion: A Silent, But Dangerous Threat¹
Water intrusion remains a prominent pain point in many projects, which causes 40 per cent of all building-related issues,² with the seminar panel emphasising that poor construction methods can lead to long-term legal and financial constraints.
Although roofs represent only about two per cent of construction costs, water intrusion contributes to over 70 per cent of construction litigation, with roof failures and their consequences frequently at the core of these disputes.
Ester Goh addressed systemic issues in high-rise projects, particularly the 90% failure rate in rooftop waterproofing due to improper installation. She explained that waterproofing is often treated as an afterthought during construction, which can lead to issues such as ponding and even sinkholes.
“Once the waterproofing layer is damaged, it can lead to costly repairs, affecting not only the structure but also causing disputes between contractors and developers, or in worse cases, leading to litigation issues. Continuous waterproofing throughout the construction process is vital to prevent such problems.
“Solving waterproofing issues requires more than just quality products; it requires integrated solutions. Nippon Paint’s comprehensive approach ensures that our solutions address not just the materials but the entire process, from preparation to application, to achieve long-term results
¹https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/when-it-leaks-it-pours_o
²https://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/when-it-leaks-it-pours_o
A Compatible System from Bare To Finish
Ester further elaborated on how environmental consequences across various industries are often overlooked, whether it’s chemical exposure, temperate fluctuations or static electricity. Nippon Paint’s flooring solutions cater to a broad spectrum of applications, from industrial settings like automotive centres and manufacturing facilities to sports courts and parking structures:
• To prevent cracking from rapid temperature changes, Nippon Paint’s thermal shock-resistant flooring maintains structural integrity.
• In high-tech environments like semiconductor plants, anti-static flooring safeguards equipment by preventing electrostatic discharge, creating a safe work environment.
• For sports facilities, Nippon Paint offers flooring with optimal shock absorption and slip resistance, enhancing safety and performance.
• Car park solutions are built to endure heavy traffic, resist oil spills, and provide long-lasting protection.
Ester shared: “We’re also proud of our Anti-Efflorescence system, the first in the region to offer a warranty. It uses advanced water-repellent (hydrophobic) technology to prevent water seepage and reduce surface cracks caused by harsh weather. This helps keep walls free from salt deposits, ensuring the building’s integrity and aesthetic for longer. Efflorescence is more than just an aesthetic concern; it signals potential moisture problems within the walls. If left untreated, these issues can lead to severe defects, such as fungus and mould growth, as well as paint blistering and eventual deterioration of the surface.
“At Nippon Paint, we’re committed to delivering total compatible system solutions that prioritise both quality protection and beautiful finishing in every project.”
Mr. Chen Lee Siong, General Manager of TU Business at Nippon Paint, said, “This seminar highlighted crucial complexities within the industry, which demand continuous learning and adaptation from construction professionals to ensure the durability and functionality of their projects.
“We also want to hear from industry veterans on deeper issues faced by the industry to tailor our solution to meet any rising demands, contributing to the advancement of construction practices in Malaysia.”
For further information on Nippon Paint’s Total Coating and Construction Solutions (TCCS), please visit https://professional.nipponpaint.com.my/refurbishment.
