Eco design project a world showcase (hktdc.com)


	Johnny (left) and Paul Kember lead environmentally sustainable architecture in Asia through their Hong Kong firm, KplusK

	KplusK’s showcase villa in Kuala Lumpur will create its own energy and leave a minimal carbon footprint

Hong Kong architecture firm KplusK Associates has won an international competition to build a low-energy show home set within a sensitive bird sanctuary in Sentul Park, Kuala Lumpur.

The project is seen as a groundbreaking test case for sustainable architecture. KpkusK’s design will be one of six homes in the project, titled Seeking Zero.

The firm, founded by British architects Johnny and Paul Kember, will build a self-sufficient residence that creates its own energy and leaves a minimal carbon footprint.
Theirs is one of six designs chosen by the competition organiser, Malaysian development group YTL. Progressive design teams from London, Sydney, Chicago, Beijing, Hong Kong and Berlin were invited to submit proposals.

The Kember twins set up KplusK in 1996 as their regional base. Today, the firm is one of the leading residential design architects in Southeast Asia, whose current projects include 18 private residences in Thailand, a luxury condominium project in Phuket, the largest private contemporary residence in Bali, and a number of large residential and hotel developments in Hong Kong.

Driving growth

Managing director Johnny Kember said Hong Kong's open and internationally-focused economy has a range and quality of business and legal services that are unrivalled in the region.

"Hong Kong-based firms have been instrumental in supporting Asia's major growth areas with capital, innovative ideas and creativity, management expertise and quality assurance. It's a place where many of the movers and shakers in our industry establish a base, for development of ideas and projects all over the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, whilst we are based in Hong Kong, our architecture is built in many different countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, China (Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai), Malaysia, Japan, Russia and the US."

KplusK has a become a leader in sustainable design, routinely using environmentally responsible materials such as managed-forest veneers instead of tropical hardwood, bamboo for flooring, LED lighting, and alternatives to conventional air conditioning systems using natural ventilation.

Mr Kember says the company’s environmental philosophy stems from "an overriding global necessity". In an era of depleting natural resources, he says individuals, corporates and governments alike are embracing the need for change.

The Seeking Zero competition is a small but highly significant step for the KplusK team, Mr Kember says. "Through the construction of our zero energy house, we will be able to carry forward the mantle of invigorating, environmentally responsible architecture, with proof positive that it is achievable, desirable and meaningful."

Design platform

Johnny and Paul Kember are both assistant professors of architecture at the University of Hong Kong, and actively involved in imparting their knowledge to clients and students of architecture.

Mr Kember added that many of the professional bodies in Hong Kong, such as the Hong Kong Design Association, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong chapter of the American Institute of Architects, do a fantastic job of promoting excellence in design throughout the region.

"Annual competitions such as the APIDA awards, HKIA awards, Perspective magazine Awards and the AIA awards produce platforms through which design born in Hong Kong is judged on a global level. It is a stimulating and frenetic city, full of life, ideas and creativity."