EMAS (uh-mas) - Old Folks' Home

City University Malaysia

Idea projektu

When we think of an old folks’ home, we often picture a small facility tucked away from society; bland, isolated and stagnant. EMAS challenges this adage.
Located in the vibrant heart of Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, this project reimagines elderly living as a catalyst for urban regeneration. Merging high-impact sustainability with a striking distinct form, EMAS does not just house the elderly; it heals the site, revitalizing a 'dead river' to create a facility that breathes life into both the environment and its residents.

Popis projektu

EMAS is a landmark residential and social hub that integrates sustainable, iconic architecture with functional community living. At its core, the project focuses on environmental restoration by revitalizing a neglected local river, transforming it into a vibrant, ecological heart for the community.
Moving away from sterile, institutional designs, the building utilizes a human-centric, modular layout that adapts seamlessly to all levels of care, ensuring dignity and independence for every resident. Ultimately, the project seeks to create a resilient, inclusive sanctuary designed specifically for intergenerational learning, meaningful human connection, and long-term emotional well-being.

Technické informace

1. The building towers utilizes a raft (mat) foundation to ensure uniform load distribution across the entire footprint.
2. The primary structural frame consists of a hybrid system of reinforced concrete (RCC) columns and beams with appropriate rebar strength on international codes.
3. To manage high loads at column-slab connections, drop panels mitigate punching shear.
4.The building envelope features a treated steel façade stabilized by steel bracing and trusses with integrated vertical slits, which induce negative pressure between the exterior and interior to facilitate passive cooling while establishing the building’s distinct architectural form.
5. Interior partitioning is executed using non-structural masonry brickwork, which is kept independent of the primary load-bearing member load path.