HOME owners are willing to pay slightly more to get the best home appliances or even materials that are used to make their houses a better place to live in.
According to Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) president Ezumi Harzani Ismail, there is a current trend whereby manufacturers are going to certain niche markets and making innovative changes to introduce more sophisticated home appliances and products for the mass market.
“Take the WC (water closet) for example. There is a need for these facilities to cater to people with disabilities. Even for the shower, the water sprinkler is no longer just coming down from above, but they can spurt from various directions from the walls of the bathroom and function as a message system,” said Ezumi.
He said home owners are also opting for sustainable products such as paint.
“This includes odourless paint, washable paint and paint that can filter the heat from entering the building. These are basically products that will last longer and consumers do not mind paying a little extra,” he said.
Ezumi was speaking after the 18th edition of the International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (Archidex).
Archidex, which is jointly organised by PAM with trade and lifestyle exhibition organiser C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, will be held from July 19 to 22 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It will be open from 10am to 7pm daily.
Ezumi said the four-day event will be a platform to showcase new building materials, products and technologies.
“Architects and industry specifiers will have the opportunity to explore a more efficient, sustainable and cost-effective design solution,” he said.
Local and international firms from 11 countries are expected to take part in more than 1,200 booths during the event.