More people will choose to reside in cities with higher living standards.
By 2050, it is expected that 88 per cent of Malaysia's population would live in cities.
Many property developers are rising to the challenge of creating livable and sustainable environments in light of the predicted expansion.
Sustainable designs are part of the brand DNA of Selangor Dredging Bhd (SDB).
The property developer incorporated the five most relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets into its value creation approach and used industry best practises in its design processes and development decisions in its sustainability framework.
The SDDs or Global Goals were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to guarantee that all people experience peace and prosperity by 2030.
SDB's sustainability precept aims to create a healthy, productive, and self-sustaining environment for consumers and the community at large.
It does so by examining three key areas: its design approach, the use of innovative and environmentally friendly technology and solutions, and strategic collaborations.
"SDB believes that the home is more than a place. It is where you can achieve your happiness and physical well-being. As we adapt to the new norm caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the home has become even more important, as it has doubled up as our workplace. For many of us, making sure that there are appropriate spaces is important to maintain our productivity, health, and well-being when working from home," it said.
SDB's products include designs and concepts that combine the need for work and play. This method also improves the development's versatility and performance, making it more suitable for modern living.
The company, for example, uses creative architecture and designs to reduce total energy usage in buildings by maximising the use of natural light and harvesting rainwater when practical.
Its developments are designed to evoke homebuyers' senses and offer a happy sensation to them through visual sensory stimulation. It has a rectilinear layout, which eliminates wasted space in each unit, and this careful spatial planning is part of its design DNA, which encourages home buyers and tenants to live largely.
For example, the structures at SDB's SqWhere are angled to maximise natural lighting into the units while minimising glare from direct sunshine. To maximise natural ventilation, the units featured unusually large windows, balconies, and open spaces.
"If you need a boost in vitamin D levels, you can set up your home office at the Sky Garden at SDB's UNA serviced apartment along Jalan Peel, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, to reap the health benefits of natural sunlight while you work. As the population in any cities and townships increases, maintaining a connection to the natural environment is crucial to enhance liveability and quality of life. We need more green belts and parks in our built environment to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city," it said.
SDB said that providing vibrant green spaces and curated landscaping in all of its developments is one of the company's core sustainability characteristics.
The company claims that it wants to provide outstanding living experiences for its customers that transcend beyond their homes and into public and shared spaces.
In its developments, SDB uses a Biophilic approach in both the indoor and outdoor environments. As the name implies, the concept enhances purchasers' and tenants' physical, psychological, and social well-being by increasing their connection to the natural environment.
"SDB believes that human shares an intrinsic nature to be linked to the environment they work and live in. Studies reveal that people are healthier and happier when they have a close connection to nature. As such, SDB created an ecosystem that will nurture this human-nature relationship to benefit homeowners' and tenants' physical and psychological well-being.
"SDB recognises the various environmental, economic, and social dimensions in all its developments in order to give homebuyers the peace of mind as well as the assurance that they have made the right choice for themselves and their family. The goal is to deliver the utmost living experience to all homebuyers. In doing so, SDB empathises with their needs and goes beyond the minimal requirements each time in all of its deliverables," it said.
Shared areas and facilities are also thoughtfully planned to enhance social interactions and nurture a close-knit community in its complexes.
"There will be ample spaces for you to enjoy the company of your family and friends whenever you need it. Those who are physically active can sweat it out in the gym or do a lap or two in the pool. Young children can expend their energy at the parks or dip in the pool or even have fun in the play area," SDB said.
The company said there are also co-working areas and decks for the residents to work.