By now, it has become second nature for Malaysians to sanitise hands, wear a mask when outdoors and be mindful of social distancing. But what about the inside of our homes?
The function of design in fostering wellness within our homes is being redefined by construction experts, reinforcing the need for naturally ventilated, reconfigurable spaces to maintain wellness and prevent virus transmission.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Spatial Design
According to health experts, building ventilation systems can minimise the spread of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses by regulating airflow that reduces moisture and dampness. Airborne virus transmission can occur at lengths of more than six feet which can spread around a room or indoor space. This is why it is critical to keep the air circulating.
Today, most architects would agree that designs should allow for better air circulation. Non Permanent walls, for instance, can open up and reconfigure rooms, while in small apartments, replacing fixed walls with curtains, screens, or sliding doors is also a good solution. This provides occupants with better airflow and a lot of flexibility.
Most architects would also agree that incorporating nature into high-density buildings helps in improving tenants' wellness, especially now that people are spending most of their time in their homes. A courtyard is one approach to introduce natural lighting and plants into the structure. In condominiums, pocket parks can be created for example in every six levels, to function as a space for respite.
Indeed, the spatial design seems to be the first line of defence against the COVID-19 transmission at home. But what could be better than a naturally ventilated, reconfigurable design infused with greenery?
Antimicrobial Coating with Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial functions
The transmission of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is mostly airborne, with the virus able to remain suspended in the air for minutes to hours. The surfaces we come into contact with on a regular basis can also act as a vector of transmission. The virus may survive on cardboard for up to 24 hours, whereas it can live for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. Some bacteria, such as E. Coli, may even persist on inanimate surfaces for months, while infectious yeasts can survive for weeks. This emphasises the significance of disinfecting and sanitising frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis.
Silver ions, according to some experts, are both anti-viral and anti-bacterial, proven to destroy over 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria. However, using silver is not a viable option for design professionals and homeowners alike. What's possible is utilising its alloys on surfaces with high levels of contact and areas with significant footfall.
As sanitising walls in our homes every hour is not practical, Nippon Paint has developed an innovative solution to protect walls using silver in paint, transforming ordinary surfaces into anti-viral and anti-bacterial surfaces.
Nippon Paint VirusGuard
Nippon Paint's Silver lon technology can destroy microbes with high efficacy, similar to how ions are released by the metal.
Nippon Paint VirusGuard was tested against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and has been proven 99.9 percent effective by lab-tested reports from Antimikrop R&D & Biocidal Analysis. It can also destroy influenza virus e.g., H1N1 (Swine Flu); hand, foot and mouth disease viruses e.g., HFMD (Coxsackievirus A16); and bacteria e.g., E. Coli, MRSA and Staphylococcus Aureus.
Safe for adults, children and even animals, the Silver Ion Technology helps inhibit the spread of bacteria and viruses through a three-step approach; deactivation of the viruses and bacteria's functions, reducing their ability to multiply and reproduce and inhibiting their growth which ultimately causes the death of the bacteria and viruses.
Painting walls with antimicrobial formula is now an innovative way to create sustainable health and wellbeing in interior space. Of course, protecting the walls does not mean the cease of virus transmission altogether but protecting surfaces with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties will help in minimising risk.
Contact Nippon Paint for your Health & Wellness needs.
Customer Careline: 1-800-88-2663
E-mail: customercare@nipponpaint.com.my
VirusGuard is specially formulated with anti-viral and anti-bacterial performance. It is scientifically proven to be effective against Covid-19 and HCoV which causes respiratory infections NOTE: Nippon Paint VirusGuard serves to reduce the transmission of viruses and bacteria through inactivation process. It does not warranty users’ immunity to viruses and bacteria. Product Features: • Anti-viral (effective against harmful viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, H1N1 and Coxsackievirus A16) ** 99.9% effective against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) • Anti-bacterial (effective against common bacteria such as E. coli, MRSA and Staphylococcus Aureus) • Anti-fungus and mold property • Superior washability • Near zero VOC during application and after painting • Environmentally friendly paint – Certified by Singapore Green Label Scheme • Long lasting colors • Highly recommended for use on interiors such as childcare, kindergarten, clinics, hospitals, medical facilities and commercial buildings such as offices and warehouses.