Just when we anticipated normality may resume, countries in Southeast Asia reverted to a full lockdown. Most of us are dealing with yet another work-from-home situation, bringing us back to approximately the same time last year, when we were faced with our first extended quarantine. Since then, the function of design in fostering well-being has been redefined by construction experts — we need a naturally ventilated, reconfigurable spaces to not only maintain wellness, but also to prevent virus transmission. However, there’s one more thing that we can do to give extra shield: protecting our walls so viruses and bacteria will not spread from our hands to our loved ones.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Spatial Design Building ventilation systems, according to health experts, can minimise the spread of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses into spaces by regulating air flows that reduce moisture and dampness. Virus transmission in the air can occur at lengths of more than six feet. Because particles from an infected person can spread over a whole room or indoor space, it is critical to keep the air circulating. Although this cannot on its own eliminate the risk, it is an important component of larger strategies such as physical distancing, wearing masks, surface cleaning and handwashing.

Therefore, most architects would agree that design configuration should be adapted to allow for more air circulation. Non- permanent walls can be added to open up and reconfigure rooms that are currently closed off. In a small apartment, for example, eliminating some of the fixed walls and replacing them with curtains, screens, or sliding doors could be a good solution. This will provide occupants with better air flow, and a lot of flexibility — as they will be able to move the doors to create multi-purpose rooms.

Most architects would also agree that incorporating nature into a high-density building like terrace houses is vital to improve tenants’ wellness, particularly during a health crisis that mandates self-quarantine. One approach to introduce natural lighting and plants into the structure is to create a courtyard. In condominiums, pocket parks can be created for example in every six levels, to function as a space for respite.

Indeed, spatial design seems to be the first line of defence against the COVID-19 transmission, especially with the new variant being airborne and more easily transmitted from one person to another. But what could be better than naturally ventilated, reconfigurable design infused with greenery? All the above, but with surfaces that destroy bacteria and viruses.

Antimicrobial Coating with Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial functions

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus can remain suspended in the air for minutes to hours, so transmission is mostly airborne. However, 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, whereas 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, destroying over 99.9 per cent of bacteria; but silver cannot not be extensively utilised in modern buildings. For design professionals and home owners alike, using silver is not a viable option either. What’s possible is utilising its alloys on hotspots like lift buttons and door handles. But there is actually an innovative solution to protect walls, that is by using silver in paint. With this, we could transform ordinary surfaces into anti-viral and anti-bacterial surfaces.

Just like the ions released by the metal, Nippon Paint’s Silver Ion technology can destroy microbes in with high efficacy. It is 99.9 per cent effective against COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and has been proven by lab-tested report from Antimikrop R&D & Biocidal Analysis Laboratory. When an enveloped virus like COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) lands on a wall painted with Nippon Paint VirusGuard, the Silver Ion technology will attach it and destroy the lipid membrane, making it non-functional.

Aside from COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), Nippon Paint VirusGuard 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.

Painting walls with antimicrobial formula has now become a new innovative way to create sustainable health and wellbeing in interior space in many countries. Of course, protecting the walls does not mean the cease of virus transmission altogether. Physical distancing, wearing masks, surface cleaning, handwashing, and other precautions remain essential practices; but at least, protecting surfaces with the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties will minimise the risk. This is particularly important because sanitising the walls every hour is not practical.

Contact Nippon Paint Malaysia for Your Health & Wellness Needs Today.

Customer Careline: 1-800-88-2663

E-mail: customercare@nipponpaint.com.my