CASE STUDIES

When it comes to building design, challenges are inevitable but they do not have to be catastrophic. Every structure, from residential homes to towering commercial buildings, faces the risk of defects. These defects can stem from issues in the design, materials or construction process, leading to compromised performance, safety hazards and potential financial nightmares. Among the most persistent and destructive issues in buildings is water leakage, which can deteriorate the structure, promote mould growth and drive up repair costs. Water leakage is a common yet often overlooked problem in both residential and commercial buildings. While it may begin as a minor issue, such as a small drip from the ceiling or a damp patch on the wall, it can quickly escalate into a major problem. If left unaddressed, water infiltration can weaken the structural integrity of a building, increase the risk of mould and lead to costly repairs. Water can enter a building through various pathways, with the most common being poor waterproofing, faulty plumbing systems, cracked roofs and defective window and door installations. Over time, these issues can worsen due to natural wear and tear or environmental factors, such as heavy rainfall or temperature fluctuations. The consequences of water leakage go beyond mere inconvenience. Mould and mildew growth can pose serious health risks to occupants while structural damage can lead to long-term safety concerns. Beyond these immediate dangers, unresolved water issues can also decrease the value of the property, making it harder to sell or lease. The consequences of water leakage go beyond mere inconvenience. Mould and mildew growth can pose serious health risks to occupants while structural damage can lead to long-term safety concerns. Beyond these immediate dangers, unresolved water issues can also decrease the value of the property, making it harder to sell or lease. To help tackle these challenges head-on, Nippon Paint Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and Architect Centre brought together over 300 professionals from the construction industry, including architects, contractors, property developers, engineers and quantity surveyors, for the Defeating Design Demons: Navigating the Unseen Challenges in Architecture seminar. The event focused on addressing the hidden complexities that often arise during architectural design and construction. The seminar highlighted the importance of overcoming unforeseen hurdles while maintaining the integrity, safety and functionality of buildings. Among the key topics discussed were the challenges of waterproofing, material incompatibility and budget constraints, all of which can jeopardise a project’s success. “Great designs emerge from solving the unseen complexities of architecture,” said PAM president Adrianta Aziz in his opening remarks. “While we celebrate the beauty and innovation of design, we must also acknowledge the often hidden challenges that can disrupt even the best-laid plans.” Design vs Reality One of the key speakers at the event, DP Architects director Ellina Rahman, shed light on the challenges architects face in translating their designs into reality. She referenced the What You See Is What You Get concept in architecture, which suggests that the visual representation of a design will closely match the final constructed outcome. However, in practice, this concept is more of an ideal than a guarantee. According to Ellina, the reality of architecture is much more complex. While the initial designs may look flawless on paper or in digital models, the process of bringing those designs to life is fraught with unforeseen challenges. From material availability to budget limitations and site conditions, architects must constantly adapt to ensure their visions are realised in a practical and functional manner. “Architecture is not just about creating visually appealing structures,” Ellina emphasised. “It’s about ensuring that those designs are logical, functional, and built to withstand the test of time.” She added that staying updated with the latest construction trends and continuously learning are crucial for architects to succeed in today’s fast evolving industry. Real World Hurdles Architect Centre accredited architect and trainer Anthony Lee Tee offered insights from the trenches of construction and project management, focusing on the technical and human challenges that can derail projects. He pointed out that one of the most frequent and frustrating issues in construction is waterproofing failures. “When waterproofing is done poorly, it leads to significant problems like leaks, which can require extensive and expensive repairs,” said Lee. “What could have been a simple, preventative fix often turns into a massive job requiring us to hack into concrete slabs just to address what was done poorly the first time.” Lee also highlighted the challenges of managing a large workforce, particularly in labourintensive construction projects. “The lack of skilled workers for specialised tasks is a recurring issue,” he explained. This deficiency complicates project execution and increases the likelihood of defects. Additionally, Lee spoke about the inconsistencies in material specifications across different projects. “When materials don’t meet the required standards, it creates quality and compliance issues that can lead to disputes between contractors, architects and clients,” he noted. Furthermore, Lee addressed the challenge of ensuring effective communication between architects and engineers. Miscommunication, he said, often leads to design flaws and construction delays. “Regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity, especially with mandatory requirements like the use of industrialised building systems (IBS),” he added. “While IBS is intended to improve efficiency, adapting to these new methods can disrupt traditional workflows.” Prevention Better Than Cure Waterproofing is one of the most critical aspects of construction, particularly in regions prone to heavy rainfall or humidity. Nippon Paint senior manager Ester Goh said the challenges associated with waterproofing, which range from material selection to timing and site coordination. “Proper waterproofing requires more than just the right materials,” said Goh. “It also demands meticulous planning and coordination to ensure long-term effectiveness.” She emphasised that waterproofing failures are often the result of improper application or reliance on subpar materials, which can lead to water infiltration in key areas like roofs and basements. Goh also touched on the importance of quality control during the waterproofing process. “Even the best waterproofing materials won’t work if they aren’t applied correctly,” she warned. “Getting it right the first time is crucial to avoid costly repairs down the line.” Ultimately, water leakage may be a common building defect but it is also one of the most preventable. The seminar made it clear that with proper planning, high-quality materials and regular maintenance, many of the challenges that lead to building defects can be addressed early on, minimising damage and avoiding costly repairs. By investing in robust waterproofing systems and staying vigilant about construction quality, building owners can protect their properties from the devastating effects of water leakage. And while the design demons may always be lurking, they can be defeated - one well-executed project at a time. Call Nippon Paint for Your Total Coating & Construction Solutions Needs. Customer Careline: 1-800-88-2663 E-mail: customercare@nipponpaint.com.my

Aside from rich colours, today's paint manufacturers provide a wide range of functional options for both conventional and non-conventional structured environments. Nippon Paint is one such company that is breaking new ground in the paint and coatings sector. Due to its commitment to research, development and innovative design, the company is now "Malaysia's No. 1 Total Coatings Expert". As stated in its pledge to turn “ordinary surfaces — from floors to roofs and everything in between — into extraordinary masterpieces", Nippon Paint offers all-inclusive products providing comprehensive coating solutions for multiple segments and surfaces. They cater to a wide range of clients in the architectural, protective, industrial, automotive and marine industries. FOUR KEY SEGMENTS SERVING DIFFERENT NEEDS Reflective through its concentrated investment in pushing innovative boundaries and challenging the norm, Nippon Paint is on a constant and unrelenting pursuit of product excellence. In cementing Nippon Paint's "The Coatings Expert" imagery, offering consumers complete end-to-end solutions under one roof, Nippon Paint services four major segments: architectural coatings, protective coatings, flooring solutions, and waterproofing solutions. When it comes to paints, for instance, Nippon Paint's customers will be able to select from a variety of options, ranging from diverse formula and colour palettes to cutting-edge solutions that provide practical benefits. Architectural Coatings (Anti-Microbial Solutions) Nippon Paint VirusGuard is the first anti-viral and anti-bacterial paint designed specifically to promote health and wellness indoors. Formulated with 'Silver Ion Technology,' inhibits the spread of bacteria and viruses and is scientifically proven to be 99.9% effective against viruses and bacteria, making all surfaces safe to touch. Architectural Coatings (Exterior Solutions) Safeguarding the health of external surfaces is Nippon Paint's Weatherbond. The new improved formula with sunproof, rainproof and antifungal properties, Weatherbond provides long-term protection against harsh weather, such as efflorescence, fungal and algae growth. The new improved weather-resistant emulsion comes with a 7-year warranty, providing you assurance of the paint's durability and long-lasting colour. Architectural Coatings (Design Solutions) The company's 'Momento Series' provides modern aesthetic choices for the more artistically oriented. The 'Textured', 'Enhancer' and 'Designer' series for interiors are just a few of the sleek and trendy options available. Momento Stone Art is for external surfaces that allows you to recreate beautiful natural stone works in your house. Royal Stone is a premium grade selection stone texture coating and gives a natural granite-stone finish. Classic Tile is a premium-grade selection of sandy ceramic textured coating. Protective Coatings Surfaces prone to corrosion, rust and the detrimental impact of the environment can be preserved with Nippon Paint's specifically formulated anti-corrosion coating solutions, which works well on structural steelworks, metal bridges, vessels, pipelines, and storage tanks. The anti-corrosion solution is suitable for use on metal, concrete, and cement surfaces and ranges from conventional to heavy-duty coatings. Flooring Solutions Nippon Paint also provides cutting-edge flooring solutions for industrial, commercial and car park. Its flooring systems, which are made of epoxy or polyurethane, combine colour with great performance and durability. Boasting characteristics such as resistance to chemicals, dirt and changes in temperature, the hardy and environmentally-friendly products are ideal for industrial needs. Waterproofing Solutions Nippon Paint has a variety of waterproofing solutions to help prevent and mitigate the difficulties and risks around water seepage and leaks. The company has developed innovative product systems ranging from liquid applied and sheet type membranes, to cementitious membranes. These all-inclusive coatings are resilient, flawless, and long-lasting, providing waterproofing solutions for waterproofing defects in structures above ground, wet areas and below ground. Nippon Paint has revolutionised the coatings landscape by emphasising the conceplualisalion and delivery of cutting-edge and sustainable sealing solutions, demonstrating that coating is about much more than just colour on walls. Nippon Paint has positioned itself as "The Coatings Expert", signifies Nippon Paint's unshakeable role as the provider of Total Coating Solutions that meets diverse industry needs by creating coatings for every surface. Call Nippon Paint for Your Total Coating & Construction Solutions Needs. Customer Careline: 1-800-88-2663 E-mail: customercare@nipponpaint.com.my

Aside from luxuriant colours, these days paint manufacturers provide an extensive array of functional solutions for both traditional and other built environments. One such company blazing a trail in the paint and coatings industry is Nippon Paint. Such is its emphasis on research, development and innovative design, that the company has transcended its status as ‘The Paint Expert’ to establish itself firmly as ‘Malaysia’s No. 1 Total Coatings Expert’. Nippon Paint offers all-inclusive products catering to a wide spectrum of clients including those involved in architectural, protective, industrial, automotive and marine industries, providing comprehensive coating solutions for multiple segments and surfaces, as asserted in its pledge to turn “ordinary surfaces — from floors to roofs and everything in between — into extraordinary masterpieces!” FOUR KEY SEGMENTS SERVING DIFFERENT NEEDS The company’s concerted investment in pushing innovative boundaries and challenging the norm is reflected in its relentless and consistent achievement of product excellence. Commensurate with its status as a premier ‘Total Coatings Solution’ provider, Nippon Paint services four primary segments namely painting, protective coating, flooring and waterproofing. In the paint category, for example, clients will be spoilt for choice, not just by the extensive array of formulations and colour palettes, but also by various pioneering solutions on offer which promote practical benefits. Painting-Anti-Microbial Solutions Take for instance Nippon Paint Virusguard — the first anti-viral and anti-bacterial health solution deliberately concocted to champion indoor safety and better health. Formulated with ‘Silver Ion Technology’, the paint is scientifically proven to be 99% effectively against viruses and bacteria, thus ensuring that surfaces are safe to touch. Painting-Exterior Solutions Meanwhile, to preserve the health of exterior surfaces, the new improved formula of Nippon Paint Weatherbond with sun proof, rain proof and anti-fungus features presents a long-term protective shield against the adverse effects of inclement weather, including efflorescence, as well as, fungal and algae growth. Equipped with a 7-year warranty, its new improved weather resistant solution clothes the paint with greater durability, and promises long-lasting colour to defer the need to repaint. Painting-Design Solutions For the more artistically inclined, the company’s ‘Momento Series’ introduces contemporary aesthetic alternatives. Comprising chic and stylish selections such as the ‘Textured’, Enhancer’ and ‘Designer’ series for interiors. The trendy Momento Stone Art for exterior surfaces allowing to recreate intricate works of natural stone in your home. Royal Stone is a premium grade selection stone texture coating and gives a natural granite-stone finish. Classic Tile is a premium-grade selection of sandy ceramic textured coating. Protective Coating Through its specially formulated anti-corrosion coating solutions, surfaces — including structural steelworks, metal bridges, vessels, pipes and storage tanks — that are prone to damage from corrosion, rust, and the detrimental effects of the environment can now easily be protected. Ranging from conventional to heavy-duty coatings, the anti-corrosion solution is ideal for use on metal, concrete and cement surfaces. Flooring Solutions Nippon Paint also offers state-of-the-art flooring solutions, offering a range of products for industrial, commercial and car park. Formulated using either epoxy or polyurethane, its flooring systems combine colours with high performance and durability. Boasting characteristics such as resistance to chemicals, dirt and changes in temperature, the hardy and environmentally-friendly products are ideal for industrial needs. Waterproofing Solutions Similarly, Nippon Paint is well equipped with a range of waterproofing solutions to pre-empt and address problems and risks associated with water seepage and leakage. The company has developed product systems that range from liquid applied and sheet type membranes, to cementitious membrance. Resilient, seamless and long lasting, these all-inclusive coatings provide solutions for waterproofing defects in structures found above ground, in wet areas, and below ground. Thanks to Nippon Paint’s emphasis on conceptualisation and delivery of cuttingedge and sustainable coating solutions, the company has revolutionised the landscape of coatings, proving that there’s so much more to coating than just colour on walls. It’s no wonder then that the company has cemented its position as ‘The Total Coatings Expert’ and a regional powerhouse in the coatings industry. Call Nippon Paint for Your Total Coating & Construction Solutions Needs. Customer Careline: 1-800-88-2663 E-mail: customercare@nipponpaint.com.my