SkyWorld Healthy Home: How to tackle hidden pollutants and make smarter air quality choices 

• “To improve indoor air quality, we often make the wrong choices. We close windows, turn on air-conditioners, and rely on air purifiers. While these devices may seem helpful, they can harm our health.”

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 11): As modern lifestyles trend more and more indoors, it has become more crucial to adopt a holistic approach towards improving indoor air quality, said an expert during a weekend event held here. 

“The reality is that … your physical environment has an immediate and direct effect on how you then absorb and process the environment around you,” mental health service provider Naluri chief product officer Dr Tiffanie Ong said at the "SkyWorld Healthy Home and Resident Well-being" seminar.

Jointly organised by EdgeProp Malaysia and SkyWorld Development Bhd, the two-day event on Dec 7 and 8 at the SkyWorld Gallery @ Setapak here featured a panel of experts that shared insights on how to create a healthier living environment. 

The impact of the physical environment varies across generations, said Tiffanie. 

“For children, modern lifestyles, with increased screen time and fewer opportunities for outdoor play, can lead to a diminished sense of fun and connection with nature. For the elderly, a lack of communal spaces and social interaction can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation,” she elaborated.

Tiffanie stressed that the key to a healthier lifestyle is simplicity. Returning to basics and making small environmental changes, we can nudge ourselves towards healthier behaviours. Small design elements, like strategically placed footprints or eye-level products, can subtly guide our choices. We can create spaces that encourage healthy habits by applying this concept to our homes.

“So, [take note of] things like putting your shoes and your gym equipment somewhere where you can see easily, and even how you display the snacks you have at home. Now, if you walk into your living room and it's filled with all the chocolate and chips, that will be the first thing you grab because we are all wired for convenience. So that's another key thing to remember: human beings are fundamentally lazy,” she explained.

Vertical gardens demand too much care

From a landscape architectural perspective, landscape firm Praxcis Design Sdn Bhd principal director Yap Nga Tuan pointed out that incorporating more green spaces and connections between them is crucial. This will alleviate the concrete jungle we currently inhabit, offering a much-needed escape from the constant glass and steel.

“For instance, if you are walking to Bukit Nanas from Jalan Sultan, the moment you enter the forest development, a sense of freedom and improved air quality becomes apparent. It seems we humans have an innate connection to nature,” she said.

Yap pointed out that although vertical gardens offer various benefits, they demand significant adjustments and care. Rooftop gardens, on the other hand, are aesthetically pleasing and add value to the buildings. Small-scale parks at ground level can be effective, but their design and size are crucial. Well-designed parks can offer children opportunities to enjoy nature, while larger parks can serve as filters for air pollution.

“I advise developers to start with green areas, paths and resident settings as a foundation for development. This creates a stress-relieving environment even before condos are built,” she said.

Yap highlighted that the Sky Sanctuary Park located nearby promotes learning and fosters a sense of community. Its greenery and pathways encourage interaction among residents, while families can enjoy jogging paths, bike trails, gym stations and comfortable seating for seniors.

Outdoor air, even during haze, less harmful than ionisers

“To improve indoor air quality, we often make the wrong choices. We close windows, turn on air-conditioners, and rely on air purifiers. While these devices may seem helpful, they can harm our health. Air purifiers, especially those with ionisers, emit harmful ozone, which can damage our respiratory system,” environmental health service provider Airscan Malaysia board advisor Gilbert Aue said.

He advised, the best way to improve indoor air quality is to open the windows and let in fresh air. While outdoor air may contain pollutants, especially during the haze, it's still far less harmful than the stale, polluted air we often breathe indoors.

Aue also warned that residential and commercial spaces have different types of toxins. In new homes, the main culprits are materials used during construction and renovation, such as laminates, paint and furniture. 

“If you go into a laminate furniture factory, the first thing that hits you is the smell of the glue. If you go into a newly renovated house with brand new cupboards and so on, generally the first thing that hits you is the smell of the glue. That glue contains a product called formaldehyde,” Aue said.

To mitigate these risks, he suggested using formaldehyde-free furniture and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint. On top of that, adequate ventilation is crucial during and after renovation to remove these harmful compounds from indoor air. Additionally, features like double-glazed windows can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise pollution.

SkyWorld offers wider living halls to optimise flexibility 

SkyWorld development planning unit manager Ar. Philip Gan recalled the pandemic has irrevocably changed the perception of a home, transforming it from a mere shelter into a sanctuary and haven for mental and physical well-being. Recognising this shift, the developers and architects are reimagining the concept of a healthy home.

“We must challenge ourselves to create wider living halls. It's rare to find spacious living areas with long, wide balconies and sliding doors that maximise natural light and ventilation,” he said.

Gan said that optimal space planning involves prioritising cross-ventilation through strategic placement of doors and windows, maximising exposure to natural light to boost mood and energy levels, and creating flexible layouts that can adapt to changing lifestyles.

“Post-Covid-19, we've become more aware of the importance of mental health and flexible living spaces. We're reimagining our designs to include multifunctional corners that can be adapted as dining areas, workspaces or children's play areas,” he elaborated.

“Today, we’ve even introduced sensor lighting. We ensure that common area lighting is well maintained at an efficient energy level, as utility costs can be significant. While some condo committees may not prioritise energy efficiency, we’ve found that implementing LED lighting throughout the building and incorporating sensor lighting and water-saving fixtures can lead to substantial cost savings,” Gan said.

He explained that this thoughtful approach aligns with the developer’s commitment to sustainability, which extends to water-saving fixtures in bathrooms and other areas. By minimising maintenance and operational burdens, the residents could focus on enjoying their homes and fostering a positive community environment.

Experts’ views challenge conventional wisdom

Moderated by EdgeProp Malaysia managing director Alvin Ong and EdgeProp Malaysia head of branding and editorial Jacqueline Lim, the roundtable discussion sparked a shift in participants' perspectives on healthy home concepts, encouraging them to explore new possibilities in their homes.

“I have honestly learned and gained tips from each one of them. I think Dr Tiffanie has given a very good tip about the psychological aspect. When we design our home, we have to make it convenient for us to stay in. It is not just about having facilities, but the way we renovate our unit can make it psychologically convenient,”  a participant of the event, who only wanted to be known as Chew YL told EdgeProp.

“Gilbert has given very controversial and shocking comments about using ionisers and so forth. His viewpoint on air purifiers and ionisers has challenged conventional wisdom, suggesting that natural air, even during the haze, might be sufficient,” he added.

“I plan to spend more time outdoors and avoid unnecessary air purifiers or ionisers at home. The solutions discussed were practical and can be implemented. I'll look for developments that incorporate these features,” another attendee, Wong Yoong Siang, told EdgeProp.

SkyWorld Development is one of EdgeProp START’s strategic partners. Curvo Residences at Setapak is a development highlighted in this partnership. All SkyWorld Development homebuyers also get to enjoy rewards worth up to RM18,888. 

Looking to buy a home? Sign up for EdgeProp START and get exclusive rewards and vouchers for ANY home purchase in Malaysia (primary or subsale)!