The document provides an analysis of building materials used at the One Soho condominium rooftop in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. It describes the materials used for the swimming pool, pool surround, playground floor, gym floor, multi-purpose hall floor, artificial grass mats, pool/gym ceilings, glass walls, outdoor walls, and glass doors. For each material, alternatives are also discussed that could potentially be used instead and their relative pros and cons. The analysis is intended to inform readers on the various material choices for different areas and functions of the condominium building.

1. BUILDING MATERIALS FINAL ASSIGNMENT
ANALYSIS OF BUILDING MATERIALS
LOCATION: ONE SOHO CONDOMINIUM, ROOFTOP
LECTURER: MS. PUAN HASMANIRA
MEMBERS:
PARHAM FARHADPOOR 0313698
HASAN RUBAYET 0308941
LEONARD R KOMBO 0313369

2. 2
Table of content
 Introduction…………………………………………………….…3-4
 Typesof materials and their alternatives…………………...5-26
 Conclusion…………………………………………………………27
 Reference list………………………………..…………………..28-29

3. 3
Introduction
One Soho condominium
Subang SOHO is an ultra-modern 19-storey tower block located in a serene, yet
thriving neighborhood of Subang Jaya. Situated on increasingly scarce freehold land,
the niche development offers 448 units over a 1.6-arce site, with flexible, double
volume layouts from 563 sq. ft-1086 sq. ft. It is a residence condominium developed
by the TITIJAYA group.
The roof
The roof is our main area chosen to carry out this task. Located on the 19th floor of
the One Soho, this area is more like a relaxing area for the residences. Apart from its
breathtaking view of the KL lights at night, it also provides a variety of small activities
such as:

4. 4
A pool that best fits for a night swim facing the city lights at night, and also for a
relaxing family swim on hot afternoons on the weekends.
For residences with kids, a safe playground is also available to let the small children
play, while the adults take a swim in the pool.
A fitness gym for those who like to keep fit and work out .Free for all residences.

5. 5
Types of materials and their alternatives
Swimming pool
In Soho there is a swimming pool at roof top. The whole swimming pool gives us the
blue impression of sea water, because of its Blue water resistance tiles. It is actually
frequently use blue water resistance tiles for most of the swimming pool. Those Blue
tiles actually used in the wet area, first in the swimming pool, second in the shower,
third in the Jacuzzi. Those tiles basically made of ceramic. The role of tiles on
flooring is to provide comfort when roaming around the house. Walking on concrete
floors does not give the same clean feeling of walking on tiles. Even though it is
more expensive than paint, tile lasts for a very long time and does not need to be
replaced which means it will be less costly in the long run.
Alternatives
1. Marcite Plaster: Marcite was the material used to finish the interior of a concrete
swimming pool. This is the traditional white cement mixed with crushed marble,
troweled to a smooth finish. Original Marcite Plaster lasted 10-22 years. Compare
with tile finishing; plaster pool finishes have a porous, reactive surface that requires
high chemical usage at all times because water and chemicals interact with plaster.
http://www.askalanaquestion.com/upoc-before.jpg

6. 6
2. Glass tile: Glass tiles are tiles which have been made from glass. Glass has a
number of advantages in tile making, including durability and beauty, and glass tiles
can be used in a wide variety of applications. Some glass tiles are made from
recycled glass. Recycled glass tiles come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes,
and in addition to being visually interesting, they are also environmentally sound.
One of the biggest drawbacks to using mosaic glass tiles is the price compare with
mar cite plaster and regular tiles. Unlike ceramic or natural stone tiles, glass mosaics
are particularly difficult to install.
http://www.slipdoctors.com/slippery-surfaces/nonslip-glass-tile.jpg

7. 7
Outdoor pool surround
Flakes painting is used for the floor surrounding around the pool which is very
attractive and comes in different colors and textures. A fine surface of small particles
is laid near the pool surround. It is ideal because of its smooth surface and is slip
resistant.
Alternatives
1. Interlocking Patio Tiles: These tiles are recommended for outdoor use around
wet areas and pool surrounds and where a drain through elevated floor product is
required.
Not only are the used in wet areas they have proven to be most convenient in places
like outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts etc. They are available in many different
colors such as blue, grey etc. so the user has a variety of choices.
http://www.greatmats.com/tiles/interlocking-patio-tiles.php

8. 8
2. Roof deck top tiles: This tile has a rubber surface most convenient for wet areas.
It allows water to flow freely under the tile surface. They are made of high density
material for enhanced durability making them Slip-resistant.
They are connected using connector Pins and provide overwhelming durability and
low maintenance compared to other forms of materials such as pavers.
http://www.greatmats.com/products/decktop.php

9. 9
Rubber and epoxy floor for the playground
It is the type of flooring which is simply epoxy with granulated rubber mixed within it.
They are most often used near swimming pools and driveways. In Soho, it is used
near the swimming pools. It has a high tolerance to moisture for which is it being
used. They are also puddle-free, making it an excellent material flooring for spots
bound to become slippery. They are also available in various colors.
Alternatives
1. Slate flooring: It is a fine material made up of metamorphic rocks. It is mainly
used in outdoor finishing purposes such as used in sidewalks and indoor for flooring.
Slate flooring also has high resistance to water. It also resistant to stain. But is
heavier compared to the stones used.
http://www.wallsandfloors.co.uk/admin/uploads/Image5~0.jpg

10. 10
1. Terrazzo flooring: It is another stone flooring made from ground stone chips and
are given a textured finish which exposes the stone chips giving it a durable slip
resistance. They have high maintenance compared to slate flooring and are light-
weight.
http://www.djpowerltd.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Tile-Stone-Granite-Slate-Installations.JPG

11. 11
Gym floor
The type of flooring used in this case is the wooden floor in some cases could be
convenient but in other cases is not. This type of flooring brings about a
decorative/attractive look that makes the whole area look nice.
Alternatives
1. Rolled rubber flooring: This rubber flooring is popular for weight rooms and
home gyms floors which provide excellent protection from free weights and cannot
be easily damaged because rubber does not break. The material used is similar to
that of a Car tire and also they are non-slip and waterproof resistant.
http://www.greatmats.com/products/rolled-rubber.php

12. 12
2. Gym floor mats: Not only do they have an attractive design, but also their lower
profile minimizes worry of trips or falls. These mats come in a variety of different
colors and have excellent sound absorbing qualities in case of free weights falling.
http://www.greatmats.com/products/ergo-matta.php

13. 13
Multi purposed hall floor
Ceramic is used as finishing of the floor for the multi purposed hall which gives
attractive appearance to the hall. The floor type found in the multipurpose hall , it is
convenient for this area because it is durable and cannot be easily damaged, also
can withstand a certain amount of weight without being damaged easily.
Alternatives
1. Concrete: Concrete flooring is hard wearing and will not chip or dent like softer
surfaces such as timber. Mopping with warm soapy water once a week is the only
maintenance required. A concrete floor that has been hardened will have an
extremely long life expectancy compared to other flooring. For example, tile that may
only last 10–20 years but a concrete floor that has been properly maintained may
give 100+ years of service.

14. 14
2. Wooden-Parquet: This a mosaic of wood. They are long lasting and require little
or no maintenance. Cleaning is also easy, they can be either brushed or moped
when necessary.

15. 15
Artificial grass mats beside the pool
It is used for décor in at the indoor and the outdoor. In Soho it is used by the
swimming pool where the sunbathing chairs are placed. Artificial grass mats don’t
require watering, unlike real grass, and require close to no maintenance. It has
various uses and can be cut up to different shapes and sizes for its ease of use.
These grass mats are an ideal solution for school playgrounds, indoor activity
centers, as well as indoor sports fields.
Alternatives
1. Rubber mats: Rubber mats are used in various places. They are used in both
indoor and outdoor. Rubber mats are made to withstand extreme use outdoors in the
sun or snow or indoors as a door mat covered in mud and dirt. They can also be cut
into necessary shapes and sizes for its uses.
http://www.warco.com/pics/products/mattingpics/kleenrite-rubber-matting-800px.jpg

16. 16
2. Quarry tiles: It is a material made from clay and sedimentary rocks. It is
commonly used to provide a non-slip finish on wet surfaces such as places near the
swimming pools or in kitchens. They come in a few available sizes and colours for
décor purposes. They can be cut into size, but difficult to cut into different shapes
with curves.
http://www.thegoodfloorstore.com/floorsofstone-stone/quarrytile/PinotQuarryTiles/images/PinotQuarryTiles-main-1.jpg

17. 17
Outdoor swimming pool ceiling
The ceiling of the outdoor area and the swimming pool is half covered and it is made
out of concrete. There are cavities among the reinforced concrete beams and just a
little bit of the area is fully covered, the location of tables and chairs between
swimming pool and gym. This ceiling is to cover the pathway of the users of the gym
and multi purposed hall to the elevators plus those using the tables during the rain
and also sunny days. So concrete can be a suitable material because of its strength
and durability. The finishing that is used for this ceiling is the simplest method which
is painting in white color.
Alternatives
1. Laminate wood ceiling: One of the alternatives for the finishing of the ceiling is
laminate wood which has many advantages such as easy instillation, easy to clean,
stability and attractiveness which is the most important element. Laminate wood
helps the area looks more beautiful and warmer as well. However it is much more
costly than painting and not very strong and durable.
http://www.osusinc.com/amazing-modern-house-with-metal-
and-glass-material-also-classic-wooden-furnitures-for-
modern-home-plans/mesmerizing-modern-open-plan-indoor-
swimming-pool-design-with-varnished-wooden-ceiling-and-
sliding-glass-door/

18. 18
2. Glass: A very interesting type of ceiling for swimming pools is glass to help users
enjoy the sunshine and the blue sky. The advantage of the glass ceiling is the
attractiveness and durability in normal condition but there are some disadvantages
compare to concrete like less strength, , hard to clean and can be dangerous as well.
Another problem with the glass ceiling can be the noises created during rain.
http://icoupie.com/dazzling-indoor-pool-offers-and-aesthetics-
and-argonomic/beautiful-pool-with-glass-wall-and-glass-
ceiling-allow-to-enjoy-the-sunshine-and-the-shade/

19. 19
Gym and multi purposed hall ceiling
The gym and the multi purposed hall are the indoor part of the roof top in the
condominium and type of ceiling used for them are suspended ceiling including
metal grid systems and ceiling panels or tiles. It is a secondary ceiling that is hung
below the existing ceiling and the advantages are exceptional design, easy
instillation, easy access to systems, sound proofing, moisture resistant, fire safety,
energy efficiency and eco-friendly.
Alternatives
1. Plaster: One of the most common materials used for ceilings is plaster which can
produce different designs as well as being simple and flat. Normal plaster ceiling can
be suitable for a gym or multi purposed hall, however there are some disadvantages
compare to suspended ceiling or drop ceiling such as difficulties to access systems.
The advantages of using plaster are low dust, strength, less work and also requires
less time.
http://propcafe.net/tag/klcc/

20. 20
2. Laminate: Another alternative for the indoor area can be laminate which its
benefits are easy instillation, easy to clean, stability and attractiveness, but still the
access to the system is not as easy as suspended ceiling which is very important,
however it is not very durable.
http://optea-referencement.com/ceiling-planks-create-unique-and-
nature-look/woodhaven-painted-white/

21. 21
Glass wall of gym and multi purposed hall
One side of the wall in gym and multi purposed hall of the rooftop, in One Soho
condominium is fully glassed. The glass wall gives a perfect view of the city and
allows entry of natural light, however resistance to thermal transmission is lower. The
type of the glass used for this wall is sheet glass and at top of the wall, top hung
windows are located which is because of the safety of the users plus refreshing the
air.
Alternatives
1. Concrete wall with paint finishing: The first alternative for the glass wall can be
reinforced concrete wall with plaster finishing and painting, plus adding windows on
top and mirror at the bottom for gym. Concrete wall is stronger, more durable, more
thermal resistant, and safer including many others advantages compare to glass
wall, but it is more costly too and not as attractive as glass. However using painting
as finishing is economical and can provide various colors to the space.
http://www.ciiwa.com/images/wonderful-weight-lifting-
equipments-and-bicycle-treadmills-with-orange-wall-and-
concrete-floor.jpg

22. 22
2. Concrete wall with stone veneer: Using this type of wall for gym or multi
purposed hall of the condominium is much more string and durable and at the same
time a beautiful design can create a wonderful environment for different purposes,
but it is not economical. Reasonable thermal resistant is another important
advantage of this wall compare to glass.
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-install-brick-veneer-
on-a-wall/index.html

23. 23
Outdoor walls
Outdoor walls are made of reinforcement concrete which is based on the structure of
the building. This type of wall is very good in terms of durability and strength, but the
alternative that can be replaced is the finishing. White color painting is type of the
finishing used for this space which is the simplest and the most economical way of
finishing.
Alternatives
1. Ceramic tiles: Ceramic tiles can be a very good alternative for wall finishing as it
comes in different shapes and colors. Terracotta ceramic is one of the examples
which is easy to clean and has permanent color. Using ceramic tiles is more costly
than painting but there are many advantages such as moisture resistant, fire proof,
durability, eco-friendly, fade resistant, odor resistant, and many others.
http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/ceramica-decorativa/terracotta-
wall-tiles-rustic-63542-422526.html

24. 24
2. Mosaic tiles: Hard wearing, frost proof, resistant to chemical and good slip
resistant are some of the advantages of the mosaic tiles. Mosaic comes in different
colors and shapes to and can be used for very detailed designs. It is much more
expensive than painting but more attractive and beautiful that can create very nice
harmony with the swimming pool.
http://texturez.com/textures/tiles/4187

25. 25
Glass Door
No doubt, for an elegant building always with trans-parent glass doors. There are
lots of glass used to make door such as clear window glass, plate glass, prism glass,
quartz glass, processed glass, frosted glass, wire glass, bullet proof glass, pinhead
glass, insulating glass, colored glass. The one in the Soho at roof used clear window
glass. It is thin transparent flat glass. Its thickness varies from 2.5 to 7.5 mm. Glass
is quite fragile and can easily be broken to obtain entry so is usually backed up by a
security door. Glass is highly weather resistant and will not discolor over time,
although it does require regular cleaning to maintain its looks.
Alternatives
1. UPVC or vinyl doors: UPVC or 'vinyl' can be used to make completely solid
doors of lightweight construction, but it is more commonly used as a framing material
around glass panels in sliding doors, stacker doors, bifold doors and French doors.
Compare with glass door UPVC's longevity, high sound and thermal insulation
qualities, along with its low weight and decent impact.
http://www.grabex.co.uk/upvc-doors

26. 26
2. Hollow core doors: Hollow core doors are doors which are essentially hollow in
the inside, save for some construction paper or cellular cardboard arranged in a
honeycomb pattern. Because hollow doors are weaker, they are most commonly
used as interior doors. This door constructed timber framed with cardboard inside.
Compare with glass door it’s not that much weather proof and these doors don't offer
the same type of security that a solid door does.
http://alamobuildingspecialties.com/?alamo_products=architectural-hollow-core-doors

27. 27
Conclusion
Identifying all the materials that are used in on floor, walls and ceilings at the rooftop
of the One Soho condominium and finding alternatives for each of them helped us to
know more about different materials that are used in buildings. Researching about
alternatives gave us this opportunity to learn about the elements that should be
considered while choosing material for a project such as cost, appearance and many
more. Base on the information gathered during the research, the material used for
this building are mostly economically which could create more attractive space for
the users by using other types of materials as alternatives, however it doesn’t mean
that they are not good in terms of quality and safety. At end, the most important
outcome of this assignment is understanding the importance of materials in building
and how they can make differences.

28. 28
Reference list
 10 Benefits of Using Ceramic Wall Tile. (n.d.). DIY Home Improvement
Information. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from http://www.doityourself.com/stry/10-
benefits-of-using-ceramic-wall-tile#b
 A Laminate Ceiling? Not Just For Floors Anymore.. (n.d.). A Laminate
Ceiling? Not Just For Floors Anymore.. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from
http://www.dream-kitchen-backsplash.com/laminate-
ceiling.html#sthash.o29X10zp.dpbs
 Suspended Ceilings vs. Drywall for Ceiling Remodeling. (n.d.).
Armstrong.com. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from
http://www.armstrong.com/residential-ceilings/suspended-ceiling-vs-
drywall.html
 Sustainable Concrete The leading material in Sustainable Construction. (n.d.).
Benefits of concrete. Retrieved July 9, 2014, from
http://www.sustainableconcrete.org.uk/top_nav/concrete_sustainable_strategy
/benefits_of_concrete.aspx
 About Flush Doors. (n.d.). Hollow Core Interior Doors and Flush Interior
Doors. Retrieved July 5, 2014, from http://www.masonite.com/product_learnM
 UPVC Doors London |. (n.d.). Double Glazing London from Grabex RSS2.
Retrieved July 5, 2014, from http://www.grabex.co.uk/upvc-doors
 Key Epoxy Terrazzo Flooring System. (n.d.). On Key Resin Co.. Retrieved July
5, 2014, from http://systems.keyresin.com/product/key-thin-set-epoxy-terrazzo-
systems/key-epoxy-terrazzo-flooring-system
 Natural Stone | Natural Stone and Porcelain Distributor | MSI Stone. (n.d.).
Natural Stone | Natural Stone and Porcelain Distributor | MSI Stone. Retrieved
July 5, 2014, from http://www.msistone.com/
 Rubber Floor Mats | Rubber Mats | Rubber Matting by allMATS.com. (n.d.).
Rubber Floor Mats | Rubber Mats | Rubber Matting by allMATS.com. Retrieved
July 5, 2014, from http://www.allmats.com/site/439205/page/3824

29. 29
 FAQs. (n.d.). Canada Pool Coating ecoFinish pool finish. Retrieved July 5,
2014, from http://www.canadapoolcoating.com/faqs/
 Quarry Tile Quarry. (n.d.). Quarry Tile. Retrieved July 5, 2014, from
http://products.daltile.com/series.cfm?seriesName=quarrytile
 Rating The 6 Best Types of Home Gym Flooring. (n.d.). About. Retrieved July
5, 2014, from http://homerenovations.about.com/od/floors/tp/Best-Flooring-For-
a-Home-Gym.htm