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Article
Publication date: 12 July 2011

Isma Haniza Fakhrudin, Mohd Zailan Suleiman and Roslan Talib

Nowadays, strata living represents a modern lifestyle (or luxurious lifestyle for those occupying the high‐end strata unit). The uniqueness of strata living is that it has…

4398

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays, strata living represents a modern lifestyle (or luxurious lifestyle for those occupying the high‐end strata unit). The uniqueness of strata living is that it has facilities and common areas, which encompass multi‐purpose hall, playground, lift, corridors, etc. These facilities and common areas are shared between the residents. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the involvement of Commissioner of Building (COB) and the rights of the Joint Management Body (JMB), as well as developers' responsibilities, after the formation of a JMB. In order to do so, this paper looks into the role of the COB, the powers and duties of a JMB and developers' obligations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper looks at how the Building and Common Property (Maintenance and Management) Act 2007 (Act 663) (BCPMMA) helps the JMB and the developer in maintaining and managing a multi storey building.

Findings

It is found that maintenance of these facilities and common areas is essential to ensure its optimal performance over its life cycle. This has to be carried out efficiently and professionally by developers. Nevertheless, the authors often came across complaints by unsatisfied residents on the maintenance and management of the buildings and facilities.

Practical implications

Prior to the establishment of this Act, multi storey buildings were governed by the Strata Title Act 1985 (Amended 2007) which stipulates that the Management Corporation can only be formed after a quarter of the aggregate share units has been transferred to the owner.

Originality/value

On the other hand, the developers usually provide a minimum amount of services based on the income from the maintenance collection. Realizing the issues have become crucial, the government, in 2007, introduced the BCPMMA to provide guidelines in order to have proper maintenance and management of buildings and facilities in multi storey buildings.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2009

Sui Pheng Low, Jun Ying Liu and Peng Wu

The Sino‐Singapore Tianjin Eco‐city Project, the agreement of which was signed in 2007, is an important milestone that would further cement ties between Singapore and the People's…

2652

Abstract

Purpose

The Sino‐Singapore Tianjin Eco‐city Project, the agreement of which was signed in 2007, is an important milestone that would further cement ties between Singapore and the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Eco‐city Project will be used to showcase the latest green technologies adopted in buildings with a view to reducing the adverse effects of global warming, carbon emissions, and climate change; leading in the process to sustainable facilities. The purpose of this paper is to examine the institutional compliance framework for transferring environmental sustainability regulations from Singapore to China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the current environmental sustainability regulations that are already in place in Singapore, with a view to possibly transfer these regulations as well as the supporting green technologies, codes and practices to the joint Sino‐Singapore Eco‐city Project in the PRC. The study proposes an understanding of the institutional compliance framework to facilitate this transfer.

Findings

There are existing statutory provisions within the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) in the PRC that encourage the use of solar and renewable energy with a view to fostering sustainable construction, including provisions dealing with water pollution. However, beyond these generic areas, it appears that statutory provisions within the MEP do not institutionalize the same level of details that can be found in Singapore relating to the conceptualization, design and construction of sustainable facilities. Hence, transfer of such provisions from Singapore to the Tianjin Eco‐city Project can be facilitated through an understanding of the institutional compliance framework from the Chinese side.

Research limitations/implications

The environmental sustainability regulations that are already in place in Singapore will be examined in the paper. The study explains the reasons why these regulations were implemented in Singapore, and the framework within which such provisions may be transferred to the Tianjin Eco‐city Project.

Practical implications

The paper observes that while the legal systems in both Singapore and the PRC may be different, it would be strategic and expedient for the Chinese partners in the Eco‐city joint project to familiarize themselves with the environmental sustainability regulations within Singapore's jurisdiction with a view to possibly adopting them in the PRC through the institutional compliance framework.

Originality/value

Singapore is probably the first and only country in the world to enact building regulations pertaining to environmental sustainability with attendant inputs from an appropriate Code for Environmental Sustainability of Buildings and the Green Mark Scheme. The successful completion of the Tianjin Eco‐city Project could provide a role model for further development of Eco‐cities in the world, leading to greater emphasis to be placed on sustainable facilities anchored on the institutional compliance framework.

Details

Facilities, vol. 27 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2015

Ping Yung and Kieran Rafferty

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the statutory adjudication legislation in Western Australia against its stated aims.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the statutory adjudication legislation in Western Australia against its stated aims.

Design/methodology/approach

The four objectives of the Western Australia Construction Contracts Act 2004 were identified. For each objective a number of criteria has been devised. In total, 22 registered adjudicators were interviewed, representing 28 per cent of all adjudicators in Western Australia. The interviewees were divided into two groups, one with legal background (being both lawyer and adjudicator), the other without (construction professionals). They were asked to evaluate the criteria against a five-point Likert scale in addition to open ended comments. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine whether there were significant differences between the two groups. Annual reports of Building Commissioner, database of the WA State Administrative Tribunal and some law cases were also referred to.

Findings

It is found that the West Coast Model is fair to both parties, the adjudications are generally completed speedily according to the prescribed timeframe, and they have been conducted in various levels of formalities. Adjudications are very cost effective for larger claims. However, they are not so for smaller claims. The increasing uptake rate shows that adjudication is getting more popular, while the low appeal rate shows that decisions on dismissal are fair.

Research limitations/implications

The adjudicators’ opinions are only part of the overall picture and that more research on this topic needs to be done.

Originality/value

There have been two distinct legislative models in Australia, commonly known as East Coast Model and West Coast Model. A number of authors have called for a national dual model incorporating both current models. However, it might be too early to discuss the national dual model when there have been very few evaluations on the West Coast Model and among the few there have been problems in the research design. This paper seeks to bridge the gap by evaluating the West Coast Model against its stated aims.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 May 2008

Sui‐Pheng Low, Junying Liu and John Lim

Where buildability is concerned, the six total building performance (TBP) mandates are seldom taken into consideration.. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship…

1447

Abstract

Purpose

Where buildability is concerned, the six total building performance (TBP) mandates are seldom taken into consideration.. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between buildability and the two TBP mandates of thermal performance and building integrity performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A real life case study of a worker dormitories building project was used as the base model for analysis. A breakdown of the buildability scores for the project was first noted. Thereafter, the TBP guidelines relating to thermal performance and building integrity performance were incorporated into the base model and the buildability scores were recomputed.

Findings

Following the thermal performance guidelines, a negative relationship with buildability was observed. However, a positive result was established between the building integrity performance guidelines and buildability. The different relationships occurred due to the different aspects of the base model that needed to be changed to conform to the guidelines for both mandates.

Practical implications

It appears that the incorporation of guidelines for any one of the six TBP mandates will yield different results depending on the situation. This was the case for both thermal performance and building integrity performance in the present study.

Originality/value

The paper establishes the relationship between the TBP mandates of thermal performance, building integrity performance and buildability for the first time, which is beneficial to building designers.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1996

James Loesch and David Hammerman

Relates how partnering between public and private participants can transform the process of obtaining construction permits and ensuring building code compliance into a…

Abstract

Relates how partnering between public and private participants can transform the process of obtaining construction permits and ensuring building code compliance into a co‐operative pursuit of common objectives. States use of partnering techniques between the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) of Howard County, Maryland, and The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a large research facility in Howard County. Argues that experience in designing and setting up a partnering process for building code compliance may be of interest to anyone with a large campus and a need to reconfigure and renovate space regularly; as well as to local officials responsible for monitoring building code compliance for such facilities: for example, large corporate and manufacturing facilities, hospitals, or college and university campuses.

Details

Facilities, vol. 14 no. 10/11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2022

Andrew Ebekozien, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Clinton Aigbavboa and Andrew I. Awo-Osagie

The cost of residential building maintenance can harmfully affect low-income earners' expenditure if not checked. A customised maintenance concept via a framework will ensure…

Abstract

Purpose

The cost of residential building maintenance can harmfully affect low-income earners' expenditure if not checked. A customised maintenance concept via a framework will ensure efficient and proper building maintenance operations. The outcome may keep the life cycle cost down. Studies concerning the low-cost housing (LCH) maintenance concept through a framework are scarce in Malaysia. Thus, the study aims to investigate the state of LCH and develop a framework to improve LCH maintenance practices in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a soft system methodology (SSM) to comprehend Malaysia's LCH building maintenance practices. The SSM allowed an alternative approach to improve LCH maintenance practices via a developed framework. Virtual interviews were conducted with experts, and findings were presented. It was in line with the SSM seven steps.

Findings

The findings show that apart from the poor state of LCH maintenance, there is the absence of a framework to improve maintenance practices, especially in LCH across Malaysia's cities. The findings developed a framework that would reposition the joint management body and management corporation in collaboration with the proposed maintenance agency for better service delivery via substantive, technical and administrative aspects.

Research limitations/implications

This study's data collection is restricted to Pulau Pinang, Kuala Lumpur and Johor through a qualitative research design approach. Future research is needed to consider more extensive coverage and validate the developed framework from this study via a quantitative research design.

Practical implications

Apart from the conceptual model that was developed, the suggested framework can be employed by Malaysia's maintenance practitioners and policymakers as a guideline to improve LCH building maintenance practices across the cities.

Originality/value

This study examined Malaysia's LCH maintenance practices via SSM to identify the state of the houses, identify the information required and propose a suitable framework to improve Malaysia's LCH maintenance practices.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Alice Christudason

From 1967, responsibility for the maintenance and management of common property in strata developments in Singapore was borne by single‐tier management corporations. However from…

1489

Abstract

Purpose

From 1967, responsibility for the maintenance and management of common property in strata developments in Singapore was borne by single‐tier management corporations. However from 2005, through the concepts of multi‐tier management corporations and limited common property, new legislation made sweeping changes to the way in which common property can be managed. This paper aims to discuss the present situation

Design/methodology/approach

First, the problems inherent in the existing system of single‐tier management corporations for strata property management until 2005 are examined. This provides a backdrop for a discussion of the solutions presented by new legislation in the form of “two/multi‐tier” management corporations.

Findings

The study reveals that while the multi‐tier system could alleviate some of the problems existing under the single‐tier management corporation system, other problems could arise; these include increased operational costs, finding sufficient volunteers for the multi‐tier management corporations, and increased potential for conflict.

Practical implications

There are practical implications for various parties including subsidiary proprietors, management corporations, developers and managing agents. Developers and property owners now have certain flexibilities that were not available under the single‐tier system. Evaluation of the potential problems can result in greater efficiency and cost savings.

Originality/value

While this paper is of general interest to all types of strata developments, it is of particular relevance to mixed‐use developments, which may benefit from multi‐tier management corporations. The paper draws on the experiences of other jurisdictions, which have implemented similar systems and introduced measures to minimize some potential problems.

Details

Property Management, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2010

Lan Yuan Lim

The sale of a strata titled development collectively by individual owners is a unique experience in Singapore's real estate industry. This collective sale process is legislated by…

771

Abstract

Purpose

The sale of a strata titled development collectively by individual owners is a unique experience in Singapore's real estate industry. This collective sale process is legislated by law, which allows dilapidated developments to be redeveloped to take advantage of the site potential. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the nature of strata titled developments, the collective sale process and the various valuation issues encountered.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach is adopted to illustrate the mechanics and the difficulties involved in the collective sale process. The different methods of valuation used to arrive at a fair distribution of the sale proceeds are illustrated.

Findings

The study reveals the appropriate methods of distribution of sales proceeds to be used under different circumstances. A few managerial implications arise from the study. These include the need to adopt a fair and reasonable attitude when approaching collective sales and to be in touch with the property market and the target market in order to arrive at a reasonable distribution method of the sale proceeds in order to satisfy the various stakeholders in the development.

Originality/value

The study provides an overall framework on how future collective sales in Singapore can be successfully conducted.

Details

Journal of Property Investment & Finance, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-578X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2021

Hong Kok Wang, Gabriel Hoh Teck Ling and Xuerui Shi

To date, low-cost housing held under the common-property regime is faced with various collective action or management issues in relation to common facilities. Understanding and…

Abstract

Purpose

To date, low-cost housing held under the common-property regime is faced with various collective action or management issues in relation to common facilities. Understanding and unpacking key collective action components in a multi-dimensional and systematic fashion that help explain the status quo of the complex low-cost housing management is crucial, particularly in identifying potential factors contributing to the suboptimal self-governing outcome. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the collective action of low-cost housing in Malaysia using Ostrom's institutional analysis development and social-ecological system framework (IAD-SES framework) as a theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a mixed-method research design was adopted where issues relating to the management of common properties of low-cost housing were identified in the Malaysian context. Second, the components of Ostrom's IAD framework relevant to collective action were identified. Third, after interviewing six experts in the housing industry via semi-structured interviews, two more components (historical development/adaptability to new environment and ethnicity) were added to the questionnaire survey. From here, 633 respondents who lived in four low-cost housings in Kuala Lumpur from 1,598 households were surveyed in 2012. We then merged the IAD framework with the SES framework. Factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha analysis were conducted to uncover the underlying variables and the social ecological clusters that they belonged.

Findings

With average Cronbach's alpha of 0.83, the seven key SES components identified are able to cumulatively explain 71% variance of local collective action components. Based on the cumulative percentage explained, the top five key SES components are as follows: context (social, economic and political settings); ethnicity; outcome; resource system; and users characteristics.

Originality/value

This study identifies key components related to the collective action issues of low-cost housing management, where two additional components were also suggested to be added to the SES framework. Apart from the theoretical contribution, the study, serving as insights and potential solutions, is also of practical significance to the existing management practices of low-cost housing in Malaysia where policymakers and management corporations may prioritize primary SES components, helping them govern common properties more efficiently.

Details

Property Management, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2009

Alice Christudason

In the light of the property relativist theory, the purpose of this paper is to review the impact of radical amendments to strata legislation in Singapore in 1999 which, together…

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Abstract

Purpose

In the light of the property relativist theory, the purpose of this paper is to review the impact of radical amendments to strata legislation in Singapore in 1999 which, together with changes to the planning framework, stimulated private‐sector led redevelopment in Singapore. This was achieved through the introduction of majority rule (rather than unanimity) in collective sales (CS) of strata developments. The paper also addresses the issue of how a balance can be achieved between the property rights of majority and minority strata owners.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses case‐studies, planning provisions, and data on property transactions to analyse the effectiveness of the measures taken to address Singapore's land‐scarcity problem. Legal terms and their significance are addressed in a manner that will also be comprehensible to a non‐legally trained readership.

Findings

The cases demonstrate attempts by the authorities to clarify, and to provide a better balance to, the position of those whose property rights had been sacrificed at the altar of redevelopment and urban rejuvenation in Singapore. Nevertheless, there still remain numerous pockets of resistance to CS. These still need to be addressed to reassure the minority in the context of the property relativist theory.

Research limitations/implications

The continued groundswell of protests against collective sale means that there are further issues that need to be addressed to mitigate the plight of the minority. The response of parliament has been reactive, but it remains to be seen whether the minority's concerns have been adequately addressed.

Originality/value

The analysis of the cases, whose decisions turned on the authorities' interpretation of the controversial legislation, is instructive. These can provide valuable pointers for policy makers in other jurisdictions contemplating urban rejuvenation. The twin issues that are dealt with relate to how private‐sector redevelopment can be incentivised through planning measures, without riding roughshod over individuals' private property rights.

Details

International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1450

Keywords

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