Koto in Brief: Q: A: * * *
FAQS
What is Koto: A number of different energy efficient “Industrialised Building Systems” (I.B.S.) that suit a wide range of applications from:Low cost Housing * Medium Cost Housing * Upper market Housing * Commercial Projects * Aqua Villas ( floating floating structures) structures) Resort buildings * Multi-level buildings * Extreme Chalets * Koto Hybrid Structures * Schools for remote regions Koto 8 buildings for seismic & cyclonic regions * Unique composites * Food Security programs * Reversing Poverty Packages and more…….
Q: Where is Koto head office? A: Technology Park – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Q: Who are we? A: Koto is a dedicated team of professionals from innovators, builders, engineers, engineers, architects, scientists, agriculture specialists specialists and entrepreneurs, all with a vision of Making a Difference. Team focus is on using their in-house technology to provide solutions for a better world in Housing, Food and Job security programs. Q: What is the most popular popular Koto system? A: Koto 8 because it can be installed practically anywhere and complies with any building code. The Koto 8 system is a series of flexible versatile light-weight insulated composite forms for foundations, wall s, floors and roofs from single level to multi -level buildings in either normal conditions or seismic and high-wind-speed regions, all conforming to code. Koto 8 is also used in Koto Cure Projects. Q: What is a Koto Cure Project? A: The Koto Cure program has been been specifically designed designed for Projects Projects focused on eliminating poverty. The Cure Program combines manufacturing thousands of quality homes for communities, with specialty Signature package Signature package programs that incorporate : Housing, Food Security and Job Creation. Q: How quickly quickly can a Koto Housing Project complete complete with the Food and Job package take take to complete? A: On average – the programs are completed in 100 days once land is made available by government, government, (50 hectares). We then Complete installation of all infrastructure, drains, 104 x 3 bedroom homes, 9 support buildings, installation of Farm and green houses, fishery and chickens plus training of t he poverty stricken people selected by the government. Q: What accreditations accreditations are known known with the Koto Humanitarian Humanitarian Projects? Projects? A: In 2012 the Global Science Community (GSIAC) invited Iris Koto (sister company ) to demonstrate to 140 member nations what has been achieved for large volume humanitarian projects for, an on behalf of, the Malaysian Government. At the end of the conference, Iris Koto’s Rimbunan Kaseh Projects (translation - a Touch of Love) Love) were voted the best in the world so far. Reuters, Consolidated Press, Al Jazeera, BBC all visited visited and also supported it as “ the best package they have seen”.
Q: Can I build high-Rise high-Rise with Koto 8 system? A: Basic rule of thumb is Koto 8 is ideal up to 7 levels. Anywhere after that the structure converts to a mix n match system whereby column & beam are used and the Koto 8 panels become the infill panels thereby reducing dead load weight. Q: If Koto 8 is is a series of Flexible Flexible Forms, are there standards standards sizes that allows allows me flexibility of design in in modules? A: Yes correct, standard modules modules are available in both “Horizontal and Vertical” Forms Forms for easy design, design, flexibility and simple installation - all with excellent energy efficiency. Q: Can I purchase Koto 8 material components, ship to my country and assemble myself with local unskilled labour using as much local ancillary materials as possible? A: Yes you can however, our policy is a minimum of 5 homes (except for special circumstances) circumstances) for international shipping because if we need to fly and accommodate a trainer to train local people in the correct install ation procedures it is out of the question for one house. Q: What is a Koto Hybrid Structure? A: It’s a dry construction material and methodology that’s ideal for remote remote locations, however, it still uses the traditional Registered Koto composites for fast installation.
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There is also a further option model that includes a unique solar system for uninterrupted power.
Q: How long long have have Koto products been tested in the t he market place under various weather conditions? A: Since 1974 Q: Do termites damage the substrate like wood? A: There is No Nutriment for termites termites in the Koto system and we have two options for prohibiting termite entry through any plastic intrusions or edge of the house. Our installers are trained in these two techniques - they are simple and stop termite entry without chemicals. Q: What are some of the favourite designs Koto Koto has for Low Cost Housing Housing and can you designs for different cultures? cultures? A: Koto has full design design flexibility for any cultural needs needs however, below would be the most popular designs in this area.
Q: These look like up-market up-market housing, not Low Cost/Affordable Cost/Affordable homes – How do they compete against Conventional Construction? A: To date they have competed very well, with good finishes, in South East Asia or Africa. They are fast to install and look similar to any other normal monolithic masonry home on the planet. Most people tell us they are refreshing in design and provide the occupants with a higher standard of comfort. If installed in developed countries where labour is high, the Koto system is very competitive.
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Could one of the above homes homes be shipped shipped in one (1) container? Yes, all Koto structural structural panels for the above, and the ancillary joint materials will fit into one 40ft container. (average 3 bed bed 2 bath small small 100m2 home)
Q: Can I tile directly onto the Koto Wall Panels in the kitchen and wet areas? A: Yes, you can tile directly onto the substrate provided as it is a flush straight finish of fibre reinforced composite. Q: Can I apply apply my own own architectural finishes, textures, or granite and and marble over over the pre-finished Koto Panels? A: Yes, you can and the additional cost cost will lift the home value into the next market segment, however however the building system system will Still be the same. Q: A:
I understand Koto 8 can be quickly q uickly changed into a Shear-Wall System – what needs to be changed to achieve this? Depending on the severity of the seismic or cyclonic condition in your country there are options that can be adapted to change the engineering dynamics whereby additional webs can be hand cut out to create larger vertical beams. Each Horizontal panel can be a bond-beam panel thereby converting the typical column and beam beam into a shear wall construction in a matter of seconds.
Q: What are the fire ratings for the material material used in Koto 8 Panels? A: We have many options for zero spread spread of flame whereby some panels are 2 hour fire resistant rated, others achieve ratings in accordance to Code, and for high-rise interior partitions we recommend Koto 7 Quick-Fix Panels.
Q: As the Koto system has high energy efficiency does it cost more? A: Insulating a conventional construction building can be an expensive exercise, whereas the Koto system is not because the insulation is part of the form.
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What is the life life span span of the Koto Koto systems? As the Koto structure is fully protected and the material is not bio-degradable, the life span exceeds conventional conventional construction materials which are subject to moisture migration frequently affecting conventional construction materials.
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Q: What is the R-value R-value of the Koto 8 panel? A: Under British Standard measurements, the 150mm wide Koto Form R-value is 5.6 whereas the 200mm wide has an R-value of 7.128 (U-value .82 for European code ) Thermal Insulation can be increased wherever the d emand is required. i.e. our Korean factory produces panels with R-values of 16.4 for the extreme cold conditions.
Right: Koto Adverse Climate Panels for Walling, Flooring and Roofing.
Koto Adverse Climate Panels can Be manufactured to any thickness with variable core hole configurations
Koto Adverse Climate Panels are Manufactured in heights of:300mm - 600mm – 900mm 1.2m – 2.1m or higher.
Koto Adverse Climate Panels like Koto Standard panels are delivered With the super tough Koto reinforced composite coating to both sides of the panel and like standard panels have male to female connectors to the top/bottom and left side/right side for easy alignment for unskilled workers. Construction, even America. Euro code is in most most countries already but not fully Note: The world is adopting the Euro Code of Construction, enforced, and therefore Thermal Resistance in the future will be standardised and recognised world-wide as a U-value.
Q: What is the fastest fastest panel configuration to install if I decide decide to use energy efficient efficient Koto system? A: At Koto we call it the mix n match system which is the fastest installation procedure. This simply mean you install a 2.1m high Koto Panel (same (same as door frame height ) around the perimeter wall by placing them over the starter bars onto the Koto JB Paste (joint bond) locking male and female together as the installer proceeds around the building. The selected top Koto Panel is then placed horizontally as shown on the drawing to the right. This is a Koto Bond-Beam Panel and is easily cut to suit any application. Just drop down the steel reinforcement as per the engineers shop drawings and pour the concrete where specified. Internal partitions can be the same mix n match method, or Koto horizontal panels can be used. Koto would recommend Architects to design in modules and this eliminates waste on building sites.
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Q: In many locations “Conventional “Conventional Construction” has a “Dead Load Weight” of 3,400 kg per m3 – what is Koto DLW? A: Where low wind speed considered normal the Dead Load Weight would be 320 kg/m3, whereas in cyclonic high wind speeds it could reach 390 kg / m3 pending structural engineers shop drawings. Either way the Koto system has huge benefits with its “Low” Dead Load Weight.
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Do I need to erect full scaffolding like like conventional conventional flooring for for the Koto Floor-Deck System? No, the Koto Floor-Deck has reinforced ribs and once placed you can immediately walk on the form without props, however, we do have different types for different applications.
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Can I use Koto roofing forms for Mono, Flat or Gable roof roof designs? Most certainly, and all forms are energy efficient. The flexibility in options are far too large to explain fully here so this is Usually shared with the licensee of Koto products for his particular country.
Q: How many workers are required to install install a Koto home as seen on utube in 7 days? A: 7 unskilled men installed the 3 bedroom x 2 bathroom 90 m2 home complete with plumbing & electrical painting etc. Q: A:
I have seen a Koto documents that describe “Koto Floating Villas” on water - Is this expensive? The cost of the Villa is practically the same as it would be built on land, however the additional cost is in the permanent permanent Floating pontoon support system. system. A benefit for a developer who has water water space available simply means more real estate is created and usually the developer will consider the cost of the pontoons as comparable to the cost of normal infrastructure.
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I have seen Koto documents that describe large large 3 story “Birds House” buildings – What are these? These buildings are for swiftlet birds to nest. Owners harvest the nests for their customers in China. Typical 70 x 30 x 3 story Birds House buildings are erected in 21 days. The birds prefer insulated Koto structures obviously because the environment is far more comfortable compared to using traditional building materials. Owners say their yields of nest have increased up to 300 % just by using the Koto system.
Q: What is a Koto Hybrid Structure? A: It’s a dry construction Koto composite and a methodology th at’s ideal for remote locations where concrete and reinforcing steel are time consuming, hard to transport, wet & messy or, just plain hard to come by or organise. Koto Hybrid Structures are considered as ‘flat -pak’ systems built buildings , and a typical 100m2 home can be installed in 4-6 days. Q: Does Koto have a Koto Solar oto Solar Energy system? A: Yes our Koto 8 and Koto Hybrid Structures are easily fitted with our Koto Hybrid Solar system to provide an “Uninterrupted Power” supply. The Koto Hybrid Solar does not require an inverter and is typically considered as an off-the-grid system. There are several packages to choose from to suit practically any home owner or occupant. The Koto Solar system is “Unique” and is NOT your general Crystalline type Q: Does Koto have have any methods for building building on elevated land so I do not have have to disturb the environment? A: Koto Screw Piles are excellent for elevated or unstable soil conditions and environmentally conscious conscious sites. The 3 level Chalets shown are constructed on the side of a 60 degree mountain incline without the use of conventional piling. Had conventional piling been used the whole rain forest and mountain side would have been destroyed. By using Koto screw piles environmental damage can be avoided resulting in no loss of trees, shrubs and animal habitats, no damage to the terrain and the land owner retained a perfect environment.
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Do Koto have a High-Rise High-Rise Vertical Vertical Food Tower? We have a Vertical Village for “Urban Transformation” in the planning stage. Once approved it will be fully sustainable and generate its own energy and water with high-yield crops, accommodation and holistic centre. (Stay Tuned).
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Can I invest in a Koto License to Manufacture Manufacture Koto System for my country and what fee approximately approximately for the Machinery/License combined? Firstly we need to establish the volume of housing is required for a territory. We then calculate the machine specs with some ramp-up speeds based upon a daily 8 hour output. ( However, the machines are capable of working double or 24/7 shifts if required ) Usually the investment is around USD 4 – 5 million for an excellent facility. The equipment takes approximately 3 months to fabricat e and ship pending which country – we then install the equipment and train locals how to operate. Furthermore we train contractors how to install. The investor will enter into a license agreement with Koto that allows him/her to manufacture the Koto products under License to insure quality control is maintained...
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Is Koto Koto interested in any type of JV or Development arrangement? We are always open to look at any ‘Fair Proposals’ that will bring affordable housing to the masses and the wonderful aspect of the Koto systems is, investors can run with profitable housing AND humanitarian housing “In -parallel” using the same repeatable quality system. If the proposed JV party can secure a minimum of 2,000 homes contract we would consider investing or joint venturing in a country. The nature of country, its stability, environs and attitude of the JV partner can resolve many of a countries issues and essentially prevent any social unrest occurring.
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Can the Koto Koto 8 machinery manufacture all Koto components? That’s correct – essentially the Koto manufacturing and installation systems can provide investors or JV partners many simplified option than we cannot possibly explain in a short document like this. That’s why people and governments who are seriously looking for solutions visit our Kuala Lumpur office to acquire a better understanding and knowledge about the Benefits and Flexibility the Koto systems offer. In one (1) day they will be fully equipped to make better decisions to bring about positive change and make a new Game Changer for their respective country.
This includes either “ Large Volume Housing”, OR, the Koto Cure package of:Koto energy efficient housing Food Security Job Creation programs
Or Optionally:Floating Villas Extreme chalets Schools Koto Hybrid Structures Medium market homes Up-market housing Renovations Resorts Remote projects Complete townships and communities, Reversing Poverty and more…….
KOTO
Where Miracles Happen www.kotocorp.com
[email protected]
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