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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
BACHELOR IN QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
MARCH INTAKE 2014
SEMESTER 1
BUILDING MATERIALS – BLD62003
GROUP ASSIGNMENT
SITE RESEARCH REPORT
LECTURER – PN. HASMANIRA MOKHTAR
NAME STUDENT ID NO.
SHARON CHOW CI YUNG 0313387
LEE QIAN YING 0313749
CECILIA TIE SING LU 0314050
STEPHANIE YEOH SZE WEI 0318954
SRI HARIVENDRAN GANESH A/L SRI GANESH 0319578

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TABLE OF CONTENT
NO. TITLE PG NO.
1 COVER PAGE 1
2 TABLE OF CONTENT 2
3 INTRODUCTION TO CAFFÉ BENE (SUBJECT OF STUDY) 3
4 EXISTING BUILDING MATERIALS
- TIMBER (CEILING, WALL, KITCHEN & COUNTER)
- FAUX BRICK (WALL)
- HOMOGENEOUS MATTE FINISH CERAMIC TILE (DINING
AREA & KITCHEN)
- PLATE GLASS (EXTERIOR OF CAFFÉ BENE)
4~18
5 ALTERNATIVE FOR EXISITING BUILDING MATERIALS
- PLATE GLASS (EXTERIOR) → SOLAR CONTROL GLASS
- FAUX BRICK SIDING (COLUMN) & TIMBER CLADDING
(WALL) → WALLPAPER
- HOMOGENEOUS CERAMIC TILE (FLOOR OF DINING
AREA) → VINYL TILE
- MATTE FINISHED HOMOGENEOUS CERAMIC TILE (FLOOR
OF THE KITCHEN) → RUBBER SHEET
19~29
6 REFERENCES 30~32

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(1) INTRODUCTION TO CAFFÉ BENE (SUBJECT OF STUDY)
FIGURE 1.1 Logo of Caffé Bene
Source: http://caffebene.com.my/
The subject of study of our assignment is Caffé Bene. Caffé Bene is located
at Lot OB 5.G.2, Oasis Boulevard, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, 46150 Bandar
Sunway, Selangor. It was originated from South Korea. The café has a great
diversify of products ranges from coffee, Belgian waffle, Bingsu (Korean shaved
ice) to Italian gelato.
Apart from its quality food and drinks, one of Caffé Bene’s greatest features
is its extraordinary interior space inspired by contemporary cottage elements. The
café incorporates the use of multiple different types of building materials such as
timber finishing, ceramic tiles, in order to achieve a harmony and relaxing
atmosphere for its fellow customers.
FIGURE 1.2 The Front View of Caffé Bene

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(2) EXISTING BUILDING MATERIALS
(2)(I) TIMBER (CEILING, WALL, KITCHEN & COUNTER)
FIGURE 2.1.1 Various Types of Timber.
Source: http://www.estore.huphengwoodworks.com.sg/wordpress/wp-
content/uploads/2012/03/species.jpg
FIGURE 2.1.2 Caffé Bene Uses Mainly Timber as Their Interior
and Exterior Design

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Timber is one of the most frequently used building materials. It is durable,
flexible, and readily obtainable. It is an ideal material as it is easy to work with
and needs only basic skills are needed.
Timber is one of the few natural building materials. It is non-toxic so it is
quite safe to handle. Furthermore, human beings have been building and
constructing with timber for over thousands of years. Timber is renewable as long
as it is being grown continually. Timber is also low in production energy. A small
amount of energy is needed to transform the wood in trees to the timber used in
building.
Moreover, timber is a very good insulator. Insulation is essential in
decreasing the amount of energy used to heat and operate a building. This natural
insulator helps to reduce energy requirement specifically when it is used in
windows, doors and floors. Timber is adaptable as it can be used in many different
ways. It is easy to install and can be worked with simple tools because of its
lightness. This reduces the energy needed for construction.

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FIGURE 2.1.3 Red Meranti Used for the Wall Cladding of Caffé Bene
Source: http://2.imimg.com/data2/LN/BX/MY-1538349/meranti-250x250.jpg
FIGURE 2.1.4 Dark Red Meranti Used for the Kitchen& Counter of Caffé Bene
Source: http://www.woodsourcing.com/species/woodsourcing.com-dark-red-
meranti.jpg
FIGURE 2.1.5 Yellow Meranti Used for the Ceiling of Caffé Bene
Source: http://www.woodsolutions.com.au/dotAsset/68681248-266b-440a-adcb-
45b90684c79c.jpg

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The type of timber used for the ceiling, wall, kitchen and counter of Caffé
Bene is Meranti. There are a few types of Dark Red Meranti, Red Meranti and
Yellow Meranti. The properties are the following:
Common Names: Dark Red Meranti, Lauan, Philippine Mahogany
Scientific Name: Shorea spp.
Distribution: Southeast Asia
Tree Size: 65-130 ft (20-40 m) tall, 3-6 ft (1-2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft3 (675 kg/m3)
Hardness: 800 lbf (3,570 N)
Color/Appearance: Typically a dark reddish brown, or purplish brown: commonly
with white resin streaks present.
Grain/Texture: Has a coarse texture with medium to large pores. Grain is
sometimes interlocked.
Rot Resistance: Reported as moderately-durable to non-durable in regard to
decay resistance, but is susceptible to insect attack.
Workability: Typically easy to work, though any interlocked grain can present
problems during planing, and Dark Red Meranti is reported to have very poor
steam-bending properties. Some species may have a slight blunting effect on tools
due to small levels of silica present in the wood. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Odor: No characteristic odor.
Pricing/Availability: Meranti is widely harvested and available worldwide. It
should be moderately priced despite the fact that it is imported.
Common Uses: Plywood, interior furniture, general construction, concrete forms,
veneer, and boatbuilding.

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(2)(I)(A) CEILING & WALL
FIGURE 2.2.1 The Application of Timber on the Ceiling of Caffé Bene
FIGURE 2.2.2 The Wall Finishes of Timber in Caffé Bene

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The application of timber in the café allows sound absorption and
therefore the café will not be too noisy as the space is quite small. If timber was
not use on the ceiling and wall finishes, the café will be very noisy and full of echo
which will in return causing discomfort of the customers and therefore they will
probably not return to the café and thus resulting the decrease in sales of the café.
Timber is a source of good sound absorption because sound energy loss due to
friction is lower because of the lightness and its structure.
Timber is also widely used in the café because timber has good thermal
properties. Material often changes in size and volume due to the increase or
decrease in temperature. However, timber will not generally expand against heat.
With the effect of heat, the timber will then dries out and thus obtain a gain in
strength. Since the coefficient of the thermal conductivity of wood is very low,
timber is then chosen as the material to be used on the ceiling of the café.

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(2)(I)(B) KITCHEN & COUNTER
FIGURE 2.2.3 The Timber Kitchen & Counter of Caffé Bene
In Caffé Bene, timber is widely used material at kitchen and counter. The
used of timber at kitchen provide most antibacterial surfaces. Timber is the most
suitable material that can be installed in kitchen because it has superb sanity
properties. Timber has the presence of naturally occurring anti-microbial
substances. No other man-made material can offer this sanitary advantage.
Besides that, the wood kitchen cabinets in Caffé Bene tend to be fairly durable,
attractive and easy to clean.
Timber also widely used in the counter of the café. Timber lends warm
contrast to stone, metal and painted counter. This classic material provides
beautiful pattern and lines. Beautiful and natural counter will attract more
customers. It was because people will love to have outdoor and indoor furniture
that made of nice wood. Timber furniture in counter will also make nice focal point
and décor where people will look at.

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(2)(II) FAUX BRICK (WALL)
FIGURE 2.2.4 Faux Brick Siding Wall of Caffé Bene
FIGURE 2.2.5 Example of Faux Siding Wall
Source: http://howtobuildahouseblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Interior-
Brick-veneer-Wall.jpg

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FIGURE 2.2.6 Different Colours and Textures of Faux Bricks
Source: http://www.cheapfauxbrick.com/image/panels.jpg
Faux brick siding is used for wall finished of Caffé Bene. Nowadays, faux
bricks siding are relatively common compared to real brick siding. Faux brick is
also known as face brick. From the appearance perspective, it is quite hard to
differentiate faux brick and real brick. Both faux and real bricks have the same
aesthetic values but they both have their own pros and cons, after all they are two
different building materials.
Faux bricks, unlike real bricks require little materials to install and it is
much easier to install faux bricks compared to faux bricks as they are lighter thus
labour costs incurred is relatively lesser. Real brick on the other hand requires a
certain degree of experienced workers to install. Real bricks are much heavier than
faux brick, therefore incurred more cost in transportation and labour costs. As a
result, it is cheaper to choose faux bricks for aesthetic purposes compared
to real bricks.

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INSTALATION PROCESS OF FAUX BRICK
1. Measure the walls.
2. Cut the faux brick paneling.
3. Sand the edges of the faux brick paneling.
4. Use adhesive to put the paneling in place
5. Screw the paneling.
6. Caulk the screw holes.

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(2)(III) HOMOGENEOUS MATTE FINISH CERAMIC TILE (DINING AREA &
KITCHEN)
FIGURE 2.3.1 Homogeneous Matte Finish Ceramic Tiles of the
Dining Area in Caffé Bene.
FIGURE 2.3.2 Homogeneous Matte Finish Ceramic Tiles of the Kitchen in
Caffé Bene.

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FIGURE 2.3.3 Example of Homogeneous Matte Finish Ceramic Tiles
Source: http://www.myplace.sg/learn-more-about-the-different-types-of-tile-
flooring/
Homogenous matte finish ceramic tiles are both used as the flooring
finishing for the dining area and the kitchen of Caffé Bene. Although both areas if
the café used the same type of ceramic tiles but the sizes of the tiles used are
different. The size of ceramic tiles of the dining area is (6”x6”) while the size of
ceramic tiles of the kitchen is (4”x8”).

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(2)(III)(A) DINING AREA
Homogeneous matte finish ceramic tiles are chosen as the finishes of dining
area of the café because ceramic tiles are suitable for high traffic areas like the
dining area. High traffic areas could collect dirt and dust easily. Floor finishing like
ceramic tiles can be easily cleaned with just damp cloth. Besides that,
homogenous matte finish ceramic tiles requires almost no maintenance, its only
maintenance required is cleaning the surfaces when dirt and dust accumulates.
Besides being easy to maintain, one of the biggest advantage of ceramic tiles as
floor finishing is it comes in a variety of colours and textures. The dining area
of Caffé Bene is where the customers sit down and enjoy their food and beverages,
floor finishes with high aesthetic value is required. Beige colour (6”x6”)
homogeneous matte finish ceramic tiles create a contemporary yet relaxing interior
for the café.
(2)(III)(B) KITCHEN
Homogenous matte finish ceramic tiles are chosen as the finishes of kitchen
of Caffé Bene because ceramic tiles are waterproof. It is important for places like
kitchen to have waterproof flooring. Ceramic tiles do not corrode or rot when comes
in contact with for a long period of time, thus if installed in a correct way, ceramic
tiles can last for years and years. Moreover, ceramic tiles also have a high degree
of durability. Ceramic tiles are resilient to staining and wear, thus suitable for
places like kitchen. In addition, ceramic tiles are easy to clean, which is a plus for
kitchen when hygiene is a major priority.

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(2)(IV) PLATE GLASS (EXTERIOR OF CAFFÉ BENE)
FIGURE 2.4.1 Plate Glass on the Exterior of Caffé Bene
FIGURE 2.4.2 Example of Plate Glass Used for the Exterior of a Furniture Shop
Source: https://arhaus.knowbase.com/kbhireweb/images/arhaus_storefront.jpg

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FIGURE 2.4.3 Examples of Plate Glass Sheets
Source: http://www.franklinartglass.com/shop/category.aspx/float-glass/325/
Plate glass is a kind of glass which is cast in a solid plate, usually over a
roller process. The product is tremendously flat and free of distortions surface.
Plate glass is widely applied in aquariums, glass floors, basketball backboards,
safety glazing and commercial glazing for windows and doors. Plate glass is
suitable for the exterior application as they are able withstand a certain degree
of wind load. In addition, the plate glass allows light to penetrate it which
provides natural lighting for the café during the day time, Thus, Caffé Bene uses
plate glass for its exterior glazing.

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(3) ALTERNATIVE FOR EXISITING BUILDING MATERIALS
(3)(I) PLATE GLASS (EXTERIOR) → SOLAR CONTROL GLASS
FIGURE 3.1.1 Plate Glass on the Exterior of Caffé Bene
FIGURE 3.1.2 Example of Solar Control Glass
Source: http://www.argostarz.com/the-reasons-of-choosing-solar-control-glass-
for-home-or-building.html

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FIGURE 3.1.3 Section of Solar Control Glass
Source: http://www.glassforeurope.com/images/cont/116_6969_file.pdf
ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR CONTROL GLASS OVER PLATE GLASS
 Solar control glass is a high technology product that allows penetration of
sunbeams through the window or façade while a huge amount of heat
from the sun is being radiated and reflected away. Installation of solar
control glass on the exterior part of Caffé Bene helps the interior space
remains bright.
 It also provides a cooler environment that makes the customers feel more
comfortable while enjoying the food.
 For raise the aesthetic value of the café, coloured or mirrored glass can
be considered. The dual effects of special materials with invisible layers let
the daylight in. At the mean time they repel the sun’s heat.
 The elements of the solar control glass are usually double-glazed and also
have good insulation.

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(3)(II) FAUX BRICK SIDING (COLUMN) & TIMBER CLADDING (WALL) →
WALLPAPER
FIGURE 3.2.1 Wall Cladding of Caffé Bene
FIGURE 3.2.2 Faux Brick Siding of Caffé Bene

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FIGURE 3.2.3 Example of Wallpaper with Brick Patterns
Source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/216806169533417340/
FIGURE 3.2.4 & 3.2.5 Example of a Café with Wallpaper Finishes
Source: http://sandoraz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Coffee-Shop-Interior-
Design-Ideas-1.jpg

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ADVANTAGES OF WALLPAPER OVER FAUX BRICK SIDDING AND TIMBER
CLADDING
 Faux brick siding and timber cladding are not durable and requires high
maintenance. Wallpaper compared with these two building materials is
more durable.
 Unlike faux brick that requires special cleaning solutions that are made to
clean faux bricks, wallpaper can be cleaned with water alone.
 Apart from being easy to maintain, the cost of wallpaper is relatively cheaper
compared to faux brick and timber.
 Wallpaper comes in a great diversity of textures and colors that can be
incorporated with Caffé Bene’s contemporary cottage inspired design.
 Wallpaper is also easier to install compared to faux brick siding and
timber cladding.

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(3)(III) HOMOGENEOUS CERAMIC TILE (FLOOR OF DINING AREA) → VINYL
TILE
FIGURE 3.3.1 & 3.3.2 Homogeneous Ceramic Tile Installed in Caffé Bene

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FIGURE 3.3.3 Different Colours and Textures of Vinyl Tiles
Source: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/img/pb/695/549/710/710549695_848.jpg
FIGURE 3.3.4 A Café with Vinyl Tile Flooring
Source: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-
YzjHsPZZjhU/TiU3BIBNXZI/AAAAAAAAAeA/VgDkTQpaPrI/s480/100820-27.jpg

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ADVANTAGES OF VINYL TILE OVER HOMOGENOUS CERAMIC TILE
 Vinyl tile is widely known as the cheaper alternative of homogenous
ceramic tile.
 Though vinyl tile costs less than homogenous ceramic tile but it is comes in
just as many colours as its costly counterpart to incorporate different
designs.
 Vinyl tiles on the other hand are easier and requires shorter time to
install compared to ceramic tiles. It does not require skilled-workers to
install vinyl tiles.
 Vinyl tile’s surface is not as hard as and more comfortable to walk on
compared to homogenous ceramic tiles, thus won’t cause muscle fatigue to
those who stand on it for a long period of time.
 Homogenous ceramic tile chips or crack when impacted but vinyl tile does
not have this sort of issue.

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(3)(IV) MATTE FINISHED HOMOGENEOUS CERAMIC TILE (FLOOR OF THE
KITCHEN) → RUBBER SHEET
FIGURE 3.4.1 Matte Finished Homogeneous Ceramic Tile Installed
on the Floor of the Kitchen in Caffé Bene
FIGURE 3.4.2 Rubber Flooring in Kitchen
Source: http://www.spec-net.com.au/press/1012/dal_311012.htm

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FIGURE 3.4.3 Different Colours and Textures of Rubber Flooring
Source: http://www.lazeecarpets.com/images/rubber_floor_samples.jpg

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ADVANTAGES OF RUBBER FLOORING OVER HOMOGENOUS CERAMIC
TILE
 Rubber flooring on the other hand is a significantly softer surface as
compared to matte finished homogenous ceramic tiles. It is rather
comfortable to stand on rubber flooring.
 Ceramic tiles cracks when impacted by heavy loads while rubber flooring is
crack resistant. It is necessary for kitchens to have crack resistant floor as
some of the utensils in the kitchen are quite heavy.
 The matte finished homogenous ceramic tiles are quite slippery white
rubber flooring has excellent slip resistance which is essential as it can
be dangerous for the employees may slip and fall if the floor is not slip-
resistant.
 Rubber flooring comes in as a variety of colours which makes it
aesthetically as attractive as matte finished homogenousceramic tiles.

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