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Koto in Brief: FAQS

Q:
A:
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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 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, architects, scientists, agriculture 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 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, walls, 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 specifically designed for Projects focused on eliminating poverty. The Cure Program
combines manufacturing thousands of quality homes for communities, with specialty Signature package programs
that incorporate : Housing, Food Security and Job Creation.
Q: How quickly can a Koto Housing Project complete with the Food and Job package take to complete?
A: On average the programs are completed in 100 days once land is made available by 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 the poverty stricken people selected by the government.
Q: What accreditations are known with the Koto Humanitarian 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 Kotos Rimbunan Kaseh Projects (translation - a Touch of Love) were voted the
best in the world so far. Reuters, Consolidated Press, Al Jazeera, BBC all visited and also supported it as the best package
they have seen.
Q: Can I build 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 a series of Flexible Forms, are there standards sizes that allows me flexibility of design in modules?
A: Yes correct, standard modules are available in both Horizontal and Vertical Forms for easy 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) for international shipping because
if we need to fly and accommodate a trainer to train local people in the correct installation procedures it is out of the question
for one house.
Q: What is a Koto Hybrid Structure?
A: Its a dry construction material and methodology thats ideal for remote locations, however, it still uses the traditional
Registered Koto composites for fast installation.

There is also a further option model that includes a unique solar system for uninterrupted power.
Q: How long have Koto products been tested in the market place under various weather conditions?
A: Since 1974
Q: Do termites damage the substrate like wood?
A: There is No Nutriment for 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 has for Low Cost Housing and can you designs for different cultures?
A: Koto has full design flexibility for any cultural needs however, below would be the most popular designs in this area.

Q: These look like up-market housing, not Low 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.
Q: Could one of the above homes be shipped in one (1) container?
A: Yes, all Koto structural panels for the above, and the ancillary joint materials will fit into one 40ft container.
(average 3 bed 2 bath 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 my own architectural finishes, textures, or granite and marble over the pre-finished Koto Panels?
A: Yes, you can and the additional cost will lift the home value into the next market segment, however the building system will
Still be the same.
Q: I understand Koto 8 can be quickly changed into a Shear-Wall System what needs to be changed to achieve this?
A: 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 into a shear wall construction
in a matter of seconds.
Q: What are the fire ratings for the material used in Koto 8 Panels?
A: We have many options for zero 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.

Q: What is the life span of the Koto systems?


A: As the Koto structure is fully protected and the material is not bio-degradable, the life span exceeds conventional
construction materials which are subject to moisture migration frequently affecting conventional construction materials.

Q: What is the 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 demand 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.
Note: The world is adopting the Euro Code of Construction, even America. Euro code is in most countries already but not fully
enforced, and therefore Thermal Resistance in the future will be standardised and recognised world-wide as a U-value.

Q: What is the fastest panel configuration to install if I decide to use energy 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 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.

Q: In many locations 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.
Q: Do I need to erect full scaffolding like conventional flooring for the Koto Floor-Deck System?
A: 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.
Q: Can I use Koto roofing forms for Mono, Flat or Gable roof designs?
A: 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 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: I have seen a Koto documents that describe Koto Floating Villas on water - Is this expensive?
A: The cost of the Villa is practically the same as it would be built on land, however the additional cost is in the permanent
Floating pontoon support system. A benefit for a developer who has 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.
Q: I have seen Koto documents that describe large 3 story Birds House buildings What are these?
A: 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: Its a dry construction Koto composite and a methodology thats 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 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 any methods for building on elevated land so I do not have to disturb the environment?
A: Koto Screw Piles are excellent for elevated or unstable soil conditions and environmentally 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.

Q: Do Koto have a High-Rise Vertical Food Tower?


A: 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).

Q: Can I invest in a Koto License to Manufacture Koto System for my country and what fee approximately for the
Machinery/License combined?
A: 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 fabricate 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...
Q: Is Koto interested in any type of JV or Development arrangement?
A: 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.
Q:
A:

Can the Koto 8 machinery manufacture all Koto components?


Thats 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.
Thats 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 globalsolutions@kotocorp.com

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