SETIA ALAM, SELANGOR – S P Setia officially launched D’Network, the world’s first solar-powered hybrid F&B hub, in Setia Eco Park, Setia Alam, today.
Stretching across 3.16 acres of land, D’Network is a realisation of S P Setia’s vision to build a green and sustainable hub that effectively runs on solar power. As the world’s first solar-powered hybrid F&B hub, D’Network is powered by 345kWp of hybrid solar energy, complementing the supply from traditional electricity grids. This hub is centred on providing a different class of unique F&B experiences through its offering of dining and retail, and an array of community activities that are all powered by sunlight. A balanced mix of tenants from various backgrounds includes F&B, grocery, spa, fashion, garden resources, delivery point and e-services.
“D’Network is created out of Setia’s vision for more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly developments. To diminish the impact of the environment, we chose to make use of solar energy as it is one of the cleanest and non-polluting renewable energy sources available. Staying true to our development philosophy, we strive to provide our patrons and the whole community sustainable live, learn, work and play experiences,” said Datuk Koe Peng Kang, S P Setia Berhad Senior Executive Vice President.
Setia Eco Park is the pioneer in solar power since 2007, with the capacity is estimated at 2mWp, equivalent to a mini power plant. During the day, photovoltaic cells in the solar panels transform solar power into electricity for usage in the common areas while the excess current will be injected into the national grid. At night, solar energy that was stored and what is generated by the solar power system is used for lightings, ventilators, air-conditioners, irrigation systems, musical fountain, as well as the waste composting machine which produces fertiliser for plants.
“Food waste will be turned into bio-compost through a solar-powered microbial compression technology in the near future. The bio-compost will then be used to nourish the beautiful plants you see in our landscapes. We create a Malaysian-themed garden, illustrating the type of beautiful flowers that can grow in the country,” added Datuk Koe.
The eleven tenants who have opened their doors to patrons are Grand Ya Lim Seafood restaurant, The Grange restaurant, Thai Odyssey that offers spa, dining and art, San Francisco Coffee, Garden Grocer supermarket, d’Global Cuisine by award-winning Malaysian culinary maestro and judge Chef Zubir, You & I insurance and shoes boutique, Liana & Dina bakeshop, Kotak Kopi restaurant, Community Garden & Services, and Mail Boxes Etc.
“San Francisco Coffee is proud to serve the thriving community of Setia Eco Park with the opening of our brand new outlet at D’Network. Our brand promise of serving great quality coffee, in a warm and welcoming environment, would blend perfectly with the lifestyle needs of the residents at this eco-haven,” said TH Lim, General Manager of San Francisco Coffee.
There are three cafes and four restaurants among the eleven tenants at D’Network. Patrons may choose from local cuisines at Kotak Kopi, cakes and sweets at Liana & Dina, flavours of the world at d’Global cuisine, a gastronomic experience at The Grange, lobster and seafood at Grand Ya Lim, and a variety of taste at Five Seasons Hotpot.
Another distinctive feature in this F&B hub is the world’s first solar musical fountain. Coined as the Symphony of Sustainability, the centrepiece charges up during the day using solar power to illuminate through the night, mesmerising patrons with its changing lights, water dancing, and melodious tunes. Songs can be chosen by the patrons in advance to give a different dining experience.
A popular French pastime can now be enjoyed at the first international Petanque facility located at the hub. The Petanque lawn set up with international standard lanes and equipped with high-quality boules will be a spot for outdoor fun specially catered for visitors to the hub. Pet owners will also be delighted to know that a pet-friendly park is also offered at D’Network. The park is thoughtfully designed with manicured greenery and propped with waste disposal bins for the enjoyment and convenience of both the residents and their furry companions.
D’Network enjoys the same serene and cool ambience as of most parts of Setia Eco Park where the air is usually 1 – 2°C cooler. As part of the hybrid F&B hub’s top-class experience, patrons can look forward to relishing in breezy dawn and evening walks. This is because Setia Eco Park is situated next to Bukit Cerakah forest reserve.
With just 3.7 units per acre, the award-winning Setia Eco Park is one of the largest high-end enclaves with low-density gated and guarded developments in Klang Valley consisting of semi-detached homes and bungalows. The innovativeness of the township is evident from the top-notch security whereby the entire enclave is protected by AgilFence System, an advanced perimeter intrusion detection system that is used to manage Singapore’s Changi International Airport’s perimeter boundary security.
Setia Eco Park dedicates 25% of its eco-landscape to parks, streams, and lakes while introducing nectar plants and aquatic reeds to recreate a habitat and nesting ground for the resident wildlife like birds, butterflies, and fish.