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THE RUMA HOTEL AND RESIDENCES
KEY INFO: KEY INFO:
Interior Builder
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Jalex Sdn Bhd
Project Area 4,000 m 2
Delivery Period 72 weeks
MIID REKA AWARDS 2019 - SILVER AWARD WINNER - HOSPITALITY THE RUMA HOTEL AND RESIDENCES
Nested amongst the
hustle and bustle of the heart of the city, lays a nondescript high rise hotel and residence, that quietly opened its doors in February 2019.
Avoiding fanfare and ostentation that many new businesses are guilty of speaks volumes for RuMa, a unique five star luxury hotel that prefers itself to be known through word of mouth. And plenty to say about it there is. A project executed meticulously by Jalex project Team supported in-house by its timber, metal and stone artisans.
Philosophy
RuMa, as its name implies, focuses on an exciting new guest experience; making a hotel without the stiff and strict rules and penances, a hotel that is truly your home. This can be encapsulated by the check-in and check-out times, or the lack of them. RuMa’s freedom of being at home means guests can check in as early as 6:00am and check out as late as 10:00pm without needing to book an additional night’s stay.
Guests are further welcomed by their favourite drinks and snacks in their minibar at no extra-charge.
The Journey and the Design
Coming in or out at extreme early or late hours would typically mean early morning grumbling or late night exhaustion, at RuMa guests are met not with the harsh bright lights of a typical hotel but ushered in through a low profile porte-cochere and into an antechamber to balance the senses.
The “bird-cage” features the sound of running water and controlled indirect lighting that
Above: The spiral staircase has small mirrors reflecting light onto the steps.
Left: Colonial-esque era furniture play down the ultra modern interiors.
darkens during the night to help adjust from the chaos that is KL and its traffic. The cage is inspired by the birds in cages sent down to the tin mine of yore that is the foundation and appellation of our City of Mud.
The custom fired curved terracotta tiles that make up the 60 columns of the cage reflect a warm and red light unique to this material, while the columns are topped by 80 fins centered by a mirror that mimics the night sky through the reflection of the flicker candle lights below.
Stepping past large double doors onto the century tiles of the main entrance (that is also used in the sleeping chambers of the Forbidden Palace in Beijing), guests are treated to the spectacular sight of two amazing spiral staircases that connect the second floor and the ground floor. These staircases are homage to the city’s history, resembling a pair of drills digging into the earth. Meanwhile the flat copper effect ceiling that perfectly curve down at the edges not only creates a truly unique red cast of light onto the lobby but again hints to the metal mining past.
One can’t help but notice the amazing centerpiece titled “Kebayaku” designed and made by Bernard Chandran, a baju kebaya decked out in shimmering gold butterflies. The shock and awe turns to pleasant calmness as the Joe Chia custom outfitted staff leads guests toward the reception desk.
Designed with guest comfort foremost, the reception allows comfy seating whilst waiting for the rigmarole of checking in to be over. A sunken level behind the reception allows seated guests to be eye-level with reception staff instead of an imposing height difference.
Five copper chimneys, adorn the ceiling above carrying the address of the hotel at No.5 Jalan Kia Peng. The wall lights (another designer piece by the Flaming Beacon, that does work for the Chedi and Aman resort) reflect off the granite walls leading to the other end of the lobby, to the library. Filled with classic games like congkak, books and magazines, the library with its bright and cheerful tiles, and light interior gives off a more relaxed vibe compared to the more intimidating darker lobby. Similar design elements like the granite walls, and the timber strips connect the space without breaking congruity.
Climbing up the stairs, to ATAS, a funny wordplay that means up or colloquially high-class, guests are treated to a unique dining experience. No dry or soggy buffets are served here as everything including breakfast is made to order. Again granite walls lend a rustic luxury look, whilst the lighting works its magic to make everyone look good by mostly eschewing down lighting for diffused and reflected light.
Above: The 6th floor infinity pool, skydeck, Santai Bar and pre-function area are ideal for hosting events; or simply relaxing in, with the iconic KL Twin Towers as the backdrop.
Below: Surrounded by a handcrafted bronze water fountain, the design at the entrance is inspired by the birdcages that once held canaries used to check for gas leaks in mines.
Below: The Corner Studio is a spacious and daylight-filled room offering views that overlook Kuala Lumpur’s spectacular skyline. Right: The RuMa Hotel and Residences is a serene sanctuary in the heart of KLCC and captures the intimacies of a home run by renowned hotelier, Urban Resort Concepts (URC).
Bottom: The Librari is a good place for guest to relax, have light refreshment or afternoon high tea. The floor tiles typify the patterns of Peranakan homes.
Pertubuhan Perekabentuk Dalaman Malaysia
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