SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2015
WARMING UP TO INTEGRATED LIFESTYLE LIVING
Ekovest Bhd’s river-city project, Kuala Lumpur River City will showcase EkoTitiwangsa which is the residential component atop a platform of chic commercial spaces in the Titiwangsa neighbourhood. > P10
BREEZY CONVENIENCES UNDER ONE ROOF
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
mOre mixed integrated PrOjects are dOtting the PrOPertY LandscaPe tO cater tO the grOwing marKet demand.
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INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS this PrOPertY cOncePt can Be a vaLuaBLe tOOL tO cOmBat the harmfuL envirOnmentaL and sOciaL effects Of suBurBan sPrawL.
COMPOSITION OF A RHYTHMIC LIFESTYLE
Bina Puri’s new OPus tOwers in
KL LOOK tO excite LOcaLs and the wOrLd Over with its excLusive address and Offerings.
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www.starproperty.my
P19 www.facebook.com/starproperty.my
STARPROPERTY.MY SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2015
02
NEWS
ProPertY Fair SPectacUlar retUrnS to Johor BarU T Here is your chance to shop for your ideal home!
he next StarProperty.my Fair 2015 is scheduled to be at Johor Bahru City Square in Johor Baru. Property buyers and investors can look forward to an array of property developments from reputable developers, which include IJM Land, Tropicana Corp Bhd, Matrix Concepts holdings Bhd, Mah Sing Group,
Johor Bahru City Square
21 - 23 August 2015 10am - 10pm
For more details or enquiries call
03-7967 1712 / 1713
IOI Properties Group Berhad, Sunsuria Medini the single largest investment sector in Iskandar, Sdn Bhd, I&P Group Sdn Bhd, horizon hills, and not residential housing. “This is the sector that has been quietly Belleview Group, UM Land, UDA Land (South) gaining strength year after year, unnoticed by Sdn Bhd, Macrolink International Land (M) Sdn Bhd, Greenland Danga Bay Sdn Bhd, hua the investment fraternity,” adds Khoo. The other two speakers Master Paw and Dr Yang Bhd and more. First-time homebuyers, investors and Gambero will be presenting “Feng shui and you: even homeowners looking to upgrade to more how to select a house with good feng shui” and exclusive residences are invited to shop for their “how to win the property investment game: ideal abode at the fair that offers a broad range of The golden rules to become a smart investor” options such as high-end condominiums, landed respectively. Other activities at the fair include a survey properties and compact units. and a lucky draw. Visitors can participate in a The three-day event will also showcase quick survey at the StarProperty.my booth for a four property-related talks: Khalil Adis and chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite or a Master Sandy Paw on Saturday; and Dr Daniele one-year subscription of The Star e-paper worth Gambero and Ryan Khoo on Sunday. First-time buyers can get details on affordable RM350. Those who purchased property at the fair can homes from Khalil with his talk, “First-time and submit their sales order form to StarProperty.my affordable homes for Johoreans”. booth to participate in a lucky draw and stand “For Johoreans who had missed out on the a chance to win Senheng cash vouchers worth property boom in Nusajaya, Danga Bay and RM888, RM2,888 or RM5,888. Johor Baru, fret not. There are up-and-coming The StarProperty.my Fair will be open from areas where you can still find affordable homes. 10am to 10pm. Admission is free. For more “These areas are poised for the next phase of Iskandar Malaysia’s economic growth,” says Khalil. information, visit fair.starproperty.my Visitors that are interested in industrial property can benefit from the talk by Khoo on “Why PREMIUM PARTNERS manufacturing is driving a boom for industrial property in Iskandar Malaysia". Khoo says contrary to popular belief, manufacturing is
Talks during the StarProperty.my Fair Saturday (Aug 22, 2015)
Khalil Adis
Master Sandy Paw
Session
Speaker
Topic
2.00pm 3.00pm
Khalil Adis
First-time and affordable homes for Johoreans
4.00pm 5.00pm
Master Sandy Paw (Mandarin version)
Feng shui and you: How to select a house with good feng shui
Sunday (Aug 23, 2015)
Dr Daniele Gambero
Ryan Khoo
Session
Speaker
2.00pm 3.00pm
Dr Daniele Gambero How to win the property investment game: The golden rules to become a smart investor
4.00pm 5.00pm
Ryan Khoo
Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.
Topic
Why manufacturing is driving a boom for industrial property in Iskandar Malaysia
Shah alam to welcome iconic trio i-Bhd launches Icona, i-City.
BY Viknesh AshleY
1 Artist's impression of i-City
vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
T
he sleepy image of the Klang - Shah Alam region seems to quickly slip away, as the past decade has seen much growth in terms of infrastructure, connectivity and communities developing in this western corridor of the Klang Valley. The diverse zone has gained popularity due to the many changes and infrastructural enhancements being made here, evident from the many developers that have placed their footprint across this expanse. Some examples of the corridor's most successful townships include Bandar Bukit Tinggi by WCT holdings Bhd, Bandar Botanic by Gamuda Bhd, Bandar Puteri Klang by IOI Properties Group Bhd and Setia Alam by SP Setia Bhd Group. Joining the bandwagon is developer of the future, i-Bhd, offering a freehold 72-acre façade altering development dubbed i-City. At the launch of the project’s first parcel, Liberty Tower, Icona, property buyers were seen queuing up as early as four in the morning, eager to be a part of the future this property hopes to offer. In March this year, a second instalment to the towering Shah Alam development was
2 All units of the Icona collection are fully furnished featuring a "move-in" concept.
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launched. Parisien Tower, poised as the succeeding component to the Icona parcel, offers fully furnished, freehold suites inspired by modern romanticism of France. i-Bhd director Monica Ong explains, "This development offers unit sizes ranging between 466 sq ft and 769 sq ft with either one or two bedrooms, presented in either a standard or duplex layout." All units of the Icona series are fully furnished, enriched by a move-in concept following the theme of each tower’s respective name. They come with beds, curtains, wardrobe, dining set, sofa, kitchen cabinet with hood and hob, air-conditioners as well as water
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heaters while the maintenance fee is 33sen psf. Parisien Tower is equipped with facilities, featuring a swimming pool, gym, multipurpose hall and barbeque area aside from having a direct link to a 1,500,000 sq ft mall expected to open in 2017. According to Ong, Parisien Tower should achieve the optimum sales target envisioned which is to be fully sold by the end of 2015, having achieved over 60% of sales to-date, while the company prepares for the launch of hyde Tower, a long-awaited component of the development. The British-themed residence will be a conclusion to the Icona Series.
“This development is targeted at Malaysian property buyers as well as investors that work within and outside of Malaysia,” Ong adds, with regards to the buyer mix of the Icona collection thus far. The Icona series has a GDV of RM400mil, excluding hyde Tower. Residents of the exclusive development will enjoy being proximate to basic amenities, including a sports stadium, MSC Cybercentre, an international park, golf courses, higher learning institutions, recreational parks as well as existing shopping centres aside from being located in a mature neighbourhood. The i-City development will enjoy enviable connectivity to the Federal highway and Federal highway 2, NKVe, KeSAS, the Guthrie Corridor, eLITe highway, LKSA and proposed DASh highway. A proposed third LRT line will connect Bandar Utama to Klang, promising more efficient connectivity for i-City residents to other parts of the Klang Valley, with three KTM stations located close by in Shah Alam, Batu Tiga and Padang Jawa, readily connecting the area to Batu Caves and Port Klang. Ong concludes, “Parisien Tower currently sells from RM380,000 while Liberty Tower only offers some re-released units." The development is targeted for completion in 2018.
STARPROPERTY.MY SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2015
03DESIGN
Branded residences with a real difference
Renowned Hong Kong-based architect and designer Steve Leung brings his sophisticated brand of luxury to 8 Conlay. By SHERRY KOH sherrykoh@thestar.com.my
W
hen you buy into a branded residence, you are also subscribing to the developer’s definition of luxury, which is often brought to fruition through the designer’s philosophy and sensibilities. The concept of branded residences is not new in Malaysia. So, what was KSK Land’s approach for its branded project 8 Conlay, which comprises two towers of luxury serviced apartments, a nine-storey niche retail podium and the five-star Kempinski hotel? Answer: They formed a formidable group of creative extraordinaire to push boundaries and deliver solutions that add real value to a global consumer’s lifestyle. Together, they pored into every single detail and corner. nothing is an afterthought. This will be evident when its on-site show gallery for its first residential tower (Tower A) opens its doors on Oct 8. The residential towers are named YOO 8, serviced by Kempinski. What you will witness are design elements of the highest standard. After all, the interior design is created under the brand, Steve Leung & YOO, two revered names in the design world. YOO design studio was founded by property entrepreneur John hitchcox and superstar designer Philippe Starck in 1999. Their A-list talents worldwide include Kelly hoppen, Jade Jagger (Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger’s daughter), Marcel Wanders, and of course, Steve Leung.
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4 1 Type E is one of the largest units in Tower A. 2 Type B1 is designed around the “water” element. Upon entering, one is treated to the magnificent view of KL city centre, beyond the foldable doors. 3 The bathrooms feature different types of marble. 4 Leung is the creative director of Steve Leung & YOO.
highly curated luxury
a design virtuoso
Leung, 58, is a chameleon when it comes to creativity. he is an architect, interior designer and product designer. he was first introduced to the world of design by his uncle. Leung’s tone softens as he speaks of his uncle, “When I was young, I stayed with my second uncle. he is an architect and I would watch him work at home after office hours. he is my idol. he is really good in calligraphy. he is an artist. I knew that I was going to be an architect as well. It was very natural as I like art, too.” To Leung, architecture, interior and product design are connected, and one discipline should not be regarded as more professional or prestigious than the other. Leung shares, “Some would say that I moved from architecture to interior, and now product design. I think that it is the
other way around. I designed my own furniture when I was very young. So I often joke that I have been a designer for more than 50 years.” Leung also enjoys changing things up occasionally. For instance, he had the office repainted over a weekend and his staff wondered whether they had arrived at the wrong office come Monday. “I like doing these things. Design should be fun!” Leung chuckles as he relates his brand of humour. The surprises don’t stop there. he points to his colourful jacket, “This is my first time wearing this. I usually wear plain colours. Today, I suddenly changed my image. I told my staff that this is just the beginning, as I also bought a pink jacket!” While design should be fun, Leung is serious when it comes to augmenting commercial success. his entrepreneurial streak extends to his other passion – food. To date, he has six restaurants under his lifestyle brand, 1957 & Co. They are Gonpachi, Sushi Ta-ke, Mango Tree I and II, An nam and Bella Vita. Dining at any of his a-cutabove restaurants is a visual feast and a complete delight for the palate.
Leung will bring in a fresh lifestyle experience to 8 Conlay. Tower A of
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YOO 8 highlights the essence of nature as reflected in the eastern Chinese philosophy that incorporates the elements of fire, wood, metal, water and earth. The focus for Tower A would be on two elements; “water” (represents purity, fluidity and calmness) and “wood” (represents harmony and warmth). “Water” showcases lighter hues, while “wood” delivers more contrast. The apartments also feature other elements, such as brass and copper (“metal”), which lend a beautiful touch of refined elegance. There are 564 branded residences in Tower A, with built-up sizes ranging
from 682 sq ft to 1,295 sq ft. They are standardised in certain ways. All apartments feature an open-plan layout where the kitchen, dining and living areas breathe quality liveability. The outdoor area is also seen as an extension of the living room. Leung explains, “When the doors are open, we want to feel that the living room is extended to the balcony and beyond, into the surroundings. This is also a very typical Chinese way of designing, which is to borrow the view outside into the room and it becomes part of the room.” The luxury is indeed in the details and you will sense it when you live at YOO 8. Noted projects in Hong Kong by Steve Leung
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II
III
I Yoo Residence A high-floor, one-bedroom unit was sold at HK$43,000 (RM22,694) per sq ft, making it the highest-priced unit of its type in Hong Kong. II 39 Conduit Road The unit boasts stunning views of Victoria Harbour. It is the epitome of the high life, enjoyed by those with impeccable taste. III Sing Yin Chinese Restaurant Instead of traditional grandeur, this Chinese restaurant of W Hotel Hong Kong is designed to recreate the unique features of Hong Kong’s streetscape.
STARPROPERTY.MY SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2015
04
SPECIAL FOCUS
ChiC integrated lifestyle projeCts
Breezy ConvenienCes under one roof T HE property market is a dynamic place where new project concepts and plans are being regularly introduced to meet changing market conditions, needs and lifestyles of the people. The market is constantly evolving and undergoing changes to keep up with the trends of the times and also the environment in the market. Over the years, many new development concepts and trends have emerged that have heralded new way of living and lifestyles for the people. One of the big changes must be the introduction of high-rise living in multi-storey apartments and with it a variety of new development concepts, including projects that have a mix of residential and commercial components under a single development. One of the new industry fads that is fast catching up is the concept of integrated lifestyle projects that boasts of an arsenal of property products, facilities and conveniences. These projects have some common shared space for car parks and a variety of facilities and amenities for the residents. As such, these housing units come under strata titles instead of individual titles issued for landed houses. These strata-titled integrated projects have mixed use elements that incorporate residences with offices, shopping, recreation, entertainment, F&B, and other lifestyle facilities within a single development. More integrated developments are making their presence felt in the Klang Valley and in other parts of the country to meet expanding demand brought on by the growing population and a shortage of sizeable land parcels that are needed for more sprawling projects such as townships. In places that have ample land, especially those in the suburban areas that are further away from the cities, mixed integrated projects are hardly seen as landed housing units, traditional shophouses and offices are still the common sight around these places. As big parcels of land become scarce, more developers are resorting to take advantage of the higher plot ratio of mixed integrated projects that allow developers to build more units or have higher built-up space compared with the other traditional landed residential projects. Mixed use integrated lifestyle projects have become like a fashion statement in the Klang Valley and in many cities around the country as more such projects are being launched to cater to the growing demand. The concept of integrated projects is also gaining popularity among property buyers, especially the younger generation of buyers who like the convenience of having their needs within easy reach, preferably under the same roof as their residential address. This promotes walkability and more sustainable living for the residents, business operators and the other occupiers of these
Tropicana City in Petaling Jaya is a notable example of a good integrated lifestyle development.
By
ANGIE NG angie@ thestar.com.my
Angie Ng is the content editor of StarProperty.my.
integrated projects, as they can just walk to their destination without having to drive, or take the bus, taxi or train. Savills Malaysia deputy managing director Paul Khong says there is a growing trend towards mixed integrated developments on the demand side and coupled with surging land prices, especially in good locations, more developers are now forced to build higher strata developments. As an example, he says a 10-acre site with a plot ratio of 10 will allow the developer to build 4,356,000 sq ft of gross area. Assuming a 70% efficiency usage on the built space, there will be about 3,000,000 sq ft of saleable space available, and based on average sized service apartment units of 1,000 sq ft, the project will have a total of 3,000 units available for sale.
Khong acknowledges that integrated projects will usually take a much longer time to sell due to the large number of units available and their high density factor, adding that the project concept works well when the land size is smaller and the number of units does not exceed 1,000. However, in a sizeable plot, the developer will have to innovate and theme their products well in order to capture more sales. Lifestyle trends and project branding factors play vital roles in winning purchasers’ interests. “With the bigger built-up space of these projects, the developers can create more interesting offerings in their developments ranging from malls, office towers (including SoVo and SoHo) to hotels, service apartments, and other property offerings,
thus developing their project into a liveable and interesting entertainment, recreational and lifestyle hub. “A lot of city dwellers, especially the crop of young people from the Gen Y, are keen to stay in good well-themed projects especially above a mall and do not mind paying a little premium to enjoy real convenience and lifestyle living.” He says integrated lifestyle projects are getting very popular in the Klang Valley, especially among the working professionals and young families who are in the midhigh income segment. These developments provide good in-house facilities and a full range of amenities including offices, shopping, F&B, recreational and fitness, at the convenience of the occupiers. More of such projects are coming into existence due
STARPROPERTY.MY SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2015
to strong demand for these products. While in the landed property segment, gated and guarded township projects are gaining popularity, in the strata condo segment, he says integrated lifestyle concept now sells. And if the project lies next to a MRT/LRT line, it will be a major plus point and the ultimate for buyers or tenants, he points out. “There is premium value attached to such projects and many new developments are now emulating this concept. From an investment point of view, it is a proven formula as rentability of these condominium units is much higher, and this translates to better capital values and higher yields.
05SPECIAL FOCUS Tenants don’t mind paying a little more in rents in exchange for such convenience and lifestyle,” Khong observes. Although all the components are designed to complement each other thus making it a one-stop centre for all, the residential towers are usually pre-planned to co-exist within the shopping mall and the other commercial components, but have their own accesses and facilities demarcated from the rest. They are specifically designed with separate entrances, drop-off lobby, private residence entrance(s), exclusive car park levels, different set of guards and higher tier of security independent of the mall. Khong says a good integration of the various components in an integrated development that comprises offices, hotel, retail, residential/service apartments, healthcare and recreational spaces will promote proper work-life balance and a full and healthy balance for the residents and occupiers of the other components.
Trendy lifestyle According to Trinity Group Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Andy Khoo, the purpose of buying a property has evolved from merely for basic accommodation to having additional recreational facilities, conveniences and latest trends that signify status and lifestyle. To the discerning purchasers, location, lifestyle stature, real estate investment and capital appreciation are some of the key considerations when they decide to buy properties. As for the developers, it boils down to location and land size to determine which development concept to pursue. Within city centres, where land is expensive, Khoo says developers seldom have the luxury of large tracts of land (of more than 10 acres), and the developers would want to optimise the gross development value to compensate for the more expensive land cost. “Mixed integrated boutique developments will continue and eventually become a norm, especially for projects within the city as in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. “We are likely to see two common types of integrated developments that are within the city that have become a signature of prestige in terms of design, amenities and brand (premium residences). Those in the fringes of Kuala Lumpur, such as Sungei Besi, Old Klang Road, Seri Kembangan, Bukit Jalil and Puchong, have transport-oriented themes that offer mostly affordable and smaller residences of less than 1,000 sq ft with commercial, mid-range retail and F&B outlets. “Value enhancement is the other key objective for the developers to pursue such project concept. The developers are very much into this trend of lifestyle integrated developments to
“The projects promote live, work and play in a single location, allowing for high density living and reviving night life within these areas, reducing traffic and pollution with lower usage of cars, better quality of living with less time wasted commuting to and from the city daily, creating pedestrianfriendly environments within the vicinity and close proximity to all the destinations. "People learn to live together as a community and this promotes greater tolerance and interaction among the residents. “The main characteristics of these projects are that they are located in the city or have good suburban locations with high concentration of population, have well-themed architecture design and good lifestyle concept, promote community living with entertainment, F&B, health and recreational facilities at the doorstep. They are usually sizeable developments of at least 10 acres or more for a meaningful integrated project, good balance of the
meet current market demand of urban city living,” Khoo says. Sunrise’s Solaris Dutamas@Publika, Kuala Lumpur, has the concept of three-in-one comprising residential, retail and office suites that complement the whole development in line with the concept of live, work and leisure within easy reach and convenience. Such concept also enhances the potential of securing tenants and at higher yields or rental income. Currently, projects like Solaris Dutamas has become more of a lifestyle accommodation offering niche lifestyle living and conveniences. Meanwhile, developments on larger tracts of land (of more than 100 acres) like Setia Eco Park@Meru would have the benefit of parks for leisure and recreation, besides the convenience of a retail mall and private school, for a wholesome family and community living within the development itself. Khoo says the ambience and “feel” from features such as natural lighting, water features and natural cross ventilation are equally important in an integrated development. “Space to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee, place to mingle with guests such as a sky lounge are added features to incorporate the essence of a lifestyle living,” he says. Purchasers are now more discerning and would prefer more lifestyle of health and sustainability living concepts also. In the city centre, an integrated development such as Pavilion KL that comprises a shopping mall, F&B outlets, office and residential components, is acceptable as each has its own main entrance, lobby, and multi-tier security, including lift access card to specific floors and CCTV surveillance besides having security guards patrolling the area. “Such integrated development is in line with the concept of city living,” he says. Going forward, Khoo says connectivity via LRT or MRT (in the city) would be a prime development advantage and consideration by purchasers. Khoo points out that good central security control centre and concierge services for the residential blocks would be added steps that developers can take to enhance safety and privacy, besides separate entrance and CCTV surveillance. “The key differentiation is delivering service and the brand promise, whereby the personnel handling the security or concierge service must be well trained, resourceful, able to communicate, and above all, is of service to the residents and for the residents’ convenience. Although this is easier said than done, that is the challenge for developers to overcome and continue to strive to differentiate from the rest to live up to their branding.” Khoo says developers undertake projects after taking into consideration the location, accessibility and the traffic impact of their proposed development as it is a pre-requisite for a sustainable and marketable project. More importantly, these measures will ensure a project will command a premium value eventually upon its completion and the developer to deliver on its brand value. For small developments of less than 10 acres, traffic flow enhancement is possible. Citing the case of Trinity Group’s
Savills Malaysia deputy managing director Paul Khong.
Trinity Group Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Andy Khoo.
various components of residential, retail, offices and the others, and the target groups are the mid or high-end segments of the markets. Proximity to MRT/LRT stations would be a major plus point,” he points out. Khong says one good example of an integrated project is Publika Mall@Solaris Dutamas within the neighbouring developments of Duta Tropika, Duta Nusantara and Hartamas Heights. Due to its close proximity, Duta Tropika is very popular with the expatriate tenants, which has benefited its tenancy market and moved its capital values. The other notable projects that have been completed or are underway are KL Pavilion/Pavilion Suites/Banyan Tree/ Harrods, Pavilion Damansara Heights/ Damansara City, Tropicana Mall, Residence & Office Tower, Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Precincts, KL Sentral, Solaris Dutamas (Publika), Atria Mall and SoFos, and The Paradigm Office and Residences.
project, Khoo says as part of its CSR initiative, the company put up additional ramps and slip roads for its Zest Point@Bandar Kinrara project and also connecting a “missing link” by doing up the road connection for its Z Residence project@Bkt Jalil. This is a win-win situation for the purchasers, developer and residents within the vicinity, through better traffic flow and property value appreciation. Zest Point@Bandar Kinrara by Trinity Group comprising residential and commercial components, including two LRT stations within 500m radius, have appreciated in value by more than two folds since it was launched and when it was completed. The project won a real estate award for Value Creation in 2012. Another project by Trinity Group, The Zest Residence showed a 243% capital appreciation (from launch price of RM276,888 in 2009 to sub-sale price of RM675,000 in 2014), while the Z Residence recorded a 168% capital appreciation (from launch price of RM452,888 in 2011 to sub-sale price of RM760,000 in 2014). The ability to position the development as a landmark destination and location would enhance the project’s image and brand value. As such, the developer may choose to incorporate a branded or reputable hotel into its overall development to complement, if not enhance, the branding of the project that will translate to premium value and capital appreciation. Khong concurs saying that as in all projects, there are always pros and cons. And with mixed integrated projects, if a project has approval for high density, it is bound to cause some degree of congestion. Another issue is with regard to security if a project is not well planned and professionally managed. Khong points out that as long as the residential towers have good security with separate access for the residents and tenants, they will be willing to stay within the integrated development. Many would like to walk in their leisure to the mall to visit the supermarkets and shops or watch a movie without the hassle of parking. He says many developers are already providing a seventier security for their high-end residential components where safety and privacy are both paramount. The security system include guarded residences and visitors access control and CCTV monitoring, carpark access control and CCTV monitoring, lift lobby and lift car access control and monitoring, residential quadrant access control, home alarm system, common area guard patrol and monitoring, and online CCTV access and monitoring. On concerns of shortcoming of security and exclusivity in terms of main lobby and sharing of lift access, Khoo says: “Developers more often, would have separate entrance for each of this components. Ideally, where possible there should be a separate drop off, porte cochere for each of the components.” Given the appetite for new lifestyle trends, it will be a winwin situation for both the property buyers and the developers if holistic project planning, designing and building initiatives are adopted to ensure more sustainable build environment for all to appreciate.
STARPROPERTY.MY SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2015
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SPECIAL FOCUS
Integrated developments In Kl
Integrated developments are now built around a 'walkability range' system, creating a sustainable and liveable environment with a lower carbon footprint.
Expressway (NPE), SMART, KL-Seremban Expressway and Maju Expressway (MEX), residents and visitors will find it easy to come and enjoy all that the vibrant Sunway Velocity has to offer.
verdant sanctuaries
When it comes to escaping the hectic life that living in the city brings about, many people would think of short getaways to somewhere serene and where they can be one with nature again. But what if your home is already set amidst nature's lush green offerings that not only provide welcoming shade, but allow you to enjoy the tranquility without having to go away? Suez Capital has created a green vertical integrated development called KL Gateway. Having been GBI certified, it contains a rainwater harvesting system, clean air technology and brown field development among others. It is also surrounded by a verdant landscape that features outdoor tropical gardens and pockets of manicured greenery, all tied together by the Central Piazza, an eco-friendly iconic ring. This contemporary development, conceptualised by award-winning lead designer Ted Givens from 10 Design, sits on a 7.71-acre plot of land. It consists of residences, a 500,000 sq ft retail mall, an array of F&B outlets and corporate offices.
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he city of Kuala Lumpur is known by many names. Among them: the 19th most liveable city in Asia (according to Bloomberg), the city of lights, the city that never sleeps. But to many other people, Kuala Lumpur is a place called "home". Where once homes were landed properties located in sleepy, quiet neighbourhoods, today's modern home may be located at the top of a tall skyscraper in the heart of the hustles and bustles of the city. In the bygone days, developers created spacious homes surrounded by a host of amenities. Nowadays, you'd be hard-pressed to find something similar, as units are getting smaller due to rising costs and limited space. Residents usually need to travel to get to amenities, but this is not the case for the modern integrated development. Everything the discerning resident could possibly want is now located within a walkable range. Many of them now host various features such as entertainment hubs, hotel partnerships, transport convenience, active lifestyles and verdant sanctuaries.
entertainment hubs
Many modern integrated developments will build shopping malls and a host of F&B options for their residents to enjoy, but a few also include entertainment hubs. Mid Valley City by IGB Corporation Bhd stands out from the rest with their offering of retail, leisure, dining, entertainment and hospitality aspects all under one roof. Spanning 50 acres with not one, but two popular shopping malls (The Gardens and Mid Valley Megamall), this development also boasts two hotels, 224 residential units and office suites. It is the entertainment hub that takes the cake; from clubs and bars (Gravity Club and The Library Bar) to wholesome family fun (Black Bull, incorporating a western fusion kitchen alongside activity areas such as Brunswick bowling lanes, pool tables and private karaoke rooms), these are just some of the various leisure options that can be found at Mid Valley City.
Hotel partnerships
It is becoming evident that developers are looking for new ways to create integrated developments that not only offer a holistic and wholesome living environment, but also more value added services. They thus enter into partnerships with international branded hotels where the name of the game is to offer only the best in world-class services and bring luxury to a whole new level. 8 Conlay by KSK Land is a 3.95acre integrated development in a class of its own. Comprising three glittering skyline-redefining towers that range from 55 to 62 storeys, there will be residential, hotel and retail components. Exceptional brand partner Kempinski, Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, joins 8 Conlay to offer impeccable personalized services to guests and residents. Famous for making every five-star stay count, an unwavering attention to detail and creating precious moments, this heritage brand of hoteliers that have been operating since 1897 brings a sense of exclusivity to the entire development.
transport convenience
Getting to and from areas in Kuala Lumpur can quickly turn into a nightmare when peak hours and rainy days are involved. Public transportation is thus a relief, especially if it's located right at your doorstep. One dazzling development sprawled across 23 acres of prime freehold land sets out to prove that it's possible to have your cake, and eat it too. Being the only integrated development in KL with a direct link to two underground MRT stations (Cochrane and Maluri), Sunway Velocity by Sunway Group manages to create a perfect blend of all the components needed for a balanced lifestyle. It consists of a shopping mall (approximately 1 million sq ft), hotel, medical centre, V Boulevard (700m environmental deck), V Garden (2-acre Central Park), residences, shops and offices. With exceptional connectivity from main highways such as New Pantai
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1 Mid Valley City hosts a complete range of elements such as entertainment, retail, commercial and residential. 2 The glittering towers of 8 Conlay soar majestically above the KL skyline, marking a new chapter in luxurious living. 3 The only integrated development in KL with two underground MRT stations, Sunway Velocity is a thriving place. 4 KL Gateway is envisioned to be a peaceful green oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a busy crossroad. 3
By
CAITLYN NG LI YUIN liyuin@ ocision.com
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Sunday 16 auguSt 2015
Starproperty.my
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STARPROPERTY.MY SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2015
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SPECIAL FOCUS
By
NURUL ASMUI MD AZMI asmui@ ocision.com
THEMATIC InTEgrATEd dEvElopMEnTs
Developers have been incorporating themes into their integrated developments to enhance the surroundings.
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HE number of integrated development has been rising in Malaysia over the past several years. Integrated development is known to be on a smaller scale compared to township development, and it usually combines residential, retail, office and commercial components in one compact area. Living in an integrated development has grown in
Maritime theme
Inspired by Klang as a harbour city, Gravit8, an integrated development by Mitraland Group Sdn Bhd, will emerge in Klang South area to offer urban living, leisure, workplace and entertainment fronting a centrepiece lake. Phase 1 of Gravit8 was launched during the first quarter of 2015. Aiming to become a lakefront landmark community, Gravit8 will combine shopping mall, retail shops, offices, service apartments and hotel that blend seamlessly with aweinspiring elements offered by the lake, complete with landscaped surroundings. Sprawled across 13.9 acres of freehold land, Gravit8 is designed with a creative concept of maritime heritage to give a sense of nautical setting in what used to be a dull area of the Klang Valley. The modern design of Gravit8 offers residents a sense of freedom and metropolitan lifestyle. The maritime theme in Gravit8 is characterised by four different names: 1. Adria Adria is derived from the Adriatic Sea in Europe, which is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coasts and islands. Adria represents the lifestyle of vibrant new urban generation in a trendy location. The colours chosen are mainly red, orange and yellow to emulate the buildings in Venice. 2. Nordica Nordica got its name from the Norwegian Sea in Norway, which is a marginal sea in the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of Norway. Nordica represents a thriving living where residents can enjoy natural phenomenon of astounding lights. The colours, neon blue
popularity because most of the amenities and facilities are within walking distance from the residences. The integration of shopping malls and commercial spaces alongside residential development not only give residents greater convenience, but also offer a vibrant place for residents to live in. As more and more integrated developments are
and viridian green, are a representation of the aurora borealis (also known as northern lights).
1 An artist’s impression of the scenic lake at Gravit8.
3. Andaman Andaman, just like the Andaman Sea in Asia, represents a modern place to live and relax. Andaman Sea is a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean, which is home to exotic islands known as the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Andaman is where residents can unwind under pleasant violet colour that is derived from the Thai Orchid, a beautiful flower that grows abundantly at Andaman Sea.
2 Artist's impression of Gravit8.
4. Ashino Ashino originates from the name Ashinoko Lake in Japan, which is a scenic lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshu. Ashino represents the beauty and nature elements of Gravit8 with a colour that is inspired by the Sakura flower, cherry blossom pink.
3 Lush greenery environment of Tropicana Gardens. 4 The verdant landscape surrounding a soothing water feature in Tropicana Gardens. 5 The Radia retail inspired by the energetic promenade Las Ramblas, Barcelona. 6 Side view of the Radia integrated development.
resort-style atmosphere
Tropicana Gardens by Tropicana Corp Bhd is a resort-style-themed integrated development situated in Kota Damansara. The self-contained development comprises four residential towers, designer office blocks and hotel towers located above a retail mall. With a land area of 17.6 acres, Tropicana Gardens has adapted many green elements into its landscape to introduce a green environment for both residents and visitors. Each component in Tropicana Gardens is constructed with bold fusion of architectural elements to give unique communal space and lush nature landscaping. The unique combination of structure and nature, and seamless integration of these two compositions resulted in a stunning creation of a rooftop terrace garden, a winding canyon walk resembling a strip mall, verdant canopies by the MRT entrance and a surrounding that is complete with tropical greenery. Living in a resort-like environment of Tropicana Gardens, residents and tenants can enjoy a tropical breeze and ambiance, and also a picturesque view of the existing lake nearby, and the green meadow of the Seri Selangor Golf Club. Tropicana Gardens’ targeted completion date is by the fourth quarter of 2018.
Mediterranean sensation
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Jointly developed by UEM Sunrise and Sime Darby Property, Radia is an integrated development located in the heart of Bukit Jelutong in Shah Alam, launched in 2013. The name, Radia, stems from the Latin word "Radius", which relates to the convenient connectivity from the centre to the outskirt of the development. As one of the extraordinary integrated developments in the Klang Valley, Radia is an European-influenced integrated development that infused Mediterranean living with Malaysian soul to provide a whole new level of living environment. The development covers a gross floor area of 2.7 million sq ft, and is slated for completion in 2018.
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emerging, some developers have decided to infuse their integrated developments with unique and exclusive themes so residents, tenants and even the visitors can enjoy and appreciate a unique lifestyle for their comfort. There are many themed integrated developments emerging across Malaysia, and here are some of the new creations that potential property buyers can look forward to.
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The design of Radia is inspired by the French "Le Faubourg" concept ("Faubourg" means suburb), where it will cater to the everyday needs of its residents. Its premium landscape is conceptualised to symbolise a bounded area which harmonises the state of living within civic surroundings set amid lush greenery. The wide pedestrian spaces and retail promenade in Radia are inspired by the energetic and dramatic promenade of Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain, thus the two areas are designed with lush greenery resembling the vibrant city. Residents and visitors at Radia can experience the comforts of Mediterranean lifestyle, imbued with a sense of belonging found only in the most intimate of communities. The project will be a dynamic self-sufficient town, where it provides a residential area with a wide range of shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment amenities. It will be great to see more integrated developments with theme concept as it offers a unique design and exclusive setting for the residents as well as the visitors.
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VESTING FOR FUTURE TITIWANGSA
Ekovest poises itself at the heart of KL River City with a cutting-edge riverfront development, EkoTitiwangsa.
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BY Viknesh AshleY
vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
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HE Gombak River, once dubbed Sungai Lumpur, is an offshoot of the Klang River. The confluence of these age-old rivers is responsible for the naming of Malaysia’s most populous city as well as national capital, Kuala Lumpur. For now, the idea of recreation, let alone developing along these rivers, may be far-fetched due to a number of issues, such as the unbearable stench that these rivers give out as most of them are polluted. In the near future things may differ as Malaysia looks toward cleaning up its rivers, currently in a sordid state. The RM4.4bil River of Life (ROL) initiative by the Malaysian Government may just be the solution toward transforming the rivers flowing through the city of Kuala Lumpur. Property developer Ekovest Bhd is among the earliest to have emerged in thoughts with this movement, toward a more sustainable environment. Ekovest Bhd managing director Datuk Lim Keng Cheong explains, "We hope to take the lead in Malaysia, introducing a breathtaking river-city concept named “Kuala Lumpur River City” (KLRC) along the line of South Korea’s Cheonggyecheon River Project in Seoul, South Korea." Refreshing artist’s impressions of the mixed development envision a sparkling river teeming with water craft as well as people walking along its banks. Placed at the heart of the KLRC project is EkoTitiwangsa, a pioneer launch which is the residential component perched atop a platform of chic commercial spaces of a much larger scale development by Ekovest.
1 Artist's impression of EkoRiver Centre which is set to revitalise the Titiwangsa skyline. 2 Aerial view of the facilities podium at EkoTitiwangsa. 3 Take a glance at Kuala Lumpur’s impressive horizon as you unwind by the pool side. 4 EkoRiver Centre is the brain child of revolutionary architecture with environmental sustainability at its core. 5 Sungai Gombak, once its metamorphosis is complete.
The housing phases of the development will stand tall at 50-storey for its tallest tower, across a 2.91-acre plinth of freehold land strategically placed along Jalan Pahang. The RM600mil freehold development comprises three low-dense service apartment blocks, Tower A, Tower B and Tower C, respectively holding 240 units, 180 units and 270 units. Each individual unit of this riverside property is semi-furnished with airconditioning units, kitchen cabinets, hood and hob. The bathrooms are exclusively installed with vanity tops, shower screens as well as water heating systems. EkoTitiwangsa caters to a varied reach of property buyers, evident from its assorted layout offerings suiting the different and individual needs of each owner. Tower A offers types A1 and A2, other than C1 and C2 layouts, while Tower B offers residences of type A3 and A4, type B1 to B5 as well as type C3 and C4 while Tower C offers type A5 and A6, type B1 and B2 and type C1 and C2 layouts. “The unit sizes available to buyers
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range between 820 sq ft and 1,340 sq ft with most units enjoying an attached balcony for homeowners to enjoy the magnificent views of KLCC, exuberant views of the KL River City or optionally more calming views of majestic Genting hill,” Lim elaborates. This eco-centric development offers greener pastures, breezy walkways as well as relaxing spaces with access to a variety of hotel-like facilities, including a gym, sauna and changing room, infinity and wading pool, Jacuzzi, designated barbecue areas and multipurpose halls and areas. Additionally, the service apartments also come with a laundry, surau and a playground. “Residents of our revolutionary development can be rest assured a good night’s sleep as EkoTitiwangsa incorporates a three-tier, 24-hour CCTV surveillance using smart card access as well as guard patrol,” says Lim, stressing on how important the safety of future residents here is to him. EkoTitiwangsa enjoys a range of
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amenities, which include walking distance to the LRT Ampang line as well as the KL monorail, close proximity to established medical institutions, renowned colleges, popular schools, restaurants, retail options as well as banks. Once complete the development will also feature a direct tunnel link to the Titiwangsa Lake and Recreational Park. Getting to the construction site is easy as it is located approximately five kilometers from KLCC and enjoys links to most major highways such as the DUKE and DUKE 2, currently under construction, MRR1 and MRR2, The Sultan Iskandar highway and access to Jalan Pahang, Jalan Tun Razak and the Sentul Link. EkoTitiwangsa is now at its land clearing stage, enjoying 90% in sales for its Tower C – the project’s first tower to be launched. As of now, unit types A5, A6, B1 and B2 as well as C1 and C2 are selling from RM720 per sq ft with SPA legal fee and loan agreement fee absorbed by the developer.
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PEOPLE’s PErcEPtiOn OF intEgratEd dEvELOPmEnt
What to expect of an integrated development? This question brings out some of the fundamental views of the public. By Mangalesri Chandrasekaran
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ntegrated developments have become a trend nowadays in the property sector, as many opt to choose to live in such places. The key to this development concept is convenience of having many of one's needs available under the same roof. In a random street poll, Malaysians and an expatriate offer their views on what they like about mixed integrated projects.
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Lifestyle, Community & Security
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Integrated development is a lifestyle that encourages the residents to bond with each other as well as spend quality time involved in useful activities. reliable security features are one of the important aspects of such developments, together with the facilities and amenities that are at the doorstep. Instant access to shopping mall is something that I would love, and having such facilities makes living more convenient.
2 chandrasekaran murugasen & ranaka devi Kandiah Ambience, Convenience & Effortlessness
Things have improved greatly now as it was necessary to drive far for most things previously. The development of mixed projects provides ample amenities. This saves us time and effort to travel, since everything we need will be located within a stone's throw away. It also enhances community living as you must learn to live with hundreds of neighbours.
4 Jagathisan sivanesan & Zebedeus Henry Bakim
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Live, Work & Play
‘Convenience’ is the perfect term to explain how an integrated development works. Some of the mixed projects developed recently embrace the concept of live, work and play. This reduces the necessity to travel and help to curb traffic congestion. It’s the kind of development that the younger generation prefers.
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Efficiency, Vitality & Environment
The prime accomplishment of an integrated development is the clever and efficient use of space. This further enhances an urban area by making it the centre of attraction. as an expat living in Malaysia, I enjoy the vitality such development offers, especially the facilities and amenities provided to ease the life of residents.
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Modern, Quality & Atmosphere Integrated development provides a simple and hassle-free modern lifestyle, where some adopt an eco-friendly concept. The atmosphere is suitable for all walks of life, and provides the best environment to live. Many integrated development nowadays are focused more on offering good public transportation, as their main selling point is being located next to Lrt, Mrt or KtM stations.
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VIEWPOINT
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here is no denying it that Kuala Lumpur is bent on building the most amazing number of new towers in the coming years. In a recent article in The Star , Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib described these new towers as “Towers of excellence”. The structures with a collective gross development value running into billions of ringgit will be built at various locations in the city centre and are set to change the city’s skyline in the most dramatic way possible.
What are these 'Towers of Excellence'? Well, several areas have been identified for these new towering skyscrapers – near the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), the Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), Jalan Ampang, Kampung Baru, Jalan Kuching, Brickfields and Bangsar. high-rise towers between 60- and 65- storey high have been approved for development at Jalan Stonor and Jalan Conlay near the Petronas Twin Towers. They will eclipse the height of the current developments in the city. Other areas mentioned are Jalan Ampang, where a 60-storey tower has been approved at the location where the former mansion, Bok house, used to stand.
So what is this lifestyle and more importantly what are the Integrated Lifestyle Developments? The Collins english Dictionary defines "lifestyle" as a set of attitudes, habits or possessions associated with a particular person or group. Your lifestyle can be healthy or unhealthy based on your food choices, activity level and behaviour. A positive lifestyle can bring you happiness, while a negative lifestyle can lead to sadness, illness and depression. I believe lifestyle choices are made in order to achieve happiness. People make lifestyle choices to be physically fit – they may want access to a gym or be able to take their dogs for a walk around the neighbourhood. Or, they may want to have a healthy dietary lifestyle – access to fresh organic produce or healthy food choices are important. Others may want a "green"
LifestyLe integrated deveLopments and the pursuit of happiness
'The city is not merely a repository of pleasures. It is the stage on which we fight our battles, where we act out the drama of our own lives. It can enhance or corrode our ability to cope with everyday challenges. It can steal our autonomy or give us the freedom to thrive. It can offer a navigable environment, or it can create a series of impossible gauntlets that wear us down daily. The messages encoded in architecture and systems can foster a sense of mastery or helplessness.' ― Charles Montgomery, Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design
AN OPINION DATUK STEWART LABROOY Datuk Stewart LaBrooy is the Chairman of Malaysian REIT Managers Association.
Key elements of what an integrated lifestyle development should be to be socially sustainable:
It should promote both density and diversity A dense project without a diverse mix of multi-use tenants is counterproductive. Providing multiple living and work places in close proximity reduces time wasted while commuting in and out of traffic.
It should incorporate multiple price points Developers should consciously accommodate price points to attract the widest audience and provide a viable alternative to the seemingly low-cost allure of suburban sprawl.
lifestyle and look for accommodation which has a green agenda – recycled waste management, energy efficient appliances and lighting and services. Lifestyle may also include views on politics, religion, health, intimacy and culture. So when we do a “lifestyle development” how many of these issues are taken into consideration?
What are lifestyle integrated developments then? I think the term “lifestyle” is a loosely used term in modern-day marketing blurb. I find it particularly amusing as I subscribe to the view that I have a life and not a lifestyle. however the more enlightened architects realise that urbanisation of cities are here to stay as people are tired of spending a good part of their lives stuck in traffic jams in the city as they try to make their way home. But here is the problem. Most people who commute to the city prefer to live in
Proximity to a gym or an inhouse facility is an important part of a resident’s life.
It must have great spaces to relax, have a place for children to play that is within walking distance or be near public parkland.
It should have options for public transport Proximity to LrTs, MrTs, rail networks, major highways and bus services should be an important part of high-rise developments, especially if they are located away from the city’s business district.
It should incorporate features that residents will find useful If I ever lived in a condominium, I would like the building to have utilities and services that would make my life easier. Among them are:
Great coffee houses and restaurants within or in close proximity to the premises make for a great way to start and end the day.
the city but can’t afford to. They are forced to move further and further from the cities to find homes they can afford. In order to address the traffic woes, our planners have turned their attention to the idea of counteracting suburban expansion with targeted, concentrated urban development, marked by mid- to high-rise multi-tenant buildings with structured or centrally located parking. The benefits of high-density development have been widely touted, and include reduced congestion and vehicle emissions, smaller ecological footprints and long-term economic
A maid service should be offered as part of the development. Today, getting a live-in maid is impossible for the owner of studio or two-bedroom apartments being offered in the market. Maids are expensive and difficult to hire, not to mention the rising cost and the new apartment designs don’t feature a maid’s room.
A concierge service for residents of the building that could offer dedicated laundry services (wash and iron) and technical services (fixing stuff) for residents.
A daycare centre within or near the development for young families where both parents are working would be a huge benefit for residents.
Proximity to a self-storage facility where we can store our “stuff” as new condominium designs have very little storage space.
And lastly, common entertainment areas in the development – where residents can hold parties without the constraint of space.
sustainability with mixed-used buildings housing multiple tenants. These benefits though promising are far from guaranteed. In doing so, we must make these projects “socially sustainable”. A city’s productive capacity may not be the determining factor in its competitiveness but rather the city’s ability to be socially sustainable. What impact will these increased densities that we tout as solutions have on the community, specifically asking the question “is high density development socially sustainable?” Socially sustainable development requires us to look deeper. The purpose of progress is to improve quality of life, which can be defined as the degree to which societies provide living conditions conducive to health and well-being (physical, mental, social and spiritual). Quality of life is both subjective and objective, is much a matter of how people feel about their lives as about the physical conditions in which they live –that is where lifestyle and accommodation converge.
The development should be near happening places – accessibility to entertainment and food outlets after working hours is becoming more important to the new workforce. Their lifestyle choices centre on accessibility to a more dynamic social landscape. What is encouraging is that some of the top-tier developers are starting to offer some of these features in their developments, bringing us closer to what an integrated development should be. To stay ahead of the competition, developers should continue to look at expanding the features of their future developments. In conclusion, with these strategies, highdensity integrated lifestyle developments can be a valuable tool for overcoming the harmful environmental and social effects of suburban sprawl, and promoting a style of development that makes a positive impact on social sustainability. At the end of the day, we have to get involved in building homes and not houses, communities and not townships and creating diversity so people from all walks of life can interact easily. You only have to look at the great cities of this world such as Melbourne, London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, which are high on the happy index, to see a living testimony of what an integrated lifestyle means to its residents.
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FEATURED DEVELOPMENT
Skyworld to eStabliSh fitneSS haven
Meet Sky Arena, Setapak, Malaysia’s first community of the skies focusing on wellness. BY Viknesh AshleY
vikneshashley@thestar.com.my
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ITY living is truly inspiring, promising different experiences at every turn, offering bright and audacious lighting, architectural marvels dotting the sidewalks, the scent of food presented from all across the globe awakening one’s senses, as well as the eager expressions of many looking for endless opportunities that await them. The downside to this though is the lack of focus placed on an individual’s wellness, which may often create stress and increase the chances of unwanted illnesses – a result of those focused constantly on their desk jobs having little or no time for recreation. This is where Sky Arena, Setapak, by Skyworld Development Sdn Bhd, fills the void, providing several fitness-focused components to aid those looking to embark on a healthier pathway in life. The lifestyle at Sky Arena wholly focuses on individuals choosing to live a healthier and more balanced existence. Here outdoor spaces, an active way of life and communal living intertwine. SkyWorld Development general manager of sales and marketing Khin Lee elaborates, “Here we have designed a truly innovative and contemporary community that combines an urban lifestyle with features celebrating your inner and outer well-being.” Lee adds, “By reinventing spaces, rooftops turn into green areas, encouraging social interaction at multi-functional areas where people can access numerous activities. "In fact, every facet of our design has been conceived to shape a positive social experience, greatly reducing the stress level an urban lifestyle can at times cause." The sports-themed mix development will be set over a 28-acre of prime cityfringing terra. Sky Arena features an ideal lifestyle, incorporating five components, which include residences, business, retail, hotel and a sports complex, seamlessly interconnected to create a safe and activityrich environment bound to keep you on your feet for hours. Unique to the Sky Arena development is a sports complex that envisions wellness as part of everyday living. The 9.4-acre arena will pose as the city’s largest multi-level and multi-functional sports complex dedicated solely to the well-being of the residents living here. The structure will house an Olympicsized swimming pool equipped with a diving board, a fitness and dance centre, badminton, squash and indoor futsal courts, a tennis and basketball court, indoor rock climbing, a football field as well as track and field facilities. Additionally, the complex will also feature complementary facilities such as a sports medical centre, child care centre, proshop and cafes. Aside from being fitness inclined, Sky Arena also offers a multi-sensory appeal for its residents, adding to the development a stylish retail element bridging shopping,
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3 1 Overview of the Sky Arena development by Skyworld. 2 Look out for the launch of Bennington Residence, featuring Malaysia’s first triplex Sky Gym. 3 An artist’s impression of the 9.4-acre Sports Complex at Sky Arena, Setapak. 4 Bennington Residences will feature a rare lap pool design.
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dining and almost every other entertainment options that one could think of. Here you will experience a mall offering popular dining selections, while al fresco cafes bring patrons closer to nature. The Sky Arena construction site located along Jalan Ayer Jerneh is easily accessible from the Duke Highway and Jalan Genting Kelang with a proposed flyover from Jalan Genting Klang, offering direct access into the development. Adding to that, the development is also just 7km away from the Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle and Mont Kiara. Some of the development’s newest offerings include Bennington Residence. Following the success of its previous phase, the second installment of the Sky Arena residential collection will focus on wholesome wellness for its residences, featuring facilities crafted toward a healthier lifestyle. The Sky Arena development will also offer flexible Shop-Office-Home-Office (SoHo) units blurring the boundaries of living, working and playing, freeing oneself
from lengthy commutes as this mixed development thoughtfully integrates its living spaces with working spaces. “The SoHo component of our development will negate the inevitable pressures of an average working day and the sports complex, fitted with ample green spaces and numerous leisure options, will certainly bring back the wellness aspect into an individual’s workplace,” says Lee. A hotel component designed for those keeping wellness and wellbeing close to heart will also be offered at Sky Arena, Setapak. Here visitors will not only visit the hotel for relaxation and rejuvenation, but also to enjoy the many facilities offered at Sky Arena’s sports complex. Those interested to find out more about the development can visit Skyworld’s beautifully landscaped Sky Arena Property Gallery in Setapak. Packed with lush tropical greenery, the galleria – one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest – will immerse its visitors into an environment of complete serenity, a perfect preview of the lifestyle one can imagine at Sky Arena.
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SPECIAL FOCUS
Taking kL SkyLine To new heighTS
The upcoming integrated development, KL118, is expected to be the next icon to shine the spotlight on Jalan Maharajalela.
Surrounding gems
There are many integrated developments located within the area of Kuala Lumpur and among the vital ones are:
Suria KLCC
Suria KLCC at the Petronas Twin Towers is one of Malaysia’s most famous icons. The twin towers are 452m in height and consists of recreation park, mall, convention centre and offices within. Being a tourist hotspot in Malaysia, this development has good transport networking as several means of public transportation are linked directly to it.
By Mangalesri Chandrasekaran
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uala lumpur has been the most sought after vicinity in Malaysia, a place which offers anything and everything for its citizens. The area surrounding KlCC bloomed rapidly after the completion of KlCC Twin Towers in 1997, which was then the tallest building in the world. Due to that, that area was recognised for having high potential and many developments burgeoned in the surrounding, earning it the title of city centre, as well as the Golden Triangle. In the 1990s, many residential towers, commercial centres, malls and other amenities were developed, on par with the growing economy of our country. ample job opportunities were offered, which brought in more crowds from other areas.
Berjaya Times Square
Berjaya Times Square is among the integrated developments in this vicinity which comes with 253m twin towers. Completed in 2003, this development comprises a hotel, condominium, indoor amusement park and a shopping centre, as well as located within walking distance from Imbi LRT Station.
Latest offerings
after the massive developments along KlCC vicinity, which consists of Jalan ampang, Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Binjai, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Pinang, now the attention has spanned over to Jalan Maharajalela with the development of Kl118, the tallest building in Malaysia once it’s completed in 2019. With 682m in height, this building will be the sixth tallest building in the world. Formally known as Warisan Merdeka, Kl118 is an integrated development, being developed by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB). The tower consists of 118 storeys, to cater for commercial and residential purpose. Included in this development is a hotel, an eight-storey shopping mall, office space and a retail business centre. One development that will stand to prosper from being in the vicinity of Kl118 is Bina Puri's Opus, located along Jalan Talalla. Being one of the first developers to launch its prestigious project, it is merely 300m walking distance from the new global icon and the transport hub within. Considering how important it is for a piece of real estate to have ease of access in order to attract international tenants, residents and visitors of Opus will not only have the benefit of the upcoming MRT line, but also a network of main highways. With 32 storeys and 357 units, Opus is located in the heart of all the vibrancy and looks set to deliver a holistic lifestyle to its residents. Each unit will be provided with only the best in fittings and appliances, courtesy of Calvin Klein Furniture and Gorenje respectively. In addition, an abundance of top-notch facilities have been provided such as an infinity pool, glassenclosed gym, gardens and rooftop kitchen for al fresco dining. Residents' well-being
The artist's impression of KL118, soon-to-be tallest building in Malaysia.
and contentment would be taken care of, and every little need met. Besides that, River of life (Rol) is a vital project in the Greater Klang Valley vicinity, under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), which aims at transforming the Klang River into a vibrant waterfront. The three components of this project comprise river cleaning, river master-planning and beautification, and river development. a 110km stretch along Klang River will be cleaned and improved, followed by developments and beautification works for 10.7km stretch along Klang and Gombak river corridor. This will spur economic investments throughout the immediate surroundings of this river. unlike the KlCC vicinity which has already undergone massive development, the Kl118 vicinity still offers plenty of room for latest offerings. Several developers have already recognised the
potential of this area and secured lands surrounding this upcoming iconic tower. Besides being well-developed with many prominent developments, Kl vicinity also offers tremendous networking, as there are effective public transportations such as Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), light Rail Transit (lRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Monorail and the upcoming High Speed Rail (HSR). Connecting this vicinity further are several highways, namely Federal Highway, Mahameru Highway (MRR1), Maju Expressway (MEX) and Duta - ulu Klang Expressway (DuKE), which ease accessibility. Integrated development has become the cutting-edge trend as the most preferred type of development currently. Many citizens choose to stay in such development due to the conveniences, in terms of facilities, amenities, networking and most importantly, lifestyle it offers.
Bukit Bintang City Centre
This is another upcoming integrated development in Kuala Lumpur, sprawled across a land area of 19.4 acres, where the Pudu Jail was once located. This project will include a mixed residential and commercial development such as a retail mall, an entertainment block, strata offices, office towers, a hotel and service residences.
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Composition of a rhythmiC lifestyle
The new Opus towers, located at what is to be the newest epicentre of Kuala Lumpur, looks to stun locals and the world over with its exclusive address and offerings. NTEGRATED developments are a dime a dozen in modern Kuala Lumpur, where rising costs and limited land availability is causing developers to build upwards instead of outwards. Many developers are packing various facilities into their projects to make up for the smaller unit built-ups, but sometimes, less is more. Enter Opus, an upand-coming lifestyle project to be reckoned with, with international standards and an extraordinary address to match. When everything flows in perfect rhythm, there is a swirl of energy that establishes the seasons, cycles, stages of development and patterns. Opus aims to establish just that: a wholesome and balanced lifestyle for its residents. This development is like a form of artistic work, just like the definition of the very word itself, ‘a set of musical compositions’. Opus is uniquely marked by its 357 posh units that are fully-fitted with designer furniture pieces from Calvin Klein's line, as well as technologically perfected household appliances from Gorenje. Calvin Klein Furniture is accessible to the individual of today due to its young, elegant, fresh and sophisticated approach to their aesthetics. Gorenje is the world's eighth largest home appliances supplier and has been improving the living quality of their users for more than 60 years with their range of energyefficient products. It aims to bring utmost privacy to residents with its top-notch hospitality services, that include a concierge and bell
boys. "We chose a modern contemporary concept to base our designs on; we want to create an environment that allows for our residents to have the instant feeling of warmth and welcome, akin to coming home," says Star Effort Sdn Bhd director Dave Hoong. But it’s the location of this low-density development along Jalan Talalla that sets it in a class of its own. A mere hop, skip and jump away is the tallest building in Malaysia, taller even than the iconic KL Twin Towers. Towering 682m proudly over the glittering city skyline is KL118 (once called Warisan Merdeka), named after the 118 storeys that will hold a hotel, 8-storey shopping mall, office space and a retail business centre. This new global symbol of our rapidly developing nation will create a diameter of the most sought-after address once completed, as KL118 will also be one of the tallest in the world. Bina Puri will have the distinction of being the first to launch their two towers as it has already obtained the necessary approvals. Opus is not without its fair share of high quality facilities to pamper and provide a relaxing sanctuary for residents to escape to. Two swimming pools, one at each tower, are tailored to suit different moods. The Opusinspired pool beckons residents outdoors to soak up the sun’s gentle warmth, whereas the Galaxy-inspired pool comes alive at night with hundreds of twinkling LED lights that create an effortlessly romantic atmosphere. A meditation garden, hydro therapy jacuzzi, floating yoga deck and tropical gardens are among some of the other facilities that complete the overall feeling of opulence
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By CAITLYN NG LI YUIN liyuin@ocision.com
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1 1 Sunlight reflects off glittering panels on Opus are reminiscent of the irregularities in rhythm that come together beautifully to create a composition. 2 The infinity pool invites residents to take a dip and wash away the cares of the day. 3 Opus welcomes residents and guests with its classy golden lobby and warm greetings from its frontliners. 4 The fully-equipped gymnasium: a place to go for a healthy lifestyle or for a visual feast of the vibrant KL skyline. 5 Drift away on a cloud of peace at the floating yoga deck, an oasis of calm to find the balance in life once more. 6 The Galaxy pool will evoke feelings of calm, perfect for quiet contemplation. 7 An artist's impression of one of the chic F&B outlets that will be available at Opus. 8 The smart security incorporates an automated garrison door system for the residents' ease of entrance and exit.
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that distinguished residents get to enjoy. The smart security systems installed at this impressive development are state-ofthe-art, and part of the reason why Opus stands out from the rest. In addition to the three-tier security system and CCTVs, there is a video intercom service where residents are able to view and grant access to their guests via a simple push of the button that activates the lift to their floors. This does away with the conventional method of checking by security guards. There is also an automated garrison door system that is one of the first of its kind to be found in Malaysia. Adopted from other developed countries that have made use of this smart technology, it is a step ahead from the rest as it allows residents to enter and exit the building without having to leave the safety and
comfort of their vehicles. Provided with a sensor, it causes the garrison gates to open as soon as the vehicle is within proximity, which closes as soon as the vehicle drives out. Setting out to emulate the success of the Opus masterpiece in Hong Kong (the most expensive luxury condominium), Bina Puri has taken on the task to create a piece of real estate that will leave its mark for generations to come. The prestige of having the opportunity to say that one lives on the doorstep of a global icon is unparalleled. "With its close proximity to KL118 and the upcoming transport hub within, as well as surrounded by a network of major arteries, Opus KL will provide long-term advantages to local and international buyers and investors. Even though the units will be sold at an entry-level price, we foresee enormous potential and a positive sign of rental yield, especially since a new chapter is about to unfold with the presence of KL118," says Bina Puri group executive director Matthew Tee.
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Starproperty.my
Sunday 16 auguSt 2015