Singgah kl 2024
A look back at the buildings that shaped our 2024 journey.
PAM CENTRE
Architect : HMA & Associates
A landmark fixture of Bangsar, the PAM Centre is designed with considerations for the environment, culture and society with a timeless and minimalistic approach in overall design and detailing, befitting PAM’s aspirations as a centre for architectural advancement and development.
The Architect, Ar Mohd Heikal bin Hasan came up with a design that was elegant and an efficient solution on a very tight and highly constrained site. Its east-facing front facade showcases a strong but simple grid that creates a flexible canvas for various screening devices to be deployed. The diagonally stacked and landscaped open atriums on the street façade make a distinctive tropical statement. The stepped atriums alongside the long single-flight stairs open up the stairs, creating a dramatic central connecting space to unify the whole building.
MITSUI SHOPPING PARK LALAPORT
Architect : GDP Architects
Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport BBCC is situated prominently within BBCC’s master plan at the intersection of Jalan Pudu and Jalan Hang Tuah. LaLaport intends to create a unique urban experience by having generous external public spaces and place making efforts as a refreshing take on retail mall design in Malaysia. Street level connectivity and people centric design were essential to retain the human scale amongst towering mixed used components of BBCC.
CEYLONZ SUITES
Architect : TAN'CK Architect
Ceylonz Suites is a 39-storey office tower in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia offering a refreshing take on work, life and play. It offers 442 studio-sized office units (384 – 578 sqft) which can be modeled into micro-apartments or co-working spaces as required. Despite the limited 0.23-hectare land, the compact design packs ample amenities like the Sky Gym, Rooftop Infinity Pool, Sport Lounge, cafeteria, mini-mart, and work-centric facilities like conference and meeting rooms, Business Lounge, etc. What also sets the building apart is its unique timber toned façade screen that doubles as a shading device against the harsh tropical climate.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
Architect : Veritas Design Group
ISKL’s unique, inclusive design process involved its entire community to create a future-proof learning space. The school features a design that blends international standards with local elements, maximizing natural light and ventilation. It includes dedicated areas for academics, a performance center, and extensive sports facilities. A special rainforest sanctuary highlights ISKL’s long-term investment in its students and the environment.
TNB PLATINUM
Architect : Neuformation Architects S/B in collaboration with Woods Bagot PTY LTD
The new Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) headquarters, “TNB Platinum,” is a timeless and sustainable campus designed to create a future-forward workplace. Located in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, the development consists of four cascading office blocks, a convention center, and other buildings.
The design focuses on environmental considerations, using a unique V-shaped “brise-soleil” to provide shade and reduce glare. The Convention Centre features a distinctive zigzag facade.
In line with TNB’s ESG goals, the project is GBI Platinum-certified, incorporating sustainable features like landscaped roofs, energy-efficient systems, and solar panels. The design aims to create a community-centric environment that promotes a new workplace culture and fosters a commitment to people and the environment.
PANGGUNG EKSPERIMEN UNIVERSITI MALAYA
Architect : Arkitek Mustapha Kamal
The proposed rebuilding , upgrading and maintenance Adaptive Reuse of the legacy building of Experimental Theatre University Malaya designed in 1960s was started in 1999 based on records of early approved drawings was completed in 2011.
This Adaptive Reuse of the Panggung Eksperimen was carried out by Arkitek Mustapha Kamal through close supervision of the original design by the BEP Architects Pte Ltd so as to retain its Heritage status as set out by the Badan Warisan Kebangsaan.
URBAN MUSEUM KUALA LUMPUR
Architect : DRTAN LM Architects
A passion project by accomplished architect, Dr Tan Loke Mun. Urban Museum or Ur-Mu for short is a purpose-built contemporary art museum that features selected artworks and eclectic object form the collection of a private art patron. Located in the heart of the city center at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
PARK ROYAL KL HOTEL
Architect : DP Architects S/B & FDAT Architects LLP
PARKROYAL Collection KL is a study in biophilic design. Located at an intensely built-up urban centre; surrounded by major roads – the design turns the existing enclosed concrete building into a refreshing green lung, 78 sky planters, framed in steel cantilever 2.6m into the air, creating a lush green façade. 13,000 sqft of greenery were planted in the façade and green terraces, featuring over 100 plant and tree species – helps to shade hard surfaces, reducing reflected heat; showing that rather than demolition (incurring further carbon footprint) older buildings can be vigorously rehabilitated to become attractive and meaningful additions to the city.
ELSE HOTEL
Architect : Studio Bikin
This 49 room design hotel is partially housed in the original Lee Rubber Building designed by Booty Edwards and Parters in 1931. The studio was engaged to oversee conceptually and design the 3-storey modern extension over the existing building, lead the interior architectural renovations within the existing building and interior fit-out for the establishment.
The approach to the design was conceived from the idea that duality exists within us all thus transcends itself naturally into the conceptualization of the spaces within the hotel and its interiors. The past and present, the light and dark, raw yet refined. A series of multi-levelled atrium spaces are punched through the floors of the existing building to expand the spread natural light and ventilation into the corridor spaces leading to the hotel rooms. The new extension rises quietly above, set back from the façade and designed to hover over the historical mass that supports it. The architecture of the new extension is differentiated through the series vertical fins that cast shade and lend privacy to the rooms.
MENARA HAP SENG 3
Architect : SA Architects S/B in collaboration with SOM
A benchmark for office design in Malaysia, Menara Hap Seng 3 features world-class amenities and retail options, Malaysia’s first ever vertical green wall, and connections to mixed-mode public transportation options. The 26-storey, Grade-A office development provides 20 floors of office space, a Mercedes Benz showroom and car delivery bay, five levels of retail and rooftop dining. The building is part of the larger Menara Hap Seng development located at Plaza Hap Seng, which includes two adjacent sister towers.
High performance design is achieved by integrating biophilic design components; the building envelope and vertical atrium are integrated with light, air, water and vegetation to enhance the passive performance of the space and provide abundant natural light, illuminating the office floors above. The 90-meter high indoor vertical green wall within the atrium which comprises over 27,000 individual pots and 10 different plant species acts as a natural air filter and provides comfort for all occupants and the building has achieved LEED Golden certification.
ARATA
Architect : C'Arch Architect & Design S/B
Arata is designed by C’Arch Architect & Design Sdn. Bhd. is located along Jalan Syers, within the Bukit Tunku residential enclave. Located at the edge of city centre, the apartments are within a 3.5km radius from the city centre. It is accessed from Jalan Syers on its west and is conveniently linked to NKVE and DUKE highways via Jalan Kuching. The apartments consist of three 10-storey blocks, served by 2 drop-off lobbies. Each lobby features decorative and recreational waterscapes whilst framing a vista of the city beyond. The building façade incorporates double-glazed elements, masonry and perforated aluminium screens, responding to the busy city on the east and the quieter west face.
STAR RESIDENCES
Architect : Veritas Architects S/B
Located at the intersection of Jalan Yap Kwan Seng and Jalan Mayang in Kuala Lumpur, Star Residences consists of 3 blocks of 57 storey residential tower and 6 storey retail designed to reshape and create a new character to Kuala Lumpur’s urban fabric. The initial planning is arranged to take advantage of the proximity to Kuala Lumpur City Centre through pedestrian sidewalk environments. Corresponding to the unique triangular site, the 3 tower blocks are arranged to optimise vistas for the residential and commercial units, whilst maximising distances between towers for privacy. It creates a generous 200m long Star Pedestrian Boulevard from the edge of the development to KLCC’s plaza seamlessly. The Boulevard also continues along Jalan Mayang and connects to the KLCC Light Rail Transit station, a mere 4 minutes walking distance. The 6 storey Signature Retail facing the Boulevard ensures the main pedestrian walkways are filled with activities, whilst the top is landscaped to reduce the urban heat island and ensure public and private activities continue to the rooftop from the street. The façade of the 57 storey residential towers is based on the concept of “Meteor Shower” interpreted through Mondrian Pattern design with the mixed usage of colored metal cladding and tinted glass. With strategically designed LED lights, the façade becomes a distinctive contemporary feature that lightens up the towers, portraying abstract and artistic representation of the Meteor Shower. The carpark podiums facade comprises of small stainless steel star pieces that move with the wind and playfully reflect the sunlight constantly reflecting and changing colours. Approximately,100,000 sqft is dedicated to the Lifestyle Facility Floor and Sky Park decks on the roof top of each tower to enhance the living experience and frames the uninterrupted view of the KL city skyline.
PUSAT KREATIF KANAK-KANAK TUANKU BAINUN
Architect : Almaz Architect
PKK Tuanku Bainun is a purpose-built centre where children and youth with ages ranging from 7 to 17 years can come together to explore and develop their creativity, to enhance their cognitive skills as well as develop their potentials and inherent talents. It is a playground of self-discovery, where learning is fun; where children may develop moral and ethical values and tolerance, and a caring nature will be a way of life. The Centre is open to children from all walks of life, regardless of gender, income, language or physical ability. It is equipped to take on collaboration work with creative instructors and artists, offering a holistic programme consisting of arts appreciation, living skills, understanding of sciences, ecology and basic human values. It comprises of classrooms and studios, a black box theatre for performing arts named ‘KuAsh Theatre’, kindergarten, office for rental only and a Pavilion which is located at the heart of the Centre. The buildings are architecturally harmonious even though each building has different characters and façade treatments as to fulfil the project brief of designing a creative centre functionally and aesthetically.
KOMPLEKS PEJABAT DAMANSARA - THE FIVE
Architect : Veritas Architects
Nestled along Jalan Semantan, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara (KPD) is a low-rise, five identical blocks of government office enclave built in early 1970’s surrounded by lush greens. This first program to repurpose Block A into 5th Place as signature 4-storey boutique retail capitalizes on adjacence to MRT Station and street plaza before an ample esplanade of raw concrete. Surgical interventions are rationalized over a streamlined budget, including a volumetric steel and glass box with curtain wall elements, and double volume atrium carved within the lower floors exposing the existing raw structural frames that defines wayfinding and retail connectivity to upper floors. (100 words) The former concrete and vent-block fence is removed creating a new plaza, a social space surrendered to the public. A volumetric steel and glass box creates a focal point at the plaza, with double-height curtain wall elements allowing natural environment to permeate, and the new retail activities to be seen from outside. Terraces and canopies are added around the building, creating outdoor dining spaces and appealing wanderers. The façade is tidied-up and the roof simplified, giving to the building a fresher and more contemporary look. Shops, restaurants and cafes revolve around the atrium as the new center of gravity. The void creates a new sense of openness and establishes a visual connection between floors, encouraging guests to visit the upper floors. The interiors are left bare and clean with terrazzo, exposed concrete and services. The color accents are left to the wayfinding and the fit-out of the 15 boutique tenants.
SALOMA LINK
Architect : Veritas Architects
The Saloma Link (Pintasan Saloma in Malay) is a new pedestrian bridge that connects two important districts in Kuala Lumpur : Kampong Bharu (New Village), the traditional Malay enclave dating back to late 19th century and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), the modern cosmopolitan Central Business District (CBD), formerly separated by the Sungai Klang (Klang River) and the six-lane AKLEH highway. The Saloma Link, encompassed the redevelopment of Jalan Saloma (Saloma Street), to accommodate a small streetside plaza, wider shaded foot paths and a 370m elevated walkway culminated on a bridge that spans 69m across the Klang River and the AKLEH highway. Inspired by the Sirih Junjung, a matrimonial gift hand-crafted from sireh leaves, traditionally offered in Malay weddings as a symbol of unity, the Saloma Link represents a ceremonial gesture that embodies the bond between two important enclaves in the city: the affluent Kuala Lumpur City Centre and the historical village of Kampong Bharu. Beyond promoting increased connectivity and walkability, the Saloma Link aims to stimulate both the conservation and the redevelopment of this historical part of the city, not only by making it more accessible, but, especially, by spreading the welfare of the prosperous CBD, making of this traditional enclave a more resilient place that can participate more equitably in Kuala Lumpur’s growth The curved steel roof canopy consists of 4,100 diamond facade module, made of solid and perforated Aluminum, glass and clear panels. Each of the façade panels are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting modules to illuminate the bridge during the night. However, during the day, the panel’s unique shape enables to reflect the sunlight to give the bridge a slight glimmer and distinctive character. The façade panels also create a play of light and shadows to offer a unique experience as one walks through the bridge. The façade media lighting can be programmed for different events, which contributes to the popularity of the bridge during local festive periods.
MITEC
Architect : GDP Architects
Inspired by the “Rubber seed” as a tribute to Malaysia’s age old rubber industry, the Malaysian International Trade Exhibition Centre takes shape of an ellipsoidal form. It is the largest exhibition centre in Southeast Asia with column-free interior and exterior facade that is inspired by the Malaysian “Songket” textile weave which emits a sense of vernacular identity in contemporary living. This building is GBI certified. Completed: 2016 GFA: 1.5m sq ft Awards PAM Awards 2019 Star Property Awards 2017 Asia Pacific Property Awards 2013-2014.
W HOTEL & RESIDENCES
Architect : Veritas Architects
W KL and The Residences is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur where music, shopping, and ever-changing entertainment hub converges into an eclectic mix just next to the famed Petronas Towers. Making a commentary about the street wall evolution of Jalan Ampang, the building is recessed to create a public plaza, and opening up its generous drop-off and street lobby into its intimate interior like a mystery box. Due to the scale of the site, all programs are stacked vertically atop one another, and such separation between the intersections of the programs allows for more open green buffer zones and verandah ways. This eclectic vertical relationship is expressed via the different, but cohesive façade treatments. Within the traditional shoe-box building is a trendsetting and progressive design mix that is a surprise for an international urban retreat. The dark façade tone distinguishes the building as an icon in Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, and designed to mirror according to the needs of a building program, i.e. the hotel façade has more vision areas per surface area than The Residences. The façade at the location of The Residences is scaled to the height of two floor levels, organized in a staggered pattern. This articulation allows the wall to adapt to multiple unit layouts, while maintaining a consistent and ordered appearance from the outside. The size of the glass openings are set at a comfortable residential proportion allowing for expansive views of the surrounding context. The façade at the location of the hotel units is scaled to the height of three floor levels providing the W Hotel a more vertical and distinctive quality, while still maintaining the character of the overall building. The glass is setback at the amenity floors providing exterior colonnade spaces, allowing for landscaping and exterior habitable spaces.
AICB
Architect : GDP Architects
The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers building is an office with training facilities. The overall design allows human interaction between spaces internally and externally with nature. Its active spaces introduces you to the training facilities with multifunctional extended bridges, stairs and balconies re-imagining its former use. The main space is the Research Library which is intended to have virtual connectivity and rare collection of books. The Central Atria that allows diffuse light into its rather layered yet rich planning intended for better efficiency in managing and enriching the quality of the learning experience.
AIR ANGIN
Architect : John Koh Architect
Having gone through several phases of transformation since 1974, Air Angin never lost its original footprint with its surrounding context. As the co-owner cum Architect said “I live in a Garden. The Interior is exteriorized and the Exterior has become a living space”. Designed with Feng Shui in mind, the element ‘Air’ (water) and ‘Angin’ (wind) play a pivotal role in the plans from its interchangeability between interior and exterior spaces to detailing the manner as to how rainwater falls. As the family grows, the house too grows making AirAngin a model ‘Modern Generational House’, where the extended family resides.