By Johnni Wong | Dec 27, 2011
Shaping Up
Elite enclaves in the making
With the rise of luxury property developments all over the Klang Valley, picking the next elite residential address may not just be confined to paying over RM1,000 per square foot.
While elite enclaves like Bukit Tunku, Taman U Thant as well as certain sections of Damansara Heights and even KLCC, may offer snob appeal to super-rich property buyers, such neighbourhoods may not necessarily have everything by today’s standard of excellent living.
For instance, iconic architecture, well-planned layout, top quality finishing material, excellent workmanship, strategic location, tight security, scenic views for condo property and integrated facilities. Another desirable factor is the need for landscaped grounds like an international-class resort.
 |
|
Since the launch of Cyberjaya in 1997, there has been extensive building activities (left) including commercial buildings and offices for MSC-status companies; KL Metropolis (right) - with a GDV of RM15bil - will have the services of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill – noted for projects such as Burj Al-Khalifa, Dubai, and Canary Wharf, London.
|
Residential property specialist Chan Ai Cheng picks several upcoming developments that will shape up to be elite residences when completed. And the cost of owning such a property is still at the “developer’s price”.
“The overall concept is important,” says Chan, who is S.K. Brothers Realty Sdn Bhd general manager. She cites, Symphony Hills by UEM Land in Cyberjaya, KL Metropolis by Naza TTDI, KL Eco City by S P Setia and Bangsar South by UOA, to be top places to live – in the near future.
 |
|
Chan Ai Cheng.
|
Today’s discerning property buyers, she explains, will look at developments that offer a modern lifestyle concept with a combination of desirable factors. Namely, lush greenery with gardens and landscaped grounds, iconic design by distinguished architectural firms and high quality finishing material.
“The right mix of products - such as an integrated development combining residential with commercial and retail property – is another attraction,” says Chan.
“The convenience of the place itself, that is, being self-contained with a concept that combines ‘live, work and play’ as well as easy access and connectivity to other locations would be another significant factor.”
She points out that when it comes to inspiring developments, the futuristic enclave of Cyberjaya - will in time to come - be one of best places to live.
“Cyberjaya offers selected developments there are beautiful in concept and a great way of living such as the Symphony Hills development,” says Chan, a graduate of the University of Auckland, where she majored in property valuation, investment and development. She attained the prestigious title of Certified Residential Specialist in 2010 from the US National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Developed by UEM Land, Symphony Hills is a mixed strata project that forms part of a development spanning 39.7 hectares (98 acres). Located near the Multimedia University, UEM Land plans to build 2,865 residential and commercial units with a gross development value of RM1bil within eight years.
Only 410 landed homes are planned for this project, billed as the country’s first “connected intelligent community” development. The average density for the landed property is reported to be seven residential units per acre or 0.4 hectare.
Gated and guarded, the project is touted for its Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles where state-of-the-art security features are incorporated in the landscaping, building designs and traffic control.
Situated 50km south of Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya spans an area of about 2,833 hectares (7,000 acres) and the development site was primarily undeveloped land and oil palm plantations. Since the launch of Cyberjaya in 1997, there has been extensive building activities including a boutique hotel, commercial buildings and offices for MSC-status companies. There are also universities, a community club and the headquarters for the local authority. Leading developers like UEM Land and S P Setia have cutting-edge projects there.
KL Metropolis
Touted as KL’s new international trade and exhibition district, KL Metropolis is envisaged to contribute to the image of Kuala Lumpur as a “world-class city”. The development site spans 30.6 hectares (75.5 acres) and reportedly involves a gross development value of RM15 billion. The project will house the new Matrade Centre and other building components.
To be ready by 2016, the Matrade Centre will cover 5.3 hectares (13.1 acres) while the remaining 25.3 hectares (62.4 acres) would be developed in three phases over 15 years. The whole development is expected to be completed by 2025.
The first phase include residential and office towers as well as a regional retail centre scheduled to be ready by 2015. The KL Metropolis master plan will be mapped out by Naza TTDI’s planners together with international architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill – noted for projects such as Burj Al-Khalifa, Dubai and Canary Wharf, London.
KL Eco City
KL Eco City is developed by S P Setia through its subsidiary KL Eco City Sdn Bhd. The project site is a relatively narrow piece of land – formerly Kampung Haji Abdullah Hukum - opposite Mid Valley City and bounded by the Klang River and Jalan Bangsar.
Involving 10.1 hectares (25 acres) of leasehold land, the RM6bil project comprises an integrated mixed-use commercial and residential development. It will encompass three residential towers, three corporate towers, one serviced apartment tower, a retail podium as well as three clusters of office lots and a strata office tower.
It is touted as the first integrated mixed-use development to be certified under the Malaysian Green Building Index (GBI) standard. It is estimated to take 10 years to complete.
The master plan is by Jerde Partnership International USA in partnership with local architectural firms, GDP Architects Sdn Bhd, BEP Akitek Sdn Bhd and GRA Architects Sdn Bhd.
 |
|
Bangsar South (left) includes the Horizon office component which will eventually feature 22 blocks of office lots ranging from 10 to 20 storeys high; KL Eco City (right) will encompass three residential towers, three corporate towers, one serviced apartment tower, a retail podium as well as three clusters of office lots and a strata office tower.
|
Bangsar South
Bangsar South is another integrated, high-density development with residential and commercial property. Besides its central location at Kampung Kerinchi next to the Federal Highway, this 24.3 hectares (60-acre) development by UOA Holdings, boasts of excellent Internet and transport connectivity. Launched in 2007, it will take about 10 years to complete. Total gross development value is RM2.5bil.
When fully developed, there will be a comprehensive range of retail, service and recreational facilities including a RM100mil clubhouse as well as two hectares (six acres) of parkland and a healthcare centre.
The Park Residences condominium component offers seven blocks of high-end residences totalling 2,100 units. The Horizon office component features 22 blocks of office lots ranging from 10 to 20 storeys high. Meanwhile, The Sphere neighbourhood mall already offers food and beverage outlets as well as a supermarket.
With its MSC Malaysia Cybercentre status, the Bangsar South enclave is marketed as strategic hub for residents to “live, work and play”.
Read other interesting articles:
|