NXP New Expansion, Petaling Jaya (New Office Facility and Laboratory Converted from Existing Multi Storey Carpark)
Located at the Sungai Way Free Industrial Zone at Petaling Jaya, the challenge is how to facilitate the office expansion and new laboratory into the an existing building which previously operated as multi storey car park since 90’s
The new expansion of office facility and laboratory serves as a new vision and symbol for the company to reach a greater milestone.
The design brief is to facilitate connecting to the Level 1 laboratory and Level 2 new office with a unique design staircasefrom the existing assembly plant to the existing multi storey car park building in responding to the neighbourhood context of existing memorial courtyard.
Architectural Expression
Inspired from the simplistic aura of industrial precision and semi-circular edges and surfaces composition of the existing multi storey car park building, the office facility is designated to maintain the off-form finish of the circular columns respecting the existing car park building context, the architect strived to achieve a balance in both with emphasis in the quality of working environment with interior design touch up where the workers and employees can enjoy and utilize during their working hours.
With design enhancement at the existing memorial courtyard, it receives more daylight that helps to highlight the 2-sty high featured staircase connecting the first floor office and ground floor laboratory. This unique staircase is cladded with expanded metal mesh, fixed glass and aluminium composite panel in random arrangement vertically, the curvilinear form plays the twist & turn from different levels of the level 2 office, level 1 laboratory, outdoor memorial courtyard and the existing manufacturing plant.
Another design intent was to responding the external Brutalist-inspired semi-circular outlook of the multi storey carpark building, the guide of design principal for the office facility interior spaces is to provide an interesting spatial quality of spaces for the people to gather, such as bar top hot desk intergrated with off-form column, big U-shape bar height office pantry, vertical aluminium powder coated louvers in circular-framed office lounge and etc.
Environmental Sustainable design
The horizontal cladding façade that screening 3 storeys of the car park building consists of variety of materials (expanded metal mesh in paint finish and aluminium composite panel) acts as a shading device to the hot sun allows sufficient daylight into the designated office spaces. The random design arraignment creates an unique spatial experience of shadow casting to the interior spaces such as, office pantry, discussion rooms, meeting rooms, manager rooms and open working stations.
The selection of aluminium composite panel and expanded metal mesh in random designated arrangement reduce the heat gain via direct sunlight while the extruded office pantry and meeting room are finished as a interlocking cube with the building façade. This interplay of solid and void forms the basis of the architectural massing of the building design.
In the heart of Kuala Pilah, between the quietude of residential areas and the industrial hum of a private casting yard, lies Lot 377, Mukim Ampang Tinggi—a plot of land with a rich history and a promising future. Once a sprawling driving school field, this vacant expanse now stands as a canvas for a vision of progress and community service. It is here that the proposed Mini KPDNKK Complex is set to rise, marking a pivotal step in enhancing local governance and oversight of consumer rights.
Accessible from the bustling Seremban – Kuala Pilah Road, the site spans a generous 5 acres (20,230 square meters), strategically positioned to serve the needs of Kuala Pilah District. This location not only ensures ease of access but also underscores the government's commitment to efficient monitoring of domestic business, trade cooperation, and consumerism—a vital nexus for fair trade policies and economic development.
Embodying the philosophy of optimal resource utilization and effective networking, the complex aims to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings. Designed with both public engagement and operational efficiency in mind, it will house KPDNKK counters where citizens can easily access information and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, fostering transparency and trust in commercial transactions.
Beyond its functional role, the Mini KPDNKK Complex aspires to be a premier research hub, meticulously observing and analysing domestic trade activities. Its architectural design, a harmonious blend of modern functionality and traditional Negeri Sembilan aesthetics, promises a welcoming environment that resonates with local culture and values. Inspired by vernacular architecture, the complex embraces local elements such as intricate woodwork and sloping roofs, fostering a sense of cultural identity and environmental harmony.
Natural ventilation, a hallmark of traditional building practices in Negeri Sembilan, enhances comfort and sustainability within the complex. Innovative materials like porous concrete are employed to mitigate heat and noise, ensuring a tranquil and energy-efficient space that respects its natural surroundings. The expansive lobby serves not only as a focal point but also enhances circulation and flexibility, embodying a philosophy of openness and accessibility that invites community engagement.
At its core, the Mini KPDNKK Complex is more than just a structure—it is a testament to community-centric design and sustainable development. From the intricacies of layout planning to the choice of materials, every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance user experience and minimize environmental impact. Bright colours adorn the facade, symbolizing vibrancy and approachability, while the use of recycled and locally sourced materials underscores a commitment to conservation and responsible building practices.
As visitors are welcomed through the main entrance, they are greeted by a space that not only meets their needs but also reflects the spirit of Negeri Sembilan—a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, where governance meets community aspirations. The Mini KPDNKK Complex stands poised not just to serve but to inspire, embodying a vision of progress deeply rooted in local heritage and aligned with global sustainability goals.
In conclusion, the Mini KPDNKK Complex in Kuala Pilah represents a bold endeavour to integrate modern governance with cultural identity and environmental responsibility. It stands as a beacon of progress and community empowerment, promising to enrich the lives of citizens while advancing the principles of fair trade and consumer protection.
New Agape Centre, Sibu - A Sheltered Workshop, Respite Care and Independent Training Home for Adults with Special Needs in Sibu , Sarawak
Introduction
The new purpose-built centre is to cater to the various training, support and services for special needs young adults, which was meant as an “extension” and upgraded amenities of the existing Agape Centre that was started in 2004. Since then, more than 20,000 children with special needs have been registered under ACSNS.
The new building situated next to the existing centre, would continue providing early intervention, rehabilitation, education and vocational training for individuals with special needs to assist them to be independent and equipped with living skills, so that they will also be able to earn an income to be self-sustainable. The centre aims to create employment opportunities for the people with special need as an avenue to secure employment for them, including in-house industries and preparing them for independency and sustainable employment for them as well as aid in the sustenance of the centre.
The Agape Centre is run and operated by Association for Children with Special Needs Sibu (ACSNS), Methodist Care Centre (MCC), Sibu Autistic Association and also partnership with other no-governmental organisations and government agencies.
The three major components of the facilities are :
- Sheltered Workshop and ancillary amenities,
- Bakery/kitchen, Laundry, Car wash, and Craft shop- Respite Care and Adult Independent Training Home, to function as a training site for independent living training. (to be implemented in the future)
- Hostel type accommodation for visiting volunteers, temporary respite care accommodation and duty warden accommodation.- Shared/ common facilities would be administrative offices, meeting room, recreational facilities.
- outdoor recreational and training facilities, agricultural gardens, Recycling centre and recreational gardens
Schematic concepts
Practicality is the priority of concepts when deriving the design which focus on the following:
Zoning of the work/ training zone from the quieter living accommodation areas, as well as clear identification between the public frontage, the internal restrictive activities areas and the common / shared facilities
Organisation of access, circulation and monitoring between zones for efficient connectivity and supervision of the whole centre and gardens.
effective use and composition of built amenities and spaces to address the site context, environmental and climatic response and statutory requirements.
Translating and relaying the core mission of empowering individuals with special needs to be independent and self sustainable in the architecture
Meet the special needs of accessibility, such as the provision of guide rails at circulation areas and washroom facilities.
Architectural language and Design
Practicality is foremost at the priority of concepts when deriving the design, thus the form follows function. A varied architectural language is utilised as the various scales of spaces are integrated and sequenced as well as multi-functional for efficiency, interaction and ease of supervision. The spaces are crafted to induced dynamic welcoming and non-intimidating environment. These are intertwined with open landscaped spaces to facilitated optimal natural ventilation and daylighting and create an enriching environment.
To be low energy and energy efficient, the climatic response in architectural treatment is highlighted and transposed into identifiable feature, such as utilizing layered dual shaded large roof overhangs and alluring them as petals and/ or wings which reminds of the centre’s aim to bloom/ flourish each individual and develop them to ‘fly’ on their own independent ‘wings’.
Other energy efficient measures adopted are solar radiation shading devices at the western side walls of the hall and rainwater harvesting was also employed for the washrooms and car wash supply.
Emporium and Delofts Residences
The Emporium and DeLofts Residences project is a mixed use commercial and residential development designed to meet the growing demands of the commercial spaces and housing in Kuching City. Strategically located in a prominent city fringe precinct of Kuching and along the major thoroughfare of the Airport to City route, the development catalyzes small and medium capital entrepreneurship through providing affordable retail spaces that co-exist with residential living.
Dictated by the triangular shape of the site, 3 residential blocks rest above the commercial podium wrapping around alongside the boundary enclosing a courtyard and atrium space in the center. The design concept is to position double frontage shops to energize the central atrium and create clear and distinct street level entrances to this activity space. The atrium roof is designed as a usable break-out deck and courtyard open space for the residents. 5 steel columns hold up large span steel beams to support this deck which features walkways, planting and skylights all organically shaped to contrast with the rectilinear forms of the building.
Architecturally the building form is envisaged as linear blocks with an emphasis towards horizontality and diversity/dynamism. The linearity is a gesture towards speed and movement as one passes by the project along the highway. This is further emphasized by means of the steel and aluminum horizontal fins along various levels of the façade as well as the one long roof along the main highway façade. In addition, the fins and roof overhang provide sun screening for the east and west facing facades. Equally the façade sees an interplay of solid walls and window openings in a “purposed random” fashion as they are purposed based on the differing layouts of the apartment units within. The upper 2 floors of the apartment blocks are duplex/loft units.
Construction-wise the project employs concrete with traditional formwork. Prefabricated shear formwork construction had been explored but the differing unit layouts and low-rise nature of the project together with the shortage of local manufacturers in East Malaysia resulted in the option being not viable.
A key design intention of the project is to differentiate its outlook from the typical apartment condominium to one which is dynamic and modern. The project explores one’s perception of materials and this represents a key idea to the employment of metals as a material which conjures the sense of lightweight-ness. This is then accentuated by the use thin-edge detailing which only the use of metals in architecture permits. In the blend of traditional plastered brickwork construction and the simple use of steel and aluminum the façade takes on a different form.
The development seeks a socio-economic balance of commercial and residential living in a community. This is evident in the many occupants who are actually working and living in the same premise. In the near future, the Kuching Urban Transport ART station will be located directly in front of the development which will inevitably add value to the project and enhance long-term sustainability.
The Sheraton Kuching Hotel, nestled in the heart of Kuching, Sarawak, represents a harmonious blend of modern elegance and cultural sensitivity. Designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, the hotel stands as a testament to sophisticated architectural design while reflecting the rich heritage and natural beauty of its surroundings. The hotel design focuses on creating spaces that encourage gathering and connection which is in line with its international hotelier brand, Sheraton’s global ethos, "Where the World Comes Together."
The design of the Sheraton Kuching Hotel is inspired by the concept of bridging the multi-cultural Sarawakian aesthetics with contemporary luxury. The vision was to create a welcoming and refined environment that integrates seamlessly with the vibrant urban fabric of Kuching, while paying homage to the cultural and natural context of the region. Moreover, the hotel's prime location near cultural landmarks and the Sarawak River further complements its design vision.
Despite the hotel’s strategic location, the relatively small plot of land size posts a challenge to the overall hotel’s space planning. Maximizing and effectively utilizing space is crucial in designing a luxury hotel tower on a less-than-one-acre site.
The 21-storeys hotel tower sits on podium levels that houses the main hotel lobby, dining areas, versatile meeting and event spaces as well as back-of-house service areas. Its design is focused on creating a seamless transition from the public space to the private spaces of the tower above. Guests drop-off at the welcoming porte cochère with a high ETFE membrane canopy roof shaped in a form of two semi-circles weaved together, which is further enhanced by curve and straight roof truss as both structural and design feature. At night the canopy roof lights up and creates a contrast from the day. The main hotel lobby features an expansive, open-plan layout with high ceilings and full height curtain wall that invites abundant natural light, creates a sense of openness and an inviting atmosphere for guests.
By the use of a concave layout, the spatial planning of the hotel rooms at each level are seamlessly aligned with views either towards Kuching city or the Sarawak River, with floor-to-ceiling glass curtain wall enhancing the overall guest experience. The topmost floor of the hotel offers outdoor spaces such as an infinity pool and outdoor seating sky bar for guests to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape.
The architectural form of the Sheraton Kuching Hotel features a sleek, modern silhouette complemented by a concave floor layout. The building's façade incorporates a dynamic interplay of glass, steel and natural stone elements, creating a contemporary profile while the curvature from the undulating floor layout reflects the organic form of the Sarawak River. The curtain wall facade follows through the concave layout by segmented double-glazing and horizontal sun shading device of aluminium composite panel material at each floor. The facade design is further enhanced by horizontal and vertical steel elements created from weaving patterns paying homage to the tradition of textile weaving from the Sarawak indigenous tribe.
Double layer roofing system and double-glazed curtain wall with low-e glass and thermal break are used for minimizing solar heat gain, enhancing both thermal and acoustic insulation for user comfort and building performance. The combination of solar control, thermal insulation, and acoustic performance contributes to the building’s overall energy efficiency.
By blending contemporary luxury with traditional Sarawakian elements and embracing sustainable practices, the design not only reflects the dynamic spirit of Kuching but also contributes to the city’s architectural narrative, establishing the Sheraton Kuching Hotel as a landmark of elegance and cultural appreciation.
The new Honda showroom in Kuching, Sarawak, is a significant addition to the city's automotive sector, showcasing Honda's dedication to providing comprehensive automotive services in one location. As the largest 3S (Sales, Service, Spare parts) center in Kuching, this two-story facility is strategically situated in Petra Jaya, offering convenient access to residents on both sides of the Sarawak River. The showroom occupies a carefully chosen plot of land spanning 4,694 square meters, with a built-up area of 2,339 square meters, reflecting thoughtful site selection and planning.
The design and construction of this facility are grounded in the architectural principle of 'form follows function,' ensuring that every element of the building serves a practical purpose while enhancing the overall user experience. The triangular shape of the land presented unique challenges that required the design team to engage in meticulous spatial planning during the early schematic phases. The resulting layout is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and welcoming for both clients and customers.
The building is divided into two distinct components: the showroom and the service center. Given the service center’s larger spatial requirements, it was positioned on the eastern side of the property. This strategic placement maximizes available space and allows for efficient workflow and customer access. The showroom, prominently facing the main road, is designed to attract attention and invite visitors with its expansive façades of curtain walls. These curtain walls are a key architectural feature, filling the showroom’s double-volume car display area with natural light, enhancing the visual appeal, and reducing the need for artificial lighting.
The use of curtain walls and horizontal louvers together blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering an open and airy atmosphere. This thoughtful integration of natural light, shading, and open spaces greatly enhances the spatial experience for both workers and customers, creating a welcoming and pleasant environment that aligns with Honda's standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
In addition to the curtain walls, horizontal louvers were integrated along the façade to further optimize the building’s energy efficiency and comfort. These louvers serve to regulate the amount of sunlight entering the showroom, preventing excessive heat buildup while still allowing ample natural light to filter through. The combination of curtain walls and horizontal louvers creates a dynamic and adaptive façade that not only looks modern and sophisticated but also contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment. This design choice supports Honda's commitment to sustainability by improving energy efficiency and reducing the building's overall carbon footprint.
In summary, the new Honda showroom in Kuching is a testament to innovative design and strategic planning. The facility is functional, modern, and customer-centric, meeting the needs of both the company and the community it serves while emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental consciousness.
Lucent Residences
161 Units of Link Villas
Design Concept Statement
Background – ’25 hours in a Day’
We were inspired by the ‘25-7’ concept of the Township; which aims to promote a vibrant, playful lifestyle beyond the conventional 24 hours in a day. Therefore we believe that the residential home typology can be elevated to reflect this philosophy, hence implemented concepts such as multi-façade, bold materials and massing into the Architectural language of this project.
Architectural – ‘Plug & Play’
The design narrative is to create a ‘plug-&-play’ form of landed idea for the 3-storey Hero Units, where multi-façade configurations were studied to achieve the most feasible arrangement, both in terms of aesthetic and budget. The gable-end form takes center stage to provide a visual focal point; while the more modernist cubed form provides balance to the overall streetscape
For the Basic Units, the similar forms were trickled down into 2-storey versions that embody the similar design philosophy – bringing the entirety of Luxura as a whole.
Materiality – ‘Roof as the Hero’
Our selection of the steel as the main roofing and cladding component to achieve this design vision was evident - Bluescope steel allows us to execute the sleek, modern Architectural Design that accentuates the meticulously-detailed termination techniques in a modern home facade; as they say: ‘the devil is in the details’ Every nook and cranny of the façade was paid attention to: from the C-channel fascias, to the gutters and the metal coping elements.
The selection of metal roofing also blends in harmoniously, complimenting well with other modern materials chosen such as the aluminium louvers, the granite stone feature walls – all in all, allowing our modern gable home vision to come to life.
Sustainability & Innovation – ‘Metal in Nature’
In terms of sustainability efforts, the ‘solar-ready’ link homes allow for seamless transition to the homeowners, whom can take advantage of the dedicated pitched roof areas with reinforced trusses to be fixed with the solar panel of their choosing.
The steel roof covering coupled with the lightweight proprietary zincalume roof trusses, were able to allow us to achieve a luxurious 4-meter height clear ceiling space at the first floor, with generous attic space above – which creates a thermal buffer that insulates and gradually reduces heat gain into the home during more sunny days.During more rainy days, the homeowner also benefits by having a sloped roof profile which is able to efficiently draw water to the rainwater harvesting system provided.
Experience Gallery & Show Village
Design Concept Statement
Background – ’25 hours in a Day’
We were inspired by the ‘25-7’ concept of the Township; which aims to promote a vibrant, playful lifestyle beyond the conventional 24 hours in a day.
Place-making is an important element, and starts with the first structure in Twenty-five.7 – the Experience Gallery; and despite its smaller stature compared to its surroundings, the bold use of colors draw people in with ease.
Architectural – ‘Striking Icon’
The vibrancy of the development starts with the Experience Gallery, where a long span structure is designed to house a double-volume space.
The roofing material had to be discreet, functional, and sleek to allow the bright, striking façade to be highlighted as the focal point.
This application of the steel roofing shows how important the roof covering element is to the success of the project – complimenting but also adding value.
Planning – ‘Feather-like Open Plan’
The striking contrast between the bright façade and airy planning is evident when first entering the experience gallery – where the high ceilings and column-free planning are only made possible with a roof covering that is lightweight, almost feather-like to present a structural marvel.
Sustainability & Innovation – ‘Metal in Nature’
In terms of sustainability efforts, the gentle pitch of the roofing allows for solar panels to be installed with ease, with termination methods that are sleek and pleasing to the eye.
Flanked by the central lake, the landscape spills over to the surroundings; with the double volume spaces getting the prime vantage point to the nature beyond.
Community – ‘Shelter that Brings People Together’
Due to its central location- the experience gallery receives much footfall; hence the importance to view the space as a focal place-making element.
Crowds are drawn to attractions, open play spaces, and most importantly, shelter. The metal-cladded form is synonymous with the Twenty-five.7 branding, and the Experience Gallery is the first of its many kinds in the township, implementing a fresh aesthetic at its time – allowing communities to come together and form a long bond between Man and Building.
Puchong has sprinted forward in the last 25years from being a rough and tumble PJ outskirt into a convoluted urban mix of traffic and buildings.
Located behind IOI Mall with a pristine quarry lake 100m is a 350-acre undeveloped plot, a huge contrast of tranquillity and serenity amidst this chaos, surreal to see migratory birds descending for rest.
The developer aspires to build a community and bring home their slow-paced idyllic Kampar charm to an urban context. Puchong Legenda Perling is the first phase of 3 storey terrace houses in this new township based on 20 x70 feet narrow lots legacy from the unbuilt past.
The arrival at the site is an Immediate contrast from the busyness sensing the slowing down to a more sedentary pace greeted by a leafy drive, tree canopy park and a burung perling (starling) sculpture inspired by the birds over the lake. Malaysian terraces are a contradiction as it fixes the styles in spite of our idiosyncrasies of the need for change and adaptability.
So there is an experimentation of form, identity and materiality departing from the repetitive terrace form. The houses are designed to create individual personalities similar to the traditional European townhouses. It is formed by a dance of screens and shades with enchanting warm colours for a continuous architectural conversation along the street from 8 facade identity designs. The corners villas pivots the conversation to create a light and highly individualised volumetric expression set in green gardens.
The key tropical architectural features embody functional passive designs to harness nature for cooling to reduce dependency on artificial energy.
The facade employs a second skin aluminium louvres for shading and screening to prevent harsh sunlight penetration. It enhances cooling by dissipating surface heat build up for thermal comfort.
The buildings are generally orientated Southwest and optimized to harness the prevailing winds for naturally cooling to minimize air conditioning. Fencings are kept light and low to maximize the air flow externally.
The internal living areas are designed to maximize the spatial width for good functional spaces to negate the 6m Narrow Lot Aspect. High bay Aperture provides for a seamless inside outside visual connection and opening for cross ventilation. The high ceilings encourage natural airflow in the living areas.
Sleeves of light washes the walls of the inner sanctums to bring natural light sculpturing and contrasting the usual darkly lit deprived spaces in the intermediate units. It evolves into a strip garden at the corner villas for cross ventilation and greenery.
A proportion are Dual key generational homes, a derivative idea of granny unit attached to the main home in response to the Asian family diaspora bond or as a home office.
We can set the stage to allow for community to grow but the architecture is designed to evolve when owners enriches the streetscape mix with their personalities and identities in built form as a uniquely Malaysian diaspora.
The end to design is the beginning of change.
A new image through architectural design
The design brief called for a new image to a chemical manufacturing facility which consists of a few main spaces: warehouse area for production and storage, chemical laboratory, administration and offices area, meeting rooms, cafeteria, and lounge area. Being a chemical company with more than 20 years of experience in the chemicals for the latex-related industries, the clients decided to look for an architect to design this new facility to strengthen their brand identity. They desire to create a different environment that can achieve two main objectives: i) to generate a comfortable and welcoming environment for potential customers especially the ones from overseas, ii) to create a conducive environment for the employees. To accomplish that, the architect and the clients went on an interesting journey of design exploration together, brainstorming ways to break away the typical impression of a manufacturing facility that could be dull and characterless due to its functional and utilitarian nature.
Courtyard as the heart of the building
This new manufacturing facility of Accurativ (M) Sdn. Bhd. is situated in an industrial zone with no interesting views around that region. Similar streetscapes with typical factories or warehouse façades, repeating noises of machinery, minimal and inaccessible landscape formed the “neighborhood” scenery of the site. The surrounding environment appears to be uninteresting to visitors and uninspiring to the workers. In light of that, a common architectural design element in tropical buildings yet unconventional to industrial buildings - courtyard design, was introduced to counter the issues observed.
In terms of spatial planning, the courtyard also acts as a transition space between the office area and the warehouse area, making it an interesting journey as one moves from one space to another. The beauty of this greenery is even being captured and magnified at the entrance lobby, through framing the view using full height glazing at entrance lobby. At a glance, it appeared to be the picture of a beautiful garden, creating a warm and welcoming feeling to the visitors the moment they enter the building.
Sustainable design strategies
Sustainability is another emphasis of this building design. Green spaces, solar responsive building orientation, natural daylighting, and natural ventilation are the few passive design strategies adopted to create a sustainable manufacturing facility. The office block with the cafeteria area was designed to face south to allow maximum glazing and windows for natural daylight, yet minimize heat gain. For the warehouse façade that faces east and west, only a few recessed and tall windows were provided to allow deep natural daylight. Layered roof with skylights design was also incorporated to achieve the same intention. Besides that, the roof was designed to induce stack effect ventilation which improves the thermal comfort of the interior. The central courtyard on the ground floor and balcony garden on the first floor also contributed to the passive cooling of the overall building.
A new perception of the industrial building
This new manufacturing facility of Accurativ (M) Sdn. Bhd. challenges the common perception of an industrial building that often appears to be too functional and uninspiring in design. It proves that a generic manufacturing facility can too be designed as a distinctive architecture when the relationship between the building program, the users, and the environment is well examined. In short, this is an industrial architecture that responds to the climate and environment, while offering a physical environment that is conducive to its users.