Architecture is about responding to the specifics of a site.This project is no different. The shape of the building stems from the unique shape of the property. Initially conceptualised as phase 2 of the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel and the New World Hotel, the building completes a dialogue with the curved hotels where Cendana is convex in form, and the hotels are concave in response.

Of course, it is by no slight coincidence that Cendana is shaped like a wankel radial engine, a conscious decision made by Mr Kam Pak Cheong, a director of the firm who is also a car enthusiast.

Apart from that, the building responds to the opportunity of views all around while complying with local by-laws, building setbacks and fire department requirements. It is from these parameters that the building was developed.

Modern in a tropical setting. The firm has always been a strong advocate of buildings that are appropriate for our local climate. In Cendana, building elements such as sun-shades, screens and balconies are employed to shield the interior spaces from the tropical sun, with particular attention given to areas with curtain-walls.

With respect to the context of the building’s location, we are going for a simple mix of building materials: using concrete, glass, aluminium and stainless steel judiciously juxtaposed into a rich texture to create a building that is not out of place in Kuala Lumpur city, and yet does not appear to be a high-rise commercial building.

The location of the development is a significant feature. It is centrally located in the Golden Triangle and easily accessible to the prime areas of Kuala Lumpur. We took advantage of the location to design the building so that every apartment would have great outlooks; in the same way as an eagle from its eyrie would have a 360° view of its surrounds.

Design and aesthetics are superbly integrated by the team which include interior designers from Singapore and landscape architects from Bali.

The result is a blend of sophistication and tropical simplicity. At the same time, practicality is taken care of. Extensive landscaping and water features on the ground floor provide superior screening to offer a high level of privacy for residents.

Excellent! It is not quite in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city – where all the traffic jams are concentrated, yet it is central enough for easy access to and from anywhere. Being off Jalan Sultan Ismail away from the main road ensures that the development enjoys a degree of privacy, whilst offering great panoramic views of different aspects of Kuala Lumpur.

Definitely! In this unique shape, we are looking at three separate axes for each face of the building. At each corner where two of the axes meets, is an odd shaped space. This did not pose a problem, but rather, it gave us an opportunity to explore this interesting juxtaposition of forms. More often than not, this intersection of the axes is where the family room is placed, functioning as a node between the public and private realms of the apartment units.

Overall, this has resulted in an exciting layout for the units. Marvellous views of the cityscape from the bedrooms, bathroom, and lounge create the feel of living in unhampered space. Virtually you are living like an eagle enjoying the luxury of your nest with a bird’s eye view of unending space.

There will be  a service link between Cendana and Renaissance Hotel, enabling residents to enjoy the services of the hotel such as housekeeping and food and beverage catering for lunches and dinners. We have designed a sky bridge to link these two buildings. The sky bridge would connect Cendana to the – swimming pool deck level of the Renaissance Hotel.

Result: Efficient and effective access either way without one having to drive or go on to the main road. But mindful of security, only residents are issued with security key cards to allow them access to the sky bridge.

There appears to be a growing demand for high- end residential properties in Kuala Lumpur, offering high quality amenities and services. Many purchasers are investors, opting to rent their units out to expatriates working in the city. Others are enticed by the idea of living in the city, sort of Manhattan-like, instead of succumbing to the suburban sprawl around the Klang Valley.

Furthermore, the designs of such properties are of high standards and such a property offers the additional prestige of living in an iconic building.

I like the fact that the project is bold in making a statement about luxurious city living. There is a certain sensuality about the shape of the building and its spaces, and it’s great that the team, together with the developer shares a similar vision for this project.