NOVUM, meaning “New” in Latin, is nestled among the urban wall fronting Federal Highway, Kuala Lumpur.The pixelated façade, contrasted with nature inspired motifs are placed on the building canvas, crafting a sculptural architecture that respects yet beautifully distinguishes herself from the monotonous vertical skyline, thus becoming an iconic landmark within vibrant Bangsar South that offers cutting-edge elegance combined with innovative lifestyle and wellness design features.
The development comprises three blocks of serviced apartments of varying heights with pockets of sky gardens with a total of 729 units, ranging from 650 to 1,450 sqft.
To avoid uniformity and repetitiveness of the urban wall usually synonymous with high density living, the building form is articulately fragmented to create a bespoke architecture.
The project site is rectilinear with the lengths facing the East and West.The challenge was to find a balance in maximising the unit area and minimizing heat gain from East-West facing facades.Three facade grammars were developed to address the latter concerns.
The main challenge was the organisation of the multi-layers of varying unit widths, facade treatments and interlocking nodes into a symbiotic form.Every floor plate had to be carefully planned to ensure the functional placements of air-wells, services shafts and structural components.
The concept is derived from the natural rock formations – a metaphoric representation of the pioneer foundation of this first development.The resonating layers of rock formations are reflected in the design of the building façade.
The inspiration for the design seeks to exhibit two types of façade elements that complements each other – one being the nature-inspired curvilinear motif, and the other using gridded modules and facade pixilation.
Smaller units at shallower depths are used as insertions between the varying facades, hence enhancing the shadow lines between the building forms.Pockets of sky gardens allow reconnection to the natural environment, interaction between residents and enjoyment of the expansive city views.
The pixelated facade is designed with ‘Tetris’ like window openings to improve the wall-to-glazing ratio and create a weave of playful facade at the same time.
The motif facade is created by having a 900mm depth coping as a form of sub-shading.
Elegantly shaped motif panels are strategically placed to add visual interests to the building facade without obstructing the views from within.
Further disjunction of the pixel and motif facades are contrasted by recessing in certain floors.Overhangs provide more sun shading to the units as well as enhance the design concept of fragmented rock formations.
An appealing sense of arrival is achieved in the design of the vehicular circulation.Upon entering NOVUM, residents are directed towards an internal driveway, greeted by an infinity water feature to the right and grand tower lobby drop-offs on the left.
The diagonal imprint floor pattern and dark grey textured columns create a muted palette which complements the dynamic ceiling design of the driveway.
As NOVUM is certified green by GreenBuildingIndex, provision of sustainable functions such as bicycle parking, electronic car charging points and herb gardens were introduced to enhance the environmental value of the building.
Fronting the Tower A lobby and kindergarten, the surrounding fire-fighting island side access is finished in load-resistant turfing, visually extending the landscape area beyond.
The corridor openings are wide, enabling cross ventilation to minimize dependence on mechanical ventilation.The irregular building forms promote maximum wind porosity and movement between the internal and external conditions.
The emphasis in promoting community living is realised by the provision of various facility spaces.The facilities floor at Level 6 is a double level meeting point for the residents.Apart from the swimming pool, gym and multipurpose hall facilities, additional niche facilities were provided to cater for the current lifestyle.
The Gourmet Kitchen allows unit owners to host larger groups of family and friends in a living, dining and lifestyle kitchen setting.
The Business Hub provides a co-working environment that is conducive for residents’ ‘Work from Home’ arrangements due to the pandemic.
The Level 6 outdoor area was landscaped and planned to mimic an expansive ground level surrounding.Jogging trails, a teahouse and meditation deck encourage recreational wellness and meeting spaces within the community amidst the organic and tranquil greenery.
The Level 6 Mezzanine encompasses city lifestyle areas.The Outdoor Gym was specially designed by a sculpture artist.The Dancing Studios allow residents to have private yoga and dance classes.The floating gymnasium was designed to overlook the pool and scenery.
The sky gardens, designed like interlocking rock formations, create clusters of vertical villages.Pocket sky gardens allow reconnection to nature, social interaction and expansive city views.
The roof garden, intermediate sky gardens and private gardens are created to help minimize thermal heat gain in the units.The different alignment of floor plates between the towers also provided a great opportunity to create individual pocket spaces.
THE INTEGRATION OF ART, POETRY AND ARCHITECTURE
Art pieces, sculptures and poetry are thoughtfully curated together with the architecture planning of spaces throughout the building.
A local artist was commissioned to create individualised sculptures located at the ground floor lift lobbies and waiting lounge to welcome residents into the building.The walls which conceal the mailroom form a feature backdrop to the sculptures.The client, also an artist, shared her personal collection of poetry and paintings which appear throughout the development.
Inspirational quotes were laser engraved on the timber decks to contribute to the residents’ cultural well-being.NOVUM not only provides shelter, but also an environment of inspiration for its residents.
