The 30-storey apartment tower rests on top of a 6-storey podium and 1-storey basement with 21 commercial units ranging from 775 sqft to 2,185 sqft spreading over Levels 1 & 2.Handicapped friendly walkways are integrated into the landscape design connecting the development seamlessly with the existing neighbourhood helps reinforce its urban context.Level 3 to Level 5 are naturally-ventilated car parking floors, whilst Level 6 is the landscaped communal facility deck with a panoramic infinity pool overlooking the neighbourhood.
338 residential units ranging from 506sqft to 1,518 sqft are located from Level 7 to Level 36, including penthouses on Level 34 to 36 of the tower.All units have a floor-to-floor height of 3.3m with a large window aperture allowing a generous amount of natural daylight, good natural ventilation and providing spectacular views for the residents.
The linear arrangement of units on both sides of the service core maximises views for every individual unit and enhances cross ventilation.The public drop-off lobby is located at the south-eastern corner of the building while the residents’ drop-off lobby is located at the north-western corner for more privacy and better security control.A glass lift and escalator are provided at the public drop-off lobby at the south-eastern corner to connect the public to the retail units at Level 2.
Being the tallest building in the city, this modern Islamic architecture with clean lines has redefined Kota Bharu’s urban landscape.This project not only showcases a creative approach to combining Islamic elements into a modern high-rise building, but also demonstrates how contemporary interpretation of Islamic Architecture can co-exist in harmony with the traditional Islamic architecture within the vicinity whilst adding contrast, colour and difference.
The three-dimensional arch, a contemporary interpretation of an Islamic arch – crowning the north-east and south-western corners of the tower, visible from afar – adds the latest Icon to Kota Bahru.The Islamic arch also inspired the treatment for the openings at the podium façade.Rotated arches are arranged to form opening patterns around the podium.To act as a screen, repetitions of the hexagon, a commonly used geometry in Islamic architecture were utilised to create tessellated six-pointed stars to infill these rotated arches; these patterns are also repeated at the three-dimensional crown arches.
The multi-purpose hall is designed as another eye-catching structure that perch and overhangs over the podium at Level 6.Its external skin with intricate Islamic motifs mimics the Islamic patterns of the adjacent Hotel Perdana whilst providing sun shading to the hall.An array of Islamic arches punctured its external skin to bring natural light into the hall.
The curvature language of the Islamic arch was also consistently carried through with the curvy copings around the building, resembling the fluidity of the praying robe.Random and repetitive curvy copings which wrap around the entire podium and tower create a smooth transition of the vertical transformation whilst highlighting the sense of horizontal extensions.Apart from portraying this modern outlook of the building, the curvy copings also function as an important shading device against extreme tropical and monsoon weather.
The beauty of Islamic arches and sensual curves are further expressed in the landscape and interior design of the facility floor at Level 6.The infinity pool also embraces these curves with the planter boxes offering seating spaces at the curved concaves.To match the design language of the building façade, wavy panels are introduced in the design of trellises and the ceiling at the Lounge of Level 6.
