Creative material use synchronised to the theme of natural elements results in a unique conception of a sustainable and livable high-rise, rich in character and natural aesthetics. The ingenious distribution and integration of pocket gardens throughout the development substantiates this further.
Ceylonz Suites is a 39-storey office tower in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia presenting a refreshing take on work, life and play.It offers 442 studio-sized office units (384 – 578 sqft) which can be modelled into micro-apartments or co-working spaces as required.Despite the limited 0.23-hectare land, the compact design packs ample amenities like the Sky Gym, Rooftop Infinity Pool, Sports Lounge, cafeteria, mini-mart and work-centric facilities like conference and meeting rooms, Business Lounge, etc.What also sets the building apart is its unique timber toned façade screen that doubles as a shading device against the harsh tropical climate.
The building incorporates ‘play’ with a playful massing design, akin to the Jenga blocks. The front elevation has volumes extracted at interval levels, leaving negative volumes of space that open up to transform into Pocket Gardens.Instead of ‘plug and play’, this approach translates into ‘pluck and play’, i.e. plucking portions out and leaving the voids as ‘play’ spaces.These ‘play pockets’ are carved out to seamlessly integrate with the curtain walls as negative elements of the façade collectively.It is in these semi-private spaces that the users can informally integrate work and play their way.A final touch of ‘playful’ form crowns the building at the top, a curvature that daringly juxtaposes itself with the primarily linear elements.
Its concrete façade is softened by the saucer-shaped ‘crown’ which holds an elevated landscape deck, offering a magnificent view of the cityscape while providing a ‘Zen’ space for a peaceful respite.
The building incorporates ‘play’ with a playful massing design, akin to the Jenga blocks.The front elevation has volumes extracted at interval levels, leaving negative volumes of space that open up to transform into Pocket Gardens.
The building uses materials sporting a raw concrete look, complemented with ventilation blocks allowing natural ventilation and lighting at the car park levels.At the office levels above, the façade is adorned with timber-toned fins fixed to the glazing to screen the office units from the tropical heat, especially when it is located in the heart of the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur.To further reduce carbon footprint, the building is also designed with a touch of landscaping incorporated into various spaces, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of space with opportunities for leisure activities.
On top of that – considering the rainfall of Malaysia – its integrated rainwater harvesting system recycles rainwater for landscape irrigation.
Aside from being a responsive design towards the local climate, the building also responds strongly to the context of the urban centre.The building’s location is in Bukit Ceylon, a prime area of Kuala Lumpur City Centre.The context is without lack of office towers, bank headquarters as well as Bursa Malaysia, the stock exchange of Malaysia, which relates to the development’s target users ranging from start-up retailers to business entrepreneurs.Mobility and accessibility are well addressed by the transportation infrastructure of the city, with several bus stops within walking distance and transit stations within a 600m radius.The developer of the project itself also provides a shuttle bus service for users’ convenience to commute within the city centre.All in all, Ceylonz Suites endeavour to keep up with the times where the workspace is becoming an ambiguity between work and play, and perhaps contributing to the redefinition of urban lifestyle.
To further reduce carbon footprint, the building is also designed with a touch of landscaping incorporated into various spaces, while simultaneously enhancing the quality of space with opportunities for leisure activities.
