Nestled along Jalan Semantan, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara (KPD) is a low-rise, five identical blocks of government office enclave built in the early 1970s surrounded by lush greens. This first program to repurpose Block A into 5th Place as a signature 4-storey boutique retail capitalises on adjacence to MRT Station and street plaza before an ample esplanade of raw concrete.
Surgical interventions are rationalised over a streamlined budget, including a volumetric steel and glass box with curtain wall elements, and a double-volume atrium carved within the lower floors exposing the existing raw structural frames that define wayfinding and retail connectivity to upper floors.
The former concrete and vent-block fence is removed creating a new plaza, a social space surrendered to the public. A volumetric steel and glass box creates a focal point at the plaza, with double-height curtain wall elements allowing the natural environment to permeate, and the new retail activities to be seen from outside. Terraces and canopies are added around the building, creating outdoor dining spaces and appealing to wanderers. The façade is tidied-up and the roof simplified, giving the building a fresher and more contemporary look.
Shops, restaurants and cafes revolve around the atrium as the new centre of gravity. The void creates a new sense of openness and establishes a visual connection between floors, encouraging guests to visit the upper floors. The interiors are left bare and clean with terrazzo, exposed concrete and services. The colour accents are leftto the wayfinding and the fit-out of the 15 boutique tenants.
