Maya Ara Residences

Multiple Residential High Rise - Commendation
ARCHITECT: RSP Architects Sdn Bhd
CLIENT: Sime Darby Property (Ara Damansara) Sdn Bhd
CONTRACTOR: Crest Builder Sdn Bhd
Units overlooking the landscaped facility podium, fostering a ground- connected residential experience

The architectural narrative of Maya Ara Residences is guided by a disciplined coordination of lines, which serve as both conceptual and technical instruments throughout the design. Through the deliberate articulation of horizontal and vertical elements, the development achieves a dynamic composition that is expressed consistently across all elevations and interior spaces. The building façade, in particular, is defined by a rhythmic interplay of bright vertical and horizontal fins that frame dark wall planes, windows, and vent blocks, creating a bold and distinctive grid expression. This careful articulation not only reinforces the geometric clarity of the design but also establishes a visual rhythm that animates the building and contributes to its architectural identity.

The building façade is defined by a rhythmic interplay of bright vertical and horizontal fins that frame dark wall planes, windows, and vent blocks, creating a bold and distinctive grid expression

Maya Ara Residences is a 27-storey serviced apartment development comprising 351 residential units within the established township of Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Conceived as a high-quality, climate-responsive urban dwelling, the project aims to balance residential density with liveability, providing functional, comfortable spaces. The development occupies a total built-up area of approximately 627,425 square feet on a 94,524-square-foot site, achieving an impressive 88% QLASSIC score and a Greenre Gold rating. These recognitions reflect the project’s commitment to construction quality, environmental responsibility, and long-term residential value, demonstrating that thoughtful design and sustainability can coexist within a high-rise residential development.

Lounge at Entrance Lobby – The backdrop feature wall is designed to reflect the external feature wall

The site itself is located within a predominantly low to mid-rise residential context, making Maya Ara the only high-rise building in its immediate surroundings. As such, the tower commands a prominent visual presence while remaining sensitive to the neighbourhood’s scale. Its orientation responds thoughtfully to both climatic conditions and key view corridors. By aligning parallel to the sun path, the design reduces direct solar heat gain while preserving open views toward surrounding greenery and the eastern skyline. This strategic positioning enhances environmental performance and enriches the overall living experience. The facility floor, positioned to maximise panoramic views, features an infinity pool and gymnasium designed with a floating-box effect and oriented eastward to capture sunrise views over the Kuala Lumpur skyline, while the function hall on the opposite side faces the Ara Damansara skyline.

Environmental sustainability is also a defining aspect of the project. Inspired by the local rainforest context, native and wild plant species such as keladi, pandan, daun kaduk, and other indigenous trees are incorporated into both external and internal landscapes. These layered plantings soften the built form, create visual continuity between natural and built environments, and reduce maintenance demands. Complementing the landscaping are environmental strategies, including rainwater harvesting and bio-swales, which reduce surface runoff by approximately 30%, supporting long-term sustainable site management.

Ultimately, Maya Ara Residences exemplifies how a clear and disciplined architectural language can cohesively integrate structure, climate responsiveness, detailing, and landscape into a unified high-rise development. Through the strategic deployment of lines as conceptual and technical devices, the project achieves environmental performance, construction excellence, and spatial clarity, while articulating a strong geometric identity. The development stands as a refined urban residence that balances density with comfort, structure with expression, and performance with identity, contributing lasting architectural value within the evolving urban fabric of Ara Damansara.

The main wing is designed as a free structural transfer, bringing the units closer to the ground to enjoy the landscaped surroundings

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