The RM100 million GreenAcres Retirement Village in Ipoh sets out to redefine retirement living for Malaysians. The five-phase development incorporates Australian principles and standards, yet respects local conditions.
Since this is a new field in Malaysia, Total Investment Group engaged Australian architecture firm Marchese Partners to do the master planning, site analysis and concept design. The developer and local architect, S. N. Low & Associates, contributed the local input to ensure that the product suits Malaysians and local building requirements.
Sprawled across a 13-acre site, the gated and guarded project will offer 177 units for independent living—single-storey landed villas and a low-rise four-storey apartment block—when fully completed in 2021. A three-acre site is reserved for a future aged-care facility, which will provide residential and healthcare services for individuals requiring more advanced care.
RESORT LIVING
The first phase, opened in September 2017, comprises 26 units of resident-ready single-storey villas for lease and a RM10 million community-centric clubhouse.
The one and two-bedroom residential units measure between 730 and 1,100 square feet, with a choice of six layouts for sufficient living space and easy maintenance. Targeted at residents aged 55 and above, each home is partially furnished and designed with age-friendly features, such as wider doors, lower and larger switches, wider and longer handles on furnishings, bathroom grab rails, taps with lever handles, seats in the shower, ramped entryways at the main entrance, step-less bathroom, and emergency call buttons connected to a round-the-clock central monitoring system.
The three-storey clubhouse spans 30,000 square feet, the largest within any residential development in Ipoh. It serves as the centre of organised community activities and comes with a range of facilities, including a lounge area, gym, games room, pool table room, 24-seater mini-cinema, karaoke room, TV lounge, reading room, private function rooms and community planting boxes. A café and dining area are also in the works.
GreenAcres was conceptualised as an open community with a resort-like environment, where each home opens out directly to linear gardens, with walking paths, gazebos, water features and flourishing greens.
BUILDING CONSIDERATIONS
One of the main planning considerations was to ensure a reasonable unit and landscape yield based on the shape and size of the site. The land sits on an elevated ground, which offers good views of the surrounding hills and protection against flooding and drainage issues. Hence, the buildings are designed to take advantage of the terrain’s views, wind and airflow.
To ensure that the project is sustainable and able to meet the price expectations of residents, construction costs were controlled tightly. This was achieved by dealing directly with building material manufacturers or wholesalers. Material usage was also monitored to minimise wastage. As much as possible, local materials and resources were used as the developer’s main consideration was to be able to obtain service and support quickly and cost effectively.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: GreenAcres Retirement Village
Location: Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh, Perak
Status of Construction: Phase 1 completed; Phase 2 underway
Completion Date: September 2017 (Phase 1)
Site Area: 13 acres
Number of Units: 177, with a clubhouse
Owner/Developer: Total Investment Sdn Bhd
Architecture Firms: Marchese Partners; S. N. Low & Associates
Interior Design Firm: Hybrid Designs
Civil & Structural Engineer: K. L. Chan & Associates
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Jurutera Perunding Setiakawan
Landscape Architect: Just Right Design Sdn Bhd
Interior Fit-Out Contractor: A&J Designs
Images: Total Investment Sdn Bhd
