Set amidst lush greenery, Windows On The Park is a residential development in Cheras that comprises three residential towers of 15, 17 and 33 storeys respectively. The name of the development reflects the design concept where three multi storey high portals or windows were carved out from the residential towers, allowing nature to seamlessly flow through the blocks. These windows also form a visual park, thereby creating a holistic environment that encourages a sense of community.
Parks are usually only an afterthought—space is made for them only after everything else has been considered. However, space that is large enough to serve the needs of the entire community is set aside on the 8.9-acre site of Windows On The Park, with homes built around it.
Living and dining areas, as well as bedrooms of the residences were designed fronting the park, while units at the podium level have their own private gardens. The residential blocks were designed with linear wings, connected by a central core to form a V-shaped space that cradles the drop-off lobbies. The residential towers flank the common facilities podium, which is surrounded by lush landscaping that is contoured to flow seamlessly throughout and towards the arrival floor.
MATERIALS
A mixture of materials were sourced locally and abroad. Custom-designed concrete ventilation block panels were composed to create an interplay of light and shadow, creating an interchanging pattern throughout the day.
Apart from providing climatic comfort, ventilation block panels were layered to give the building façade a distinctive architectural composition. The ventilation blocks were also used to allow for natural ventilation and daylight, as well as to ensure the privacy of residences.
Selected premium units have lofty high ceilings, while their private gardens range from 600 to 900 square feet with direct access to the landscaped parkland.
GREEN INITIATIVES
Three archways serve as gateways from one zone of the park to another, or as windows through which one will be able to gaze at activities around the park. The park was carefully designed and planned—it features a three-layered planting concept with carefully chosen florae.
Rising high above everything are the Nyatoh, Meranti, Pulai and Kelumpang Burung, which form the first of the three layers. Just below them and forming the second layer are the medium-sized canopy species such as Simpoh, Membrilla, Kelat Nenasi and Small-Leafed Oil Fruit. Near the ground level are the understory species of the third layer. There are also smaller plants that can still thrive with less sunlight, such as Joey Palm, Elephant’s Ear, Calathea, Ginger and various species of Ferns.
Within this natural setting are three parks that offer three distinctive experiences. The Clubhouse Park is a place to enjoy the company of family and friends. The Quiet Park comes with water springs that transform into glimmering candles at night and old-fashioned swings for relaxation. Within this park is a Great Lawn for flexible use, a gym with full facilities, a yoga room and multipurpose room, as well as a 50-metre family pool. The Active Park is where the young ones expend their energy. Younger children can take a dip in the pool or have fun with the equipment in the play area.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Windows On The Park
Location: Jalan Suadamai 10/1, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Batu 9, Cheras, Malaysia
Completion Date: 22 February 2016
Site Area: 36,339 square metres
Gross Floor Area: 173,410 square metres
Building Height: Block A (33 storeys); Block B (17 storeys); Block C (15 storeys)
Client/Owner: SDB Properties Sdn Bhd
Architecture Firm: GDP Architects Sdn Bhd
Principal Architect: Ar Syed Sobri Syed Ismail
Interior Designer: SDB Interiors
Landscape Architect: Colin K. Okashimo and Associates
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Perunding EMS
Civil & Structural Engineer: Webstructure (M) Sdn Bhd
Quantity Surveyor: Northcraft Lim Perunding Sdn Bhd
Main Contractor: Econpile (M) Sdn Bhd
Aluminium Glass Glazing Works: Khalid Aluminium Sdn Bhd
Architectural Works: Webstructure (M) Sdn Bhd
MVAC Subcontractor: Liong Engineering Sdn Bhd
Electrical Subcontractor: SW Perusahaan Letik Sdn Bhd
ELV Subcontractor: SW Perusahaan Letik Sdn Bhd
Fire Protection Subcontractor: YFG Engineering Sdn Bhd
Fire-rated Doors: Midah Industries Sdn Bhd
Sanitary & Plumbing Subcontractor: Wilajaya Sdn Bhd
Images/Photos: Selangor Dredging Berhad
