PROJECTS

Nouvelle Industrial Park @ Meru

This industrial park comprises two-storey factories built on a 10-acre site. Located in Klang’s industrial zone, with accessibility to Port Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) through a well-developed highway network, it will indirectly create job opportunities for the surrounding areas. The project was created to boost the manufacturing business in the country by providing incubator sized factory units to entrepreneurs, which are more affordable when compared to bigger sized units.

LAYOUT
The plan consists of 47 factory units in total that are categorised into three types: intermediate unit (39 units; lot size: 28 feet by 105 feet); end unit (seven units; lot size: 32 feet by 105 feet) and corner unit (one unit; lot size: 47 feet by 105 feet). Functionality and versatility were taken into account in the square-shaped layout, with building spaces that allow the tenants to engage in a variety of business activities. The factory area is at the ground floor, while the first floor comprises a small office at the front of the unit and an open area for warehouse usage. A 25-feet-deep front yard and a small continuous verandah-way along the block on the ground floor will differentiate it from conventional factories. The front yard will be fenced off from the neighbouring unit and will have its own gate, which will provide security and privacy to the unit itself.

DESIGN
This project aims to redefine the image of the industrial building with a modern and creative design aesthetic, while enhancing the original functionality of industrial usage. The challenge was in setting it apart from the traditional industrial image by introducing a clean-cut and contemporary design that integrated metal wall cladding and glazing. This balances the elements of solidity and transparency. The building was designed with distinct and elegant forms, while having rectangular and practical spaces suited for industrial usage. The office on the first floor overlooks the street from a higher level through the full-height glazed windows, providing a visual connection between the street and office space.

MATERIALS
The main construction materials include concrete, steel bars and bricks. Metal cladding will be widely used to cover the roof and the wall. Eighty percent of the materials were sourced locally.

CONSTRAINTS
One of the constraints faced in this project was planning the open space around the transmission line in order to fulfil the statutory requirement and create a safety buffer between the transmission line and the factory units. Due to the poor soil condition, a large portion of the cost was spent to improve the soil as well as the building and infrastructure foundation.

PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Nouvelle Industrial Park @ Meru
Location: Meru, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Status: Under construction
Expected Completion: November 2016
Site Area: 4 hectares (10 acres)
Gross Floor Area: 13,727 square metres (147,764 square feet)
Number of Units: 47
Building Height: 2 storeys
Clients/Developers: Pentagon Front Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of Exsim Development Sdn Bhd)
Architecture Firm: Tan’ck Architect
Principal Architect: Tan Chee Khoon
Main Contractor: Nagano Builders Sdn Bhd
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: Zeal Perunding Sdn Bhd
Civil & Structural Engineer: Jurutera Perunding Pesona Rekabina Sdn Bhd
Landscape Architect: Reka Tropics Design & Contracts
Images/Photos: Tan’ck Architects