Malaysia may be blessed with no earthquakes. But when one strikes neighbouring countries like Indonesia, its ripples can reach Peninsular Malaysia.
Park Seven, a high-rise project in Persiaran KLCC that was completed in 2008, could be the first structurally earthquake-resistant residential building in Malaysia.
The building was developed by former tin-mining company Selangor Dredging Bhd (SDB), which spent a few million ringgit on the special feature but charged purchasers no extra cost.
The idea followed disastrous seismic activities in Sunda Trench — an oceanic trench located in the Indian Ocean near Sumatera — on Dec 24, 2004, which resulted in tremors in various parts of the peninsula and tragic tsunami in many countries.
SDB’s latest project, UNA Serviced Apartment that is located opposite Sunway Bhd’s Sunway Velocity development on Jalan Peel in Cheras is also built with earthquake-resistant features.
There are 316 units of apartments in a single 46-storey tower, selling from RM1.1 million to almost RM2 million, or at an average RM900 per sq ft.
Neighbouring projects like V Residence 2 @ Sunway Velocity (with freehold status) and The Locus @ KLCV, Jalan Cheras (leasehold) are selling from RM976,000 and RM590,000, respectively.
SDB managing director Teh Lip Kim said UNA is a design-centric, boutique development with a lower density compared to other developments in the neighbouring.
“For the quality and value we are providing, we believe our product possess a premium compared to our competitors. Our target audience are urbanites above 35 years old working in the Kuala Lumpur city centre, especially those who appreciate good design and spatial planning, elevated lifestyle, and connectivity,” she said.
Located on 0.38ha of leasehold land, UNA’s apartment units range from 807 to 1,066 sq ft, catering to the different needs of the targeted market.
Dual-key units measure 1,356 sq ft and allow residents to stay while renting out a partial of the home.
UNA, which has a gross development value of RM300 million, is almost 65 per cent sold to date, said Teh,
“We have received encouraging response from our repeat purchasers who believe in the SDB brand and new investors. Investors from neighbouring countries are part of UNA success that make up not more than 10 per cent. Nationalities are from Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong/China and Australia,” she told NST Property.
DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURE
UNA, which in Latin means “only one”, draws inspiration from early skyscrapers in New York and uses a single material with strong vertical emphasis on external facade.
The UNA tower is embellished by a “crown”, which consists of a Sky Hall on the rooftop and a series of open sheltered gardens and terraces, providing an elegant silhouette to the apartment tower.
Facilities at UNA echo an urbanite lifestyle with its hydrotherapy and lap pools tucked in a cosy corner, providing panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
Open areas are articulated with arched openings and coffered ceilings to create a design centric space.
The interior of serviced apartments features a rectilinear layout with expansive living space and extensive windows, a sensible idea of eliminating excess spaces within each unit while allowing natural light and ventilation.
WHY JALAN PEEL?
Teh said Jalan Peel is rich in history with notable landmarks like the AEON Big and SMK Convent Peel Road.
“It is also known for a delicious array of street food. The shady tree-line road makes it a scenic view in the heart of the city centre. Because of its rich history, it is also known as a vibrant and matured location with excellent connectivity. MRT (mass rapid transit) and LRT (light rail transit) stations are located nearby, and shopping malls like IKEA, MyTown and (Sunway) Velocity is a stone’s throw away from UNA, which makes it easily accessible for residents,” she said.
SDB entered into a joint venture with the land owner of the UNA site in April 2017.
Teh said SDB has always been looking for quality landbank to serve the market.
“Location and connectivity are some of the criterias we look at.”
She said at the current stage, SDB is planning to manage the retail units at UNA.
It is a management strategy to ensure tenants that dwell within the development are compatible with SDB’s brand and its offerings to the residents in UNA. “We have not sold any of the retail units,” added Teh.