The sky's the limit

Sometimes the ideal setting is not as perfect as it first appears, and requires a little finessing in order to fulfil first hopes and expectations.

For developer Coronation Springs, the site earmarked for a high-end residential development looked full of promise it had absolute beach frontage, unobstructed panoramic views and proximity to important amenities, says managing director Ledand Tan.

"Unfortunately, almost one-third of the 1.03ha site was encroached by sea water and therefore was not suitable for any property development. To resolve this issue, we engaged a hydraulic engineer to design an island breakwater and carried out a programme of beach regeneration."

With the site stabilised, the focus could turn to maximising its many advantages to give residents the lifestyle expected of such a location.

"Our goal with Springtide Residences was to create a low-density development that played to the strengths of the outdoor environment," says Tan.

"To that end we specified a built-up area that required the least possible space and would not compromise the integrity of the living environment. The result is a development in which less than 15% of the site has been given over to buildings. The remainder is open and landscaped space," says the developer.

Architect Jeffrey Ling of Architects 61 says this consideration, as well as other, legislative requirements, had a strong influence on the final design.

"Firstly, the location of the site itself is quite unusual in that it is right on the beach. The government has designated all foreshore land as public domain, so the design had to strike the right balance between public accessibility and privacy for residents all within the parameters established by Coronation Springs."

The developer had also specified that three stand-alone villas be incorporated into the design. In this instance, the site aided the design process.

"The shape of the site worked as a natural guide to positioning the villas and tower. In this way the buildings work in concert with each other, rather than being at odds," says Ling.

"Architecturally, they share a similar DNA, which provides a visual coherence and distinguishes the development from the neighbouring buildings."

Strong horizontal and vertical lines, in the form of sunshades, have been used to create a compelling, exoskeleton-like facade that creates an interplay between solid and void. A dominant design feature on the tower, these lines were softened for the villas. While this design unity creates a localised commonality, there is a greater context, says Ling.

"The design also works well over the entire site in terms of scale the scale of the villas relates to the bungalows on the northern part of the property, while the tower relates to the Tanjung Bungah Hotel to the south."

In keeping with the premium location, the apartments had to reflect a level of quality in line with expectations for major centres around the world, says Ling.

"With a mandate for two apartments only per floor, each unit is grand in size 370m² or 465m², as specified by the developer.

"Finishes likewise are in keeping with an international sensibility, and have been selected to complement the vista enjoyed from each apartment, drawing upon natural influences as much as possible."

The developer says the overseas market was at the forefront when the project was conceived.

"From the outset, we anticipated that much of the interest in Springtide Residences would come from the expat community. From the design and amenities down to the finishes, the project had to exude an international standard that was second to none," says Tan.

"Springtide Residences offers a luxury living experience that is recognised by investors and by industry alike. The International Real Estate Federation of Malaysia (FIABCI) and the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) have both acknowledged Springtide Residences."

Story by: Justin Foote