In studying the location and site, several things stood out which had to be addressed which were the surrounding ex-mining pond which has been utilizing as retention pond, the characteristic of low rise and low-density housing to the East and bustling Jalan Kepong and Jalan Kuching to the South and East. The challenge here would be to translate these into a brief with the overall planning and design to be contextually relevant and building that is socially sensitive.
The units range from 950sqft to 1200sqft grouped around a central core, each with balcony or glazed opening designed to capture a “photographic Instagramable view” of the landscape. The apartments are configured in such a way that privacy and views are assured. The unit balconies and common passage corridors with voids are all passively designed to optimize penetration of natural light and ventilation to enhance the visual and tactile senses of living and comfort. The choice of materials enhances the tactile experience as well, the rough plaster finishing on the reinforced concrete fins, inserted with clear glass railings, create not only a sensual feel but also a surreal atmosphere through the interplay of everchanging light and shadow.
Lakeville Residence strives to provide a meaningfully composition of assembled building with a conducive living environment within. Its design is an architectural response to its surrounding. For instance, the building observes a lower height in response to the adjacent low-density housing at the front; recreation park or deck on top of the podium is positioned central to the development for ease of all residents and also act as a buffer between the residential towers. With the prime 6 towers lining the edge of the lake, this visually connects the residents intimately with the surrounding lake.
As majority of most urban living spaces are compact, leaving very little room for residents to relax and recreate, the design challenge here was to create an “Integrated Total Wholesome Living Concept”. A wide expense of recreation park/deck was created on top the podium carpark making it one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest with a coverage of 1.25-hectare with facilities some over 2 levels offering a treasure trove of facilities for enjoyment. Away for the hustle and bustle of the city, it exudes an air of tranquillity and relaxation. The expansive recreational park is complemented with lush tropical landscaping creating visual focal points and serving as a unifying factor between the landscape and architecture. The park also contains a 0.5km jogging track that twines its way through the green environment. In addition to the jogging track, there is a Club House dressed with multi-faceted façade which houses the Multi-Purpose Hall, Gymnasium, sports and health facilities. The recreational deck also houses a 50m infinity edged swimming pool, wading pool, ecosystem pond, chill-out lounges, Hammock Garden, Sunken Plaza and many others to encourage interaction and social activities. Residents will always enjoy a cool breeze at most time of the day whilst being absorbed by the panoramic view of the cityscape of Kuala Lumpur.