Twin pinnacles

Architects 61 completes luxury residential condos in Penang The Infinity (119 units) located on 3.05 acres beachfront site at Tanjung Bungah Penang comprises of two 35 and 36 storey towers each having two apartments per floor with private lift lobby of average size 3,500 and 4,500 sq ft. The construction budget of RM170 (38 Euro) per sq ft proved a challenged but was achieved. The design created a value where the average sale was at RM600 (136 Euro) per sq ft when the neighbourhood were selling at RM400 (23 Euro) per sq ft. Cost was achieved through innovative design where the 2 sub-level car parks are naturally ventilated taking advantage of site terrain. Drop-off is raised by a level and the entrance placed closer to the sea with an approach via a grand boulevard of trees, creating a statement. The site is bound by the sea at the north, a polluted Kelian River at the West and a main arterial road at the south. The towers are orientated north-east and south-west to create full panoramic views of the sea for all units, a client's requirement, which later proved to be the most ideal in relation to the noisy road. The polluted Kelian River was rehabilitated at the developer's own cost - a social contribution that also helps to improve the value of the neighbourhood - through a sustainable, ecological method using Activated Effective Microorganism to breakdown pollutants. The towers only occupy 13.8% of the site whilst the average efficiency per floor is 84%. The interior spaces are arranged to optimise day lighting, natural ventilation and views, with each apartment being a bungalow in the sky. Conventional methods of rc shear wall construction with infill brick and plaster allowed speed and helped control cost. The modern, contemporary architecture, whilst still conforming to the surroundings, brings a fresh outlook to the neighbourhood.