PD Residences
PD Residences is the first multi-storey residential project for MWA Architects. The opportunity arose after they completed the client’s house renovation in Kuching — the client requested to look into designing a master layout plan for a plot of land along Jalan Ong Tiang Swee; a road formerly known for government officers’ quarters and agencies such as the Centre of the Blind and The Cheshire Home. In recent years, the neighbourhood had matured to include Swinburne Sarawak, the UNIFOR Building and several residential projects, this is largely due to its proximity to Kuching City Centre.
The 6-acre plot has undulating topography dotted with fishponds; it was formerly a fish and vegetable farm. The brief called for an office complex to accommodate the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) and the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and a residential development to generate income for the construction of the office complex. We decided to locate the office block facing the main road, while the residential units are set farther away from the road for privacy and exclusivity.
The office complex was designed by another architect. The design team decided to develop the residential component as a low-density multi-storey scheme (30 units per acre), which under the local planning guidelines is categorised as a ‘condominium’ development. The scheme comprises two blocks — an 11-storey block of 80 luxury units and a six-storey block of 30 deluxe units on the eventual site area of 3.67 acres.
The 11-storey luxury units are laid out in two wings, framing a landscaped courtyard with a clubhouse and a swimming pool in the centre. The two wings are connected at the 10th floor via a sky bridge, providing access to the residents’ lounge on this floor. Every two units share a dedicated lift and lobby, allowing for better privacy and unobstructed views and ventilation from the front to the rear of each unit.
Complementing the luxury units are 30 deluxe units in a six-storey block, planned around a landscaped courtyard. The units are designed for the modern Asian family, featuring open-plan living spaces and an outdoor dining room with Asian kitchens.
In the central courtyard, the sculptural form of the clubhouse provides a visual reference for the pool and the gardens. This portrays a soft centre in the heart of the development.
The architectural language is understated, using fin walls and ledges to articulate and shade the façade. The planning is straightforward and well thought out, combining modern design with tropical considerations for sun and shade, using simple building materials and systems to get the basics done well.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : MWA Architects
Client : Panggau Dayak Sdn Bhd
Area : 21,435.2 m²
Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
Year : 2023 -
C&S Engineer : PCS Consultant Sdn Bhd
M&E Engineer : Perunding Dynatech Sdn Bhd
Interior Design : Totem Sdn Bhd
Contractor : Song Kau Construction Sdn Bhd
Design Team : Wee Hii Min | Leong Gian Wen | Fiona Law | Poh Jia Yan | Lee Peng Hui
Photography : Sean Wee -
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