Emporium and DeLOFTS Residences
The Emporium and DeLOFTS Residences project constitutes a mixed commercial and residential development, designed to meet the increasing demand of the commercial space and housing within Kuching. The development is strategically positioned on the city’s prominent fringe, along the main thoroughfare connecting the airport to the city. This location fosters entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized enterprises by offering affordable retail spaces that are integrated with residential living.
Dictated by the site’s triangular footprint, three residential blocks are perched atop the commercial podium, hugging the perimeter to carve out a central courtyard and atrium. The design concept involves situating shops with dual frontage to enliven the heart of the atrium, while also ensuring that there are clear and distinct street-level entrances leading to this vibrant activity space. Above, the atrium’s roof serves as a functional breakout area and communal outdoor space for its residents. Five steel columns support large-span steel beams that underpin this deck, which features walkways, planting, and skylights— all organically shaped to contrast with the rectilinear forms of the building.
This architectural concept extends to the building’s form, which is envisaged as linear blocks with an emphasis on horizontality and diversity/dynamism. The linearity is a gesture to speed and movement, as one traverses past the project along the highway. This concept is further accentuated by the use of steel and aluminium horizontal fins at various levels of the façade, as well as by the continuous long roof along the main highway frontage. Additionally, these fins and the overhanging roof offer sun screening for the east- and west-facing façades. The façade also features an interplay of solid walls and window openings in a “deliberately random” pattern, which is determined by the varied layouts of the apartment units inside. The top two floors of the apartment blocks are designed as duplex/loft units.
In terms of construction, the project relies on traditional methods, utilising concrete with traditional formwork. The possibility of using prefabricated shear formwork was explored, but the varied unit layouts, the low-rise nature of the project, and the scarcity of local manufacturers in East Malaysia collectively rendered this option unviable.
To distinguish its appearance from typical apartment condominiums and achieve a dynamic, modern aesthetic, the project’s design intention focuses on exploring perceptions of materials, singling out the use of metals for their unique properties. These metals impart a sense of lightness, which is meticulously accentuated by the thin-edge detailing that is only achievable with metal. This attention to detail is then carried through to the façade, which takes on a distinctive form by combining traditional plastered brickwork with the creative use of steel and aluminum.
The development aims to achieve a socio-economic balance between commercial and residential living within the community. This is reflected in the number of occupants who both work and reside on the same premises. In the near future, the Kuching Urban Transport ART station will be situated directly in front of the development, which will undoubtedly add value to the project and enhance its long-term sustainability.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : Aki Media
Client : KENBEST Sdn Bhd
Area : 26,900 m²
Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
Year : 2015 -
C&S Engineer : Eswel Engineers
M&E Engineer : Perunding Teknikal
Quantity Surveyor : Pakatan International
Photography : Chon Fan Photography -
Floor | Floor Finishes
• Tile : TKK
Aluminium and Glazing : PDG
Sanitary Fittings | Systems : American Standard | Claytan | Rubine
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