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FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 ISSUE 2070/2015

A PULLOUT EVERY FRIDAY WITH

Read this copy online @ theedgeproperty.com MAKE BETTER DECISIONS PP 9974/08/2013 (032820)

Enter now for tickets ep18 DEALMAKERS ep20 HOME IDEAS ep22 FEATURE to seminars in PJ (Jan 9 & 10) & Penang (Jan 24).

Making his own luck London trending: Your personal Hanging Find out how at Bold graphics & Gardens of Babylon theedgeproperty.com modern exotics

WANGSA MAJU moves up the value chain CloseCl to KualaK l LumpurL cityi centre andd connectedd bby rail,il the area is a hotspot for student housing. And now, it’s looking attractive to professionals and expats. See story on pages ep10 & 11.

SHAHRIN YAHYA/THE EDGE PROPERTY EP2 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP3 EP4 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP5 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP6 PROPERTY | NEWS

ON NEWS ROUNDUP Go to theedgeproperty.com for more property news

hor and Kota Kinabalu. at www.theedgeproperty.com Th e contest campaign drew to a close with a third and fi nal draw event, after the fi rst two in Sep- tember and October. Th e contest was open to all S P Setia property purchasers who had signed their sale and purchase agreements this year.

1MDB Real Estate is now Lee bagged an all-expenses paid SM Prime Holdings appoints Sunway Bhd — TRX City trip to London, Melbourne, Qin- Aurecon as designer of SM ’s No 1 Debt-laden 1Malaysia Development zhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Megamall Towers developer Bhd’s (1MDB) property arm, 1MDB and Langkawi in addition to several Th e Philippines’ largest shopping Real Estate Sdn Bhd (1MDB RE), is other prizes. mall and retail operator SM Prime “Battersea Power Station has now known as TRX City Sdn Bhd. “I am totally surprised and Holdings has appointed Aurecon been crafting a strong foundation According to a filing with the extremely excited to have won to provide structural engineering for hosting cultural events,” said Companies Commission of Ma- the grand prize,” Lee said after design services for its SM Megamall Battersea Power Station chairman laysia (CCM) fi ling, the name change her number was drawn. “After Towers in Manila. Datuk Johan Ariffin in a press took eff ect on Dec 16. seeing what the previous win- According to a recent statement, statement. “As part of Battersea It is worth noting that 1MDB’s en- ners have experienced, I cannot global engineering consultant Au- Power Station’s cultural strate- ergy unit was renamed Edra Global wait to start jetsetting with S P recon will work closely with Ar- gy, this project demonstrates the Energy Bhd around this time last Setia. I think it is a really great quitectonica, the architect of the shareholders’ genuine commit- IJM Land year, in what appeared to be a de- programme to reward purchasers high-rise offi ce building, from the ment to further the aspirations of Bhd among liberate move to distance the unit with such exclusive experiences, concept engineering phase to de- arts and culture within the Bat- from its controversial parent ahead what’s more I can bring along a sign development. tersea/Nine Elms community in Malaysia’s top of what would have been its multi- travel partner!” The 50-storey SM Megamall which we operate.” 10 property billion-ringgit listing. Th e winners of the Jet Set with Towers will be built in the centre The three-day exhibition saw developers Edra Global Energy was originally Setia contest were granted trips to of Ortigas in Mandaluyong City, a 5,000 visitors attending or taking meant to be known as 1MDB Energy countries in which S P Setia has a major commercial business district part in activities planned for people Group Bhd. Th at name change was presence, namely UK, Vietnam, in Metro Manila. of all ages, with nearly 300 pieces submitted to CCM on Dec 1, 2014. Australia, Singapore, China and Th e Towers’ 124,200 sq m fl oor of art sold. CCM had earlier granted a six- Malaysia. Th e grand prize includes area includes three levels of under- Beatbox Academy is BAC’s month extension to 1MDB after it all six locations. ground parking. It will also feature young musical collective for Brit- missed the Sept 30 deadline for the Another 22 prizes, such as 10 a direct link to SM Megamall, one ish citizens between 12 and 21 years submission of its audited accounts high-tea sessions on a luxury yacht, of the biggest shopping malls in old, while Th eatre503, which has for FY2015. were won by S P Setia customers Southeast Asia. been located in Battersea for over Meanwhile, 1MDB has reportedly from Penang, the Valley, Jo- 30 years, conducts theatre work- sought a one-month extension for Battersea Art Station’s shops and plays. World Heart Beat submitting the accounts of 1MDB exhibition raises £18,000 Music Academy, founded in 2012, The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd RE and Edra. for local art charities aims to create opportunities for (266980-X) Th e Battersea Power Station De- children and young people to learn Level 3, Menara KLK, No 1 Jalan PJU 7/6, Jet Set with Setia grand prize Mutiara Damansara, 47810 , velopment Co (BPSDC) donated and play music. , Malaysia winner can’t wait for take off £18,000 (RM116,820) to three char- Th e £8 billion Battersea Power S P Setia Bhd’s four-month Jet Set ities — Beatbox Academy, Th ea- Station is owned by a consortium with Setia campaign ended on Sat- tre503, and World Heart Beat Music of Malaysian investors comprising Publisher and Group CEO Ho Kay Tat urday (Dec 12) when Lee Sheng — at the Battersea Art Station exhi- S P Setia Bhd, Sime Darby Proper- Jie was announced as the grand bition held in September this year ty Bhd and the Employee’s Prov- Editorial For News Tips/Press Releases prize winner. at the Battersea Arts Centre (BAC). ident Fund. Tel: 03-7721 8219 Fax: 03-7721 8038 Email: [email protected]

Senior Managing Editor Azam Aris Contributing Editor Sharon Kam If you have any real estate-related events, email us at [email protected]. Editor Rosalynn Poh LAUNCHES & EVENTS Events listed here will also appear on theedgeproperty.com. Deputy Editors E Jacqui Chan, Wong King Wai Assistant Editor Lam Jian Wyn Senior Writer Racheal Lee Permata Heights Gallery, Lot PT 15226, Persiaran A full-spread Christmas at Convention Writers Chai Yee Hoong, open for sale Dutamas, Off Jalan Duta, Sri feast, featuring the Mah Sing Centre (KLCC) featuring product Rachel Chew, Hannah Rafee, Date: Dec 17 (Thurs) onwards Hartamas 50480, Kuala Lumpur development M City. There are categories such as furniture and Tan Ai Leng, Natalie Khoo, Ewe Shufei Venue: Sales gallery, No Time: 10am to 7pm special Christmas packages fi nishing, home appliances, smart Art Director Sharon Khoh 1, Jalan Bukit Permata, Contact: (03) 2630 8880 for the fi rst 30 purchasers. home, green technologies and Design Team Cheryl Loh, Taman Bukit Permata The Malaysian entity of China Located at embassy row on others. For more information, Valerie Chin, Aaron Boudville, Contact: (013) 717 9999 / (012) developer, Agile Real Estate , the freehold please go to www.mf3.my Aminullah Abdul Karim, 288 7313 / (012) 318 1580 Development (M) Sdn Bhd, is development off ers apartments Yong Yik Sheng, Tun Mohd Zafi an Mohd Za’abah, Noorain Duasa Developed by Keruan Jaya Sdn throwing a Christmas celebration with private gardens. Christmas Party @ Bhd, a subsidiary of Selangor at its Mont’Kiara sales gallery. Garden Residence Corporate Properties Bhd, Permata Heights Bring friends and family to enjoy Malaysian Furniture & Date: Dec 19 (Sat) Managing Director Au Foong Yee Gombak is now open for sale. The Christmas carolling, children’s Furnishings Fair (MF3) Time: 6pm to 9 pm Deputy Managing Director Lim Shiew Yuin development consists of semi- lego arena, Santa Claus and Venue: Garden Residence dees and bungalows of between mystery gifts at the event. Clubhouse, Cyberjaya Advertising & Marketing 3,881 and 4,691 sq ft in built-up Contact: 03 9221 8888 To advertise contact area. Frosty White Christmas by Christmas Pary in Garden GL: (03) 7721 8000 Fax: (03) 7721 8288 Mah Sing Group Residence Clubhouse in Cyberjaya Chief Marketing Offi cer A Christmas to Remember with lucky draw (grand prize: Sharon Teh (012) 313 9056 by Agile iPad); gifts for 50 registered General Manager, Digital Media guests with best Christmas outfi t; Kingston Low (012) 278 5540 Senior Sales Managers carolling; photobooth and a lot Geetha Perumal (016) 250 8640 of Xmas food! For housebuyers, Fong Lai Kuan (012) 386 2831 there is the Year End Bonanza Peter Hoe (019) 221 5351 for Aspen Bungalows and special Gregory Thu (012) 376 0614 Creative Marketing Date: Dec 24-28 (Thurs to Sun) leasing package for Garden Chris Wong (016) 687 6577 Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Avenue shops for limited units. Head of Marketing Support & Ad Traffi c Centre (Hall 1 to Hall 5) Lorraine Chan (03) 7721 8001 Time: 10.30am to 9pm Email: [email protected] Date: Dec 19 and 20 (Sat and Sun) Contact: (03) 6140 1202 Venue: The Icon, Jalan Tun Organised by Kuala Lumpur & The Edge Property is published and Date: Dec 19 and 20 (Sat and Sun) Razak (Ground Floor) Selangor Furniture Entrepreneur distributed with The Edge Financial and Dec 24 and 25 (Thurs and Fri) Time: 12pm Malaysian Association the ninth Daily every Friday. For more property data, listings and news, Venue: Agile Mont’Kiara Sales Contact: (03) 2162 8282 edition of MF3 will be held go to theedgeproperty.com. FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP7 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP8 PROPERTY | NEWS MyTOWN Shopping Centre announces anchor tenants

Future locus of consumer activity on Jalan Cochrane in Kuala Lumpur attracts big retail brands

BY RACHEL CHEW

KUALA LUMPUR: MyTOWN Shopping Cen- tre announced 14 confi rmed anchor and minor anchor tenants for its 1.1 million sq ft shopping centre on Jalan Cochrane at a signing ceremony here yesterday. Th e confi rmed anchor and minor anchor tenants are IKEA, Parkson, Golden Screen Cinemas, Village Grocer, Best, Zara, Uniqlo, Mango, Spotlight, Celebrity Fitness, F.O.S, Food Junction, Kids e World, Al-Ikhsan and MPH Bookstore. MyTOWN Shopping Centre is a 5-level shopping centre with approximately 400 retail stores jointly developed by Boustead Holdings Bhd and Ikano Pte Ltd. Boustead Ikano Sdn Bhd director, Datuk Koo Hock Fee, said he was pleased with the positive response from retailers given that the shopping centre is still under construction. “Cheras is a great place to live and we know its residents want more services closer to home. Our line up of tenants will bring new shopping and dining experi- ences to residents in the area, as well as [those from] Ampang, and beyond,” said Koo. MyTOWN Shopping Centre is scheduled to open in Malmberg (L-8), Koo (L-9) and director of Boustead Ikano Sdn Bhd, Cheah Swee Choo (L-10) with the representatives of anchor tenants. Photo by Sam Fong the last quarter of 2016. Ikano Pte Ltd shopping centre director Th omas Malmberg said the shopping cen- tre’s features have been carefully planned TOWN Shopping Centre to see and feel the nected directly to the shopping centre’s cessible from major highways, such as New and discussed with tenants to present an diff erence when shopping or dining with basement retail level, MyTOWN could be Pantai Expressway, KL-Seremban Highway “optimum customer journey”. us,” he said. one of the most popular malls in the city. and Middle Ring Road 2, as well as a new “We are excited to present unique con- Koo believes that when the future “Besides being well connected by public direct access ramp from the Maju Express- cepts as we want people who walk into My- Cochrane underground MRT station is con- transport, the shopping centre is also ac- way,” Koo said. Grab luck by the tail

BY TAN AI LENG 01. Yap will be providing his analyses of the various aspects JOHOR BAHRU: Th e Feng Shui and Astrology of the Year of the Fire Monkey 2016 global tour by Datuk Joey Yap, which from a feng shui and Chinese kicked off in London in October, saw more astrological perspective. Photos than 300 participants attend the fi rst stop of by Joey Yap Consulting Group its Malaysian leg on Dec 12 in Johor Bahru. Yap says the tour has received overwhelm- 02. The one-day seminar in Johor ing public response, and many people are Bahru received overwhelming keen to know the fi nancial outlook for 2016 public response. and understand how the Year of the Fire Monkey aff ects their personal Bazi astrol- ogy charts. judged to be one of the most interesting, you Yap says 2016 promises to be a challenging win two tickets to the event of your choice. 01 and diverse one full of ambitious endeavours. Th is contest is open to all Malaysian resi- Joey Yap’s Feng Shui and Astrology 2016 dents, and there is no limit to the number global tour will cover 11 cities, including of questions that can be posed. New York, Jakarta, Singapore, Manila, Van- Th ere are 50 prize tickets each for the couver, Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City. two sessions in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 9 and Th e next two stops of its Malaysian leg are 10 next year. Th e closing date for entries for on Jan 9 and 10, 2016, at the Kuala Lumpur these two sessions is Jan 5. Convention Centre, and Jan 24 at Penang Similarly, there are 100 prize tickets for Equatorial Hotel. Th e seminars are from the Penang session on Jan 24. Th e closing 10am to 5pm. Th e Edge Property and th- date for this session is Jan 19. eedgeproperty.com are the media partner Yap is an established Chinese Metaphysics for Joey Yap’s Malaysia Feng Shui & Astrology consultant and bestselling author of more 2016 Live Seminar and is giving its readers than 160 books that have sold more than a chance to win free tickets to the events. four million copies worldwide. He is chief To participate, go to theedgeproperty. consultant of the Joey Yap Consulting Group com and click on the banner, “Joey Yap’s and founder of the Mastery Academy of Chi- Feng Shui & Astrology 2016 Live Seminar,” nese Metaphysics. Yap contributes a regular to register your entry. Th en ask Joey a feng feng shui column to theedgeproperty.com shui-related question. If your question is and Th e Edge Property pullout. 02 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP9 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FRI EP10 PROPERTY | COVER STORY

PHOTOS BY SHAHRIN YAHYA/THE EDGE PROPERTY

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The trend for residential property development in is towards high-rise projects as land is getting scarce. Wangsa Maju moves up the value chain LR De Rail and roadworks begin to add to the appeal of an area on the outskirts of KLCC Ko op RM BY TAN AI LENG nearby include Tunku Abdul Rahman Uni- distance between the two LRT stations is and 10, more recent developments are versity College on Jalan Genting Klang, about 3.5km. increasingly upmarket and are clustered boo angsa Maju has seen tre- about 2km away from Wangsa Maju LRT Henry Butcher Malaysia chief operating close to the commercial hub around Wang- psf mendous changes over station, the Malaysian Institute of Art in offi cer Tang Chee Meng agrees that location sa Walk, Sri Rampai LRT station and also wit the years. Its afforda- and Dasein Academy and accessibility are the greatest advantages Section 10. sel ble rents, wide range of Art in Seksyen 5 of Wangsa Maju itself. of Wangsa Maju. Residents have their pick of several shop- RM of amenities and prox- While new developments on Jalan Genting “It is located only about 8km away from ping centres located 10 to 15 minutes’ drive imity to the pioneering Klang and (near Wardieburn KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) and away, such as Aeon Big hypermarket, Aeon Sta TunkuW Abdul Rahman College (as it was Camp) now off er more choices that suit being a mature township, it can be easi- Alpha Angle, Wangsa Walk, Giant hyper- DT then known) has made it a hotspot for stu- student budgets, Wangsa Maju remains a ly accessed via several highways — Kuala market, Central and Ampang Point. has dent housing. popular address. Lumpur Middle Ring Road 2, Duta–Ulu There are also several government sa According to CBD Properties (Cheras) Th is is yet more true for working people. Klang Expressway (Duke) and Ampang– schools in Wangsa Maju and a number me Sdn Bhd senior real estate negotiator Ange- Choong says it was the neighbouring Jelatek Kuala Lumpur Elevated of international schools such as Fairview, ave line Choong, Wangsa Maju’s demographic that fi rst drew professionals to the area, but Highway,” he says. Sri Utama and the International School of profi le has more recently come to include the lack of new supply in Jelatek meant that Wangsa Maju Kuala Lumpur (Melawati Campus). ble professionals who work in the city centre attention has shifted to Wangsa Maju. grew rapidly in the “Wangsa Maju is a well-connected, rea and its outskirts, as well as expatriates look- “Wangsa Maju has emerged as the new mid-1980s as part self-contained township providing a com- ma ing for accommodation with good public choice for working people who do not want of the Kuala Lum- fortable lifestyle for its residents,” says Tang. mi transport — Light Rail Transit (LRT). Th e to spend too much time commuting from pur Structure Plan Tang adds that another important dif- strong demand for high-rise residences home to offi ce,” she says, adding that the 1984. ference between Wangsa Maju and other suc has pushed up property prices in the area. convenience of public transport has en- While Wangsa mature townships such as ph Data from theedgeproperty.com shows hanced Wangsa Maju’s appeal. She notes Maju has numerous and Petaling Jaya is that Wangsa Maju is ula that the average price of non-landed res- that some companies in the city centre lease older, aff ordable walk- still surrounded by hills and greenery, hav idential units in Wangsa Maju continued high-rise residential units in Wangsa Maju up fl ats concentrated which makes for a more pleasant living to appreciate steadily over the last two for their employees . in Sections 1,2,4 environment. at J years. The average price reached a new Served by the Wangsa Maju and Sri Ram- He notes that in the early years, residen- yie high of RM356 per square foot (psf) in the pai LRT Stations, Wangsa Maju off ers a tial developments in Wangsa Maju were of and 12 months to 1Q2015, a 17.7% y-o-y growth relatively green environment only six the low-medium and medium cost type but from RM302 psf in 1Q2014. stops away from KLCC station. Th e recent developments are pitched upmarket. nu However, transaction volume receded Due to increasing demand, Choong Th i since the beginning of 2014, declining 36% notes that the average property price in mo in the same period, from to 275 units from Tang: location and accessibility are the Wangsa Maju has exceeded RM600sf. For cap 430 previously. greatest advantages of Wangsa Maju. example, the average selling price for wa Th e tertiary educational establishments Infiniti 3 Residences by Setapak Heights and FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY COVER STORY | PROPERTY EP 11

ERTY SOURCE: THEEDGEPROPERTY.COM

Wangsa Maju non-landed residential average price by average price (RM/psf)

SOURCE: THEEDGEPROPERTY.COM

Top 5 condominiums/apartments in Wangsa Maju with highest indicative asking rental yield

Wangsa Walk is one of the neighbourhood malls in Wangsa Maju.

Recent transactions of new developments (3Q2015)

PROJECT 3Q AVERAGE SELLING PRICE (PSF) BUILT-UP SIZES (SQ FT) Irama Wangsa RM600 991 to 1,378 Seasons Garden Residences RM550 to RM600 770 to 900 Infiniti Residences RM700 1,085 to 1,518 Wangsa9 Residency RM750 to RM800 1,033 to 8,892 Source: Henry Butcher Malaysia

LRT plays an important role in supporting the price appreciation of Wangsa Maju properties.

Development is about RM630 psf. DTZ Malaysia executive director Brian Koh says recent transactions of new devel- opments in Wangsa Maju range between RM500 and RM700 psf. are According to Tang, new launches have red boosted prices to between RM600 and RM700 ng- psf. “However, this is still lower compared lso with , where new project selling prices average between RM800 and op- RM1,000 psf,” he says. ive on Stable rental growth er- DTZ Malaysia’s Koh says strong demand int. has supported rental yield growth in Wang- ent sa Maju, especially for mid-end apart- ber ments, which have enjoyed higher than Koh: Strong demand support rental yield growth. Riana Green East Condominium is one of the high-end condominiums in Wangsa Maju area. ew, average yield. The Edge fi le photo l of “Th e rental yield rate has remained sta- ble, as the monthly rental in this area is still ed, reasonable, and the excellent access to city According to Rina Properties, the aver- Looking forward Maju residents travelling to and from KL m- make [Wangsa Maju] quite desirable for age monthly rent for the walk-up fl ats in Property consultants concur that the prop- and Petaling Jaya. ng. mid-end demand,” he adds. Seksyen 2 are between RM650 and RM800, erty prices in Wangsa Maju still have room to Th ese highways include the proposed dif- Koh says the mid-end projects at Setapak whereas high-end condos such as Riana grow as it has historically under-performed -Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway her such as as Wangsa Metroview and Menara Al- Green East can fetch between RM2,300 and compared with locations such as Kota Da- (Suke), which connects Sungai Besi to Ulu aya pha condominium cater to the student pop- RM2,500. Desa Putra, which is a stone’s throw mansara and . Klang, and Duke Phase 2, which links to Sri u is ulation while projects like Riana Green East away from Sri Rampai LRT station, fetches According to Koh, the Wangsa Maju mar- Damansara and Jalan Tun Razak. ry, have a strong diverse expatriate population. RM3,000 for a fully furnished unit. ket is for owner-occupiers with a fairly solid “The outlook for Wangsa Maju is bright. ng According to theedgeproperty.com, as Tang says most students living in Wangsa rental market for budget and mid-end res- Its proximity to the city centre, good ac- at June 2015, the annual indicative rental Maju are renting units in low medium and idential units. “Th e [Wangsa Maju] hous- cessibility, availability of a wide range en- yields in Wangsa Maju range between 5.3% medium cost apartments and older condos ing market is fundamentally solid and not of amenities and facilities, as well as the e of and 6.6%. as they are more suited to their budget. susceptible to wide market swings,” he em- development of higher quality properties but Th e data shows that the highest asking an- “Due to its proximity to the city centre and phasises. will continue to boost property prices ket. nual rental yield is in Menara Alpha, at 6.6%. the availability of LRT, the condominiums Tang notes that several road improve- here,” says Tang. ng Th is condominium has an average asking and apartments will be attractive to those ment projects are underway — Jalan Gen- in monthly rent of RM1.71 psf and a transacted with families and who work in the city centre, ting Klang has been widened and Jalan For capital cost of RM313 psf. It is located within particularly those who cannot aff ord to rent Pahang is being upgraded — and new See property listings for this area on for walking distance of Wangsa Maju LRT station in more upmarket places such as highways are being built that will theoret- Market Watch ep14 hts and shops in Taman Sri Rampai. and Mont’ Kiara,” he adds. ically ease traffic conditions for Wangsa

FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP14 PROPERTY | MARKET WATCH Go to theedgeproperty.com for more listings

FOR SALE [in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur] FOR RENT [in Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur]

Desa Putra Sri Lojing Condominium shops, eateries and schools nearby. Desa Putra Built-up area: 4,625 sq ft Type: Condominium/ Agent/negotiator: Bernard Khoo Type: Condominium/serviced residence Bedroom(s): 4 serviced residence of Vivahomes Realty (REN 11111) Tenure: Leasehold Bathroom(s): 5 Tenure: Leasehold Tel: (016) 639 6002 Asking rent: RM2,900 Description: 3-storey penthouse Asking price: RM720,000 Built-up area: 1,340 sq ft unit with breathtaking views of Built-up area: 1,265 sq ft Wangsa Metroview Bedroom(s): 3 Kuala Lumpur KLCC, KL Tower and Bedroom(s): 3 Type: Condominium/ Bathroom(s): 2 Genting. Beautifully landscaped Bathroom(s): 2 serviced residence Description: Partly furnished with lush greenery. All bedrooms Description: Partly furnished, Tenure: Freehold unit with air conditioners and one have ensuite bathrooms. Master well-maintained unit located Asking price: RM560,000 car park bay. Walking distance to bedroom has dressing area and near Sri Rampai LRT station. Built-up area: 1,150 sq ft Sri Rampai LRT Station, Wangsa balcony. Two main entrances, Facilities: Swimming pool, Type: Condominium/ Bedroom(s): 3 Walk mall; easy access to Jalan balconies on all fl oors. gym, reading room, BBQ serviced residence Bathroom(s): 2 Ampang, MRR2 and other areas Facilities: community room, pits, laundrette, covered car Tenure: Leasehold Description: Fully renovated in Setapak and Wangsa Maju. swimming pool, sauna and park, playground, nursery, Asking price: RM710,000 unit with plaster ceiling, kitchen Agent/negotiator: Mike Cheah of playground, tennis and squash multipurpose hall and shops. Built-up area: 1,717 sq ft cabinet, pool view and two car GS Realty Sdn Bhd (REN 16005) courts and gym. Close to KLCC, Agent/negotiator: Nicole Goh Bedroom(s): 4 park bays. Amenities: KL Festival Tel: (012) 682 9440 MRR2, Duke, Jalan Ampang, Jalan of Oriental Realty (REN 13059) Bathroom(s): 2 City mall, Uptown Danau Kota, Tun Razak and Jalan Genting Tel: (016) 396 1366 Description: Low-rise, corner unit, Aeon Wangsa Maju, TAR University Menara Alpha Klang. Walking distance to LRT nicely renovated. Two car park bays. College, SK and SMK Taman Melati. Type: Condominium/ station and Wangsa Walk mall. Villa Wangsamas Peaceful environment. Amenities: Agent/negotiator: Ben Ng of serviced residence Agent/negotiator: Serene Yap of TAR University College, schools, Vivahomes Realty (REN 15551) Tenure: Leasehold The One Property International banks, restaurants, Festival Shopping Tel: (017) 212 7155 Asking rent: RM1,700 Sdn Bhd (REN 04936) Center, clinic, etc. Highways: Built-up: 886 sq ft Tel: (019) 237 1813 MRR2, Kesas, Duke and Akleh. Jasmin Apartment Bedroom(s): 3 Agent/negotiator: Matson Bathroom(s): 2 Wangsa Metroview Wong Tech Real Estate Description: Partly furnished unit Type: Condominium/ Sdn Bhd (REN 08664) with kitchen cabinet, washing serviced residence Tel: (012) 680 2851 machine, water heater and others. Tenure: Leasehold Agent/negotiator: Chan Chee Asking rent: RM1,600 Riana Green East Hoer of Huttons Oneworld Built-up area: 1,150 sq ft Sdn Bhd (REN 08531) Bedroom(s): 3 Type: Condominium/ Tel: (014) 320 3566 Bathroom(s): 4 serviced residence Description: Well-kept, mid- Tenure: Freehold Villa Wangsamas fl oor unit. Partly furnished with Asking price: RM560,000 Type: Condominium/ Type: Condominium/serviced residence fridge, washing machine, fans Built-up: 1,270 sq ft serviced residence Asking rent: RM1,900 and water heater. Easy access. Bedroom(s): 3 Tenure: Leasehold Built-up area: 1,267 sq ft Good location near LRT station. Bathroom(s): 3 Asking price: RM280,000 Bedroom(s): 3 Agent/negotiator: Keith Wong of Description: Fully furnished Built-up area: 750 sq ft Bathroom(s): 2 Vivahomes Realty (REN 14261) and renovated unit. Comes with Type: Condominium/ Bedroom(s): 3 Description: Swimming pool, gym, Tel: (016) 200 2788 two car park bays. Close to serviced apartment Bathroom(s): 2 restaurant, mini market, covered hospitals, international schools Tenure: Freehold Description: Unit with KLCC view; parking, playground, jogging track, Jasmin Apartment and shopping centres. Near LRT Asking price: RM635,000 easy access to MRR2 and Duke; landscaped garden, 24-hour security Type: Condominium/ apartment station; 10-minute drive to KLCC. Built-up area: 1,088 sq ft near bus station and shops. with 2-tier card access. Easily Tenure: Leasehold Easy access from MRR2, Duke Bedroom(s): 2 Agent/negotiator: William Yeoh accessible from via Asking rent: RM1,200 Highway, Akleh, Jalan Pahang, Bathroom(s): 2 of Vivahomes Realty (REN 14260) Jalan 34/26 and Jalan Wangsamas. Built-up area: 900 sq ft Jalan Genting Klang, Jalan Description: KL view, partially Tel: (017) 328 7333 Accessibility: Duke, MRR2, Akleh. Bedroom(s): 3 and Jalan Gombak. furnished. Close to LRT station, Close to KL city centre, Ampang Bathroom(s): 2 Agent/negotiator: Anthony walking distance to Wangsa Rampai Court and Melawati. Walking distance Description: Amenities: hospitals, Wong of Aczeon Properties Walk Mall, banks, eateries, etc. to Sri Rampai LRT station. malls, schools, colleges, etc. Near Sdn Bhd (REN 03597) Facilities: barbecue area, gym, Agent/negotiator: Levis Chan of LRT, 10 minutes drive to KLCC. Tel: (019) 332 4697 jacuzzi, playground, sauna, Hutons Oneworld Sdn Bhd (REN 15150) Easy access from MRR2, DUKE swimming pool, squash court Tel: (014) 623 9125 highway, Akleh, Jalan Pahang, Villa Wangsamas and 24-hour security. Jalan Genting Klang, etc. Agent/negotiator: Lucas Lim of Villa Wangsamas Agent/negotiator: Anthony Property Hub Sdn Bhd (REN 00474) Type: Condominium/serviced residence Wong of Aczeon Properties Tel: (016) 442 3039 Tenure: Freehold Sdn Bhd (REN 03597) Asking rent: RM2,400 Tel: (019) 332 4697 Wangsa Metroview Built-up area: 1,287 sq ft. Type: Condominium/ Bedroom(s): 3 Rampai Court serviced residence Bathroom(s): 2 Type: Condominium/ apartment Tenure: Freehold Description: Fully furnished unit in Tenure: Freehold Asking price: RM280,000 move-in condition. Comes with new Asking rent: RM1,250 Bedroom(s): 2 furniture and two car park bays. Built-up area: 600 sq ft Bathroom(s): 1 Accessible from Jalan Jelatek via Bedroom(s): 2 Type: Condominium/ Description: High-fl oor unit Jalan 34/26 and Jalan Wangsamas; Bathroom(s): 1 serviced residence below market price. Urgent sale. walking distance to Sri Rampai LRT Description: Partly furnished with Tenure: Freehold Agent/negotiator: Bernice Wong station. Near Wangsa Walk and Aeon. air-con, kitchen cabinet and others. Asking price: RM630,000 of Vivahomes Realty (REN 09695) Agent/negotiator: Prabhbir Rohit Near Wangsa Maju LRt station. Built-up area: 1,267 sq ft Type: Condominium/ Tel: (012) 376 1174 of Jann Properties (REN 11735) Easy access to Jln Tun Razak, Bedroom(s): 3 + 1 serviced residence Tel: (016) 338 0502 Duke, Jalan Gombak and MRR2. Bathroom(s): 3 Tenure: Freehold Menara Alpha Agent/negotiator: Chloe Teo of Description: Extensively Asking price: RM738,000 Type: Condominium/ Sri Lojing Condominium GS Realty Sdn Bhd (REN 16692) renovated, including kitchen Built-up area: 1,880 sq ft serviced residence Type: Condominium/serviced residence Tel: (012) 721 8671 cabinets, plaster ceiling, Bedroom(s): 4 Tenure: Leasehold Asking rent: RM1,900 chandelier, wallpaper, air Bathroom(s): 4 Asking price: RM460,000 Built-up area: 778 sq ft Rampai Court conditioners and water Description: Townhouse unit Built-up area: 1,206 sq ft Bedroom(s): 2 Type: Condominium/ apartment heaters. KLCC view; two car with two basement car park Bedroom(s): 3 + 1 Bathroom(s): 1 Tenure: Freehold park bays. Amenities: TAR bays. Corner lot with nice view. Bathroom(s): 2 Description: Furnished, with Asking rent: RM1,100 University College, schools, Very big and comfortable space. Description: Well-kept unit within air-conditioners, two wardrobes Built-up area: 600 sq ft banks, restaurants, Festival Comes with kitchen cabinet, air walking distance of Wangsa Maju and kitchen cabinet. Bedroom(s): 2 Shopping Centre, clinic, etc. conditioners and water heaters. LRT station, close to MRR2 and Agent/negotiator: Jack of Full Bathroom(s): 1 Highways: MRR2, Kesas, Duke, Facilities: 24-hour security, swimming short drive to KLCC. Wide range of Homes Realty Sdn Bhd (REN 12971) Description: Basic unit with Akleh, Jalan Genting Klang, pool, gym, playground, mini mart eateries within walking distance. Tel: (019) 302 2248 two air conditioners, kitchen others. LRT station nearby. and cafe. Walking distance to Wangsa Expected rental: RM1,400-RM1,900. cabinets, wardrobe in bedroom. Agent/negotiator: Bernard Khoo Maju LRT station and Aeon Jusco. Agent/negotiator: Nicole Goh Riana Green East Agent/negotiator: Mike Cheah of of Vivahomes Realty (REN 11111) Near TAR University College and of Oriental Realty (REN 13059) Type: Condominium/serviced residence GS Realty Sdn Bhd (REN 16005) Tel: (016) 639 6002 Wangsa Walk mall. Many banks, Tel: (016) 396 1366 Asking rent: RM15,000 Tel: (012) 682 9440 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP15 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP16 PROPERTY | NEWS

AUCTION

Th e Tamarind Tower B Sold

Property type: 2-storey bungalow Address: 14, Jalan Anggerik 2D/2, 60% taken up Perumahan Jalan Anggerik, 48300 Prima Beruntung, Selangor Tenure: Freehold Reserve price: RM350,000 Latest phase of E&O development was launched early this month Transacted price: RM350,000 Built-up area: 5,995.49 sq ft Auctioneer: Ehsan Auctioneers BY TAN AI LENG Contact: (03) 2161 6649

PENANG: Tower B of Th e Tamarind executive Property type: Intermediate apartments by Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) 2-storey link house has received an encouraging response from Address: 20, Jalan Sultan Salahuddin buyers with 60% of the units having been tak- Abdul Aziz Shah Tiga 9/6C, Section en up within two weeks of its launch in early 9, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor December. Tenure: Leasehold E&O marketing and sales general manager Reserve price: RM502,200 (Penang), Christina Lau, said Th e Tamarind Transacted price: RM620,000 has attracted a large number of Penangites Built-up area: 1,540 sq ft as well as a sizeable number of buyers from Auctioneer: Ehsan Auctioneers the northern states. It has also attracted Ma- Contact: (03) 2161 6649 laysians from other parts of the country and foreigner buyers. Property type: 3-storey bungalow “Judging from the promising response, Address: 73, Jalan Kemuning Permai we expect to close more deals in the next few 33/154, Kemuning Residence, Section weeks,” Lau said in a press statement. 33, 40400 Shah Alam, Selangor Th e Tamarind Tower B houses 552 condo- Tenure: Leasehold minium units of between 1,047 sq ft and 1,772 Reserve price: RM1.458 million sq ft in built-up area. Th e average selling price Transacted price: RM1.72 million is RM765 psf, and prices start at RM757,000 Built-up area: 6,588 sq ft for a unit. Auctioneer: Property Auction “Th e Tamarind attracts a good mix of own- House Sdn Bhd er-occupiers and investors, with strong inter- Contact: (03) 2070 2226 est registered among young executives and families,” Lau said. Th is 6.9-acre freehold high-rise develop- ment has an estimated gross development val- ue of RM900 million. It comprises two blocks Up for bid of 33-storey buildings with a total of 1,104 units of a 3-bedroom design. Th e smallest unit has 01 Auction date: Dec 29, 2015 a built-up area of 1,047 sq ft. Th e Tamarind Property type: Serviced apartment on Tower B is expected to be completed in 2019. 28th fl oor of a 30-storey building Th e Tamarind Tower A, which was launched Address: B28-01, Tropics @ in June 2015, is 95% sold. Th e average selling Tropicana City, No 3, Jalan SS 20/27, price for Tower A is RM725 psf. 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Th e Tamarind’s facilities include a private, Tenure: Freehold one-acre waterscaped beach, free-form swim- Reserve price: RM660,000 ming and wading pools, jogging track, gym and Built-up area: 675 sq ft yoga centre, multipurpose hall and playground. Auctioneer: Ehsan Auctioneers It is located close to the Straits Quay re- Contact: (03) 2161 6649 tail marina, Tesco hypermarket, Straits Quay 01. Artist impression of Convention Centre, Straits Green Public Park, The Tamarind. Auction date: Dec 22, 2015 Penang Performing Arts Centre and a 1.6km Property type: 3+1 bedroom seafront promenade. 02. The project’s condominium unit Commenting on market conditions, Lau waterscape Address: B3-01-01, Jalan Mirage noted the long-term nature of property in- comprising beach 3, Mirage Perdana Lakeview West, vestment and that soft market conditions may and signature pools Cyber 7, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor present an opportune time to buy properties. at The Tamarind. Tenure: Freehold “We believe that demand remains in niche Images by Eastern Reserve price: RM900,000 locations and for projects by developers & Oriental Berhad Built-up area: 1,295 sq ft off ering strong concept, branding and de- Auctioneer: Ehsan Auctioneers livery,” she said. 02 Contact: (03) 2161 6649

Auction date: Dec 21, 2015 Property type: Condominium Address: D-6-1, Kiaraville, No 2, CBRE: Outer boroughs outperform central London Changkat Duta Kiara, Mont’Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tenure: Freehold BY RACHEAL LEE Th e top performing borough is Newham, nancial constraints, the number of fi rst-time Reserve price: RM1.782 million with a price growth of 16%, followed by buyers in London has also increased by 64% Built-up area: 3,434 sq ft LONDON: Houses in London's outer boroughs Hillingdon (+13%). Th e third spot is shared since 2008. Auctioneer: Property Auction have outperformed central London homes, ac- among Havering, Harrow, Enfi eld as well as Elsewhere, commuter towns remain pop- House Sdn Bhd cording to CBRE UK annual research entitled Barking and Dagenham (+12%). ular with families looking for space, proximity Contact: (03) 2070 2226 CBRE Hot 100 2015 winners of London’s resi- Th e top three most aff ordable boroughs to London and value for money. When taking dential market. Overall house prices in London are all in south east London, including Bex- into account travel costs and average yearly Auction date: Dec 21, 2015 have seen a growth of 7% over the last year. ley and Bromley where the house price to mortgage repayments, the most expensive Property type: Townhouse Head of residential research at CBRE earnings ratio stands at 7.7% and 7.9%, re- commuter town is Beaconsfi eld, with com- Address: 40B, Jalan SP 4/21, Bandar UK, Jennet Siebrits, notes that the main rea- spectively. Greenwich and Havering are in bined annual cost of mortgage and travel at Saujana Putra, 42610 Jenjarom, Selangor son for this situation is the aff ordability of third spot at 8.7%. £49,508 (RM321,039). Tenure: Leasehold homes in these outer boroughs compared Siebrits notes that overseas buyers across Th e second most expensive commuter Reserve price: RM333,000 with central London. London comprise only 15% of all buyers, but town is Gerrards Cross (£38,984) and Esher Built-up area: 917 sq ft “Also, [there is] a pickup in domestic buy- are concentrated in central London where (£38,640). Whilst, the most aff ordable com- Auctioneer: Property Auction ers who are active in outer boroughs,” she only 54% are domestic buyers. muter towns are Tilbury (£11,188), Newport House Sdn Bhd said. According to CBRE, despite ongoing fi - (£11,460) and Grays (£11,464). Contact: (03) 2070 2226 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP17 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY EP18 PROPERTY | DEALMAKERS

Ng worked as a construction worker for six months and is now working towards his real estate agent’s licence. Photos by Haris Hassan

Making his own luck

Meet Zack Ng: door-to-door salesman, construction worker, personal trainer and now, real estate negotiator

BY NATALIE KHOO estate industry.” Ng refers to Knight Frank seek his fortune back home and returned every property has a story to tell. Why was Malaysia managing director, Sarkunan to Malaysia in 2012. a door taken down? Why is every part of ou’ll never know whom you’ll Subramaniam, who’s now no longer his That’s when he became a fitness train- the house painted in different colours? meet when, and where. Ask client, but his boss. er for seven months, and met Sarkunan. They all tell a story, one that reflects the Zack Ng. “I was actually Ng studied accounting in Melbourne owner. A property has its own character, Sarkunan’s personal gym and had his first taste of doing sales while Every house tells a story and it is our job to understand what that trainer. He was the one who he was there. Sales is a field where the rewards can be character is. introduced me into the real “I was doing door-to-door sales, pro- proportionate to one’s efforts, says Ng. “Yes, every real estate agent wants to Y moting internet and phone plans during “If I am willing to put in more effort, close a deal. But the satisfaction that comes my summer breaks. It was extra income such as making a few extra calls to my cli- from being able to help a buyer get the and the commission helped with my liv- ents or pursue more listings, I am able to house they want, and at the price they are ing expenses,” he says. earn more. It all comes down to whether happy with, is true satisfaction,” says Ng. After he was done with the boring one is willing to put in the hard work.” Despite the recent slowdown of the accounting stuff, he worked as a con- He believes the real estate industry is property market, Ng believes that ne- struction worker for about half a year unique in that buyers and tenants will need gotiators still need to work consistently; at Victoria Hotel, which was then the expertise of negotiators and agents in there is always someone or something being renovated. His original plan? order to make informed decisions. they meet and can do even if they aren’t Apply for permanent residency status “If you invest in stocks, Bursa Malaysia closing a sale. in Australia. will provide all relevant information on a “Call your clients, catch up with them. “I had to do my IELTS (International Eng- company you’re interested in. However, Let them know you’re still active in the lish Language Testing System) several times you can’t find the same for real estate. market. Cold call companies who may to obtain my PR status, so the extra income That’s why you need a negotiator who be looking for a place to rent for their was helpful.” His construction gig lasted a knows and specialises in an area to guide employees. Even if they don’t need your few months, and after casting around for you on market value, rental rates and services now, when the market recovers, a new job for a few months, he decided to yields of a particular property,” says Ng. they will remember you because you made He’s been working as a real estate nego- that extra effort to remind them you are tiator for two years and three months, and available to service them,” says Ng. is currently working towards being be a li- He hopes to take a managerial position Ng: I was doing censed real estate agent. Th e list of his done at Knight Frank in five years, and to lead deals this year amount to RM10 million, his own sales team. Being fluent in Man- door-to-door sales, mostly from the high-end residential market. darin, Ng plans to venture into the China promoting internet Ng recently closed the deal on a RM7.8 property market one day. and phone plans million bungalow at Tropicana Indah. “For now, I’m willing to learn from Despite higher commissions on the com- seniors or a mentor to improve myself. during my summer mercial market, he still prefers selling The market is so competitive, there are break. residential property. so many agents and negotiators every- “One thing I enjoy about working on where. It is just so important to consist- the residential market is that I get to see ently self-improve and that is what I am different kinds of property. I feel that looking to do”. FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FEATURE | PROPERTY EP19

Homes in San Francisco are some of the priciest in the US, and rents are equally high. Photo by Bloomberg US$2 million mortgage in San Francisco: No down payment, no joke!

Borrowers are fully vetted, income and assets verifi ed

BY DIANA OLICK and pay cash for a house,” added Lytle, who loans to their members, so they already received over a hundred emails from poten- have a relationship with their customers. f San Franciscans can afford the tial customers last week, just after the prod- “Credit unions have quietly carved out city’s skyrocketing rents, then they uct went live on the credit union’s website. a niche of offering what appear to be high- can afford the monthly payment on San Francisco’s home values have risk (low or no-down payment loans, loans a US$2 million (RM8.67 million) soared in the last decade, thanks to an to borrowers with low credit scores and/ mortgage. That is the logic behind abundance of tech-sector cash. With very or high DTIs) products to its members,” a new offering from the San Fran- little room for additional construction in said Guy Cecala, CEO of Inside Mortgage Icisco Federal Credit Union: Its new “POP- the city, competition for housing, both Finance. “They are very comfortable mak- PYLOAN” (Proud Ownership Purchase rental and owned, is fierce. Middle-income ing these loans to members who they know Program for You). “The credit union is willing to take the workers there are struggling, doubling and and understand, and the loans have per- “We have programmes to help low-in- additional collateral risk if we can mitigate tripling up in housing or commuting long formed very well, with low delinquencies come people, but for the vast majority of our long-term interest rate exposure. There distances to their jobs. Because rents are or defaults.” young professionals, there is no hope or are built-in protections for the borrower. so high, they are also finding it next to Large banks have a much larger and no help for this middle-class band in San When we qualify people for the loan we impossible to save for the down payment more diverse customer base, he said, and Francisco,” said Rebecca Reynolds Lytle, calculate the payment today and again if necessary on a traditional loan. therefore could not offer these products. the credit union’s senior vice-president rates were to change by 2%, and that’s the In an atmosphere of continued cautious Non-bank lenders, who have stepped into and chief lending officer. The nonprofit payment they qualify for,” said Lytle, who lending, the product has raised some eye- the lending market in a big way over the credit union has 34,000 members. points to the credit union’s very low de- brows, but it is nothing like the no down last few years, generally sell their loans to To qualify for the loan, which requires linquency rate now and during the recent payment, no-doc, risky products that were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or offer loans no down payment, borrowers must work in housing crash. behind the housing crash. Borrowers are insured by the FHA, none of which would San Francisco or nearby San Mateo County. Homes in San Francisco are some of the fully vetted, income and assets verified, and accept a no-down payment loan at that The loan must be used for the purchase of priciest in the nation, and rents are equal- while there is no minimum credit score, high a price. Another credit union, Navy a primary residence and cannot be used ly high. The median San Francisco home the vast majority of the credit union’s bor- Federal, offers a similar no-down payment for a refinance. Private mortgage insurance price was US$1,110,000 in October, an in- rowers have above-average credit scores. mortgage product for up to US$1 million is not required. The loan is a 5/5 adjusta- crease of 11% from one year ago, according “We’ve always done very conservative in the Washington, DC, area. ble-rate product, which means it can only to CoreLogic. That is about five times the lending. Our philosophy is you lend to “Credit union regulators appear very adjust at five-year intervals. This is atyp- median value nationally. Renters in the the person, you have to understand their comfortable with the risks credit unions ical of most adjustable-rate loans, which city pay nearly 47% of their incomes for situation and verify what they’re telling are taking in their mortgage product of- usually change annually after the initial rent, according to Zillow. That share was you,” said Lytle. ferings,” added Cecala. lock period. This loan can only increase just 30% between 1985 and 2000. The credit union, which has been in by 2 percentage points each time, up to 6 “What we would pay here for a down existence for 60 years, holds all the loans percentage points over the life of the loan. payment you could take to another market on its own books. Credit unions make the For more, visit www.cnbc.com FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FRI EP20 PROPERTY | HOME IDEAS

PHOTOS BY RAYMOND LEE

Stunning examples of the dhurries at the Mahout stand. London trending: Bold graphics & modern exotics

More exciting ideas from the London Design Festival (Part 3)

rom the halls of Decorex Interna- tional 2015, Focus/15 and 100% Design, let me share with you more beautiful designs and cre- ations in the final instalment of a BY RAYMOND LEE three-part series on my London Ftrend-spotting visit. BOLD GRAPHICS fact that no two cities are the same. At Decorex, Margo Selby showed off a fan- I was also very thrilled to see the new tastic range of woven fabrics for interiors that Lunar collection of coff ee tables and side refl ect her taste for the bold, colourful and tables at Lapicida, featuring bold graphic graphic. A graduate of the Chelsea School of shapes. Designed by Lara Bohnic, the Sun & Art and Design, and the Royal College of Art, Moon coff ee table takes inspiration from the Margo fi rst launched her collection in 2003. planets and their orbital movements, featur- It was at this point where she united her in- ing highly fi gured, richly coloured marbles novative handwoven structures with indus- set in brass or gold-plated steel rims. Th is trial machinery to create the fi rst three-di- contemporary design would off er a striking fra mensional fabrics that were to become the centrepiece for any interior. Lapicida also sui trademark of the Margo Selby brand. off ers a dining table and a side table as part age Paul Robinson Wallpapers from the Paul of the collection. ser Robinson Interiors company brings a sense Founded by Michael Curtis Green and int of illusion to the world of interiors. A success- Mary-Anne Denison-Pender, Mahout Life- for ful fi ne art photographer and artist based in style is a company obsessed with the beauty lay Los Angeles, Paul has taken his fascination and craftsmanship of India. Its collection of and for the world’s most iconic destinations and dhurries I spotted at Decorex showcased col- landmarks and translated the images into ours and graphic patterns that were vibrant, MO six unique wallpaper collections. Without exciting and contemporary. Very much on Ma any formal training, Paul began his career trend, these gorgeous handmade rugs make exo in fashion photography in Paris and moved an excellent statement in today’s modern titu on to shooting stills for the fi lm industry in home anywhere in the world. lar LA. I was very attracted to his work which Another booth that caught my eye was blo beautifully juxtaposes the human race and Trowbridge’s collection of fi ne art prints, and the elements… drawing on the rich infl u- black and white photography, textiles, and wit ences of the street and architecture and the original works of art in exquisite handmade Philippa Long, gallery manager at Trowbridge London showing off Emma Lawrenson’s prints. du FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY HOME IDEAS | PROPERTY EP21

D LEE

01 02 03

04 05

08

01. Enemark & Thompson’s hand-blown glass sculptures make a striking statement.

02. Bold and beautiful graphic patterns feature at Margo Selby.

03. Paul Robinson designs wallpapers and fabrics with a photographer’s eye.

04. Gorgeous LUNA lights by Serip off er illumination and great beauty.

05. Functional beauties from MacMaster Designs

06. At the Future Heritage stand, Marete Rasmussen’s very modern and colourful sculptures.

07. Lapicida’s Sun & Moon coff ee table is bold and elegant.

06 07 08. Matthew Williamson’s exotic collection at Osborne & Little.

frames. I was drawn to Emma Lawrenson’s At the Future Heritage stand, curator Cor- created yet another gorgeous collection of in place of woven touches. suite of aff ordable 125 limited edition im- rine Julius presented her selection of some fabrics and wallpaper for them. Matthew’s At 100% Design, MacMaster Design’s ages. Emma’s exploration in design sees a of the most talented designers working in love for colour, pattern and exotic detail is elegant wooden pendant lights caught my series of recurring abstract images and an Britain today. I found an amazing collec- very much evident here in the latest Cuba- attention. Founded by bespoke furniture intrinsic exploration of shape and friendly tion of vases, stools, home accessories and na collection. A graduate of the prestigious maker Alan MacMaster in 2009, all pieces are form, through a delicate and well-chosen sculptures. Enemark & Th ompson’s hand- Central St Martins College, his debut col- handmade in the Worcestershire countryside layering of colours. So very contemporary blown, sculpted glass pieces which made lection back in 1997 titled ‘Electric Angels’ in the UK and made from natural timbers and fresh! such an impact on visitors this season are was most critically acclaimed. handpicked from sustainable sources and made using ancient Venetian glassmaking I crossed the Kings Road to Designers certifi ed by the Forest Stewardship Council. MODERN EXOTICS techniques and blending the molten glass Guild for Tricia Guild’s quick overview of Can’t wait to return to London next year Many designers this season have combined with the ceramic-based material, Smalto. their Autumn 2015 collections. From their for more design inspirations. exotic shapes and details with a modern at- Merete Rasmussen’s Blue Loop and Or- Caprifoglio Collection, I was particularly titude. At the Serip booth, the Luna circu- ange Loop, both handmade from ceramics, fond of the rather striking Bloomsbury lar-shaped wall lights in bronze and hand- stoneware and coloured slip, were stunning. Rose pattern in Indigo that was featured Raymond Lee is an interior designer blown glass was a standout. Sophisticated Over at Focus/15, I managed to visit the on a vintage 50s sofa. Featuring voluptu- and founder of Xceptional Interiors. He and slim, it uses LED lights that radiate out Osborne & Little showroom to preview their ous roses tumbling on sleek velvet, this can be contacted at Email: raymond@ within the circles of glass that have been pro- new collections. I had the chance to chat fabric creates a contemporary tapestry xceptional-interiors.com or check out duced to emulate an organic-like tapestry. briefl y with Matthew Williamson who has with expressive handpainted flourishes www.xceptional-interiors.com FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FRI EP22 PROPERTY | FEATURE

Green Over Grey vertical gardens 2. Semiahmoo Sky Garden Green Over Grey is an award-winning Ca- Found at the Semiahmoo public library in nadian design fi rm based in Vancouver. Surrey, Vancouver, the green wall measures It creates green walls throughout North 2,680 sq ft comprising 120 species of plants. Vertical America as part of its mission to create Out of the 10,000 individual plants, 37% are M more sustainable environments, contrib- native and 83%, evergreen species. Work ute to cleaner air and improve the collec- started in August 2010 and was completes tive wellbeing. In short, it adds a touch of in October the same year. Its objective to green to the city greys. have the exterior transition into a self-suf- B gardens The living walls of Green Over Grey’s fi cient green wall to enhance its interior are systems comprising a frame, water- environment in addition to supporting a Th BY EWE SHUFEI proof panels, an automatic irrigation healthy urban ecosystem. a system, and special materials depend- a ne of the most heated discussions of our age is climate change. While ing on the project. Waterproof panels 3. Edmonton International Airport p it cannot be solely attributed to humans alone, there is little doubt that are mounted to the frame, built in front m the industrial human activity, or ‘development’, has played a role in and attached to several points of the unusually destructive weather patterns. wall. The low-maintenance walls work o Consequently, the rapid rate of urbanisation that precedes the using the irrigation system and light- i dwindling of natural habitats has made sustainability crucial in de- weight porous material that substitutes a Osigning new developments. the need for soil, in addition to it dis- n Th e construction industry use of sustainable building materials is a start. Verti- tributing moisture and nutrients evenly s cal gardens are another recent measure, an innovative means of balancing nature to the plants. and development. d 1. Les Courants (Th e Currents) o Currently the tallest vertical garden in t the world, Les Courants occupies a total Aiming to achieve LEED (Leadership in S PHOTOS BY MAISON EDOUARD FRANCOIS vertical green space of 2,130 sq ft and Energy and Environmental Design) certi- v M6B2 Tower of Biodiversity has 42 species of plants. Located in Cité fi cation, Edmonton International Airport w Desjardins, an office building hosting incorporated a living wall into its architec- around 1,450 employees in Quebec, ture in its main terminal. Measuring 1,440 the vertical garden is fully hydroponic sq ft with 32 plant species, the living wall (soil-free) and measures 213 ft high. The is made self-suffi cient with a drip-irriga- 11,000 individual plants were laid out tion system that percolates through layers to evoke the beauty of the St Lawrence of recycled fi bre. Th e central wall design River as witnessed from the Quebec and was inspired by Cirrus cloud formations Lévis areas, and can be seen from the while the side wall areas were inspired by opposite side of the coast. local Canadian artists.

Semiahmoo Sky Garden

Sustainable development, utilisation Tower Flower of local materials and services, as well as 1 the preservation and enhancement of ex- Th isting buildings are all recurring themes t in his work. i

1. Tower Flower One of the notable projects that launched Francois’ career, the Tower Flower in Par- is entailed the vertical continuation of an adjacent park. Completed in 2004, the tower consists of 30 dwelling units and Les Courants (The Currents) 41 parking bays and has a 2,600 sq m net floor area. The development is marked by giant flower pots hanging from bal- conies, inspired by Parisian window planters, allowing its inhabitants to enjoy natural lighting filtered by foli- age as well as freedom from all bearing C walls. Its elevator is on the facade and F glazed on both sides to also enable nat- o ural lighting. i m 2. M6B2 Tower of Biodiversity f The project entailed the design and con- f struction of four residential buildings, a T Edouard Francois’ sustainable nursery and retail outlet and has a net l buildings floor area of 13,830 sq m. Scheduled for t Architect and urban planner Edouard Fran- completion this year, the tower cataly- w cois has been in the business since 1986, ses plant seeding by allowing wind to t and established his own architectural, ur- spread class one purebred seeds into the t ban planning and design studio in 1998. urban environment. The development He has taught in many schools around is covered in plants from wild natural b the world, and his work has been exhibit- areas, and aims to imbue a ‘green’ aura d ed across the globe, earning him multiple on Paris. Its vegetal facade extends to its i accolades, including the National Sustain- smaller surrounding buildings, allowing able Neighbourhoods Awards (2009) and for pedestrians to stroll through a calm 1 the Sustainable Housing Award (2008). garden filled with vegetation. v PHOTOS BY GREEN OVER GREY.COM FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY FEATURE | PROPERTY EP23

n s s. e Mini wall gardens k s o PHOTOS BY HARIS HASSAN f- BY TAN AI LENG hook up the modular frames on the wall, “Some people may not want their green r then put your favourite indoor plants into wall to be a conventional square one, so the a Th ere are many benefi ts to having plants the modular pockets — and voila, you have fl exible modular set can let them do some- around the house. Besides purifying the a mini garden on the wall. thing diff erent,” says Suhana. air and providing more oxygen in our lives, Each of these mini wall garden modu- Th e wall planter usually has three layers. plants could also contribute to a person’s lars can hold a maximum of 15 mini pot- Each layer holds two plant pockets. Th e mod- mental and emotional well-being. ted plants. Each modular measures 36cm ular is stacked up in a cross and will have a Many however, do not have the luxury (length) by 62cm (height). If one is not “wavy” shape diff erent from conventional of having a garden especially if they stay enough, get more, as it can easily blend in wall planters. Each modular has a meas- in high-rise residential, where space for nicely with the living room, bathroom or urement of 42.6cm in length, 15.6cm width a conventional garden plot is limited or bedroom. and 30.8cm height. non-existent. But there are some modern According to Suhana, this system is one of “Because of its fl exibility, you can ar- solutions for those who want a garden. the more popular vertical gardening meth- range the modular into any shape you like,” 4. Rent a plant One of these solutions is a vertical gar- ods as it is easy and need little care. she adds. Instead of planting your own, another op- den — a garden that grows on walls instead “Th e light weight modular can be affi xed tion for busy homeowners who want an of on the ground. Suhana Sulaiman, assis- to the wall easily and it’s easy to clean. Th e instant garden or have little time to tend tant sales manager of Floristika.com.my most important thing is you do not have to to one is to rent the plants. n Sdn Bhd gives us an introduction to the water the plant every day,” she says. Some fl oriculture companies provide - varied types of vertical garden systems, Th e watering process is easy, just soak plant leasing services. Th e plants usually t which homeowners can easily tend to. the bottom part of the plant in a plate fi lled come in a specially designed pot which - with water and leave it for a few minutes has a self-watering system. Staff from the 0 to absorb the water. After that just lift it up company will go to the customer’s place l and toss dry before putting it back into the every two weeks to check on the plants, to - modular pocket. water and clean them if necessary. s “By doing so, you do not need to worry “We have some companies renting n about watering plants or messing up your plants from us, as they want real plants s home. You can even plant herbs by using this in the offi ce but do not want to spend time y modular, but do take note, planting herbs 3. Verticle gardening modular to take care of the plants. needs more patience and care,” she adds. It costs significantly more than the en- “Certain plants especially larger indoor try-level modular, but one thing is for plants need extra care, but not everyone sure — it offers a more solid foundation has the patience or knowledge to do it. So and also gives plant lovers more options this is where such a service is in demand,” on the type of plants. Suhana off ered. “Th is can be used to plant small size vege- tables such as leafy lettuce and basil, it’s very Plants suitable for indoor durable and space effi cient,” said Suhana. vertical gardens One set of modular has three layers. Each Goosefoot plant layer has three plant pockets. Th e buyers can Common rush plant stack the modular vertically to form a green Snake plant/Mother-in-law’s tongue wall or just hang the modular on the wall. Calico plant Each modular has a measurement of 64.5cm Nerve plant/mosaic plant in length, 19cm width and 57cm height. Baby’s tears plant 2. Free-style, fl exible modular For the artistic gardener, they can even Although it is a smaller version of a stand- design their own mural by using diff erent Plants suitable for outdoor ard-sized modular, this free-style modular plants of various colours and let the green vertical gardens offers one thing that the standard-sized wall show off their creativity. Money plant 1. Fixed-size modulars modular can't — fl exibility. “Do choose plants that can withstand Ivy plant varieties Th is is a cost-friendly method and an in- It functions like a Lego set as these fl exible the tropical heat and don’t forget to water Fern teresting way to have a garden at home, modulars allow users to design their wall gar- your plants regularly if the weather is too Asparagus in the room or even in the toilet. Simply den based on their creativity. Sounds like fun! hot,” said Suhana. Sunfl ower

PHOTOS BY PLANTS ON WALLS Los Altos Hills residence’s vertical garden

Chris Bribach’s Florafelt systems Constructed in 2011 and comprising 504 Founded by Chris Bribach, whose love for ferns, two massive Floraframe living wall organic ideas in architecture blossomed systems were mounted onto existing walls into the creation of a synthetic growing within the home. Ferns were chosen due to medium called Florafelt. It was made the openness of the atrium and its bright from felt fiber, which are transformed indirect light as an optimal environment from recycled PET plastic water bottles. for the ferns’ growth. San Francisco’s Liv- The pleated felt is then stapled onto a ing Green Landscape Design planted the Urban Bistro, California lightweight plastic board. The roots of remaining landscape for this vertical garden. the plant grow into the felt and all plants will be watered equally and automatically 2. Urban Bistro, California through drip line waters that wick down A total of 360 individual ferns were plant- through the felt. ed into the Florafelt pocket planters and Th e patented pleated design provides installed on a 14-inch by 12-inch wall for breathability and function to the plant by Urban Bistro in Burlingame, California. directing the moisture inwards and keep- Th is living wall was constructed in 2011 ing the exterior dry. to enhance the cafe’s ambience and pro- vide sustainable and easily maintained 1. Los Altos Hills residence’s architecture, aside from acting as a vivid vertical garden centrepiece to attract customers. M EP24 FRIDAY DECEMBER 18, 2015 • THEEDGE FINANCIAL DAILY

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