abode & dwellings volume 1

8/9/2019 Abode & Dwellings Volume 1

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Letter from the Editor

Feature Home

A Modern Mix

Distinction Through Culture

Choosing The Right Art Pieces

For Your Home

Exclusive Living - Zenia Parkhomes

Living In Tranquillity In TheHeart Of Town

Creating Value in our Propertyand Community

Regulars

Chic Living

Current Projects

About Abode & Dwellings

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CONTENT

Abode And Dwellings

PUBLISHER

Abode And Dwellings

EDITORIAL

Editor

Sarah Adnan

[email protected]

Writers

Jessica Law

[email protected]

Andrew Tan

[email protected]

Contributor

Dr. Darren Ng

[email protected]

Photographer

Kricia Bong

[email protected]

DESIGN

Graphic Designer

Kricia Bong

[email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES

For any enquiries:

Email: [email protected]: +(603) 2096 9184

Fax: + (603) 2096 9186Disclaimer: Although every reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and objectivity o the inormation contained in this publication, neither

the publishers, editor, and their employees and agents can be held liable or any errors, inaccuracies and / or omisions, howsoever. We shall not be liable

or any actions taken based on the views expressed or inormation provided within this publication. You should always seek proessional advice rom the

appropriate advisor, proessional or institution. Copyright 2010.


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Welcome to the inaugural magazine issue o Abode & DwellingsInteriors. Abode & Dwellings Interiors is an interior design(ID) rm that strives to help individuals nd the best in living. The rm

was ounded by two individuals with years o proessional experience

in the ID industry and strong passion or creating idyllic spaces.

Since our inception, Abode & Dwellings Interiors has successully

completed a myriad o projects. The Abode & Dwellings Magazine

is developed to share our knowledge and love in designing beautiul

homes and oces. In this magazine and in subsequent issues, we will

eature a ew o these projects. The eatures are meant to serve as

an illustration o some o these beautiul designs and to discover the

inspiration behind them.

In recent years, we have seen the popularity o urban contemporary

designs that incorporate Asian accents. Chinese and Japanese

paintings, calligraphy, and ornaments are classic dcor items can

oten enhance the theme o any room. These works o art are an

expression o the owners style and taste. Besides adorning a room,

certain well-placed dcor items can also serve to improve eng shui. It

is both an aesthetic and practical combination.

In this issue, or our primary column called Feature Design, we are

eaturing the modern urnishings o a home that incorporates thisprinciple. We have a look at how the homeowner includes individual

pieces o Chinese art into a sophisticated bachelor pad.

The Feature Design column will eature home owners and their

homes in every issue. The section will talk about the ideas in creating

personalised homes and how readers may achieve a space t or their

own.

Feature Development provides an overview o new residential and

commercial developments. It will eature developments locally and

rom abroad. The property owners and investors among our readersmay nd this section particularly interesting as it will allow you to

glean some inormation regarding up-and-coming developments. In

this issue, we are eaturing the upscale Zenia Parkhomes o Desa

ParkCity.

Abode & Dwelling Regulars will give readers a glance at home and

oce spaces that have been given the Abode & Dwellings touch.

In this magazine, we eature a studio unit that is located in MontKiara. This section will also give you a sneak peek into what Abode

& Dwellings is working on at the time o publication. These ongoing

projects will be illustrated in 3D artist impressions and ater they are

completed, actual photographs will be shown in the ollowing issue.

In this quarters issue, our eatured ongoing projects include the oce

renovations o an IT company and a consulting rm; as well as the

conception o a comortable home suited or a amily o young and

old.

We have many more ideas and designs to share with you. As such,

we will be publishing our magazine on a quarterly basis. We are

excited about rolling out more new design concepts and we hope to

be able to share them with you as we do our work. We do hope that

you enjoy the read!

Thank you.

Warm regards,

[email protected]

Sarah Adnan

LETTERFROM THE EDITOR


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FEATURE HOMEA MODERN MIX

Dr Darren Ng, owner of a

three-storey Zenia Parkhomes


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ORGANIC FINISH: The above accent wall was created with large boards with a cement nish. The cement boards served as a

more viable option compared to raw cement treatment, which requires greater workmanship and cost. The white blocks on the let

serve as la mode style guardrails; the concept has been used in commercial buildings but reduced proportionally to t a home.


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TEAK SETS:(Above) A walnut brown teak dining set sits well against the white tiles

and the walls rich grey hue. A single rug brings the look together.

(Top right)A canvas with famboyant colours stands out in the sitting area.

Walk through the door o a particular parkhome

in Desa ParkCity into its sitting area and you

will see a room that is tasteully decked in cool colour

tones, contemporary urnishings, and distinct pieces o

art that pays homage to Chinese infuences.

The room exudes modernity and a sense o tranquility

qualities that permeate the rest o the homes expanseas well. This was the aesthetic ideal that Dr. Darren Ng,

a businessman in his 30s, wanted to project when he

began renovation plans or his new pad a year ago.

Instilling a parkhome with custom fnishes

and Asian-inspired aesthetics


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The urnishing o the three-storey home is largely minimalist as a result o using just a ew basic colours. Darren

selected white and charcoal grey as dominant colours or the walls; and dark colours such as black and dark brown

or the urniture. Steel was a basic element that he used widely; made apparent by the distinguishly-designed stair

railings. The eng shui-like combination o water colours and metal elements invariably contribute to a calm and tranquil

ambience within the home.

Resonating with the minimalist concept that Darren hoped to achieve, clean, simple lines prevail throughout the house.

This is enhanced with crisp white blinds that rim glass doors and windows on every level.

His design selections were very much inspired by the works o amous Japanese architects and designers such as Tadao

Ando and Kengo Kuma. Japanese designs commonly employ principles o simplicity, minimalism, and practicality.

GEOMETRIC LINES: The stairs geometric handrails are

the most prominent eature o the house. Darren also erected

steel cables between foors to unction as guardrails.


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One o the most distinct xtures in the house is its staircase, which is also a avourite eature o

Darrens. A structure that he designed himsel, the asymmetrically-shaped hand railings instinctively

double as quaint metal sculptures. The thick steel cables stretched vertically between each foor are an

intelligent way o unctioning as guardrails.

The xtures are not particularly riendly or amily with young children, however. Though it has beendesigned such that should little ones come along, tempered glass sheets can be inserted into the niche

to provide extra security.


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Darren has ound a good balance between sophistication and coziness by tting in authentic merbau foor boards.

In selected areas o his home. The replacement o the original ivory tiles with dark walnut-stained wood on the rst and

third foor gives the house more character whilst invoking comort and elegance.

The lounge and dining area on the second level, however, have maintained the tiles.Darrens decision to keep the

fooring or these areas allowed him to achieve a cozy yet classic setting. A beige soa set and white console tops urther

complement the lounges alabaster scheme. The lounge also has a eature wall displaying a cement nish. The result

is an organic eect that breaks through the areas otherwise plain arrangement. Many Japanese architects have been

known to use raw cement nishes as eature walls. The one adapted by Darren was particularly inspired by Tadao Andos

work with the renowned Roppongi Hills Mall in Tokyo.


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Upon reaching the top foor, a large oil painting immediately catches the eye. Adorning an otherwise

barren wall, the bright red canvas adds much character to the upper oyer. The abstract art piece acts

well as the oyers centerpiece. A study on one end o the level holds an exquisite-looking desk and a

large book shel carved out in Asian-infuenced designs.

SMALL AND LARGE TOUCHES: The ery red oil painting is displayed on the houses upperoyer. Works o art such as this can dene the ambience o space whilst enhancing the value o the

house. On the let, sleek and elegant desk accentuates the Asian inspired themed study room.


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SOFT LIGHTS: Ambient lights were installed behind the headboard

to create a dramatic mood or the bedroom

On the other side, the master bedroom is invariably urnished as the coziest part o the house; utilising neutral tones

such as white, cream, and brown or the upholstery. On a wall section that beckons the bed, Darren tted cushion boards

in ash brown to add sotness to the room.


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FEATURE HOMEDISTINCTION THROUGH CULTURE


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As an avid home design

enthusiast himsel, Darren

opines that one must never be

araid in trying out new ideas

and concepts. The key is to

appropriately blend dierent

elements and items to create

a beautiul home whether it

is to use contrasting colours to

create harmony or to combine

modern designs with Oriental

accents.


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Apicture paints a thousand words as the saying goes. Today, many homeowners aremoulding the trends o decoration by selecting art pieces to enhance their home. Thepresence o exquisite art can do wonders to a home; many dwellers display pieces o art to set a

mood, accentuate a room, or even act as a nishing touch to it. Art pieces have always been the

choice o home owners when it comes to home decoration as it not only gives a room a sense

o elitism, but it also increases the value o the property and doubles as a Feng Shui eature as

well. Throughout our years o experience, many clients have sought our skills in searching or theperect painting or them. Although most people think that art is merely choosing a piece that you

like, there are three basic criteria that play an important role in your art selection. Many may nd it

surprising that negligence o these points will do more harm than good do your sanctuary.

The rst element which must be kept in mind at all times is to pick a piece which complements

the colour scheme. This, however, does not mean that a monotone scheme must be applied. I

you are aiming or a cool and cosy environment, then a painting which complements your wall

colour and overall colour theme shall be your best choice. On the other hand, pictures with cool,

sleek lines and neutral colours create warmth and a relaxing environment. I you wish to use art

to draw attention to a room, then you will have to pick a contrasting colour which will instantly

draw the eyes. For example, a striking red painting against a dark grey wall can give the space a

character that shouts bold and daring.

The next criterion would be to match the proportions o the artwork and the wall. While an

artwork may portray grandeur and luxury, it will do no good to your home i you do not measure

the walls to see i it would t in with your design. One o the worst things that can happen is going

to the store and purchasing a piece that is too big or even too small. For the ormer, it may not t

and make the room look overcrowded. For the latter, it may appear out o place in the room, as

though the art is just foating in the middle o a barren wall space.

Finally, an important actor to take into consideration is to select art that can increase your home

value, or play a dual role. Living in an Asian country, we have been told that Feng Shui is among

the most important element o the home. By choosing pieces that have Feng Shui elements in it,

it allows owners to enhance abundance, wealth, passion, and balance in lie.

FEATURE HOMECHOOSING THE RIGHT ART PIECES FOR YOUR HOME


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Desa ParkCity is a new residential and commercial development that has been the buzzo many property owners and the industry in recent times. Tucked away in the suburbso Kuala Lumpur, the development boasts a picturesque landscape, beautiully-designed homes,

and well-guarded residences.

Desa ParkCity houses a number o residential developments; one o them being the high end

Zenia Parkhomes. Zenia is a gated and guarded vicinity that comprises o three dierent-by-

design parkhomes and condominiums. Developed by Perdana ParkCity, a subsidiary o Samling

Group, Zenia is well-planned with 73 two-storey parkhomes, 103 three-storey parkhomes, and 24

garden condominiums over 14.3 acres o land.

The DV Class Parkhomes are spacious, top-o-the range parkhomes with an innovative design

to allow living and dining room openings to the communal landscaped spaces.

The SV Class 2 & 3 Storey Parkhomes exude sensitivity while providing unctional living spaces.

While some are modied to introduce an outdoor courtyard and double-volume space, others are

enhanced by economical space planning to cater to the needs o small amilies.

LIVING IN TRANQUILLITYIN THE HEART OF TOWN

EXCLUSIVE LIVING -ZENIA PARKHOMES


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Top class acilities such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, private garden, and 24-hour

security serve to enhance the living experience o residents.

One o the unique appeals o Desa ParkCity is a large, beautiul lake situated in the middle

o the neighbourhood. This award-winning community lake is an idyllic spot or recreational

activities such as picnics, lake shing, jogging, and kite-fying.

The Desa ParkCity Central Park oers a 17.2-ha expanse to allow plenty o recreational

activities. For other activities, a residents clubhouse is available; replete with a pavilion

lounge, swimming pools, tennis courts, badminton courts, a gymnasium, and a childcare

centre. A FIFA-size ootball eld and two basketball courts are also built in the adjoining

sports centre.

The ParkCity oers a one-stop centre or residents to shop and dine. The Waterront,which is located at the centre o the township, oers plenty o stores, restaurants, caes,

and spas.


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CREATING VALUE IN OUR PROPERTY & COMMUNITY

Managing a strata title development such as Zenia comes with quite a number o challenges.The concept o strata development is really about the standardisation o the propertysaade. Its main intention is to avoid the risk o creating property clusters that are a result o

individual lots undergoing dierent outdoor renovations over the years.

Your home or oce lots value is quite signicantly determined by the adjacent properties. Tomanage this aspect, Zenia residents or Zenians as we call them, are bound by the Strata Land Title

Act. When purchasing their homes, Zenians sign the Deed o Mutual Convenant which requires

them to adhere to a ew house rules which includes regulations and guidelines on exterior

renovation among others.

The Zenia committee has enorced a strict policy in ensuring that all renovation works are

submitted or approval. Constant monitoring is also carried out to ensure that home owners are

ollowing the gameplan. In any instance that the renovation veers out o specication or what

was previously approved, a stop-work order will be issued until the work is steered back into its

approved course. Certainly, the most important and eective way to ensure compliance lies in

gaining the owners buy-in to this strata concept.

How can one ensure that their property maintains a high value over

the years? Without refute, the mantra Location, location, location

holds true in this aspect. However, equally important is the fact that

your property also derives much of its value from its neighbours.

Andrew Tan, a real estate negotiator with Reapeld Properties provides his insights on how having the right

management can contribute to property price and value. His work ocuses on investment grade and high-end properties. Also serving as President o Zenia Joint Management Committee, Andrew talks about themanagement strategy o the Zenia Parkhomes development in Desa ParkCity.

EXCLUSIVE LIVING -ZENIA PARKHOMES


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For the past one year since Zenia was rolled out, its management has allen on the shoulders

o the committee members who play an active role in the day-to-day operations. Zenia is therst development in Desa ParkCity to take its management to the next level by engaging the

LOCATION: Desa Parkcity

DEVELOPMENT: Zenia Park Homes

TYPE: DvA 3-storey Garden Deck

BUILT UP: 2,400 sq. t.

global real estate rm, Knight Frank, as

the acilities management company. This

engagement will take eect rom mid-2010

onwards.

It was a prudent decision as Knight Frank

holds a sound track record in this area and

provides a perect t or the vision o Zenia.

Partnering with Knight Frank is also a step in

the right direction or Zenia rom a branding

perspective.

Community-building will increasingly

become a big thrust as Zenia matures.

We envision a very unique community

programme or Zenia which will go beyond

just casual neighbourly gatherings. As a

start, the committee has organised ree table

tennis classes that are open to all Zenians.

We have gotten ormer national coach, Poo

Lap Tuck to teach the class. We also have

plans in place to organise a tournament

among residents o the other communities;

and there are many more exciting activities

that we have planned out or Zenians.

The idea is to put Zenia on the map in

that o Desa ParkCitys and beyond to

stand out amongst other developments. We

aim to transcend beyond a place o brick

and mortars. The all-important draw actor

is the success in creating an exceptionallyclose-knit community and exciting living.


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REGULARSCHIC LIVING

Aone-bedroom apartment in the bustling neighbourhood Mont Kiara is given a complete do-over. The

home owner constructed brick walls to bring a more down-to-earth sensibility to the house. This design

concept is also replicated in the bedroom. Dark wooden foor boards are also tted to add elegance.

DOWN-TO-EARTH: The earthy palette o the living room works excellently

with the greenery that serves as a natural backdrop outside a large window.


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The colour and nishing o the walls and foor are complemented by accents o light- and dark-coloured

urniture in the living room. With the relatively small unit, it was essential to design dierent sections o the house

in a seamless manner.

The design concept o the living area fows into the kitchen area; keeping consistency in the terms o colour

or the fooring and kitchen xtures. The fuid fow o one section into another invariably gives an illusion o a

larger area.

BRICK AND MORTAR: The brick wall eature in the bedroom and living area. To keep with the simplicity o the design

concept, the home owner uses urniture with clean lines.

REGULARS


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REGULARSCURRENT PROJECTS

To give readers a look at what is currently on the work table o Abode & Dwellings Interiors, we have

put together a visual montage or each development. Our rst eature is a chic condo unit in Mont Kiara

that was recently completed. We also have three developments that are ongoing and have just been

conceptualised; they will be presented in 3D perspectives (stay tuned or our next issue in JULY 2010

to see photos o the completed work).

*The visuals are

artist impressions

in 3D perspective

Work stations

Brainstorming room Meeting room

Reception area

OFFICE SPACE IN

BUKIT JALIL

CLIENT:

Technology rm,business owner in his mid-30s

OFFICE TYPE:

Four-storey oce shop lot

AREA SIZE:

3200 sqt

A local technology rm gives its oce

a acelit to create a work setting

that would accommodate sta on a

unctional level, while also instilling

a stronger corporate identity in the

designs. To achieve this, the companys

corporate colour is set against red

accent walls which also make the oce

visually appealing. Functionality isheightened with long tables that ease

meeting sessions and a comortable

brainstorming room that encourages

the fow o ideas.


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*The visuals are

artist impressions

in 3D perspective

OFFICE SPACE IN

JAYA ONE

CLIENT:

Consulting rm,

businessman in his early 30s

OFFICE TYPE:

Oce suite unit in Jaya One,

Petaling Jaya

AREA SIZE:

1600 sqt

A business and technology consulting

company is relocating to a new

oce in the heart o Petaling Jaya.

Resonating with the companys

polished corporate image, the new

oce was conceptualised to depict an

industrial aesthetic. The oce expanse

is dominated by a white palette andincorporates an open-space layout.

The latter arrangement is eective in

allowing easier movement o sta and

creating an all-inclusive environment.

Sta work stations

Conerence room

Directors room

Entrance & Waiting Area

Filing Cabinet Area


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DATA CENTRE IN

CYBERJAYA

CLIENT:

Technology rm,

businessman in his late 40s

OFFICE TYPE:

Data Center in Cyberjaya

AREA SIZE:

17,500 sqt

A data centre solutions company builds

yet another data centre in the heart o

Cyberjaya. A uturistic and state-o-

the-art acilities was conceptualised

to attract young entrepreneurs.

The elaborate curves throughout

the walkway and reception area

complement the uturistic look. Securityeatures plays an important role in the

design o the data centre to give a

sense o assurance or its clients.

Reception area

Entrance to server rooms

Entrance to private suites Server room


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Master Bathroom

Living Room

Master BedroomDining & Kitchen*The visuals are

artist impressions

in 3D perspective

CLIENT:Businessman in his 40s with amily

OFFICE TYPE:

Three-storey detached house

AREA SIZE:

2800 sqt

The idea o using neutral hues isappealing due to the homey eect it

exudes and its suitability or all ages

in a amily. The owner o this home

wanted to achieve this or his mother

as well as his young children. The use

o earthy tones and wooden elements

in the home help create an ideal space

or both the elderly and young ones.

HOME IN

SIERRA DAMANSARA

ABOUT


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ABOUTABODE & DWELLINGS

They say that a home is not just made o walls and beams; but built with love and dreams. Abode &

Dwellings realises that the most amazing designs begin rom a simple idea. An idea or individuals to be

inspired by the environment they occupy. An idea to create a space or people to achieve all that is possible

within that realm. An idea to elevate spaces to new heights. Abode & Dwellings helps capture these ideas and

translate liestyle needs into beautiul designs that create a new universe o possibilities.

THE MAN BEHIND THE WHEEL

Agood interior designer is one with good taste and an eye or beauty.A great designer is one that has these attributes and the knowledgeo every element involved in building a unctional spaces. Chong Mun Keong

is one man who possesses such qualities. Combining his talent, knowledge,

and propensity or design, he helms Abode & Dwellings as Director.

Starting his career in the eld at a young age, Chong has spent a good

number o years establishing himsel in the industry. He has worked closely

with several major corporations including manuacturers, construction rms,

and electrical companies. With almost 30 years o experience under his

belt, he has honed his skills o creating amazing homes and oces. The

knowledge he has garnered over the years contributes to his rich background

and amiliarity with dierent elds expertise that he brings to our clientstable.

Chong has lent his crat in each o the designs eatured in the Abode

& Dwellings Magazine. With boundless diversity and creativity, he helps

individuals conceptualize their ideas and create designs that suit each

distinct style.


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abode & dwellings volume 1

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