Green Rimbun set for mid-Dec launch

KUALA LUMPUR: Amphil Corp Sdn Bhd is all set to launch its maiden project, the upscale green condominium called Rimbun in Kuala Lumpur’s Embassy Row. The launch will take place in the middle of this month despite a cautious property market environment.

Amphil director and CEO PK Poh said the project has a gross development value of RM200 million and has recently been awarded the Green Mark (Gold Plus) provisional certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority.

Poh, a former managing director of Dijaya Bhd, is positive about the potential take-up rate for Rimbun, which is targeted at individuals in their mid-40s and above who are looking for exclusivity as well as security.

“These are the people who have discerning taste, are well-heeled and widely travelled. This group may now prefer to move from the large houses in which they currently live to a more secure condominium unit without compromising on the space. A small unit would not be comfortable for them as they are used to a very spacious environment,” he said at the launch of the project’s website by Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Wira Chor Chee Heung.

Poh added that Rimbun will be marketed on a  very personalised basis. “Anyone with an interest in our units just needs to fill in his details on our website. Our team will then arrange for an appointment.”

Amphill Corp director and CEO PK Poh (right) explaining Rimbun's concept to Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Wira Chor Chee Heung.

Rimbun has recently been awarded the Green Mark (Gold Plus) provisional certification by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority.

Rimbun is located in Jalan Ampang Hilir, also known as the Embassy Row. The 17-floor luxury condo comprises only 56 units. It is sited behind the Great Eastern Mall, close to the Selangor Polo & Riding Club, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital and several international schools.

Prices for the units start from RM4 million, ranging from RM1,000 to RM1,200 per sq ft. Of the 56 units, 28 have built-ups of 3,500 sq ft (3+1 bedrooms) while 26 have built-ups of 4,500 sq ft  (4+1 bedrooms). There will also be two triplex penthouses with built-ups of 18,000 sq ft (6+1 bedroom).

While every unit has a private lift as well as a private entrance foyer with a separate lobby for guests, the penthouses will have their own rooftop swimming pool, sky lounge and a garden.

The common facilities at Rimbun include a lap pool, floating deck, wading pool, two poolside lounges, gym, yoga zone, treatment room and a formal lounge.

The environment-friendly features include solar photovoltaic panels, rain water harvesting system, aerated concrete blocks, high internal ceilings, high performance glass, low volatile organic compound paint, green label fittings, energy-efficient lighting, titanium dioxide coating, motion sensors, energy-efficient lifts, recycling bins, non-chemical swimming pool, herb garden, drip irrigation with rain sensors, naturally ventilated porch and terrace, recycled rubber humps, hybrid vehicles car park and fume extract sensors.

“Our building’s footprint only takes up 48% of the land area, the rest of the site is dedicated to open spaces, pools and landscaping. Our rainwater harvesting system is designed to save 1.3 million litres of water a year,” said Poh.

The developer also plans to work with the government’s Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA).

“Our solar photovoltaic panels can convert up to 32,000 kWh of electricity per year, making us eligible for the feed-in tariff scheme selling electricity back to Tenaga Nasional Bhd,” Poh said, adding that the sum generated from the sale of the solar energy will be used to subsidise the maintenance fees.

Construction on the project commenced in February, putting it on target for completion in mid 2014.

This article appeared on the Property page, The Edge Financial Daily, December 2, 2011.