DP Architects’ collaborative and enterprising efforts recognised at BCA Internationalisation Partnership Award |
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DP Architects’ partnership on two projects – President Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia and Arumaya Residences in Jakarta, Indonesia – are among the four finalists that received accolades at the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) 2021 Internationalisation Partnership Award. The award recognises the outstanding internationalisation efforts and contributions of local firms in the built environment sector, to expand and strengthen the SG brand on the global stage through successful collaboration. It was first launched as SGBuilds Awards in 2020 and has since been rebranded as the Internationalisation Partnership Award (IPA) last year.
Receiving double recognition for the second year running, it strongly attests to DP Architects’ (DPA) international outlook and long-standing culture of collaboration, which is supported by its deep One Global Studio capabilities. Exemplifying this is its work on the President Hotel. Besides the façade podium works, the extensive refurbishment and A&A (addition & alteration) its interiors required to convert the existing office spaces into hotel rooms, presented the opportunity to partner with and bring in Sunray Woodcraft Construction, a homegrown carpentry business that has since grown to be Singapore’s largest Interior Fit-Out and A&A specialist. The cross-border collaboration was made trickier by pandemic-related restrictions and delays. These, however, were effectively and efficiently resolved through the utilisation of digital technology to enable and support open communication.
The façade, designed by Singapore’s designer FDAT, consists of metal curtains with green pop-out planters wrapping around the podium. The addition of green features to the façade along Jalan Sultan Ismail pedestrian walkway creates a new welcoming landmark for the incoming traffic at the Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi junction leading into the Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle. |
Located in KL, the project is handled by DPA’s office in Malaysia; who, leveraged the knowledge resource of the firm’s Hospitality Typology group to propose and calibrate site-sensitive and relevant design solutions. The result is a bold inversion of the bathrooms so that they are external facing; thereby, transforming the end-users’ perception and experience of the small hotel rooms.
“The open communication with Sunray Woodcraft Construction and highly energised team would be the open secret to the successful completion of the project,” said Ms Ellina Rahman, director at DPA (Malaysia) and project lead. “We are pleased that the strength of our collaborative spirit and capabilities have been recognised by BCA. The award is a great way to kickstart 2022 towards greater accomplishments in the future.”
The second winning project is Arumaya Residences, which involved a partnership with Woh Hup and Salad Dressing (landscape consultant). Designed by DPA, the luxury condominium development is part of a larger master plan that includes existing Astra offices and targets up-market individuals and investors seeking a lavish city lifestyle in a contemporary urban setting within the prestigious area of South Jakarta. Its timely delivery and effective design relied on close collaboration between consultants, which in turn, is only made possible through shared values and commitment to excellence among the industry partners.