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- Chin Hin Group Property board adviser Ngian Siew Siong: Fancy, elaborate facades may look impressive in brochures, but multi-colour or protruding elements are hard to maintain, repaint, and can increase costs over time.
PETALING JAYA (Sept 25): Developers should prioritise functional, easy-to-maintain designs over flashy facades to build homes that are comfortable, practical and valued by residents.
Chin Hin Group Property board adviser Ngian Siew Siong (pictured) said a home’s façade and layout aren’t just about visual appeal; they directly affect liveability and long-term maintenance.
“Orientation, ceiling height, roof pitch and green landscaping can make a home cooler, safer, and more pleasant to live in, while community planning also plays a role in safety and connectivity, with each neighbourhood ideally having a controlled entrance,” he told EdgeProp during the Malaysian Property Development Process (MPDP) (Klang Valley Edition) held at the Feruni Ceramiche Retail Store here.
He added that design decisions should prioritise long-term upkeep.
“Fancy, elaborate facades may look impressive in brochures, but multi-colour or protruding elements are hard to maintain, repaint, and can increase costs over time,” he stated.
Ngian also stressed that communal facilities should be functional and well-used.
“It’s not about having a pool just for the view. Residents should be able to lap swim or train. Gyms and shared spaces must be practical; otherwise, they become costly and underused.
“The focus should be on a simple, neat design that’s durable and easy to maintain, while still offering comfort, aesthetics and a strong sense of community,” he added.
From concept to reality
Meanwhile, Axial Design Architects Sdn Bhd (ADA) managing partner Ar. Axxu Hoi Jung said design isn’t just aesthetics; it’s also about turning ideas into reality while navigating approvals, regulations, and costs.
“A layout may look perfect on paper, but until it passes submissions, agency checks, and contractor coordination, it’s just theory,” he said during his presentation on “Designing and Delivering Developments: The Architect’s Journey Through Planning, Compliance, and Construction.”
Timing is critical, as changes at the concept stage are quick and cost-effective.
“Once construction starts, even minor tweaks can balloon in time and cost, affecting the entire project’s schedule and budget,” he added.
Axxu stated that approvals and compliance shape the final design.
“From agency submissions to building regulations, every step affects the outcome. Skipping this isn’t an option if you want a safe and functional home,” he added.
Construction is where design comes to life
“We guide contractors on execution, quality standards, and details like window placement and room sizes. How these elements are built directly affects how residents experience their home,” he said.
Organised by the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) Institute, the annual MPDP (Klang Valley Edition) was a two-day (Sept 24 and 25) Executive Certification Programme presented in collaboration with Sunway University, and supported by tile designer and retailer Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd, renewable energy solutions provider Progressture Solar, and property investment consultancy FAR Capital, with EdgeProp as media partner.
The event was part of a nationwide series, including engagements in Johor Bahru and Penang, collectively drawing approximately 200 delegates, with insights shared by government officials, academics, and notable industry figures including Progressture Solar CEO Cliff Siaw, FAR Capital CEO Faizul Ridzuan, property development marketing professional head Jennifer Chow and Sunway University director Prof Pervaiz Ahmed.
Designed to enhance understanding of the property development process and human capital development in Malaysia's real estate industry, the programme provides in-depth training covering regulations, approvals, feasibility, and investments.
As Penang girds itself towards the last lap of its Penang2030 vision, check out how the residential segment is keeping pace in EdgeProp’s special report: PENANG Investing Towards 2030.
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