The Covid-19 pandemic and resultant movement control order (MCO) to curb the spread of the virus has left a lasting impression on many Malaysians.
It has prompted many to examine how they live, work and play.
It has also spurred people to consider their relationships with others and to a certain extent, nature and the surrounding environment.
What may have been trifling features are now deliberated on with much gravitas, for example, what’s in a town or what should make up a town?
For town-maker Gamuda Land, the pandemic and post-lockdown era is reinforcing its long-held meticulous and forward-thinking approach in integrating nature and community spaces.
With a proven track record of developing sustainable townships centred on community well-being, Gamuda Land’s far-sighted town-making principle of getting the places right is paying off in today’s post-lockdown environment, with towns that work.
Smart planning at Gamuda Cove
Gamuda Land has long held the belief that a good town is more than just bricks and mortar, and it continues to embrace this development philosophy wholeheartedly.
In building a smart city like Gamuda Cove, community well-being and nature are as important as the town’s technological and cutting-edge features.
In this 619ha (1,530-acre) town, realising the vision of being a sustainable smart city where people can “live green, live connected, live smart, live well and live vibrantly” begins with smart planning.
Gamuda Cove general manager Wong Yik Fong says: “When we get the places right, the town works.
“This requires being mindful in town-planning, knowing which components will work for the town’s community as well as understanding where these components should be placed within the town to create seamless connectivity within the township.”
Wong says Gamuda Cove strategically brings together the home and park with other places for work, play, wellness, shopping and dining as well as learning.
“These places are designed to be reachable within a 10-minute walk and public spaces are designed to foster community bonding, ” he added.
Inclusivity has also been a crucial aspect of Gamuda Cove’s planning as the town is designed for people of all ages.
The thoughtful town planning allows for senior residents to live life to the fullest — enjoying carefree and fulfilling pursuits in the company of friends and loved ones.
A town for the future
Wong elaborates that Gamuda Cove has been designed for living amid nature; with meticulous integration of residential and commercial developments, green spaces and water bodies, facilities and amenities, green transportation and other infrastructures, such as 5G connection and smart vehicle charging stations.
All these require attention to detail, as well as considerable investment to future-proof the township.
So whether it’s building an impressive interchange along the Elite Highway or creating a 24.3ha (60-acre) Central Park, cementing a partnership with telecommunications provider Maxis to power high-speed broadband and 5G connectivity, or creating placemaking elements, Gamuda Cove has been planned and is being developed as a town that can stand the test of time.
The groundwork itself is nothing short of impressive.
“One year since we launched the township, we have already conducted a biodiversity audit, ” says Wong.
That audit will serve as a baseline for future audits to be conducted in the township, and was completed prior to any development works.
“This will be our report card for environmental health and wellness at Gamuda Cove in the future, ” Wong explained.
“We will know if our mindful approach to town-making has indeed resulted in the growth of biodiversity in this area.”
Modern, flexible living
Gamuda Cove’s planning, which prioritises proximity from the residences to the parks and commercial amenities, abundance of green spaces as well as amenities such as high-speed Internet access, is certainly a plus for buyers and prospective buyers.
Residents can now easily access their daily essentials at the town’s square and the generous green spaces allows for physical distancing.
The use of landscape furniture, such as planters or flowerpots, to define and limit physical distancing, are the town’s other welcome attributes.
Gamuda Cove also reaps the benefits of its far-sighted planning not only for the town as a whole but also the residences that are being developed.
Palma Sands, which features two-storey terraced homes with built-up sizes ranging from 169.5sq m to 254.5sq m (1,824sq ft to 2,739sq ft), for example, has been thoughtfully designed to maximise space usage, as well as to provide natural lighting and ventilation.
The thoughtful design means underutilised spaces can be easily converted to suit the lifestyle needs of the residents, whether it’s for a gym, arts and crafts or as a recreation area.
The space under the stairs also offers a lot of potential and can be cleverly turned into a cosy home office.
The beamless design also makes the homes look more spacious compared to conventional terrace units.
Palma Sands’ design very astutely considers life in the pandemic and post-lockdown era, where modern houses are planned to capitalise on external amenities such as the restaurants and parks.
With more time now being spent at home, there is greater appreciation among the residents for home cooking and private outdoor space.
The units at Palma Sands have been meticulously designed to have spacious and open living, where the dining, kitchen and family areas all boast high ceilings.
Maya Bay Residences eco-resort accented serviced apartments, with sizes ranging from 51.1sq m to 89.9sq m (550sq ft to 968sq ft), also have been designed to capitalise on maximising natural light and ventilation.
Such consideration for spatial quality is important to overcome claustrophobia in constrained areas, more so following the lockdown period.
Its location adjacent to the lush greenery of the Kuala Langat Forest Reserve and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands is another much-welcomed feature in these current times.
So much to discover and enjoy
Gamuda Cove’s placemaking elements are aimed at bringing people closer to nature.
Residents and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to the leisure activities, which include the 9.3ha (23-acre) Discovery Park, the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands and the upcoming Splashmania water theme park.
Wong says the placemaking components, including the 24.3ha (60-acre) pet-friendly Central Park with three lakes, complemented with cycling and walking path, also ensures Gamuda Cove’s vibrancy.
To find out more, visit Gamuda Cove Experience Gallery or log on to gamudacove.com.my