Enter the world of Quinn, MCL Land’s premier development redefining city living
12 April 2022
First published on Tatler Homes by Jennifer Choo
The conundrum of city living is being able to be at the heart of the action while having the option to retreat from the hustle and bustle. MCL Land finds a solution to this paradox with Quinn whose name provides a clue to the developer’s aspirations. Derived from the word ‘quintessential’, Quinn offers all the living features that make this property the new archetype for city living. Tan Ching Meng, General Manager of MCL Land (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. puts it best: “Quinn is a unique product that is not just bricks and mortar but crafted with the needs of the users in mind. We have one of the best sites in Kuala Lumpur, just next to an existing LRT station which is rare to find these days.”
Indeed, Quinn’s location in up-and-coming Wangsa Maju is highly strategic. Close to the city centre yet insulated from the bustle, it boasts superb accessibility via road and public transport. Being in a mature neighbourhood also means it’s within easy reach of established schools and hospitals.
Situated just 10km northeast of KL’s Golden Triangle and financial district, the Quinn resident is just a hop and skip away from the heartbeat of the city. Urban buzz aside, it’s reassuring to have a peaceful home to return to. The consultants kept this in mind when designing every aspect of the project, from the breezy natural light-filled units to the luxury resort style landscaping.
At Quinn, premium features belie the attractive purchase price. MCL Land prides itself on offering an exclusive lifestyle at a fraction of how much it would typically cost in downtown KL: “When it’s completed, Quinn will showcase one of the best architectural design in this area by an award winning architect, with great emphasis on design, quality and finishing,” says Tan. “At its price point, Quinn is an excellent deal in town aimed to create value growth for our buyers.”
In Good Company
Getting to know MCL Land, a developer with a regional pedigree in residential projects
Fastidious fashionistas will tell you that if you want perfectly made shoes, go to a designer that specialises in crafting shoes because focusing on one particular area creates expertise - one could say that applies not just to fashion but to every industry. A member of the Jardine Matheson Group under Hongkong Land Holdings, MCL Land has been building an extensive portfolio of prime residential properties in Singapore and Malaysia over the last 50 years.
Dating back to 1963, the company was incorporated as Malayan Credit Limited with hire-purchase financing as its main business. It went for public listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange five years later which led to the company moving into the property development market. Real estate eventually became the company’s core operation, a business which grew from strength to strength. The company’s success did not go unnoticed and it was acquired by Jardine Cycle & Carriage in the ‘90s as part of their real estate development arm expansion. To reflect its core operation more explicitly, the company officially changed its name to MCL Land.
In 2011, MCL Land became wholly-owned by Hongkong Land, a member of the Jardine Matheson Group. With more than a hundred and thirty years of history, Hongkong Land is a major listed property investment, management and development group with interests across key Asian cities. In Singapore, MCL Land exclusively develops residential projects with notable projects like The Estuary, Este Villa, Terrasse, Ripple Bay, J Gateway, LakeVille, Sol Acres, Lake Grande, Margaret Ville, Parc Esta and Leedon Green. In Malaysia, MCL Land in joint collaboration with IJM Land were responsible for Riana Green East and Seri Riana in Wangsa Maju.
With a rich legacy, a sound reputation and dynamic plans for the future, MCL Land continues in its mission to create quality homes that surpass expectations. Quinn will be the company’s first solo offering in Malaysia that will set a benchmark for Wangsa Maju and beyond.
Design for Life
Quinn’s architecture and landscaping feature international consultants who are amongst the best in their field
Does the quality of our environment influence our wellbeing? Renowned Swiss philosopher, Alain de Botton, in his book, The Architecture of Happiness, argues that being in an environment that’s pleasing affects us more than we think. For many of us, our homes are where we spend most of our time so not only are our most personal spaces crucial, its envelope, the building in which we live in, is just as important.
MCL Land has been building top notch residential buildings in Singapore over the last 50 years. Not only do these condominiums fulfil that cardinal rule of real estate, location, the buildings themselves are of architectural note. This legacy continues with Quinn, MCL Land’s first offering in Malaysia, where the developer chose to work with award winning Singaporean architecture practice, Architects 61 to create a new landmark for Wangsa Maju.
Known for shaping Singapore’s CBD skyline, Architects 61’s concept for Quinn celebrates the project’s duality of urban living within the embrace of nature. Located on higher ground, the 43-storey structure stands between sightline of Kuala Lumpur City Centre and a hill of lush greenery. To achieve a lightness in its expression, the single tower containing the 361 units is split into two portions. The façade is staggered vertically in opposing directions coupled with an alternating sequence of horizontal elements and sun shades and then neatly framed to give it a slender appearance.
The main drop off echoes Quinn’s urban sanctuary spirit and features a large primary canopy that frames the city centre and a secondary canopy that leads to the ground floor common spaces. Architects 61 was mindful to ensure their material palette reflect Quinn’s nature led appeal - from the bronze highlights on the canopies and screens to the brown timber panels.
Communal spaces were crafted in the same material palette. The E-Deck on level 3 where the pools are located envelop the main facilities with warm tropical wood. The architects also captured the stunning views from the 42nd floor and included a crowning architectural feature of sleek dark grey aluminium boxes - giving the tower its distinctive appearance.
With a unique architectural plan in place, MCL Land appointed award-winning Ecoplan Landscape Architects & Planners to create the serene resort landscaping that reflects Quinn’s lush surroundings. It begins right as residents enter through a roundabout and arrive at the arrival deck. Ecoplan has created open spaces to enhance the arrival deck’s airy feel and its bountiful natural light.
Throughout the project, rich greenery is juxtaposed against light-coloured walls, merging seamlessly with the architecture in the background. The third floor maximises the level’s outdoor appeal with wooden panelling alongside soft form trees, creating a worthy backdrop for the pool’s crystaline waters.
Locked and Loaded
Quinn’s thoughtfully planned facilities and security features allow residents to get on with life unencumbered
There’s a lyric which goes, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone – the same could apply to convenience or peace of mind where you don’t realise that it’s missing until it’s not there. Being seasoned developers, MCL Land have equipped Quinn with the full range of facilities one would expect from a premium development and extra features with user-friendliness in mind.
The mood is set on the pleasantly appointed ground floor which allows residents to entertain guests without having to go upstairs to their unit with strategically landscaped water features and a lobby lounge. A children’s playground and childcare centre are provided to keep the young ones occupied. On the third level, entertaining is taken up a notch whether it’s al-fresco at the impressive infinity pool, gourmet and BBQ pavilions or indoors in the multi-purpose function room. Utilities like a launderette, reading room, surau and changing rooms can also be found.
While the amazing view from the sky deck is enough reason to tempt anyone up to the 42nd floor, facilities like a state-of-the-art sky gym and sleekly designed lounges by PTang Studio are additional enticements. For quieter moments, reading nooks and hot desking spaces are also provided.
Peace of mind for all Quinn residents is always assured by comprehensive security measures. Round the clock security patrols and CCTV cameras monitor entrances, carparks, lift lobbies and are placed along the property’s perimeter with line crossing and intrusion detection. A One Card System, Vehicle and Building Access is in place to ensure only residents can enter and exit Quinn with an additional Visitor Management System to limit trespassers. Even if there is a power outage, an independent generator set kicks in to power the security system so residents can feel their homes and families are secure whatever the weather.
Natural Beauty
Inspired by Quinn’s lush surroundings, PTang Studio’s show units are a sophisticated take on its natural theme
Quinn’s unique proposition is one of affordable luxury as MCL Land believes that value and gracious lifestyle should not be mutually exclusive. This is reflected abundantly in Quinn’s 361 units which feature high ceilings and come partially fitted with branded and premium fittings. With only 9 units per floor, built up sizes vary from cosy one bedroom units of 538 sq ft to larger 4 bedroom units of 1,070 sq ft.
To help buyers visualise the Quinn lifestyle, Hong Kong based interior design firm PTang Studio was enlisted. The award winning practice is one of Hong Kong’s leading architectural and interior design companies and responsible for a diverse scope of projects across Asia ranging from private residences to corporate headquarters.
Conscious of MCL Land’s aspirations for Quinn to set the standard for elegant living in Wangsa Maju, the designers went about creating understated luxurious interior spaces. Modern and welcoming, the show units are stylish yet have an ease about them. They are targeted at urbanites who want to balance their busy working lives with a home they can look forward to relaxing in after a long day.
Inspired by the allegory of nature, this meant that organic elements were deftly deployed to enhance but not overwhelm each space. In the ultra-compact Unit 2B (B1) unit which clocks in at 689 square feet, nature can be seen in the colour palette and material choices. Handsome timber veneer cladding and furniture in earthy hues ground the space while sleek urbanity is reflected in the reflective feature walls, gun-metal grey in the living room and brushed silver in the master bedroom. Decorative objects whisper rather than shout the references to nature like the stylized elephant sculpture and lovely framed quartz slice.
For the ultra-chic Unit 3B (C3), the soothing scheme is augmented with bolder accent colours still derived from the natural world like the brilliant turquoise sofa and saffron upholstered dining chairs. At a more forgiving 883 square feet, the designers played around with more intricate motifs in the wood finishes as seen in the Zebrano veneer and slatted timber cladding. Gold detailing in shelving and lighting add a lux feel to the otherwise casual vibe while the children’s room is a delight, featuring whimsical touches without compromising the sophisticated design gestures.
Tasteful resort style living is exemplified in Unit 4B (D2) where the designers created an atmosphere of Zen-like serenity. Artisanal pieces were favoured here, evident in the bentwood and leather dining chairs and expansive sofa with woven wicker details. Textural elements allow the space to sing while adding visual interest, from the mother of pearl-esque wallpaper in the living room to the unique wall treatments in the bedrooms.
The most refined itineration of PTang’s Studio overall concept, every inch of this 1,070 square feet unit has been carefully calibrated to showcase how purchasers can create their own private sanctuary within Quinn.
In Prime Position
Come home to charming Wangsa Maju, a neighbourhood that is on the cusp
A mere 10-minute drive to Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) yet amongst mature greenery and within eyeshot of the stunning Gombak Selangor Quartz Ridge may seem like a tall order for a location but Wangsa Maju offers just that. Despite having flown under the radar for many years, this erstwhile rubber plantation has benefited from road and infrastructure improvements in the last decade and has transformed from an underdeveloped area to a mature mid-end residential neighbourhood. Recognising that this area is rapidly moving up the value chain, MCL Land chose to build Quinn here - not only because of this township’s many assets but with the intention to contribute to Wangsa Maju’s growth.
Connectivity is a big plus as the site is easily accessible via major roads such as Jalan Genting Kelang, Jalan Pahang, Jalan Jelatek and highways Middle Ring Road 2, Duta Ulu-Kelang Expressway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway as well as the Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (DUKE 3), which is under construction. The 29.8km four-lane dual carriage DUKE 3 expressway - which runs from north to south of Kuala Lumpur - will be an important backbone connection to the city’s financial hubs such as KLCC, TRX and Bandar Malaysia when it is completed.
Three existing light rail transit (LRT) stations - Sri Rampai, Wangsa Maju and Setiawangsa - provide Wangsa Maju residents with greater accessibility. The Sri Rampai LRT Station is at Quinn’s very doorstep and is a 12 minute ride to KLCC. For daily needs and light entertainment, Wangsa Walk Mall is connected to Quinn via a covered walkway. This neighbourhood mall bustling with retail and F&B tenants is convenient for grocery shopping, meals or catching a movie.
One of the benefits of this being a mature neighbourhood is the superb amenities readily available. This includes international schools like Fairview International School, The International School of Kuala Lumpur and SAYFOL International School, and colleges like Tunku Abdul Rahman University College. It’s also reassuring to know that established hospitals such as Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur and Columbia Asia Hospital are within reach.
Gourmands will be spoiled for choice with the array of local and international food options such as Jibby East, Kenny Hills Bakers, Tamarind Springs and La Risata just to name a few. For outdoor enthusiasts, Tabur Hiking Trail and Titiwangsa Park are just a short drive away.
Even as Quinn is being constructed, MCL Land is already planning another condominium project in the same area. As homeowners are waking up to the appeal of this up and coming neighbourhood, MCL Land is setting the tone for gracious living for this new wave of Wangsa Maju residents.