La Thea Residences @ 16 Sierra Puchong

The Cube @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

Lyden @ 16 Sierra Puchong

Lyden @ 16 Sierra Puchong

Puteri Central

Zarra @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

Spreading over 22 acres of prime freehold land in Bandar Puteri Puchong is Zarra, an integrated township complemented by recreational and social amenities. Developed by IOI Properties Berhad, it is the last terrace house development in Bandar Puteri Puchong and undoubtedly, an appreciating investment you don't want to miss!

Location

Residents at Zarra can enjoy hassle-free traffic with its excellent accessibility via multiple links namely the KESAS Highway, Bukit Jalil Highway, Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP) and the South Klang Valley Expressway.

Built-up Area

Zarra comprises 183 units of 2 and 2 ½ storey terrace homes.

The built-up area for the double storey home ranges from 2,398 sq ft to 3,427 sq ft over a land area of 1,650 sq ft to 6,598 sq ft. Each unit has four bedrooms with four en-suite bathrooms.

As for the 2 ½ storey homes, they have built-up areas ranging from 3,020 sq ft to 3,045 sq ft of simple yet comfortable living areas, providing 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

Both of these exclusive homes boast high ceilings for enhanced spaciousness: 12ft and 11ft high ceiling for the ground floor and master bedroom, respectively. They are also designed with detailed attention paid to the overall quality and finishing which includes decorative cornices for living and dining area, separated dry and wet kitchen with a dedicated laundry area, porcelain tiles for living, dining and entrance foyer and a car porch big enough to accommodate 2 cars.

Adding to the list is a wide, automatic main gate for every unit as well as aesthetically concealed front drainage and underground utilities.

Facilities and Amenities

Bearing in mind the importance of security in an ideal community, Zarra homes are complete with peace-of-mind security features which include perimeter fencing* and a guardhouse*. These homes are also equipped with a Smart home Security System which offers many more benefits and provides added security to the overall house in general.

*Physical building, without security personnel & subject to local authority requirements.

Grocery and household shopping can be done nearby at the Giant Hypermarket and a private wet market Puteri Mart. Other facilities include the state-of-the-art Columbia Asia Hospital and other medical centers as well as both local and international banks namely, Citibank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and Al Rajhi Bank.

Meanwhile, the nation's largest indoor badminton hall and a 15-acre Town Park are also situated within the vicinity; ideal for sports enthusiasts.

Launch

Launched on the 11th of September last year, these exclusive homes are scheduled for completion in July 2011. Pricing is set from RM 599,800 to RM 1,254,000 with a 7% discount for Bumiputras.

The Developer

Zarra is developed by Flora Development Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of IOI Properties Berhad. IOI Properties is one of the largest property development investment groups in Malaysia, and is reputed as one of the most efficient and profitable property companies.

Source: The Star Property

Green Living At 16 Sierra Puchong

16 Sierra is a superbly well-planned township based on the green concept. Located in the south of Puchong, and close to Cyberjaya and Putrajaya, the 535-acre 16 Sierra is the latest township developed by IOI Properties Bhd. The highlight of the green township are the 16 neighbourhood Theme Gardens and open spaces at the residential precincts, which include the Central Park with a proposed club house adjacent to it.

The Central Park has a grand lawn at the centre, surrounded by the "living trellis"; alphabet garden; children's playgrounds; cycling and jogging paths; basketball, badminton, sepak takraw, futsal courts; a tai chi corner; exercise stations; reflexology paths and gazebos.

It will also have a grass amphitheatre which looks down into the oval lawn where outdoor performances may be held. This Central Park will be the ideal gathering place for community events.

16 Sierra's Landscape Concept Plan defines the character of each residential precinct and is designed to encourage different activities and foster good and healthy community spirit. The themed gardens - like Algebra garden, the Ark, Tic-Tac-Toe, Peek-A-Boo and so on -- are specially designed by professional consultants for the appreciation of nature and interaction, fitness and exercise, and peace and solitude.

The landscaped structures are meant to bring a distinct sense of order, where the open spaces and precincts are clearly defined. Each precinct is created around the gardens and every neighbourhood cluster is defined by open space.

MASTERPLAN

The 16 Theme Gardens are the distinct features at 16 Sierra. At the core of all these Theme Gardens is the Central Park which will accommodate a series of activities for residents' use and relaxation. To the east of the Central Park is the clubhouse with futsal and basketball courts, exercise gyms and a children's alphabet park where residents can enjoy exercises and play different games.

The west of the Central Park is a grand arrival court defined by a trellis walk with meandering footpaths leading to the oval amphitheatre and clubhouse. The vertical trellis is designed to provide shade and comfort to residents walking or strolling in the midst of a garden setting.

Another major landscape feature are the parkways linking the Theme Gardens and the Central Park. The parkways act as important green corridors along the major arterial roads. They encourage interaction among residents when they jog, walk and exercise from one precinct to another. These "green connectors" also ensure pedestrian safety and comfort.

The Theme Gardens located at each precinct are given distinct names based on the type of plants, playstations and special landscape items within them.

Each Theme Garden is identified at the entrance of each precinct:

West Terraces - Geometry Gardens

These Theme Gardens use shapes to identify the garden spaces. Educational and imaginative, they encourage and stimulate children to play, memorise and have fun.

1.0 The Maze: A complex of topographical spaces that has self-contained geometry form patterns and knots in the garden features. Sculptured in different shapes or boxhedges, they present an interesting garden style.

2.0 Algebra Garden: Equation, numbers and mathematical forms provide educational tools for children.

3.0 Hide N Seek Garden: This is an abstract and freeform garden space with different dimension spaces that provides children with a way to hide and play creatively.

4.0 The Ark: A series of climbers and slides in the form of animals -- camels and elephants.

East Terraces - Fragrant Gardens

These Theme Gardens are about fragrance and scent. Lush fragrant trees, flowers and shrubs are a sensory and visual delight here.

5.0 Serai Garden: Serai , a common kampung plant or spice is a natural ingredient used to enhance flavours. Can be architecturally designed to create rows of fragrant grasses.

6.0 Mawar Garden: Mawar means rose in Malay. This garden is enchanting and delicate.

Central Greens - Fun and Play Gardens

It is all about fun and play. The gardens here promote a healthy lifestyle - the key ingredient to a good life and prosperity.

7.0 Central Park: The major outdoor venue for festivals and community games.

8.0 Mound Garden: A series of grass mounds and undulating hills makes the landscape here interesting and fun.

9.0 Peek a Boo Garden: A garden that is full of curiosity elements that intrigue the mind and imagination of children.

10.0 Tic Tac Toe Garden: Jumping and skipping are activities that help children build up their confidence and self esteem.

Hill Residences - Canopy Gardens

This group of Theme Gardens provides shade and shelter.

11.0 Rain Tree Garden: Features the spectacular branches and canopy of the rainforest trees which give a strong identity and foundation.

12.0 Citrus Garden: Oranges and lemons are colourful and delightful to the senses.

13.0 Eucalyptus Gardens: White Barks give a papery feel to the environment. Eucalyptus trees have a scent /oil that is fragrant to the surroundings.

Garden Mansions - Forest Gardens

The Theme Gardens here have a lush and wild look.

14.0 Pipit Garden: The sound of the pipit brings cheer to the residents. Plants and trees are planted here to form a pipit lawn.

15.0 Cricket Garden: The sound of crickets playing at night gives a sense of peace and serenity in the forest environment.

As a whole, the design is about sustainable landscapes where nature and habitat coexist together in harmony and peace.

Safe, Secure and Peaceful

Single entry and exit point with guardhouse and fencing provided, which will enable residents to engage their own security in the future. This will reduce the number of passing vehicles, resulting in a quiet and calm environment.

Convenience

Comprehensive amenities in the vicinity include:

Jusco and Alamanda shopping complexes, IOI Mall and proposed Tesco hypermarket

Chinese primary school, pasar borong, police station and petrol stations

International schools (Alice Smith, Nexus International School and Australian International School)

Putrajaya Government administrative centre and Cyberjaya Government and private universities (UKM, UPM, Multimedia University, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kolej Universiti Infrastruktur, Kolej Universiti Sains Perubatan Cyberjaya and Limkokwing University)

Serdang Hospital, Putrajaya Hospital

IOI Resort City (Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Palm Garden Golf Club, Palm Garden Hotel, Mega Mall and office buildings).

Other social amenities include a community centre, kindergartens and mosque.

16 Sierra is strategically located at the south of Puchong and is accessible from the LDP, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE ) and well connected to the Elite Highway, North South Central Link, NKVE and North South Highway.

Source: The Edge Property

Skyville Residences By IOI Properties

Skyville 2 1/2-storey semi-detached homes designed to elevate the heights of luxury to a new high. A 250ft above sea level,with nature as the perfect backdrop, this is where your sanctuary lies between heaven and earth.

Set on an elevated vantage point of Bandar Puchong Jaya, this exclusive & guarded enclave features the best of lifestyle comforts and the serenity of an all-round natural greenery. Truly, Skyville offers you grandness in between blue skies and nature’s greenery.

36 Green Edge Bungalows

Drawing upon men’s desire to live in agreement with nature, here lies a serene elevated enclave to call home. At 36 Green Edge, life revolves around you and nature. You will have intimate access to greenery, as the tranquility of the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve is yours to enjoy, every waking moment.Beckoning you to start your day feeling invigorated and rejuvenated.A luxurious home as unique as you are, 36 Green Edge is a fine collection of limited bungalows that brings you closer to the timeless beauty of nature. Truly a safe haven for those who quest for a luxurious green living while never far away from the exciting urban life. When your heart belongs to nature, but your lifestyle needs belong to the city

Freehold

- Land area from: 7,153 sq ft

- Built up from: 4,627 sq ft

- Neighbouring the pristine Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve.

- Limited units of 36 residences with 7 different type of designs.

- Spacious interiors and expansive garden area.

- Superior quality finishes and fittings.

- Exclusive enclave with peace-of-mind features.

- Min price from: RM2,267,800

http://www.ioiproperties.com.my/36greenedge/intro.html

Pre-opening Party For Puchong's Latest Draw

The birth of yet another Puchong landmark, IOI Boulevard, was celebrated in style recently.

Themed The Swirl of Senses, the pre-opening cocktail party of the new integrated lifestyle office and retail development by IOI Properties in Bandar Puchong Jaya was enhanced by clever play of lighting and music by the Puchong Orchestra group.
The guests were then introduced to the latest addition in the boulevard, the Palatte - an open courtyard covered by wave-shaped glass canopy.

The developer said they planned to turn Palatte into an arts sanctuary.

“It was conceptualised to provide a signa-ture place for amateur and aspiring artists to showcase all forms of art, music, food, calligraphy, dance, painting, fashion design, photography and more, free of charge,” IOI Properties general manager Lee Yoke Har said.

The highlight of the party was the unveiling of an artistic mural by 300 Limkokwing University of Creative Technology students of 14 nationalities as a way of leaving their creative mark.

Limkokwing Malaysia Design Innovation Centre assistant creative director Stanley Clement said the mural captured the essence of IOI Boulevard.

Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok, who is also Kinrara assemblyman, welcome the idea of an arts sanctuary
“The lack of venues to promote art in Selangor is one of the reasons why it is difficult to attract tourists to stay longer in the state.

“The Palatte is a place where one can enjoy life, be it a cultural show or an art exhibition,” she said.

All 18 F&B and 18 retail lots in the Palette would not be sold, but only leased out by IOI Properties for full control of the tenant mix.

There are 322 office units and more than 1,000 basement parking bays at IOI Boulevard.

Source: The Star

Change In Profile But Not Values

Lee Yoke Har's resemblance to older brother Datuk Lee Yeow Chor is uncanny. Soft-spoken and affable, her quiet strength and firmness are very similar to her sibling's when it comes to dealing with the issues of the day.

The children of IOI Corp Bhd's executive chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, Yeow Chor is group executive director of the IOI group of companies and executive director of IOI Properties Bhd, while Yoke Har is the general manager of its legal and general operations department — a position that has enabled her to stay out of the public eye.

Two months ago, however, Yoke Har, who has been with the group for 13 years, donned another hat. She took over the marketing operations of the group's property division, which is a hot seat indeed, given the current tough property market conditions.

"I am not a corporate person," Yoke Har stresses to City & Country in what is her maiden media interview. "Please focus on the exciting projects and plans we have to share with you…

" She reports to IOI Properties' executive director Datuk David Tan, a trusted chieftain of the Lees and who has been with the group for ages. Then there are her brother and father.

With Yoke Har spearheading the marketing portfolio for the property division, Tan is free to focus on other equally demanding chores, with project management being a priority.

"He has a lot on his plate and he needs to juggle his time a lot," explains Yoke Har, whose newly put-together team oversees the marketing of key Klang Valley developments, comprising those in Puchong and Klang and IOI Resort in Putrajaya.

The changes being effected are aimed at coordinating and expediting decisions so that the developer can move at a fast clip. Raising the profile of IOI Properties — a brand that is synonymous with dependability and being conservative and low profile — is also in the works.

Says Yoke Har: "We want people to know us... It is high time there was coordinated effort to do this. Our style has always been to do things quietly; do it well and people will know. (But it has been) too quiet. This has been going on for years. But our values have not changed…"

For IOI Properties, indisputably a top Malaysian property developer that has been active since 1982, the changes are perhaps overdue, seeing how the demands of property investors have surged in recent times.

No, the changes are not a knee-jerk response to the troubles ailing even the most established players across the globe, says Yoke Har. In fact, she sees the property market bottoming out in nine months. "There is liquidity; people are holding back for fire sales but this has not happened." With the property market getting more crowded and the investment climate more jittery, even the unobtrusive IOI Properties is reviewing its strategies, going forward. This is necessary because the developer plans to launch some RM500 million worth of properties in the Klang Valley this year. The offerings will come from Bandar Puchong Jaya, the newer Bandar Puteri Puchong and Bandar Puteri Klang. In Bandar Puchong Jaya, which sprawls over 1,000 acres, more upmarket homes, like the 2½-storey superlink Vistaria Residences, have emerged in the residential component. The next six months will see the launch of sixty 2½-storey semi-detached homes and light industrial units here. Meanwhile, almost 80% of the 930-acre Bandar Puteri Puchong has been developed. It will unveil thirty-six 2 and 2½-storey bungalows and seventy-eight 3 and 4-storey shopoffices over the next half year. Over in Bandar Puteri Klang, new homes and shopoffices will be rolled out from end-February. In short, IOI Properties is not about to put a stop to new launches.

PUCHONG FINANCIAL COMMERCIAL CENTRE

So, exactly what is going to be different about the developer? For starters, it will embrace fresh and compelling development concepts and designs. Add to the concoction a loyalty programme designed to reach out to and please both buyers and occupants to secure repeat buying.

The new and bolder designs are evident in the upcoming Puchong Financial Commercial Centre (PFCC) taking shape diagonally across the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) from the IOI Mall. Work on two of the five PFCC towers on an eight-acre freehold tract is slated to be completed this April. "These are not very high — 11 and 20 storeys. But you will not miss them as you drive along the LDP," says Mohd Ezuddin Sami'an, IOI Properties' marketing manager.

"They are iconic… they stand out from the other buildings in Puchong.

" Puchong has too many traditional shophouses and offices, says Yoke Har. She is confident a "happening" PFCC, with its contemporary design incorporating environmentally friendly features, will lift Puchong's image to even that of Bangsar.

Looks and design aside, the developer is counting on the proximity of Cyberjaya as drawing point. However, a building can only be audited as a Cyberjaya Centre upon its completion. "We are confident of getting the status," says Yoke Har, adding that the building designs have incorporated the necessary criteria.

While the original plan was to build all the five towers in four to five years, the timeline had to been tweaked to seven to eight years in the light of the current global credit turmoil. So, the developer is improving the designs of Towers 3, 4 and 5, based on the experience and feedback from the nearing completion of Towers 1 and 2.

Combined, the five towers will offer a net lettable area of 1.15 million sq ft. The 12-storey Tower 1 (built at RM35 million) will have 125,000 sq ft, and the 20-storey Tower 2 (built at RM70 million) 253,000 sq ft. In all, there will be 1,920 parking bays in the basement, all of them interlinked.

The developer has tagged an average RM600 psf for Tower 1, while it intends to keep the LDP-fronting Tower 2 for investment. Office space in Tower 2 is being leased out at an average of RM4 psf, while the retail space is going for RM6.50 psf or so.

It is worth noting that weak market sentiment notwithstanding, two local parties have shown interest in the buildings, with talks already in the second stage. One party is looking at leasing Tower 1 en bloc while the other is exploring a buy-and-lease-back option for Tower 2.

"We are flexible; we cannot be leaving the buildings empty for six to nine months, so if the price is good, we don't mind selling..." says Yoke Har, without disclosing the numbers now on the table. One of the parties is looking at relocating its operations, while the other is expanding and relocating its business.

IOI BOULEVARD

About a kilometre down the thoroughfare from PFCC, workers are putting the finishing touches to IOI Boulevard, a hybrid office-retail/lifestyle development modelled after London's Covent Garden. "Business sophistication" and "stylish entertainment" are some of the developer's taglines for this development that comprises six blocks of office-cum-retail space. Enclosed within is the Palette, which comprises thirty-six 2-storey retail outlets that look into a 108ft by 240ft courtyard. "This will be a platform to promote arts. Budding artists, musicians and photographers, for example, can showcase their work here free of charge. We will also build a stage in the courtyard, which will be shielded by a tinted, high glass ceiling," says Yoke Har, adding that they have factored into the design the need for air to circulate.

The developer has tied up with LimKokWing University, whose students will paint two murals in the Palette. IOI Properties is also working with the Puchong Orchestra to explore ways to promote the latter.

Of the six office-retail blocks, all equipped with individual lifts, the developer plans to keep two, both fronting the LDP for recurrent income. Since its launch last June, 60% or 262,000 sq ft of the total saleable area of just under 446,000 sq ft have been sold at an average of RM450 psf, with the ground floor retail space going for RM980 psf. Space at the Palette is leased at an average of RM6 psf. In all, IOI Boulevard offers a total net lettable area of about 730,000 sq ft, with another 133,000 sq ft in retail space at the Palette.

IOI Boulevard is targeted for completion in April and is likely to be opened in May. It will be interesting to see how much IOI Properties can do to bring arts to live in Puchong.

SIERRA PUTERI

Outside the Puchong boundary closer to Sepang, earthworks for a 485-acre mixed development township with a gross development value of RM1.6 billion called Sierra Puteri, have been completed. Construction will start as soon as the authorities approve the building plans. The gated development on undulating grounds will boast designs in departure from IOI Properties' norm. However, the layout will still be functional, says Yoke Har.

The lower-density units will be designed after precincts, each of which with its own park. There will be lots of buffer parks, she continues. The maiden launch, featuring the traditional 2-storey 2ft by 75 ft terraced homes, has been slated for the second quarter this year at a pricing she declines to reveal immediately.She would however only say that it will be priced at a premium to the conventional link homes in the close by Equine Park.

IOI Properties' move to go slightly up markat at Sierra Puteri makes sense given the abundant traditional offerings coming up in Equine Park. IOI Properties' target market: Puchong and Kajang upgraders and those staying in Serdang of course.

IOI FAMILY

Fostering loyalty in customers is an integral part of marketing and it is no different for developers. Come late March or April, IOI Properties will unveil its loyalty programme, which will see some 85,000 IOI Privilege Cards distributed, in the developer's two townships of Bandar Puchong Jaya and Bandar Puteri Puchong.

The cards will be given out free to those in the catchment area to shop, dine and enjoy other services for less in participating shops in Puchong, where the developer has built some 1,700 commercial units.

The developer will also take on the role of promoting the participating outlets, which are expected to offer 10% to 15% discounts or privileges in kind for a year. So far, 60 outlets have signed up. Potential candidates are tenants in IOI Mall — 199 in the old wing and another 100 in the new extension, which at press time was awaiting its certificate of fitness. The extension expands IOI Mall's 650,000 sq ft of net lettable space to about a million sq ft.

Yoke Har is particularly excited about the loyalty programme and it is easy to see why. A thriving township can only equal an appreciation in capital values and yields. And happy investors could potentially translate to repeat buyers. So clearly, IOI Properties is the ultimate beneficiary of the programme, if it works.

The community-based programme, Yoke Har points out, is an extension of the developer's community services which it undertakes seriously and with commitment. "We have been working a lot behind the scenes. Do you know we have someone dedicated to working with the residents' associations in Puchong? Besides our website, we also publish a bi-monthly residents' newsletter called Reach Out…"

"We want to make residents feel privileged. At the same time, we are supporting the business operators in our townships as part of our after-sales service. The programme makes sense — these are self-contained townships; everything one needs one can find there. The convenience, the variety, now the pricing with the discounts offered," she adds.

Yoke Har does not discount the possibility of the IOI Privilege Card being used by third parties, which augurs well for the participating businesses. Obviously, the plan to extend the coverage of the loyalty programme is on the cards.

IN THE PIPELINE

Traditionally a township developer, IOI Properties has withstood the test of time and thrived on the legacy of its developments. Recurrent income from property investments and property management fees now help make up the property division's 30% or so contribution to IOI Group's earnings. The ratio, Yoke Har says, is going to change with more emphasis on property, but she is unable to immediately provide the numbers.

IOI Properties is also active outside the Klang Valley, for example Singapore, although plans there have been deferred given the current downturn.

Another project to look out for is a mall planned for Putrajaya, the details of which the developer declines to divulge for now. All said, IOI Properties is geared to give competitors a run for their money.

Source: The Edge Daily

The Verve By IOI