Background Information
A revised design for Rahsia Estates Resort Homes design proposal. This 13 acres resort development is located on a quiet river estuary and the open sea which is also, next to a fisherman’s jetty at Kampung Temoyong. The development is located just off the main road, Jalan Bukit Malut which leads to the bustling beach attraction of Pantai Cenang and to the main town of Kuah.

“Rahsia” comes from a Malay word that means “Secret”. Here, it is used to describe the resort development being a secret hideway nestled in a hill surrounded by a lush tropical forest fronting the Andaman sea and the nearby islands.

The 13 acres site is undulating with gentle terrain slopping from its highest peak, down to the open sea. Wild mangroves grow indescrimately by the shoreline and submerge in water during high tide. Colourful wooden boats belonging to the local fisherman harbours along side the river estuary waiting for its next journey to the sea.

Design Approach
Rahsia estate comprises of several luxurious units of various sizes to suit individual lifestyles and needs. It comprises of 12 large duplex units, 75 Hilltop Suites, 57 Club Suites and 32 Cabanas. Each type is beautifully design to capture the essence of traditional northern Malay Architecture.

The master plan of the development follows the gentle terrain of the site and each unit was designed to capture the surrounding panoramic views. The design of resorts employ abstract elements of traditional vernacular architecture resulting in a unique style of refinement and elegance.

Lush tropical landscape of selected varieties will be planted to add and evoke a sense of tranquillity within nature. A variety of scented plants will evoke a unique variety of exotic smell and colour throughout the development.

Each memorable encounter with nature and architecture in Rahsia Estate involves a myriad of sensory experience which interacts with each other simultaneously, creating a multi sensorial experience.

12 3-storeys luxurious Duplex units of approximately 3,700 sq ft each for typical units and 4,300 sq ft each for corner unit, are located on the gentle slope overlooking the open sea and the river estuary. Each unit is designed to be elevated over the shoreline and nestled in between the lush tropical landscape.

Each of the luxurious unit is designed with 3 floors, the ground floor (entrance level) shall be the living, dining, kitchen and utility areas. The first floor shall be the private areas with 3 bedrooms and a study / family area. The lower ground floor is designed for games and entertaining area complete with a infinity pool, family lounge, games area and a guest bedroom. On every floor, a large balcony or lanai is incorporated overlooking the panoramic views. Each unit is provided with 2 parking bays.

The bathrooms are a unique feature incorporated into the design of each duplex unit with a semi enclosed open shower and baths overlooking the landscape and the sea. It is purposely designed to allow the external spaces to relate with the enclosed areas.

Hilltop Apartment Suites units located on the highest point of Rahsia Estate, overlooking the panoramic views of Southern part of Langkawi. The hilltop apartment component consists of 3 nos. of the Sala suites (1850 sq ft), 8 nos. of Penthouse units (1850 sq ft), 64 nos. of the Standard units or Executive Deluxe suite (930 sq ft) and 4 nos. of conference meeting rooms. Overall, there are 75 nos. of the Hilltop Apartment Suites.

The hilltop suites are carefully designed to be integrated within the natural terrain by following the existing contour of the existing hillside. The apartment blocks are also carefully positioned to capitalise on the breathtaking views of the panoramic scenery.

A large landscape swimming pool is located at the center of the Hilltop Apartment Suites and it is raised above the roof lines of the conference meeting room blocks. The swimming pool area is perched above the slopping landscape terrain giving a sense of being elevated above the natural and built forms of Rahsia Estates. The centrally located pool is positioned to be easily connected to all parts of the Hilltop Apartments via covered corridors, terracing staircase and outdoor open areas. Landscape plays major part in harmonizing the built form with nature.

The Contemporary Vernacular Malay architecture, similar to the Club apartments is used to complement the overall architectural language of Rahsia Estate. The height of the units remain low rise and not higher than a fully grown coconut tree. The Sala suites, the largest amongst the Hilltop suites consists of 3 bedrooms, living, dining, kitchenette, maid’s room and two beautifully designed open bathrooms overlooking the vast panoramic views. Large open balcony, an extension of the indoor areas wraps around two sides of the Sala suites creating a elevated space overlooking the sea.

The roof top suites are as designed a decent sized three bedrooms suite complete with living, dining and a kitchenette area. The master bedroom is provided with open outdoor Jacuzzi tub overlooking the uninterrupted view. Large balconies for each unit are provided for, similar to the Sala suites.

The Executive Deluxe suite is a two bedroom suite complete with 2 bathrooms, living, dining and a kitchenette. Large balconies are provided for as an extension to the indoor areas with a view.

85 covered parking bays will be provided within the development for both owners of the hilltop and visitors.

The club suites are located at the center of the 13 acres site. It is situated along the main driveway and slightly raised to be a subtle focal point of the resort development. The club suites consist of an entrance lobby and club building with 57 units of built up areas from 800 sq ft to 1700 sq ft. Each of the standard unit is designed to be one bedroom luxurious unit complete with living area, dining and a kitchenette. Each unit is also provided with a unique outdoor bath overlooking uninterrupted view of the sea and the nearby islands.

Located at the center of the club apartments is the reception and the clubhouse facilities. The overall planning of the club suites revolves around the clubhouse and reception building; the anchor point of the resort, with two wings of accommodation on each side. Both wings are positioned to take advantage of the magnificent views.

The West wing faces south, perched on hill top with the view of the estuary, the sea and the nearby islands. The East wing, facing east with the views of the Cabanas on the foreground and the sea with the nearby islands in the background.

On the Western wing an infinity pool designed as part of the building is located, suspended above the sloping terrain overlooking the vast panoramic view. Every unit will be provided with parking lots to allow for visitors and owners to park their cars while staying at the Club Apartments.

The Club Apartments architecture and interiors are articulated through its low rise building forms, articulation of space and its elements with nature. The architecture of the 3-4 storeys of the club suites follows the contemporary Vernacular Architecture of Malaysia. It is set slightly raised on a plateau, fused within the terrain and the surrounding landscape. Each of the Club Apartments building is designed to appear as “Pavilions” and connected to each other by verandah ways.

The Cabanas @ Rahsia Estate, the Jewel of the development is located on a 5 acres land consisting of 32 Cabanas in total, with of 19 units of Single Cabanas (1800 – 1825 sq ft), 12 units of Semi Detached Cabanas (1800 sq ft) and 1 unit of the Royal Cabana Villa (2500 sq ft). Each of the Cabanas is enclosed within a walled landscaped compound with its own swimming pool.

The Cabanas are arranged in clusters with pathways connecting the cabanas to each other, terracing down from the entrance point allowing for multiple views towards the sea.

Lush tropical plants, some with scented varieties, will lined the pathways and around the walled compound. The use of landscape will be an important natural element to evoke an emotional response and sensory experience. Each of the standard unit cabanas will have a loft space, two bedrooms, living area, kitchenette and beautifully designed open bath areas. The bathroom at the loft floor will have an open balcony with a Jacuzzi bath overlooking the walled compound or courtyard.

The cluster of the 32 Cabana’s simulates the traditional Malay village following the traditional vernacular architecture. Each of the Cabanas has a celebrated “Anjung” or entrance foyer before entering into the living area. The concept of the Cabana units design layout is to infuse the outdoor spaces with its indoor spaces, to bring the landscape areas within the walled compound as an extension of the built up indoor areas.

The swimming pool is the central focus, strategically situated to take advantage of the best views surrounded by lush tropical foliage, mangrove and the sea. The edgeless infinity pool surrounded by open landscape deck evokes a tranquil and idyllic open air area for complete relaxation. A small area beyond the swimming pool raised above the shore line will be filled with beach sand to create a small private beach.

60 underground covered parking bays will be provided within the Cabana development for both owners and visitors. 2 parking bays shall be reserved for the Cabana owners.