BY DAVID TAN

Siang Gin (right) and Hunza Properties Bhd executive director Khor Tze Ming with a scale model of the Alila 2 project. — Photo: CHARLES MARIASOOSAY/The Star

HUNZA Properties Bhd has sold about 30% of its new RM600mil Alila 2 condominium project in Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

Its managing director Khor Siang Gin said in an interview that the brisk sales could be attributed to the low-density feature and the project’s generous green space.

“There are also three acres of untouched hill land, which has been allocated as open space for recreational activities within the development.

“We also spent about RM12mil to landscape the project,” Khor said.

He added that buyers were attracted to the extensive tropical foliage as well as the cool air and breeze.

“Some 47% of the property is covered in trees and gardens,” he said.

Besides providing ample green space, Alila also comes with comprehensive recreational facilities, such as infinity pools with hot tub beds and seats as well as a lounge area complete with dining table and seats, as well as a barbecue pit.

“We are now working towards getting a Green Building Index (GBI) certification for Alila 2.

“The two condominium towers are designed to reduce heat gains from the facade of the building.

“We employed shading devices and specially selected glass, which allows daylight into the units but blocks out the heat, providing a cooler, brighter and healthier indoor environment,” Khor said.

He also said Hunza would soon get the completion and compliance certificate for 690 units of low-cost houses as compensation for squatters affected by a mixed development project in Bayan Baru.

“We are developing a RM10bil mixed development scheme on 43 acres that would include a hotel, shopping mall, a business process outsourcing centre and a hospital.

“The project will take 10 to 15 years to develop,” he added.

In Bertam, Kepala Batas, the group plans to launch 250 semi-detached houses and zero-lot bungalows for the first phase, on 80 acres (32ha) of land next year.

“We are planning to build 786 units of zero-lot bungalows, terraced properties and low-cost high rises in the second and third phases.

“After the implementation of these projects, the group will have a further 270 acres of undeveloped land bank in Bertam.

“We have recently sold 30% of the 232 terraced units launched in October,” Khor said.

Zero-lot bungalows are properties built on the edge of the property line to create more usable space.