Kiaraville caps a milestone in condo development

The RM2mil bronze figures placed at the entrance of Kiaraville for all to admire.

New York-based Malaysian artist and sculptor Eng Tay gestured frantically as a crane hoisted each of his million Ringgit, half-ton bronze scupltures into position at the Kiaraville condomininium entrance in Kuala Lumpur.

After two hours of hoisting and manoeuvring in the afternoon sun, the two bronze musicians from Eng Tay’s Companion and Solo III series were finally in place at the Mont’ Kiara residential enclave.

Watching closely was Kiaraville developer and Ireka Corp Bhd group managing director Lai Siew Wah who applauded Eng Tay for successfully handing over the largest sculptures ever created by the artist.

The Kiaraville condo development is sited on 6.75 acres of land in Mont' Kiara.

Kiaraville is developed by Binaderas Sdn Bhd — owned by Lai Siew Wah and family members — in collaboration with CapitaLand Financial Limited and OCBC Bank. The development is sited on 6.75 acres of land in Mont’ Kiara. The total of five residential blocks with 412 condominium units are nearing completion. Some of these units are already being offered for sale at about RM600 per square foot in the secondary market. Built-up space range from 1,900sq ft to 5,000sq ft with the average space being 2,500sq ft.

Lai has penthouse unit and will move in soon.

The project is managed by Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd headed by president and chief executive officer Lai Voon Hon and chief financial officer Monica Lai. Both were present at the sculpture handing-over ceremony.

(L-R) Lai Siew Wah, Monica Lai (partially hidden) and Lai Voon Hon being briefed by Eng Tay during the handing over of the bronze sculptures.

Said Voon Hon: “One of the key features of Kiaraville, are the magnificent scupltures by Eng Tay. They represent the final touch before handing over the completed condo units to the buyers after Chinese New Year.”

He explained that such a development befits the lifestyle of the rich and famous beyond brick and mortar. Luxury property developments should not only reflect the cultured taste of the residents but should “touch the soul.”

“We felt that in any exclusive development, the property should exude class and a refined lifestyle which incorporates high culture and art. Thus, the idea of bringing in a prominent artist and sculptor was mooted. We are putting money where our mouth is,”explained Voon Hon.

“Having that objective, we set out to find a prominent artist within our own shores. We are fortunate to have got Eng Tay who is not only a fine artist but one of international repute. His art works have so far been confined to the homes of collectors and public galleries, available for view only to a select few.

“Now that Eng Tay’s sculptures are part of the Kiaraville development, residents and the public can enjoy them.

Pool view: Kiaraville condo built-up space range from 1,900sq ft to 5,000sq ft for a penthouse unit, with the average unit being 2,500sq ft.

“We are very excited to unveil the two sculptures at the forecourt of the Kiaraville entrance. Not only is this the first time that a developer is working hand in hand with a world famous artist to create art but to place it in the realm of public space, for all to enjoy.”

Said Eng Tay: “I have alweays wanted to do a public art project and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.”

The artist valued the two scupltures at RM1mil each.

“Actually, that was the original cost in producing the two figures. But the cost of casting the bronze figures now, is much higher. They are my biggest sculptures and they will continue to appreciate in value. This project is not common for a property developer to undertake,” said the artist.

The two sculptures are about 2.4m (8ft) high and are made of bronze cast in Thailand. They are based on the limited edition Companion figure and the Solo III female figure.