S / LAB 10

Mantab Workplace

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

MANTAB WORKPLACE

S/LAB10

ARCHITECTS
S/LAB10

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Jason Sim

CLIENT
Mantab Group Sdn Bhd

DESIGN TEAM
Hao Wang, Fion Hsu & Liz Siew

MAIN CONTRACTOR
WM Furniture & Renovation Sdn Bhd

WRITER
Shyn Cheah

LOCATION
Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia

CATEGORY
Offices

Text description provided by architect.

Mantab Workplace is one of S/LAB10’s latest endeavours. Comprising a complete internal overhaul of an existing bungalow—the team was required to re-examine the office/workspace typology in a Southeast Asian climate and locality for a local property development company in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia in producing the final design scheme.

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

The firm required not just a workspace for its growing team, but also a series of spaces for hosting and entertaining their clients.

As such, the existing single unit, multi-storey former residence was transformed into a gleaming corporate hub for a private entity that seamlessly integrates business and leisure.

hat stands out in particular in Mantab Workplace is its gleaming bold façade.

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

Looming over the quiet suburban street, the gold-copper alloy façade rises up from the building’s ground level in shielding its interior furtively.

The triangulated facets of the matte- and highly polished finishing of gold-copper alloy are seemingly arbitrary–but in essence are conceptually extrapolated from the corporation’s name and brand. Translated from Malay language, “mantab” means solidity; an unshakeable integrity.

The designers likened this to the hardiness of a diamond—with no single facet on the jewel alike, yet abound with impeccably hardy beauty.

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

Inspired as well by the Malaysian shophouse vernacular of folding iron shutters, the gold-copper alloy clad folding panels are hinged and operable.

Whether angled half-shut with its interiors peeking out to its suburban extents, or closed in entirety for privacy and to keep out the glare of tropical light out—the façade is eye-catching and captivating, with the allure of it leaving many a visitor guessing what lies within.

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

The design brief was unusual: to create a series of spaces within the building to suit a variety of purposes that ranged from business to social.

Thus, S/LAB10 was tasked to revise and challenge the norms of an office typology.The new programme was to include offices for the company’s three directors as well a display gallery and numerous leisure spaces for hosting clients.

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

The team sought to fulfil the client’s requirements by delivering a design that not only re-worked the aforementioned, but also resulted in a comprehensive design scheme that was both visually striking and practical in its function.

In place, is a dexterous play of cantilevering volumes, contrasting surfaces, materials and texture, as well as the considered use and design of intricate details throughout.

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

The project inherits the house’s basic structure (which proved advantageous in dealing with the site’s naturally steep incline).

The consolidation of the building’s existing structural framework with a bold play of surface and volumetric elements culminates in a strong, sensual spatial experience and language throughout.

Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10

And subsequently, a confident, bold architectural presence and visual identity for the client prudently set within the existing building’s typology.


Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10
Mantab Workplace
Courtesy of S/LAB10


Mantab Workplace
Plans

S / LAB 10
T +60 12 7347234 M +60 16 9159958
S / LAB 10
52, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia