Time in the tropics leads to degradation of the physical condition. Back in the day, Jalan Kamunting was a main settlement for tin mining during the colonial era. At the end of the 19th century, most of the neighbourhood's buildings which had been constructed from wood and thatch were replaced with bricks and tiles as stipulated by the British colonial administration after a devastating flood and fire destroyed the early settlements. This resulted in the area's distinct eclectic shophouse architecture many with five foot ways, pedestrian walkways unique to the region. The hotel is designed to showcase the local heritage with a touch of modernity whilst complementing the iconic buildings in the vicinity.
The client’s, YTL Corporation's very first office was built on the piece of land where the hotel stands. Flourish its individual characteristics of the 1940s shophouses neighbourhood and decades-old family-owned businesses such as Yut Kee and Ah Loke Tailor, it was a perfect choice location to develop Stripes. The footprint of the tower is set into a row of existing heritage shophouses, creating the framework out of which the new built form rises. The full-height brick façade is superimposed over a layer of façade glazing at the hotel rooms, allowing views from the hotel rooms to the city skyline including Petronas Tower and KL Tower. Selected openings are interspersed throughout the building’s frontage, and staggered over single or double story frames.
The most distinctive feature of the hotel is its brick façade, using a customised modular brick system that offers both repetition and variety over the 20-storey height building. The bricks were specially moulded so that they could be mounted vertically without the use of mortar or cement, with a screening effect achieved by the gaps between the stacked bricks. Each brick was given a coating of mineral paint in a varied range of shades to mimic the natural bricks. Horizontal bands are interspersed throughout the building height to frame the progression of the brick screening and reference the ‘Stripes’ that give the hotel its distinct name and branding.
Arrangement of the brick façade is done to tie in with the internal room arrangements, allowing openings and a subtle screening. The brick façade is also interspersed with aluminium louvre panels which reference traditional windows of the heritage shophouse typology. With the juxtaposition of heritage and contemporary façade, the new design still adheres to principals of sustainable design and passive environmental design strategies for tropical climates. The brick façade provides a form of thermal protection by limiting the solar heat gain on the major west façade. At the same time, the brick screening provides natural ventilation to the podium carparking and escape staircases.
Housing 184 bespoke guest rooms and suites, each with a different outlook of the KL skyline due to the unique brick façade. This Stripes Hotel is a unique blend of contemporary design and urban chic, reflecting the history and character of the neighbourhood.
