Green Ambitions in Seberang Prai

New Bob believes Penangites can enjoy sustainable living within attainable prices

In thriving economy like Penang, filling up the rice bowl is not difficult, but it can be quite a challenge to keep the “rice” from being depleted by heavy housing instalments. The general masses can’t afford the luxury of spacious living, let alone seek sustainable elements which usually come with extra cost.

Nevertheless, one Penang-based developer, New Bob Group of Companies, intends to stick to their principle to create more affordable housing without sacrificing the green elements.

Director of New Bob Group of Companies, Dr. Lee Ville believes that one way to head towards that direction is to buy land over at the mainland, which is decently priced.

With the project dubbed River Tropics at Permatang Pauh, New Bob boasts of being the first to build a green development at the mainland.

With their focus on energy efficiency green ratings, Lee said that River Tropics is looking at achieving a double gold certification from Singapore’s BCA GreenMark and Malaysia’s GreenRE.

“Units here are thoughtfully designed to enable ample natural lighting and ventilation, something that has yet to be incorporated in any condo project in Seberang Prai. Also, with large built-ups, River Tropics homes are said to be the “semi-dees in the sky” for this vicinity,” Lee enthused.

Launched in Feb 2014, the development has received good response with 60% from locals and 30% interest from executives, newly-weds, growing families and empty-nesters who currently live in Penang Island.

This RM50 million development sits on 2.8 acres of freehold land and is targeted for completion in mid-2016. The indicative selling price is approximately RM300psf which translates to entry level of RM350,000 to a maximum of RM800,000.

COMPONENTS

As the name entails, one of its selling points is that it is situated right opposite the main river, allowing ample natural breeze into the development.

“Based on what we have learned from our first few projects, we are applying the design concept in the condominium, as well as injecting passive features including the design and orientation of the building, instead of using active design elements such as low e-glass and timber doors,” added Lee.

At 18-storeys high, this condominium comprises 148 units atop a four-level car park.

140 units of versatile layouts are offered in this condo with built-ups ranging from 1,300sq ft to 1,500sq ft. Each unit comes with three-plus-one bedrooms and three bathrooms.

The larger units ranging from 2,300sq ft to 2,700sq ft consist of eight duplexes, four of which are penthouses which open up to the rooftop facilities deck while the other four are garden units located on the fifth floor. These units boast four-plus-one bedrooms and four bathrooms.

As a waterfront development, each unit enjoys a balcony that varies in sizes according to the unit type.

FACILITIES

The facilities deck features a multi-purpose hall, gym, children’s playground, swimming pool, kid’s pool, jacuzzi, rooftop garden, green retreat,poolside shelter, open-air amphitheatre,outdoor room, BBQ facilities, meditation room and green piazza to encourage interaction among the residents. Security is not compromised here as it comes with a three-tier security system. Adding to that, each unit is entitled to two car parking bays.

AMENITIES

River Tropics is accessible via the Butterworth/Kulim Highway and North South Expressway.

Ideally situated in Permatang Pauh , Seberang Prai, it is next to Tesco Extra and in close proximity to the Second Penang Bridge. It is also located mere minutes away from the established commercial Sunway Carnival development. For recreation, the Penang Bird Park is nearby.

River Tropics

Type    

– Condominium

Total no.of units    

– 148

Built-ups/Bedrooms  

– Standard: 1,300 sq ft to 1,500 sq ft (3+1 bedrooms + 3 baths)

-Duplex: 2,300 sq ft to 2,700 sq ft (4+1 bedrooms + 4 baths)

Price     

– Indicative price from RM400,000 onwards

Facilities        

– Swimming pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi, gym, multipurpose hall, playground, rooftop community garden, open air

amphitheatre

Monthly maintenance   

– RM0.25 psf

Minimum loan repayment  

– Based on 90% margin, 5% interest (BLR -1.6), repaid over 30 years – RM1,690 montly

Completion Date    

– Mid 2016 Tentatively

Developer     

– New Bob Group of Companies

Contact     

– 04-229 1111/016-416 8282