Past 15months has been a rollercoaster ride for most property owners especially landlords. Unlike US subprime crisis in 2008, SARS in 2003 and Sept 11 attack that hit global economy badly but not Malaysia, suffice to say this is one of the longest and worst crisis since 1998 Asia Financial Crisis. That’s a good 22 years span.
Covid-19 crisis hit all property segments from retail, office, hospitality and residential. The residential segment for primarily affected by expatriates that fled the country, local workers that either lost their jobs or go back go back hometown while waiting for recovery. Coupled with closing and reopening of economy/industry/travel for past 15 months, it is quite difficult for anyone to make any plan.
Back to Rica Sentul, the owners received VP notification few months ago. PropcafeTM did a write up on on Propcafe way back in 2016. Do click Rica Sentul review by Propcafe as refresher and comparison especially the façade.
Rica Sentul is accessible via Jalan Perhentian and Jalan Kovil Hilir
These accesses lead to respective guardhouse. One located off Jalan Perhentian and another off Jalan Kovil Hilir.
The actual façade from multiple angles
The scale model façade
From PropcafeTM’s observation, the actual façade is quite assembling the scale model. The guardhouse, carpark vertical shades, sizes and ratio of the window against overall façade, aircon ledge shades, vertical and horizontal ledge/fin and color tone are quite similar to the scale model. However, the greeneries in sky gardens are starkly missed from the actual product.
However, one improvement made where the open carpark the roof is provided with shades
How about actual versus the artist impression?
Following are PropcafeTM observation
- Overall façade and guardhouse is 95% assembling the artist impression. Good job Fajarbaru!
- The trees along the mini park is not yet fully mature. Also, the type of trees used also not similar with artist impression.
- Lush trees and greeneries are missed from landscaped terrace. Only a patch of artificial grass?
- Again, the lush greenery is missed from the rooftop.
- The open cinema should have timber deck but now replaced with artificial grass which seems to be impractical choice of material. The grass will not dried off easily compared to timber deck.
- The outdoor sports deck need to upgraded with soft landing floor to avoid injury to users
In summary, PropcafeTM feels the actual construction is quite promising with actual product assembling the scaled model and artist impression. However clearly there is lack of attention by developer or their appointed contractors particularly landscaping treatment in common area. No warm and welcoming feeling at the reception area without any water feature, landscaping, sofas, arts etc.
On bright side, ridiculous amount of visitor carparks are available. The visitor carparks are available all over the Rica Sentul compound include the covered ground floor. Hopefully the management is open to rent out some bays especially for residents who in need of more bays.
PropcafeTM also like the fact the unloading/loading bays are covered and just next to service lift. This allows ease of delivery/ moving in by contractors, mover etc. And more importantly, the unloading can be done without the concern of weather factor such as rain.
Embracing green initiative, Rica Sentul is provided with 3 bays for hybrid and electrical car charging. Pay as you use of course
Once you enter the Rica, visitors and entrance will be greeted by the mini park, a great place to mingle and for kids to running around. The size of the park is around 10,000 sqft. A rare luxury even amongst condos in KL where land is so precious. The park not only serves as recreation area but also serve as the setback from the back of the 5 storey shopoffices infront of Rica Sentul.
The double volume reception and foyer is cavernous however it lacks of attentive and soft touches. Aside bench, there is no landscaping, art, water feature and sofa to occupy the space.
There are 4 rooms at ground floor. One room is currently occupied as management office. Two retail lots are belong to developer which currently used as defect and developer sales offices. One empty room can be use as nursery, laundry etc. the mailbox area also located at ground floor.
PropcafeTM like is the security feature which can be considered as six tiers of security.
What impressed PropcafeTM is the CCTV coverage within the common area. From the moment you enter the lift lobby, the movement is monitor by CCTV. Each of the lift is installed with CCTV as well. And once you step the foot at resident lift lobby, all the angles are covered by CCTVs that located at the exits at both wings. CCTVs are installed at both end of the common corridor on both wings, giving a seamless tracking of any potential breach of security.
Security tiers, patrolling guards and CCTVS will cover 95% of the security level of the condo. Another 5% which security occur is the emergency staircase. Developer didn’t let any loose end on this by installing lock on fire entry door which allows only one-way exit. The exit only can be activated via breaking the break glass and subsequently will activate alarm.
The facilities are primarily located at level 8th and 33a.
Basic facilities such as children playground, swimming and wading pool, gym and multi-purpose hall are on level 8th
On level 33a, the residents can enjoy and relax while enjoying the amazing almost 360 degree. This is one of the main features of Rica Sentul due to the mature neighborhood, Rica Sentul enjoys an unobstructed view towards KL skyline, Kenny Hills, Sentul and Sentul Park.
Some special levels will enjoy double volume sky garden which located on level 16th and 26th. Level 26th at wing B will enjoy almost 270 degree via encompass KL skyline and Bukit Tunku. The best part is this sky garden only enjoyed by 5 units!
Some other common area photos. The refuse room on each level is accessible via door glass and it has ventilation to outside. This will minimize any foul odor within the room. The view from the small balcony is great. Can take 5 to admire the kl skyline view.
Oh did we mentioned that the carpark porch, driveway and ramp are fully coated with epoxy for long term ease of maintenance? This is an additional feature implemented by developer as this was not mentioned during the sales pitch.
One thing to note, you can see KLCC almost in every corners and spots in Rica Residences. See below
Conclusion
At the moment the market is a bit quiet given the ongoing MCO that restrict any activities which not limited to renovation but viewing as well. Rica Sentul is just 250m from underground Sentul West MRT station and once operational in Jan.2023, it will provide connectivity to KLCC East, TRX etc.
The end product is assembling the scaled model and artist impression. PropcafeTM impressed with the comprehensive security measures. All units virtually enjoy unobstructed view and the view from sky gardens, rooftop and pool deck are just amazing especially the breathtaking KL skyline.
However common area such as reception, facilities deck and sky garden can greatly benefit from attentive and soft touch up such as sitting area, water feature, landscaping. Do not get us wrong, the design is practical however in PropcafeTM opinion, it can be so much better with wow factor. There are so many condos in KL with well thoughtful theme and concept through the common area (Tuan Residency@Jalan Kuching just an example)
Till then, hopefully you all enjoy the article!