AMPANG: At a time when many developers seek to maximise land use, Urban Hallmark Properties is taking a different approach. The developer has limited its latest project, Botanik Point in Taman Zooview, Ampang, to just 46 residences despite the site having the capacity to accommodate up to 108 units under conventional planning parameters.

Officiated by Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming and witnessed by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) council deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari, the RM96mil freehold development reflects what founder and director Datuk Jeffrey Ng describes as a less-is-more philosophy.

“Based on the permitted density under the local plan, we could have developed up to 108 units,” said Ng. “Instead, we chose to build 46. A low-density development allows the luxury of space, comfort and a stronger sense of exclusivity. Conserving nature creates greater long-term asset value.”

Located on a 1.78-acre freehold site, Botanik Point has been designed around the preservation of nature, with 30% of the land conserved as a dedicated Nature Reserve comprising mature trees and native vegetation that have evolved organically over the last four to five decades.

According to the developer, retaining the existing ecosystem contributes towards carbon sequestration, improved air quality and a reduction in the urban heat island effect while creating a cooler and more comfortable living environment for residents.

Speaking at the launch, Nga commended the project’s environmentally sensitive approach towards urban development.

“Botanik Point reflects the kind of responsible and forward-thinking urban development Malaysia needs moving forward, one that balances growth with environmental stewardship, sustainability and long-term quality of living. Projects like this demonstrate that development and nature conservation can coexist meaningfully,” he said.

The development comprises 42 townvillas and four semi-detached residences designed around biophilic living principles. The built form is limited to three storeys to complement the surrounding bungalow neighbourhood while preserving views of the area’s greenery and limestone formations.

The townvillas offer built-ups ranging from approximately 2,200 sq ft to 2,900 sq ft while the semi-detached homes range from approximately 5,500 sq ft to 5,800 sq ft.

Inside the homes, passive environmental features such as air wells, terraces, skylights, sliding louvres, expansive glazing and high ceilings have been incorporated to maximise natural daylight and ventilation while reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

Urban Hallmark also received a letter of commendation from MPAJ for its landscape conservation approach, particularly its decision to retain and integrate native vegetation rather than replace it with conventional landscaping.

Further reinforcing its biodiversity aspirations, the developer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC) to collaborate on ecological restoration, biodiversity enhancement, scientific monitoring and environmental education initiatives within the site’s Nature Reserve.

The partnership will also support Botanik Point’s pursuit of the internationally recognised ArbNet Level 1 Arboretum Accreditation.

Strategically located approximately 400m from the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), the gated-and-guarded development offers convenient access to connectivity to Kuala Lumpur city centre via the Ampang–KL Elevated Highway (AKLEH) and the Duta–Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE).