Unique buildings in Malaysia
Throughout its history, Malaysia has witnessed massive changes to its urban landscapes with a myriad of modern structures cropping up in cities across the country. While iconic ones such as the Petronas Twin Towers captivate locals and non-locals alike, there are many others that also deserve a highlight for their unique facades. We’ve rounded up 9 unique buildings around Malaysia that’ll even make non-architectural buffs do a double-take.
Table of Contents
- Unique buildings in Malaysia
- 1. MBF Tower, Penang – a towering ‘rocket’ in the heart of George Town
- 2. Energy Commission, Putrajaya – a glittering diamond-shaped structure
- 3. Encore Melaka Theatre, Melaka – a sculptural wave-like facade inspired by the sea
- 4. Wisma Equity, KL – an upside-down step pyramid
- 5. Le Nouvel, KL – twin buildings with vertical gardens
- 6. Tun Mustapha Tower, Sabah – a 72-sided polygonal tower with over 2,000 glass panels
- 7. Arte S, Penang – curved balconies & terraces that mimic organic forms in nature
- 8. Starhill Gallery, KL – a multifaceted prism in the heart of KL
- 9. Merdeka 118, KL – a nod to Malaysia’s first Prime Minister
- Marvel at these unique buildings in Malaysia
1. MBF Tower, Penang – a towering ‘rocket’ in the heart of George Town
Image credit: @nomadicnotes via Instagram
In the heart of George Town, Penang, stands the MBF Tower – an impressive 31-storey building boasting a design that closely resembles a rocket.
With a slanted base that looks like the fins of a rocket, and layered columns that rise up in parallel formation, the tower stands as one of the tallest buildings in Penang, stretching 163 metres high.
Image credit: @chrisendrina_photoblog via Instagram
The tower was built in 1990, and took four years to complete. Before it was erected, a 16-storey apartment building called The Northam Court was set to be built here in 1980. But it was torn down right before completion, as the building was deemed structurally unsound.
Today, MBF Tower is a commercial building primarily functioning as office spaces.
2. Energy Commission, Putrajaya – a glittering diamond-shaped structure
Image credit: @nlementlense via Instagram
We all know Putrajaya as a hub of government headquarters. One specific building that stands apart from the rest with its distinctive diamond shape is Bangunan Suruhanjaya Putrajaya, or Putrajaya Energy Commission.
If you’re wondering, the diamond shape is meant to capture the mission of the Energy Commission to be transparent and stable.
Image credit: Energy Commission
The building was also designed to reduce fossil fuel consumption in its daily operations. For one, its angled facade ensures daylight is evenly distributed inwards for the maximum comfort of occupants and to reduce energy consumption.
A special low-emissivity glass is used throughout the building to let sunlight stream in while blocking heat. Also, a diamond dome crowns the building to further filter and diffuse incoming rays.
Image credit: @ezhaomeng via Instagram
3. Encore Melaka Theatre, Melaka – a sculptural wave-like facade inspired by the sea
Image credit: Encore Melaka Theatre
Melaka has no shortage of architectural marvels – its many temples and colonial buildings are must-visit attractions for their unique facades. But one new modern addition to this state’s eclectic collection of buildings is Encore Melaka Theatre.
This eye-catching structure, sitting on the banks of the Straits of Melaka, has a facade that fittingly mimics the waves of the sea. Its exterior is made up of thousands of LED panels to create the impression of fish scales, topped with concave arcs that reflect the light and appear to brim with blue water.
Image credit: @dogsbody_work via Instagram
Inside, the theatre boasts facilities as impressive as its exterior. It houses the longest stages in Southeast Asia, as well as a rotating auditorium that gently spins audiences 360 degrees around, 5 metres per second.
4. Wisma Equity, KL – an upside-down step pyramid
Image credit: @tantalumb via Instagram
New York City’s iconic Brutalist-style Guggenheim Museum features layered curved edges – Wisma Equity in the heart of KL is our very own Brutalist architectural spectacle, but with angular edges.
This prominent commercial building sits along Jalan Ampang. Completed in 1968 and designed by the architectural firm BEP Arkitek Sdn Bhd, it rises a total of 11 floors and houses office spaces for various businesses and corporate tenants.
Image credit: @faizalhamssin via Instagram
On closer observation, you’ll notice that the building’s upside-down step pyramid shape with levels that decrease in size downwards, similarly to the Guggenheim.
5. Le Nouvel, KL – twin buildings with vertical gardens
Image credit: @turismo.malesia via Instagram
Just next to Wisma Equity, you’ll find an equally eye-catching building – Le Nouvel, a luxury condominium and serviced apartment pair. Designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, this industrial-style building is offset with lush greenery hanging from its facades.
Fun fact, Nouvel is also the architectural mastermind behind Abu Dhabi’s Louvre and New York’s Tour de Verre.
Image credit: Vertical Garden Patrick Blanc
Crowning each building is a massive vertical garden that holds up an expansive mirrored roof.
While they look identical, the two residential towers are actually not of equal height. The North Tower is 48-storeys high, while the South Tower has 42 floors. But both feature a wide range of facilities, including an infinity pool and observation deck, and are connected by a sky bridge on the 33rd floor.
6. Tun Mustapha Tower, Sabah – a 72-sided polygonal tower with over 2,000 glass panels
Image credit: KK City via Facebook
Tun Mustapha Tower in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is a fully glass-clad tower that stands at a height of approximately 122 metres, or 30 storeys.
The tower’s shape – a 72-sided polygonal prism – resembles a traditional Sabahan bamboo shoot used to make local handicrafts such as sirung baskets. Some locals might also tell you that it looks like a humongous alkaline battery or a space rocket that is piercing the sky.
Image credit: @gerainchan via Instagram
Designed by Malaysian architect Tan Sri Ar. Hj. Baharuddin Abu Kassim and built by Japanese contractors in 1977, the tower comprises 2,160 reflective glass panels and over 90 steel rods that connect the 30 floors.
It was once the tallest building in Borneo before it was surpassed by the Sabah State Administration Centre, located just a stone’s throw away. But this didn’t stop Alain Robert – nicknamed “the French Spider-Man” – from scaling the smooth-sided building without a rope.
7. Arte S, Penang – curved balconies & terraces that mimic organic forms in nature
Image credit: @hashaaaaaa123 via Instagram
Located in Bukit Gambir, Penang, Arte S is a 3-star apartment cum hotel. Known among locals as the “Twin Towers of Penang”, it houses 460 apartment units spanning 34 storeys.
Image credit: Arte S By T
Looking closer, you’ll notice that the towers appear “twisted” – this is because of the curved balconies and terraces that are layered and gradually rotated at each floor level.
While these features are already attention-grabbing on their own, a pair of 4-storey egg-shaped pods housing lifestyle facilities appear wedged between the apartment floors.
Image credit: Arte S By T
8. Starhill Gallery, KL – a multifaceted prism in the heart of KL
Image credit: Kokai Studios
Starhill Gallery is a masterpiece that’s often overlooked due to the hustle and bustle of KL’s Bukit Bintang, where it is located. Its contemporary architecture features a mix of glass and metal elements forming an origami-like structure.
Fans of The Hunger Games series might well compare it to the Cornucopia from the movies.
The evolution of Starhill Gallery.
Image adapted from: Travel Thru Time, Inhabitat
Resembling a multifaceted prism, the building has gone through several extensive makeovers since it was built. Gone are the Neoclassical elements of the original building, replaced by modernist stone tiles and glass panels that reflect sunlight in the morning and glow with LED lights at night.
This luxury mall is known for its upscale shopping experience, with high-end international brands and designer boutiques such as Sephora and Chanel housed within.
9. Merdeka 118, KL – a nod to Malaysia’s first Prime Minister
Image credit: @monz_journey via Instagram
The Menara 118 tower needs no introduction to us Malaysians. Currently holding the record as the tallest tower in Malaysia as well as Southeast Asia, this 678m-tall building surpasses the Petronas Twin Towers as the tallest building in our country.
This tower has – you guessed it – 118 floors, designed to house a mall, luxury hotels, restaurants, serviced apartments, an observation deck, and office spaces.
Image credit: Merdeka 118
Designed by Australian-based architect, Fender Katsalidis, the building was inspired by an iconic figure in Malaysia’s history: Tunku Abdul Rahman, when he shouted “Merdeka!” and stretched out his arm on Malaysia’s Independence Day.
Boasting a modern and sleek aesthetic, this tower glimmers with its mainly glass and steel facade. Its various entrances are equally eye-catching – the building’s main lobby is designed after a minangkabau headdress while its main entrance features a waterfall.
Marvel at these unique buildings in Malaysia
There is always something fascinating to learn about the many unique buildings that dot urban landscapes in Malaysia. We rounded up some of the most jaw-dropping ones in our country that are worth keeping your eye out for if you happen to be in the above locations.
Cover image adapted from: Encore Melaka Theatre, Arte S by T, @nlementlense via Instagram, Unique Buildings in Malaysia