Interconnected pathway amidst lush greenery encourages walking and biking within the development.—GAMUDA LAND
GAMUDA Land believes that a home is more than just a shelter; it’s a foundation for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
In today’s fast-paced world, our living standards have evolved, and with that, the need for homes that offer more than just a roof over our heads.
Integrating nature into our daily lives has become a vital part of holistic living.
The importance of being connected to nature became even more evident during the Covid-19 lockdowns when many of us felt an instinctive need to escape the confines of our homes and reconnect with the outdoors.
Acknowledging this, Gamuda Land has made it a priority to weave natural elements into its township designs.
A survey conducted by the company confirmed that their community values these natural features, and Gamuda Land has responded by incorporating them into their developments.
Teng says Gamuda Land’s focus is on providing an environment that supports a healthier lifestyle for its residents.
“We always start our master planning by asking how we can create a better quality of life for our community,” said Gamuda Land chief operating officer Jess Teng Poh Fern.
“Our approach enhances this through thoughtful design.”
In line with this, Gamuda Land goes beyond the industry norm, allocating more green spaces in its townships than the usual 10% requirement.
“Our focus is on providing an environment that supports a healthier lifestyle for our residents,” Teng added.
This commitment is echoed by Naluri chief product officer Dr Tiffanie Ong, who pointed out that being surrounded by greenery can triple a person’s likelihood of meeting their recommended physical activity levels.
“Simply walking for 10 minutes after a meal can greatly improve health,” she noted.
Furthermore, the presence of nature fosters a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing mental well-being.
Gamuda Land’s developments are designed to be walkable, with all parcels within a 15-minute walk of each other, connected by pedestrian and cycling paths.
Central parks and lakes anchor these townships, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where residents can enjoy quality time close to home.
A lush, green central park with serene lakes and cascading waterfalls creates a tranquil oasis, fostering community well-being and calmness.—Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Bringing nature indoors
But it’s not just about outdoor spaces – Gamuda Land also emphasises bringing nature indoors. Biophilic design principles guide their home designs, featuring elements like side or backyard gardens, skylights, and large windows to maximise natural light and air quality.
These thoughtful details contribute to a healthier living environment, supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Ong commented on the importance of sunlight on human circadian rhythms, adding that large windows or sunroofs that let in natural light bring tremendous benefits to a person’s well-being.
“Our circadian rhythm is basically our body’s biological clock, that tells us that when the sun comes up, we need to wake up, and when it goes down, it’s time for us to sleep.
Ong says natural lighting reminds the body’s biological clock when to rise and sleep, promoting better sleep quality.
“However, because of electric lights and mobile phones, our day and night has become blurred.”
She opined that a home that has natural lighting serves as a reminder to the body’s biological clock on when to rise and when to sleep. With better sleep quality the mind is clearer, decisions are made quicker and moods are better.
“Also good ventilation in homes can be enhanced if the home is surrounded with more trees or plants as they are nature’s greatest, most efficient air filter. “Trees process carbon dioxide via photosynthesis to produce oxygen and reduce all kinds of other harmful particles in the air, increasing air quality, which in turn helps sustain the home occupants’ health.”
These thoughtful details contribute to a healthier living environment, supporting both physical and mental well-being.
Improved air quality, in particular, can help reduce respiratory issues and skin-related conditions such as allergies and eczema, offering a more comfortable and healthier living space for residents.
Recognising that today’s families seek more from their living spaces, Gamuda Land’s flexible home designs allow residents to tailor their spaces to their needs.
Whether it’s through sliding partitions or adaptable layouts, these homes provide the versatility needed to support a modern lifestyle.
Double-volume windows invite natural light and fresh air, creating a healthier and more uplifting living space through biophilic design.
Towns created for everyone
For children, play is a crucial aspect of development, and Gamuda Land is mindful of creating environments that encourage exploration and growth.
Understanding that children need spaces to explore safely, the townships are designed with secure, pedestrian-friendly central parks. These parks are vehicle-free, ensuring that children can enjoy the outdoors without crossing busy roads.
“We designed our master plan to integrate play elements as a key pull factor for children to explore the park.
“But as a parent myself, we can be quite demanding: we want our children to be exposed to the outdoors and yet we need assurances that they’re safe.”
To further nurture children’s curiosity and creativity, Gamuda Land incorporates unstructured play areas in the parks.
These include features like mini streams that mimic the charm of traditional kampung life, inviting them to interact with nature.
Play elements are carefully integrated to encourage children to engage with their surroundings, fostering both physical and mental development. Beyond free play, the townships also offer guided learning opportunities. On weekends, children can participate in enrichment classes at the township gallery, from painting to swimming. These activities help children develop important skills while keeping them active and engaged.
Ong concurred, adding that “Beyond the brain-muscle development in terms of creativity and imagination, there is also the social element of them learning how to communicate with other kids as that is akin to communicating within a community.”
She said that it helps form their physical motor skills, that being able to play with things that children find in nature develops and helps define their motor skills.
By designing homes and townships that prioritize wellness, play, and connectivity, Gamuda Land creates environments that nurture both body and mind.
This holistic approach ensures that the communities they build are not just places to live, but places to thrive.
In line with its commitment towards well-being, Gamuda Land is hosting Wellfest, the largest wellness event in Malaysia, from Sept 28 to Oct 27 across Gamuda Cove, Gamuda Gardens, twentyfive.7 and Horizon Hills.
Wellfest will bring together a diverse community focused on health and well-being, featuring a range of activities, including fitness classes, workshops, healthy food options and a wellness bazaar.
With 46 classes targeting a total of approximately 3,000 participants, the event offers something for everyone, from yoga and pilates to sound baths, HIIT, Zumba and more.
Additionally, Tesla, the leading electric car manufacturer, will be present with the Tesla mini model S, offering a unique driving experience for children.
Wellfest promises to be a comprehensive celebration of wellness, inviting people of all ages to engage and rejuvenate.
Tickets are on sale now at www.gamudaland.com.my.
