Ilham Tower | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ilham Tower | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Completion Date: 2015

Project Overview

Standing at fifty-eight stories and 274 meters, Ilham Tower sticks out with its diagonal lines and crisp accents of glass, steel, and greenery. Located in Kuala Lumpur’s “Golden Triangle,” the skyscraper was completed in 2015 and is today the fifth tallest building in the Malaysian capital. CPP’s involvement in the project began in 2009 when the company was contacted by Ilham Towers project manager, Plenitude Builders Sdn Bhd. Other noteworthy team members include Foster + Partners, the design architect, and TY Lin International Sdn Bhd, the C&S engineer and winner of Gold Award of Special Merit 2017 for their work on Ilham Tower.

Ilham Tower has been recognized as a green building, for which CPP shares credit. Wind tunnel testing helped architects create a configuration of access doors that minimize energy consumption by preventing updrafts and downdrafts between the lobby and the upper floors. The building received a BCA Green Mark Gold Plus rating.

Why CPP

When the project was still in the design phase, CPP contributed a qualitative, preliminary view of environmental wind considerations. The report covered downwash impact on ground areas and structural loads based on the Malaysian wind code (MS-1553). Wind impact on breakout spaces such as external balconies and drop-off areas was also explored. These findings directly influenced the architectural planning for the building.

CPP also conducted wind tunnel testing. This more detailed study examined in-depth structural loads and core strength, façade design to withstand wind pressure, and optimal user comfort in ground-level and breakout spaces. CPP’s Project Director, Dr. Matt Glanville, explains, “Wind-tunnel testing at this phase delves into fine detail design issues.” For example, Ilham Tower features the “Sky Terrace,” an indoor-outdoor dining and entertainment venue 37 floors above ground level. CPP’s findings directly influenced the balustrades and introduction of intermediate doors to ensure lift door functionality. The wind tunnel test results were also referenced and implemented during the design of the outdoor areas to prevent uplift (displacement) of outdoor furniture, structural integrity of external ceilings, etc. CPP studied other building features including an infinity pool, windbreak landscaping, and awnings to manage rain ingress and egress.