Serially breaking boundaries when it comes to setting new standards in living and lifestyle, Penang-based developer Hunza Properties ups the ante once more by collaborating with Yoo, an internationally acclaimed residential and hotel design company, for its new Muze Signature VI, part of the group’s flagship Penang International Commercial City (PICC) development.

Situated in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Muze is PICC’s first residential project. What makes Muze outstanding, though, would be Muze Signature VI — a special offering of just six exclusive duplexes that promise life, style and lifestyle in one beautifully conceptualised and curated space.

Hunza is sparing no expense to make this ambitious plan, envisioned as a veritable castle in the sky, a beautiful reality and has engaged renowned placemakers Yoo as creative partner. For those unfamiliar with the Yoo brand, it was founded in 1999 by legendary property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and celebrated designer Philippe Starck. Some of its past projects include Mira Moon boutique hotel in Hong Kong with Marcel Wanders; The Baglioni by Jade Jagger for Yoo in Marrakech, Morocco; and Cape Yamu in Phuket, Thailand.

This pioneering collaboration between the multi-award-winning developer and Yoo is solely focused on creating an exceptional living experience that offers a seamless blend of iconic themes, artistic styles and stunning design. “Muze Signature VI is also Yoo’s first project in Penang and it is our delight to provide the exclusivity of owning a home curated by the world-
renowned design company,” says Khor Tze Ming, executive director of Hunza Properties.

As to why Yoo was chosen, Khor elaborates: “Yoo is a world-renowned, UK-based residential and hotel design company that specialises in crafting bespoke interiors that exude sophistication and elegance. There wasn’t a specific work [in their portfolio that made us decide on them] but rather a broad spectrum of their works all across the globe. Yoo’s ethos is about incorporating local culture within the context of global design. We decided to bring them in primarily because of their industry-leading reputation and their keen understanding of using design to elevate home living to new heights. Their team displays an ability to adapt their design philosophy to incorporate both global and local elements and create spaces that inspire the imagination. These spaces, in turn, also bring people together to share a lifestyle and initiate conversations within the community. This is in line with Muze’s concept, which revolves around the idea of nurturing reflections and sparking inspiration for the residents.”

“The engagement with Yoo actually started during one of our marketing stints in Hong Kong,” says Datuk Lily Tan, group CEO of sales and marketing. “Yoo has a prominent presence in the Special Administrative Region and the People’s Republic of China, and after we had met, we invited Yoo to visit PICC in Penang.” A brief on the concept behind the entire PICC and Muze, including Hunza’s intended target market, was duly provided during the initial discussion. “Based on those preliminary briefs and taking into consideration the context of Penang, Yoo then decided to take on the challenge of designing the interiors for the six exclusive units of penthouses — their very first project in Penang itself,” Tan adds.

Designed to complement the expansive PICC project — hailed as Penang’s new epicentre of commerce — the Muze development is all set to usher in a new age of global living for the island. “Muze @ PICC falls under Phase 1 of PICC,” Khor continues. “It is the tallest smart residential building in Malaysia’s northern region and it will kick-start the entire landmark development of PICC.”

Interested parties will also be pleased to know that PICC has just obtained its Certificate of Completion and Compliance. Comprising two freehold residential towers of 52 and 58 storeys — boasting 846 units with layouts ranging from three to five bedrooms and spanning 1,087 to 5,264 sq ft — what caps the entire development in style will be an exclusive offering of just six duplex penthouses.

Infinitely more expansive, these penthouses will boast generous build-ups of between 3,746 and 5,242 sq ft. Three distinct themes are offered: Lux, Serene and Eclectic. “The idea behind Muze was to provide a vivacious environment and space where musings indulge the mind and aspirations are kindled,” Tan explains. “The space is intended to inspire residents or dwellers to engage with their imagination through the unparalleled views of the surrounding vista from within the safety and comfort of their homes. As the penthouses will be located in Tower A L51 and L52 as well as Tower B L57 and L58, the owners will enjoy an undisrupted vista of the hilly terrain that runs along the spine of Penang, the Straits of Malacca that separates the Island from the peninsula and the vibrant cityscape of the Bayan Baru township that extends across southwest Penang. You can also see both the iconic Penang Bridges and Pulau Jerejak farther beyond.”

Hunza was very clear that the privileged homeowners of Muze Signature VI will enjoy a quality of life in Penang like never before. “As a contemporary castle in the sky, we want to afford them a lofty living experience,” Khor affirms. “These penthouses sit atop what will be the tallest, smartest residential buildings in the northern region of Malaysia. We want them to bask in awe at the unparalleled vistas of the surrounding cityscape — not found in any other residential building on the island, or the whole of Penang, for that matter.”

With Muze Signature VI’s demographic identified as those above the 40-year-old age bracket; affluent and generally with a taste for the finer things in life; and with a specific wish to live in Penang’s southwest, Tan says “they want to be at the top of their game. They want to be part of a circle that is unequalled. By owning such a home, they will be part of a niche group that enjoys the convenience of a fully furnished penthouse uniquely designed and curated by Yoo.”

Every conceivable mod-con has also been seen to. As it is the world-renowned design brand’s first project in Penang, only the best names have been considered for Muze Signature VI. These include kitchen and laundry cabinets and built-in wardrobes by Bofi, luxury ironmongery by Olivari, electrical kitchen and laundry appliances by Bosch, sanitary ware by Duravit and taps and fittings by Gessi.

Penang’s vibrant economy and booming manufacturing industries have also been steadily attracting a growing pool of talent who have chosen to relocate, calling the island their new home. “This will equate to higher demand for better quality housing in the vicinity of Southwest Penang (near Bayan Lepas FIZ, also known as Silicon Valley of the East),” says Khor. “So, Muze is undoubtedly the significant entry point into the larger integrated development of PICC, which will consist of a shopping mall, 5-star hotel, medical centre and various commercial establishments as well as a central park.”

As PICC is touted to be the game changer for a state that is already on a steady, upward trajectory, Khor is hopeful that Hunza’s creation of the first large-scale, metropolitan-inspired, mixed-use integrated development in Malaysia’s northern region will serve as a catalyst for further growth. “We also want to elevate the quality of life and quality of housing in southwest Penang through PICC’s various residential components, such as Muze, Senze and other upcoming projects. Commercial components such as the GBS (Global Business Services) hub and office towers will likewise support growing demand for such spaces in Penang, as the state is the second-largest services hub in the country with more than 50 GBS companies. The demand for such space already surpasses the supply available locally, so we hope PICC will help cater to the growing demand in line with our booming manufacturing state.”

PICC’s retail and hospitality component, which includes a shopping mall and five-star hotel, will also offer new tourism and lifestyle options in support of the developing social and economic landscape in the island’s southwest. “PICC’s close proximity to the gateways of Penang, namely the Penang International Airport and both Penang Bridges, will allow for a more integrated living approach — especially with the inclusion of an LRT station that is connected to PICC and which will connect Tanjung Bungah in the northeast all the way to Bayan Lepas in the southwest.”