Since bursting onto the Kuala Lumpur entertainment scene in 2004, Zouk KL has firmly established itself as one of the most well known nightspots in Malaysia’s capital city.

Set to open on 21 August, their new home at TREC along downtown Jalan Tun Razak is a staggering 106,000 square feet two-storey complex. Notably, it features 11 venues – of which three are new concepts – spanning a total built-in club space of 60,000 square feet. This is twice the entire size of the previous club complex at Jalan Ampang.

“What we’ve done with the new Zouk KL is [to design] one cool massive venue that tailors to the needs of various demographics as well as provide an experiential outing of the Zouk brand for foreign visitors. Each room has its own unique identity and focus, from the sounds and lighting to its interior appearance,” explains Zouk KL’s co-founder, Cher Ng, the creative brains behind the club’s concept and design.

Zouk KL’s core demographic groups range from high net worth individuals to regular partygoers and creative communities. It also includes customers who prefer a quieter night out on the town.

Ng’s research and planning for the new Zouk KL started three years ago and it involved making a study of various clubs around the world. The former club at Jalan Ampang also served as a case study – on crowd circulation within the complex. This ultimately dictated the correct ceiling height for the rooms; the right entrance design for better flow and crowd management; and the type of sound, light and visual effects to be achieved in each room.

The interiors were designed by Phillips Connor of DB&B. “The project is very large and there is a complex interrelationship between the variety of venues within the space. It is important to create a systematic approach to planning. This building was created from the inside out – from looking at the different clubs in the space; how they interrelate with one another; how customers would experience them; and then, creating the building envelope.”

Veritas Design Group, the architects responsible for the supperclub’s new building, have created a progressive and bold design that people can quickly recognise and identify with. The reflective façade, designed by Fabian Low of SLK Interior and Falkcon Interior, also picks up the night light beautifully, drawing the eye – and traffic – into the entertainment complex.

With each of the 11 venues possessing their own distinct identity and self-supporting eco-system within the club complex, the challenge was to ensure that the Zouk brand – its unique savoir faire, design, and functionality – would still be preserved.

Entry and progression was also one of the most important considerations given the interconnectivity of the club rooms. The designers have created unique experiences that offer guests a choice as to which path they would like to take to each venue. Adding to that are the lights, graphic elements and transition spaces, where visitors can sample the views and vibes before they enter.

Each of the 11 spaces also has a least one special feature. For example, guests at Imperial who wish to head to the Member’s Lounge can simply jump on the slide, which leads straight down to the room. And at Ace, an island bar dominates with banquette alcoves around a perimeter of interactive lighting.

As Ng explains, “It’s about reimagining spaces – integrating architecture, interior design, music, art, décor, lighting and effects [to make] each space one of its kind and individualistic – just like the Zouk clientele. And that’s what Zouk KL is all about – experiential clubbing.”

Veritas Design Group
veritas.com.my

DB&B
dbb.com

SKL Interior / Falkcon Interior
falkcon.com.sg