Façades

Merdeka 118

MalaysiaContractors: Samsung C&T Corporation UEM Construction JV Sdn Bhd

Merdeka 118 - Gypsum International Trophy 2025

Project description

The Merdeka 118 Tower located in Kuala Lumpur is the tallest building in Malaysia and the second tallest in the world. This architectural marvel draws inspiration from Malaysia’s vibrant cultural heritage, with its stunning façade designed to evoke the graceful gesture of a raised hand, symbolizing unity and independence. Standing proudly, the tower serves as a poignant tribute to Merdeka, commemorating Malaysia’s hard-won independence in 1957. With its striking design and rich significance, the Merdeka 118 Tower is not just a feat of engineering; it is a celebration of the spirit and resilience of the Malaysian people.

Main information

Sustainability certification goal

Building size

507,588 m²

Building purpose / type

Commercial

Office, Hotel and Observation Deck

Building owner name

PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd

Architect name

RSP Architects Sdn Bhd

Contractors

Samsung C&T Corporation UEM Construction JV Sdn Bhd

Company name: Samsung C&T Corporation UEM Construction JV Sdn Bhd

Main Representative: Kim Sunggyeom (Project Director)

Other Representative: Guillermo Hervis Granda

Number of collaborators: 366 pax

Specialties: Main Contractor for the Execution of Civil Engineering Works and Building Construction

Founded in: 4 November 2015

Biography: Samsung C&T Corporation UEM Construction JV Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between two construction giants: Samsung C&T Corporation and UEM Construction Sdn Bhd. This powerful partnership brought together Samsung’s global expertise in supertall construction and UEM’s deep understanding of the Malaysian market to deliver the iconic Merdeka 118. Samsung C&T Corporation is a leading global construction and engineering company with a rich history of building some of the world’s tallest and most complex structures. Their portfolio boasts landmarks like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Samsung’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner in realizing ambitious projects.

Key Challenges

Wall lining as the final finish at the typical office floors
• All core walls, mega columns, and structural steel columns are using drywall as the wall lining. The alignment of the framing with the as-built structural wall of the core wall and columns is very critical during construction to ensure the final wall finish verticality is achieved.
• Clashes of the proposed framing with the steel column fireproofing spray also have to be resolved and coordinated during shop drawing submission. Additionally, termination detailing with stone finish also has to be reviewed to ensure smooth joints between finishes are achieved.
• Completed wall lining and column cladding as the final finish at the typical office floors
Coordination between internal walling and the façade
• The drywall forms part of the fire-rated walls for the observation deck lifts walling system. Elements such as the façade system and steel structure with the fireproofing spray have to be coordinated and adjusted to ensure the walling system meets the required standards and local code fire requirements.
• Completed 2 Hour Fire Rated drywall and wall lining at observation lift from ground floor – 118 floor.
• Completed fire-rated walls for the observation deck lifts walling system.

Key Achievements

Belt truss steel structure to wrap up without touching on fire rated spray steel encasement
Completed dry wall lining for the belt truss steel structure
As the drywall is used mostly as wall lining, the architectural setting out of the MEP services on the drywall lining can be coordinated and adjusted easily since it does not involve any modification to the structural wall surface. This provides flexibility in terms of design as long as it is coordinated during the shop drawing review.
The drywall comes with a complete system, the installation was easy and fast, even though it is widely used at multiple locations.
The technical team members are helpful and easy to contact, especially when obtaining related product information, test report and material fire certificate.
Merdeka 118 is a mega-tall structure and requires light weight construction which SG Gyproc is able to provide the required solutions.
Dry construction method ; the method of installation speeds up of the construction to achieve the project timeline.
Gyproc product is able to provide for the green rating requirement as this project is targeting for triple platinum-rating mega-tall structure.
It is a flexible material that can also cater to building movement and is able to achieve the required fire-rating requirement.
Bespoke innovative solutions for observation lift fire-rated requirements and seamless design on shaft wall to create the consistency effect.
The service lift lobby area is using Gyproc revolution Habito walls to create impact resistant on such high traffic area.
Creating Impact resistant and Durability drywall on high traffic area service lift lobby.
Completed service lift lobby area using Gyproc revolution Habito drywalls

Sustainability in the project

The project is targeting Triple Green Platinum Certification for mega-tall buildings; the first in Malaysia. The project has been certified with LEED Platinum in early 2024.These are some of the sustainability features for this project:
• High Performance Façade Glazing
• District Cooling Plant
• Smart Air Recycling in Car Park
• Rainwater Harvesting System
• Re-use of Rainwater and Grey Water
• Hotel Hot Water generated from Rooftop Solar Panels
• Solar Cells on Foyer Roof
Other than the green building certification, the client is also targeting to achieve WELL certification.

Saint-Gobain products & systems

Ground – Level 83

Gyproc GypLyner BaseLine 12.5mm

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Lift Lobby

Gyporc GypLyner Habito 12.5mm

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Observation Lift

Gyproc 2 Hour Fire Rated Drywall – Double Layer FireLine 15mm

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Steel Column

Gyproc Steel Encasement BaseLine 12.5mm

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Benefits

Internal Wall Lining

Ground – Level 83

Light weight

Ground – Level 83

Impact resistant

Lift Lobby

Fire protection

Observation Lift

Superior aesthetic and design

Steel Column

Owner’s testimonial

PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd

Merdeka 118, standing at 678.9 meters with 118 floors, is Malaysia’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world. Inspired by Islamic art, its design features a distinctive spire and modern aesthetics. Saint-Gobain gypsum materials were used throughout to create intricate, sculptural walls and ceilings, blending traditional artistry with contemporary design

Architect’s testimonial

RSP Architects Sdn Bhd

The drywall products consist of a complete system that meets the practical need for dry wall construction in a building. The material is durable and easy to install. The product also comes with the required material fire certificate that meets local standards.

Saint-Gobain Project Manager’s testimonial

Ms. Neeta Low

Working on Malaysia Tallest building and World Second Tallest building “The Merdeka 118 Tower in Kuala Lumpur” The design is inspired by Malaysia’s rich culture, with the facade resembling a raised hand gesture symbolizing unity and independence. The tower’s design reflects the significance of Merdeka (Independence), commemorating Malaysia’s independence in 1957. The experience provided hands-on exposure to advance technical methods innovation material and Sustainability practices to architect which were incredibly valuable.

Saint-Gobain Team

Neeta Low

Photographer’s name

Staffs from RSP & Staff from SUJV

Website

COUNTRY WEBSITE