ALLOWING an architect?s creativity the upper hand can lead to wonderful results, as illustrated in the aesthetically sublime Moonlight Bay, one of Ivory Properties Group Bhd?s signature projects.

The Mediterranean feel of the resort-style garden development, with its large swathes of lush greenery and panoramic views of the Batu Ferringhi beachfront, is a great option for the discerning few seeking a refined lifestyle.

Ivory Properties Group deputy chairman and executive director Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff said the project was cited as a shining example of safe hillside development at the International Conference on Slope 2010 held in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

It also gained a Highly Commended citation for Best Leisure Development at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2011.

?The system of reinforced soil segmented retaining walls used in its construction is gaining popularity in luxury end property development, as opposed to the conventional, rigid retaining wall system,? he explained.

Only limited units of the low density, gated and guarded 15-acre project are still available. These comprise freehold resort-style villas, priced from RM2.7mil with built-up areas ranging from 3,800sq ft to 5,700sq ft, and condo villas priced from RM1.29mil with built-ups of 1,950sq ft to 2,200sq ft.

On Penang Times Square, Nazir said the number of food lovers flocking to the mall was increasing daily, due largely to the popularity of the Food Gallery and Soju Club.

Penang Times Square will be further boosted by the opening of Phase 2 at the end of the year, bringing total retail space to around 400,000sq ft.

The group?s deputy chief operating officer Goh Chin Heng said their Aston Villa project in the heart of Bukit Mertajam was also set to receive its OC later this year.

It comprises terrace units with built-up areas of 2,850sq ft and semi-detached units with a built-up of 3,750sq ft. They are priced from RM473,000 to RM913,000.

Nazir said sales for their rescued project in Mount Erskine, The Peak Residences, had been overwhelming, while 80% of the recently unveiled The Latitude had been snapped up, with the second block now open for registration.

The group is set to showcase units from its projects with a total GDV of around RM200mil at the Star Property Fair 2011. There will be special discounts for those who sign up, while the S&P and legal fees will be waived.

Touted as Penang?s premier property expo, the fair?s ninth edition will be held at Gurney Plaza and the adjoining G Hotel from Thursday to Sunday.

To date, 28 major developers ? representing almost all the big boys in the industry ? along with several financial institutions, have taken up booths. The RM30,000 worth of prizes for the ?Surf, Click & Win? contest are sponsored by IJM Land. Open to the public from 10am to 10pm daily, it is organised by The Star in collaboration with Henry Butcher Malaysia (Penang) Sdn Bhd. Admission is free.

SOURCE: The Star