Ahead of the 2016 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix on 30 September to 2 October 2016, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) debuted two newly constructed facilities, the South Paddock and permanent Paddock Chalets. The construction of these new hospitality offerings commenced on 21 May 2016 and was recently completed within a short period of 16 weeks. The Paddock Chalets replace the temporary chalets previously situated at the same area while the South Paddock is a completely new building albeit utilising recycled materials having disassembled the temporary chalets. These additions provide extra options to teams and clients using SIC for motorsports or motoring events.
“The SIC team is always looking for ways to offer improved and expanded options for our clients, especially since our track is fully utilised all year round. The new permanent Paddock Chalets and South Paddock will offer our private clients as well as the racing teams participating in our various events more options in terms of superior facilities to support their team needs. We will also be able to accommodate more participating teams when we organise homegrown races. With the innovative new design elements, spectators at the south paddock will also enjoy a superior viewing experience,” said Dato’ Razlan Razali, Chief Executive Officer of SIC.
The double storey, dual frontage South Paddock building was designed and constructed as a modular structure utilising up to 80% recycled structural steel from the previous temporary chalets. This included steel columns, beams and the steel staircases. Although the spatial planning of this facility was mainly driven by its functional requirements, several design elements were incorporated to provide passive solar control throughout the day. Among these design elements, the angle and cantilevered edges of the raised roof over the covered terraces aid in providing adequate shading over the pit lane. In addition, the roof height ensures a well ventilated viewing terrace for spectators while maintaining existing views from the grandstand, enhancing SIC as a whole without compromising the existing offerings.
This new facility features three modules of six pit garages, each with a floor area of 80 square metres totalling 18 pit garages. A typical module is configurable to expand the pit area by up to three pits, providing flexibility in its use, catering for the diverse and changing requirements of its users. This scalability in its use will provide a wide range of sizes suitable for the private client and larger racing teams alike. Built on a newly constructed raised platform, the facility also features a Hospitality Club serviced by a fully-equipped commercial kitchen. The hospitality area extends to the covered terraces on either side of the Hospitality Club, which offers a dynamic atmosphere with direct views of the circuit. With the inclusion of a car lift, the hospitality area on the upper level of the South Paddock has been designed for corporate events as well as car launches. The flexibility in the use of the pit garages extends to the hospitality area as well, further meeting and exceeding the requirements of its diverse users.
Teams using the South Paddock will have full access to facilities including an Operations Room, Race Office, Timing Room, Race Control and Steward Room amongst others all with full communications infrastructure. A fully equipped Medical Room and public amenities such as toilets and prayer rooms complement the total offerings at the South Paddock.
The design of the Paddock Chalets, as a collection of details inspired by motorsports elements consists of 14 chalets divided into two rows of three modules each with an individual end unit on either side. Each module consists of a mirrored pair of chalets sized at 190 sq metres while the larger bookend chalet is sized at 250 sq metres . The chalets are designed as a contrast to the dynamic, activity driven Paddock, offering a resort-like ambiance with privacy and an abundance of hospitality areas both internally and externally.
The air conditioned interior space can be configured for dining spaces, Team Offices and private Drivers’ Rooms or a combination of these to suit the specific requirements of its user. When configured as individual Team Offices, each chalet can also accommodate several users at the same time. This configuration allows for additional teams to fully utilise these new chalets rather than limiting its use to 14 teams only. Similar to the South Paddock, this scalability of use extends to the Paddock Chalets and provides a solution for a wider range of users. In addition to these spaces, each chalet is designed with kitchen facilities and full communications infrastructure.
The external dining terraces, located at the front and rear of each typical chalet unit and wrapping around the bookend units is shaded throughout the day by a cantilevered roof. The extent of the cantilever is relative to the height of the sloping pitch to ensure shading from direct sunlight. The soffit of the roof features a folded mesh ceiling, exposing the services of the chalet while allowing cross ventilation across the cavity between the two roof levels. This design feature contributes towards insulating against solar heat gain and keeping the interior cool.
Together with these two new facilities, there is a new entrance statement at the Paddock. The Sepang International Circuit Signature Wall is designed as a focal point or node of the facility. The three steel frames support individual stone filled columns and are arranged in two rows. This play between solid materials and visual transparency continues throughout the Paddock Chalets and offers users and clients a feature backdrop for photographs and interviews.
To find out more about the new South Paddock and Paddock Chalets and the packages available for clients, contact the SIC team at +603-8778 2200.
