CTA Architects Sdn Bhd (CTA) has been honoured with the award for Best Architecture Design for its outstanding work on Penang Gateway – Le Meridien Hotel Penang International Airport & Avion by Rackson.
Located opposite Penang International Airport, this landmark 36-storey integrated development redefines the gateway experience into Penang. Designed and delivered by CTA Architects Sdn Bhd, the project embodies a forward-thinking approach to transit-oriented urban living — seamlessly connecting the hotel, retail mall, and the upcoming LRT station in one dynamic hub.
Managed by Marriott International, Le Meridien Penang offers 200 rooms of five-star hospitality, serving both transit guests and the growing MICE segment from the nearby industrial zones. Inspired by the flow of aeronautical winds, the design features sculptural aluminum-clad crowns, streamlined façades, and horizontal fins that enhance shading and visual dynamism.
The hotel and Avion Suites share a collection of elevated amenities on the 36th floor, including a sky pool and wellness facilities that overlook the airport runways. Ranging from 488 to 948 square feet, the suites cater to young professionals and airline personnel, incorporating flexible “flexy foyers” designed for adaptive post-pandemic lifestyles.
With sustainability at its core, Penang Gateway targets Green Building Index (GBI) certification, integrating rainwater harvesting, syphonic drainage, and energy-efficient systems throughout. Conceived by Rackson Composite Sdn Bhd and realized by CTA Architects, the development sets a new benchmark for innovative, sustainable, and connected living in Penang — the city’s first true Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Reference: Asia Architecture Design Awards