THE EXCHANGE 106: TECHNICAL REVIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS

The Exchange 106 is the centerpiece of the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Kuala Lumpur's new international financial district. Standing at 445.5 meters (1,462 feet), it is the second-tallest building in Malaysia and a significant example of rapid supertall construction.

This technical review analyzes the towers "column-free" structural logic, the record-breaking concrete pour for its foundation, and its integration of high-speed vertical transportation.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND CROWN GEOMETRY

Designed by Mulia Group Architects, The Exchange 106 is characterized by its slender, tapering profile and its distinctive 65-meter (213-foot) illuminated crown. The crown stands 12 stories tall and is clad in low-iron, anti-reflective glass that allows for complex lighting schemes at night, serving as a beacon for the financial district.

A key architectural achievement is the maximizing of rentable floor area. The tower offers some of the largest column-free floor plates in Malaysia, ranging from 2,600 to 3,200 square meters. This open-plan layout is made possible by pushing all vertical structural elements to the perimeter and the core, eliminating the need for intermediate columns that disrupt interior fit-outs.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION SPEED

The structural system employs a high-stiffness concrete core coupled with a perimeter steel frame. The building utilizes a "climbing formwork" system that allowed for an exceptionally fast construction cycle. During its peak development, the contractors achieved a cycle of one floor every three days.

The lateral stability is ensured by a series of belt trusses located at mechanical floors. These trusses tie the perimeter mega-columns to the central core, distributing wind and seismic loads effectively. The use of high-strength concrete in the core provides the necessary rigidity to limit sway, a critical factor for occupant comfort in the upper executive zones.

FOUNDATION AND GEOTECHNICAL SYSTEMS

The Exchange 106 sits on a massive piled-raft foundation designed to support the immense weight of the 106-story structure. The foundation comprises a 4.2-meter thick reinforced concrete mat supported by large-diameter bored piles.

The pouring of this mat foundation set a regional construction record. It involved a continuous pour of approximately 20,000 cubic meters of concrete over a single weekend. This continuous operation was essential to prevent "cold joints"—weak points that form if concrete is allowed to set before the next layer is added—thereby creating a monolithic base capable of preventing differential settlement.

VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION

The vertical transportation system was supplied by Schindler and features some of the most advanced lifting technology in Southeast Asia. The tower is equipped with 92 elevators, including high-speed double-deck units.

The system utilizes the Schindler PORT (Personal Occupant Requirement Terminal) destination control system. This technology directs passengers to specific elevator cars based on their destination floor, grouping people going to the same zone. This significantly reduces travel time and improves the handling capacity of the lobby during peak hours. The installation utilized the "SLIM" (Scaffold-Less Installation Method) to install the elevators in parallel with the rising structure, accelerating the overall completion timeline.

SUSTAINABILITY (GBI AND LEED)

The Exchange 106 is designed to meet strict environmental standards, achieving Green Building Index (GBI) Gold certification and LEED Platinum compliance. The façade utilizes high-performance insulated glazing that reduces solar heat gain, lowering the energy required for air conditioning.

Water efficiency is managed through a centralized greywater recycling system that treats wastewater for reuse in landscape irrigation and cooling towers. The building's orientation and tapering form also assist in deflecting direct solar radiation during the hottest parts of the day.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Official Name: The Exchange 106
Location: Tun Razak Exchange, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Architect: Mulia Group Architects
Structural Engineer: EDP Consulting Group
Developer: Mulia Group
Completion Year: 2019
Architectural Height: 445.5 meters (1,462 feet)
Floor Count: 106
Foundation: 4.2-meter thick piled-raft
Elevator Supplier: Schindler
Primary Function: Office, Retail

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is The Exchange 106 taller than the Petronas Twin Towers?
No. The Petronas Twin Towers are 451.9 meters tall, while The Exchange 106 is 445.5 meters tall. It is the second-tallest building in Malaysia (surpassed by Merdeka 118 and Petronas Towers).

What is the crown made of?
The 65-meter crown is constructed of a steel frame clad in specialized low-iron glass. It houses mechanical equipment and features a programmable LED lighting system that changes colors for special events.

Why is it called "The Exchange 106"?
The name refers to its location in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) financial district and its floor count of 106 stories.

Is there an observation deck?
While there are sky lobbies and high-altitude spaces, the building is primarily a commercial office tower. However, the upper floors offer panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, including a direct line of sight to the Petronas Towers and KL Tower.