Architecture has always been defined as creating a space or a structure for humans to live under. However, the concept of space is often misunderstood due to the lack of understanding of spatial justice where we tend to have preconceived notions about the space that we create is only for humans to live in.
Hazri Mohd Razali
This project captures the author’s understanding of the spatial justice relationship between humans, nature, and also other potential organisms through the understanding of environment, materiality, technology and vernacularism.
The project is set to be a hay-based research and production facility in a rural village in Romania, called Apos. With traditional knowledge of farming and building techniques, the project aimed to explore how the vernacular methods and practices can redefined to support ecological and environmental justice - where humans and bears can live harmonically. Rather than just existing as a research and production facility, this idea aims to revive the agricultural economy while enhancing a deeper understanding and awareness of species’ dependency. The project celebrates hay as not just a building material but as the bridge between the two species to coexist.
Rear Elevation Rendered on Keyshot and Photoshop
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Apos, Romania’s abandoned Saxon buildings are being converted into a multipurpose research and production complex using hay. In addition to encouraging natural coexistence with animals, the design makes advantage of pre-existing structures to assist nearby farmers, students, and researchers.
Dormitory rooms, guest rooms, a studio, and a library are on the first level, while workshops, hay storage facilities, a common kitchen, and utility zones are on the ground floor. A flexible, low-carbon architecture based on vernacular logic is created by designing spaces that change with the seasons, becoming open and event-friendly in the spring and storage-heavy in the harvest season.
Abandoned Houses
The project foresee farmers to cultivate the hay products and transform/develop the raw material into an industrial product to be used in construction. The waste product from the process (hay compost) is highly nutritious and it is good for the environment since it can be used as a natural fertiliser. This fertiliser will then be spread onto corn plantations, which are planted to feed bears that are roaming nearby the village.
Since the corn grows using organic fertiliser, the bears’ faeces become more nutritious too. The project expects that bears will naturally excrete in the hay fields, which will help improve the soil quality. As a result, the next batch of hay harvested by the farmers will be better in quality. This cycle will keep repeating, and it brings benefits to both the farmers and the bears
Front Elevation Rendered on Keyshot and Photoshop
Dynamic of Architecture and Landscape
The sectional drawing illustrates how the building functions, with internal spaces adapting in use and character in response to the rhythms of hay production. Through these sections, it express an architecture that is deeply rooted in the landscape, shaped by cultural values, and intentionally designed for seasonal flexibility and ecological integration.
In autumn, the building finds itself at its busiest. The hay in Apos has been harvested, and all of the open spaces and racks are now filled with the cultivated products. Each room becomes storage, and workshops become active more than usual. People return from the fields, each of them carrying their harvested hay from the field, and each of them has a story to tell. It is the peak moment of the building where people take advantage of the season as the moment to gather. Just like Antonio Vivaldi’s Autumnenergy rises in the music resembling the celebration of effort.
Section AA Rendered on Keyshot and Photoshop
In summer, the building begins to fill with life and material. The hay harvest season comes like a storm, and the architecture responds. Its wall thickens with hays from inside, each room shifting its function. What was open and communal from spring now is full of hays. Farmers becoming more active, guiding each other through shared knowledge that is passed down through generations. The mood and intensity of the movement are just like the sound of the masterpiece by Antonio Vivaldi - Summer.
Showing how the retrofitted building’s facade construction detail. The construction method suggests that the facade is easy to maintain and suitable to support hay as the facade material.
Facade Detail
Section BB Rendered on Keyshot and Photoshop
Exploded Isometric Drawn on Rhino and Photoshop
Designing building structures and components is the most essential part of making an idea tangible. This expermentation aims to understand further about a material that can be considered as a substitute for typical material used in construction.
Project Level : Master’s Year 1
Project Year : 2023
Project Status : Completed
Material Experimentation Synthesis
It is undeniable that using hempcrete has environmental and structural benefits. The material has unique properties and not many materials can display similar performance. The idea of integrating an ambiguous material such as hay/hempcrete with considerably low tolerance geometry as proposed in this project has its downside rather than any particular advantages.
As a component of the broader Johor-Singapore-Riau metropolitan network, the RTS link will link Singapore’s global port center with Johor’s labor market.
The station, which primarily serves suburban commuters, has excellent access to intercity rail and roadways. However, inadequate pedestrian access—caused by nearby highways—creates a significant obstacle for local foot traffic and restricts access to the city center.
Project Level National Professional Competition
Project Status 5th Place out of 114
Project Year 2021
Client MRT Corp
Location Johor Bharu, Malaysia - Singapore, Singapore
Project Contribution : (Architectural Intern) 3D Construction Detail and Illustration
Aerial View Rendered on Lumion and Photoshop
Isometric Construction Detail Drawn on Sketchup
Working Experience
This contemporary tropical home in Damansara was created for a client who wanted to escape the extreme heat of the city. The objective was to design a climate-responsive, breathable haven.
The design incorporates large overhangs, open layouts that encourage natural circulation, and timber louvres for ventilation and shade. Balconies, covered terraces, and lush flora combine indoor and outdoor life while adding comfort.
Project Status : On-going
Project Year : 2023 - present
Location : Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Site Area : 560 m²
Project Contribution : (Assistant Architect)
Design, Drafting, 3D modeling, Rendering, Sitesupervising, Client meeting
This initiative is a quiet, Zen-inspired house-office in Ipoh that promotes simplicity, peace, and a sense of connection with the natural world. The center translucent roof, deep overhangs, and light timber structure allow for natural light and ventilation while preserving a sense of calm.
The architecture is softened by curved columns and screened facades, which create a breathable area that merges in with its surroundings and is a peaceful haven based on harmony and clarity.
Project Status : On-going
Project Year : 2023 - present
Location : poh, Perak
Site Area 1,598.2 m²
Project Contribution : (Assistant Architect)
Design, Drafting, 3D modeling, Rendering, Sitesupervising
