Topical Study - Tiny Living Home Adaptability in Malaysia to Encourage Sustainability

TINY LIVING HOME ADAPTABILITY IN MALAYSIA TO ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABILITY

MUHAMMAD LUTHFI BIN MOHD BAHRAN 2019221278

AAR635 TOPICAL STUDY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Hons.) ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA PERAK BRANCH

MARCH 2022 – JULY 2022 i

TINY LIVING HOME ADAPTABILITY IN MALAYSIA TO ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABILITY

This report has been

submitted to

Department

of

Environment

Architecture,

Planning

Built

and

the Program and

Surveying,

of

Technologies, Universiti

Architecture, Faculty

Teknologi

of

MARA

Perak Branch to fulfill the requirement of AAR635 TOPICAL STUDY course.

Prepared by: Name

: MUHAMMAD LUTHFI BIN MOHD BAHRAN

UiTM No.

: 2019221278

Program

: Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Architecture

Semester/Year

: 06/2022

Session

: March 2022 – July 2022

Faculty

: Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying

ii

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this research paper and the research to which it refers are the product of my own work and that any ideas or quotations from the work of other people, published or otherwise are fully

acknowledged

in

accordance

with

the

standard

academic

practices.

Name

: MUHAMMAD LUTHFI BIN MOHD BAHRAN

UiTM No.

: 2019221278

This research had been checked by: Supervisor

: AR. HJ. AZMAN BIN ZAINONABIDIN

Course Coordinator : DR. AZHAN BIN ABDUL AZIZ

Signature of Supervisor

Date

Signature of Course Coordinator

Date iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.

All praises and thanks be to Allah the Almighty for his blessing and kindness towards me by giving the appropriate time to finish this topical study research on Tiny Living Home Adaptability in Malaysia to Encourage Sustainability for AAR635 and lending me His strength and wisdom to ease the process despite the challenges to complete the task given.

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor

Ar.

understanding,

Hj.

Azman

motivations

bin and

Zainonabidin the

relentless

for

his

support

patience, with

his

immense knowledge for this research study throughout the semester in ensuring that I could complete the task. Moreover, for inspiring me in choosing the topic for my research and for broaden up my view and guiding me in understanding the task given. The person that responsible for keeping me on the right track in my journey as an architecture student.

Not to mention, Dr. Azhan bin Abdul Aziz who serves as the thesis

coordinator

for

his

guidance

and

knowledge

sharing

throughout the semester. As well as on the preparation and planning on a well-organized schedule for the whole process of this subject submission tracking as the research is within the same period of internship program.

Secondly, the one that I will never forget that I will always cherish to the end of time, my beloved parents and family for the iv

endless love and support regardless the condition. By being there for me in all the time especially the hard time really moves me to strive harder and keep moving on. Thank you so much to all my friends for the suggestion, moral support, prayers, and ideas in making this research a success. I really appreciate their compassion.

May Allah bless everyone participating in this research as well as anyone who encounter them, directly and indirectly. Thank you very much.

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

vi

LIST OF FIGURES

viii

LIST OF TABLES

ix

ABSTRACT

x

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

11

1.1

Purpose of the Study

12

1.2

Statement of the Problem

12

1.3

Aim of Research

13

1.4

Objectives Research

13

1.5

Scope of Study

13

1.6

Methodology

14

1.7

Expected Findings

14

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

15

2.1

Origin of tiny Home

15

2.2

Definition of Home

18

2.3

Definition of Tiny Living Home

19

2.4

Common Characteristics of Tiny Living Home

20

2.5

Types of Tiny Living Home

21

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

24

3.1

Introduction

24

3.2

Research strategy

24

3.3

Data and Information Collection

25

3.4

Case study

25

3.5

Interview

26

3.6

Data analysis

26

3.7

Limitation

26 vi

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS

27

4.1 a) b)

Part A – Case Study Background Data Findings

27 27 27

4.1.1 a) b)

10A, Kotak Teduh Background Data Findings

28 28 29

4.1.2 a)

Single-Storey Tiny Home Background

34 34

4.2

Part B – Data Analysis

40

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION

43

REFERENCES

44

vii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Figure 2.2 Figure 2.3 Figure 2.4 Figure 2.5 Figure 2.6 Figure 2.7 Figure 2.8

‘Yurts’ or ‘Gers’ in Mongolia Example of Tiny Living Home in Malaysia Example of THOW Example of ADUs’ Example of Container Home Example of RVs Example of Skoolies Example of Cabin

16 19 21 21 22 22 22 23

Figure 3.0

Methodology strategy process

24

Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3 Figure 4.4 Figure 4.5 Figure 4.6 Figure 4.7 Figure 4.8 Figure 4.9 Figure 4.10 Figure 4.11 Figure 4.12 Figure 4.13 Figure 4.14 Figure 4.15 Figure 4.16 Figure 4.17 Figure 4.18 Figure 4.19 Figure 4.20 Figure 4.21 Figure 4.22 Figure 4.23 Figure 4.24

Key plan of Kotak Teduh Kotak Teduh, Meru, Klang Initial Plan Sketch of Kotak Teduh Initial 3D Perspective of Kotak Teduh Final Plan Sketch of Kotak Teduh Steel Containers used for Kotak Teduh Collage of ‘Hutan Kecil’ Collage of utilities and furniture used in Kotak Teduh Vegetation to improve ventilation Red Clay bricks application to improve ventilation Illustration by Zaizul Azri Mohamad Mahayudin digital illustration by Hamizah Baharudin Key Plan of the tiny home location Single-storey tiny home, Chendering, Terengganu Floor Plan sketch of the tiny home Site plan of the tiny home Front elevation of tiny home Roofing of the tiny home Interior of tiny home in Chendering Bedroom Interior of tiny home in Chendering Kitchen of tiny home in Chendering Ceiling height of the tiny home Plants around the tiny home in Chendering Rear area of tiny home in Chendering

28 28 29 29 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 36 36 37 37 37 38 38 39

viii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1

Comparison of both case studies

41

ix

ABSTRACT

It is research to understand the adaptability of tiny living home in Malaysia to encourage sustainability. This qualitative research was inspired by watching videos and documentaries on tiny living home around the globe. Home supposed to be a living space that are friendly not only towards the users, but also towards the environment.

The part that is always neglected and poorly understands is how to build

or

create

a

suitable

home

that

did

not

compromise

the

environment to fill spaces with building. A search for the truth started by understanding the problems that always occurs to the environment that caused by construction of residential property. The main aim of the study is to investigate the adaptability of tiny living home in Malaysia to encourage sustainability. The questions asked, what are the typology of tiny living home and what are the designs and constructions

of

tiny

living

home

suitable

in

Malaysia?

These

questions are asked to identify the typology of tiny living home and to compare the different types of tiny living home already in Malaysia. A series of literature review on Tiny Living Home are conducted to gain more knowledge on the research paper. As case studies, site visits on the tiny living home were made where photographs were taken, and

detailed

observations

were

made.

This

is

to

get

a

better

understanding on what is the best design and construction that suit Malaysia

adaptability.

After

the

data

is

collected,

compared,

and

analyzed, it can be said that building and living in tiny living home can be adapted in Malaysia. Therefore, in general, this research paper contains

the

factors

and

elements

that

need

to

be

taken

into

consideration when any people want to build a tiny living home that suits the person itself.

x

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Tiny

houses

seem

affordable

living

lately.

Instagram

accounts,

and

to

be

the

trend

There

are

TV

even

podcasts

in

shows, dedicated

sustainable

and

documentaries, to

tiny

house

living. One central question remains: How sustainable, really, is a tiny house?

Anyway, the movement started gaining momentum over the last

five

years

under

the

notion

that

not

only

do

tiny

homes

significantly cut down one's environmental footprint, but they are also a more affordable way for people to become homeowners. But aside from being financially healthy, tiny homes are thought to have some sustainable benefits that larger homes do not. Here are a few ways that tiny homes foster a sustainable lifestyle. Because a tiny home is so small, there is a lot of opportunity to have full creative reign over building your home. Some people salvage used materials and use those to build their homes. There are also a few companies that use either sustainably sourced or recycled materials to build the tiny homes that they then sell. The bigger the space, the more effort (and more energy) it takes to heat that space in the winter or cool it in the summer. By that logic, you can guess that tiny homes, do use less energy,

making

less

waste,

and

therefore,

making

them

more

sustainable. (Stephanie Osmanski,2021) In a nutshell, the chances for tiny architecture getting exposed in Malaysia would probably become a great help to our scarcity as well

as

being

more

sustainable

towards

the

non-renewable

resources.

11

1.1

Purpose of the Study

This research study is conducted to investigate the adaptability of tiny living home in Malaysia to identify the typology of Tiny Living Home. The objective of this research is to compare the different possibilities of design and construction of suitable tiny living home in Malaysia. In this research, both qualitative and quantitative method which

are

surveys,

observation

and

analytical

analysis

through

archives are used. The result of the research could give ideas on implementing tiny living home in Malaysia.

1.2

Statement of the Problem

As tiny living home have been popular around the world, it has proven to be sustainable and being reasonable on scarcity of one family. 55% of tiny house owners have more savings than the average American. Some 60% of tiny house dwellers don’t have any credit card debt, and 89% have less credit card debt than the average American. (Tea Turkalj Ilijasic,2022)

The questions that arise for execution of this research includes: a)

What is the typology of tiny living home?

b)

What are the designs and constructions of tiny living home in Malaysia?

12

1.3

Aim of Research

The aim of the study is to investigate the adaptability of tiny living home in Malaysia to encourage sustainability.

1.4

1.5

Objectives Research a)

To identify the typology of Tiny Living Home

b)

To compare the different possibilities of design construction of suitable tiny living home in Malaysia.

and

Scope of Study

The study will be focusing on tiny living home in Malaysia area. This study focuses on the typology of tiny living home and the design of the tiny living home that they lived in to understand what the most suitable tiny living home is.

13

1.6

Methodology

a)

Interview: i)

Conducting survey with the owners of Tiny Living Home in Malaysia

b)

Case Study: i)

Study

the

current

available

tiny

living

home

in

Malaysia ii)

Study the design, typology, and construction of tiny living home in Malaysia

c)

Archives: i)

Read and retrieve information and important data from internet on books, journals, or articles about tiny living home suitable for current task work.

1.7

Expected Findings

The ability of tiny living home to adapt in Malaysia is a must because it can

help Malaysia

through

multiple aspects

such

as

scarcity, sustainability, and efficiency.

14

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

The purpose of this section is to compare the different type of tiny living home abroad and in Malaysia that can be implemented.

Imagine walking in the door to your home and, with a single glance, being able to see your entire living space. Before you are the bedroom, the kitchenette, the bathroom, and a small living room.

Every item has a specific purpose and place, and you own nothing that you don’t use, need, or want. And cleaning your home from top to bottom take less than an hour. (Heather Levin,2012)

2.1

Origin of tiny Home Tiny homes have been around since the Pioneer age, but they

have

only become

popular over the

last

decade.

These

homes

emerged from the huts, tents, igloos, wigwams, and grass huts during the

early

settlers’

days.

The

Sioux,

Inuits

and

Samoans

were

considered the earliest originators of tiny homes.

In 1000 BC, “Yurts” or “Gers” were established in Mongolia as practical small mobile homes. In 500 BC, Native Americans used tipis, small houses that were not only portable but also waterproof and extremely heat-resistant. In the 1800s, “Shot Gun Houses” with heavy Haitian influences emerged in the south.

15

Figure 2.1 ‘Yurts’ or ‘Gers’ in Mongolia Source: Homestratosphere, 2020 In the 1970’s, a man named Allan Wexler pursued the idea of living in a compact space which helped him promote his work of art.

In 1973, authors Loyd Kahn and Bob Easton released the book called “Shelter” which advanced the idea of living in a compact space even further to the masses. Other authors such as Henry David Thoreau and Lester Walker were also known as advocates for the tiny house movement.

In 1990s, another artist named Andrea Zittel used the concept of the tiny home in her work which became another inspiration for the tiny home trend. In 1997, an author named Sarah Susank, published a

book

called

“The

Not

So

Big

House”

which

promoted

the

environmental benefits of the small houses that later led to the tiny home crusade.

In 2002, Greg Johnson, Shay Salomon, Nigel Valdez, and Jay Shafer created a society called “Small House Society”. In 2012, a company called the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company was founded

by Jay Shafer, who wanted to push the tiny homes towards the masses. Shafer then created a second company called Four Lights Tiny House Company that took the tiny house movement forward. He popularized tiny homes by creating his first design that was only 96 16

square feet. He then moved forward with creating tiny homes on wheels. The other founders of the society, Nigel Valdez, and Shay Salomon published their guides of the small house movement in 2006 while Greg Johnson published his memoir in 2008.

The trend of the tiny homes continued to grow in the latter years.

Examples

are

the

Dymaxion

Deployment

Units

from

Buckminster Fuller that are 314 square feet each, made specially for bomb shelters. French architect Jean Prouvé also created a 64 square foot unit that served as emergency cottages for the survivors of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Movies

and

TV

shows

helped

promote

tiny

homes.

An

example is “The Little House on The Prairie” which was a huge hit.

There’s also Henry David Thoreau’s 150 square foot cottage and Marie Antoinette’s 255 square foot home which are regarded as “history’s tiny homes” and give out tours every year. Those that get inspired today choose to live in a smaller place not just for practical reasons but more so for emotional reasons.

In 2013, the city of Austin, Texas wanted to help the homeless, so they created a “tiny house solution”. From there in 2015, “Tiny House Collaborative” was promoted and founded to help educate others on the fine design of tiny homes. In 2016, a legislation was passed in Kalamazoo, Michigan that allowed the tiny homes to be altered to better those that wanted to live a smaller functioning lifestyle. (Homestratosphere’s Editorial Staff and Writer,2020)

17

2.2

Definition of Home a)

The English word “home” is from the Old English word hām (not the pig) which actually refers to a village or estate

where

many

“souls”

are

gathered.

It

implies

there’s a physical dwelling involved, but the main idea is that it’s a gathering of people. One dictionary I came across

online

had

an

interpretation

of

the

modern

definition of home that I really like. It states that home is “the abiding place of the affections.” To me, that sums it up like nothing else. It’s not a building or a room, but a place where your love dwells. (David Marine,2013) b)

The social scientific and humanities literature on house and

home

interpreted

continues home

in

to

grow.

several

Researchers

ways.

For

have

some,

it

represents a center, a place in which possessions and display represent identity. For others it is the existential space of being where the nature and limits of center and universe,

sacred

and

profane,

are

created

and

maintained. Home can also be a material place in which the

production

and

organization

of

housing

and

neighborhoods necessarily entails certain kinds of social interaction and social relations. The recognition here that housing has both a use and exchange value is crucially important. Depending on one’s cultural group, home is imbued with greater or lesser degrees of privatism and home-centeredness.

Some

writers

technologies

permit

the

based

work

which and

individualized

see

the

development leisure

growth of

of

home-

practices

as

factors likely to strengthen the home as the center of future activity. Homes are also important in the creation of

privacy,

tranquility,

stability,

conventional

behavior,

meaning and transformation (Harvey C Perkins,2008) 18

2.3

Definition of Tiny Living Home Tiny

homes

are

green

homes,

as

they

use

less

energy,

produce less waste, and consume les resources (in the form of products that are no longer being purchased) than larger homes.

(Heather Levin,2012)

Typically, tiny homes are between 100 and 400 square feet.

While there isn’t a set standard, a tiny house rarely exceeds 500 square feet. For reference, the median size of a new, single-family home sold in 2015 was 2,520 square feet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Need a visual? You could fit 144 tiny houses on a football field. Yes, we did the math. (Liz Alterman,2022)

Tiny houses are like studio apartments, except that they are even smaller. These micro houses can be between 9 and 37 sqm, with the smallest being the size of two parking lots combined. Tiny houses are especially space-efficient thanks to their small size. Given the scale of a tiny house, it’s not surprising that the rental cost is 10 times

less

than

that

of

renting

a

flat.

(PropertyGuru

Editorial

Team,2021)

Figure 2.2

Example of Tiny Living Home in Malaysia Source: (PropertyGuru, 2021)

19

2.4

Common Characteristics of Tiny Living Home

Starting with square footage, most tiny houses can range anywhere from under 100 square feet (9.29 square meters) to around 1,500 square feet (139.35 square meters). As square footage increases, the home layouts usually include more amenities.

A common layout for a small house incorporates an open living space on the first floor, including a kitchen and bath, along with an upstairs sleeping area. Some small houses have multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and some offer only a sleeping loft and a toilet/shower closet. Still others don't even come with bath and kitchen facilities as a standard component of the plan; they're offered only as upgrades.

These purposeful design layouts are paired with space-saving interior features. Many plans incorporate built-in cabinetry and shelving for more storage space. Appliances tend to resemble those in an RV in smaller homes, while larger homes can have full-size appliances. Many of the homes' manufacturers have even teamed with specific retailers to offer packages thoughtfully chosen for small house environments.

Another feature offered with some of the small units is a set of wheels.

Rolling or portable tiny homes tend to fall on the smaller side of the squarefootage range along with offering a few less amenities than the permanent versions. Much like a snail taking its home wherever it goes, a homeowner of a portable tiny home has the freedom to hitch his or her house to the back of the car and drive away.

Before a small house can be enjoyed, on or off the road, it must be built. The options for construction extend from prefabrication to build-yourown models. Many tiny houses are available as modular units that are made in sections at a factory and assembled at the home site. While putting together the home on-site can take only days, it's important to note that these options can come with installation and delivery fees. (Jessica Brown)

20

2.5

Types of Tiny Living Home

Tiny homes have captured the collective imagination and become a symbol of a sustainable and financially free lifestyle that many thought would forever be unavailable to them. Those who’ve just stumbled upon the tiny life and want to know more are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of tiny home types out there.

We put together this handy guide to explore some of the most popular and commonly encountered tiny home types and help you get a better understanding of which one’s interest you most.

a)

Tiny House on Wheels (THOW)

Figure 2.3 b)

Example of THOW

Tiny House Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Figure 2.4

Example of ADUs’

21

c)

Container Homes

d)

Figure 2.5 Example of Container Home RVs/Park Model Homes

e)

Skoolies

Figure 2.6

Figure 2.7

Example of RVs

Example of Skoolies

22

f)

Cabins/Yurts

Figure 2.8

Example of Cabin

Tiny homes on wheels may be the adorable and free-wheeling tiny houses most people think of, but they’re by no means the only option out there. The tiny house movement is deeply inclusive and happy to accept anyone with the desire to embrace a more sustainable and affordable lifestyle while living well with less. (Josh Davidson, 2022)

23

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

3.1

Introduction This chapter will focus on the research paper's methodology

and analysis, with the techniques discussed being used to achieve the findings in the next chapter. The aim of the study is to investigate the

adaptability

sustainability.

of

The

tiny

living

research

home

in

Malaysia

approach

by

to

encourage

methodology

involving

qualitative data which are collects data in the form of word or image, observational

research,

and

interpretive

method,

all

of

which

contribute to a thorough understanding of the study conducted to address the objectives and research problems earlier mentioned.

3.2

Research strategy The

strategy

was

done

by

two

ways

to

accomplish

the

objectives and intention of the study. To begin, research method such as literature review of the issue are used in the early stages of the procedure. To attain clearer objectives for the subject, examples of existing houses, as well as articles and video logs were researched.

Then,

case

study

on

existing

tiny

living

houses

were

conducted. An interview with one of the owners also conducted during the research period. Finally, all the data gathered, as well as the research data, is analyzed, synthesized, and reviewed.

OBSREVATION

DATA COLLECTION

• LITERATURE REVIEW

• CASE STUDY • INTERVIEW

Figure 3.0

DATA ANALYSIS

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Methodology strategy process 24

3.3

Data and Information Collection

There are some stages in research process that must identify properly. First, define the problem for research issue.

The review of related literature, it can be from surfing internet, books, journals, newspapers, or any other information.

Choosing a suitable research and sampling design After that, choose suitable research design for this research which is case study. Case study is to describe and diagnose internally complex objects. Meanwhile, for research approach is theoretical. Theoretical is calculated or based on through theory than practice or experience. Then, for research setting is contrived which is having to plan and control. Then, for research timing is crosssectional to provide a ‘snapshot’ into the problem and collect data at one point at a time.

3.4

Case study

This research will be conducted through qualitative and observes a few tiny living homes. This data was collected during the study, such as site visits, online platforms on tiny living home in Malaysia.

Kotak Teduh in Meru, Selangor, and a house in Chendering, Terengganu were chosen because of a few aspects and reachability.

In addition, these homes have different aspects on design, materials typology, and dimensions. Thus, the reason for the site was conducted to collect primary data in detail and further observations will be recorded in the table.

25

3.5

Interview

Interviews with the respective individuals were conducted in relation with their experiences living in a tiny living home. The first person to be interviewed is Encik Zaizul Azri. The questions will be focused on the ideation and experiences living in a tiny home aspect.

Next, the individual would be Encik Fauzi Ismail where he will be interviewed mostly on his personal experiences regarding the experiences living in a tiny home and his past inspiration in living in a tiny living home.

3.6

Data analysis

This data was collected during case study. Additionally, to meet all the data and research objectives of the selected tiny living homes, analysis was carried out to complete the checklist. The interviews conducted help to gain more knowledges behind the ideation of tiny living home for adaptability to encourage sustainability. All this information has been recorded in table.

Completely, literature review and final findings were produced from primary and secondary data.

3.7

Limitation

Due to inability to contact Encik Zaizul Azri, the case study of Kotak Teduh was through internet and articles only. The interview has only been made with Encik Fauzi Ismail only.

26

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS This chapter consists of the data collected from the case studies on tiny living home which are Kotak Teduh, in Selangor and a tiny house in Terengganu. The main objective of this case study is to compare the data with the literature review made, and to later analyze all the data obtained. The data analysis mainly will be focused on the designs and factors involved in the construction and sustainability of the tiny living homes its selves have resemblance with the literature review and the case study made and to also analyze if it has better elements and advantages that needs to be taken into consideration when building a tiny living home.

For this research, interview also been done with the tiny homeowners to achieve the objectives and information needed as mentioned in chapter 1. In terms of photographs, pictures were taken by the site visit and through online search for more understanding.

4.1

Part A – Case Study

This section of findings explores examples of Tiny Living Home in Malaysia with different aspects of design and construction.

Case studies were analyzed based on these parameters: a) Background Location Owners Year of Built b) Data Findings Size Cost Material Characteristic and Properties Relevant Information

27

4.1.1 10A, Kotak Teduh a)

Background

The first case study is on Kotak Teduh. This House located in Meru, Klang, Selangor. The house was built in 2017 for Zaizul Azri Mohamad Mahayudin, 39 and his wife Hamizah Baharudin, 34.

Figure 4.1 Key plan of Kotak Teduh Source: Google Map

Figure 4.2 Kotak Teduh, Meru, Klang Source: Impiana 2021

28

b)

Data Findings

Kotak Teduh is about 30 x 60 square feet (900sqft) built with two steel containers. The house is complete with living area, workspace, kitchen, two bathrooms, a master bedroom, relaxing area, and a balcony.

Figure 4.3 Initial Plan Sketch of Kotak Teduh Source: Instagram (@kotak_teduh)

Figure 4.4 Initial 3D Perspective of Kotak Teduh Source: Instagram (@kotak_teduh)

29

Figure 4.5 Final Plan Sketch of Kotak Teduh Source: Instagram (@kotak_teduh)

The owners planned to build a house with Scandinavian concept at first, but it cost a lot of fortune. From that, the idea to build a more reasonable price home and minimalist came. The cost of two Steel containers is RM14,000 before any renovation were made on port site in Pelabuhan Klang. The total cost of the house took about RM120,000 including the land in Taman Meru Indah, Klang, Selangor.

Figure 4.6 Steel Containers used for Kotak Teduh Source: Instagram (@kotak_teduh)

30

The house was built for 6 weeks. The steel containers renovation took two weeks while the other parts took 4 weeks. It has been informed that the house overall is 70% steel container while the other 30% are concrete and bricks. A lot of recycled things were used to save more money.

The house also includes mini garden named ‘Hutan Kecil’ by the owners. Some of the plants are Fiddle Fig, Monstera Adansonii, Ruby and more.

Figure 4.7 Collage of ‘Hutan Kecil’ Source: Instagram (@kotak_teduh)

The interior uses a lot of minimalist utilities to save space and for easy management.

Figure 4.8

Collage of utilities and furniture used in Kotak Teduh Source: Sinar Harian, 2022

31

The ventilation flow is maximized with the usage of red bricks and plants around the house area. These use less electrical energy as the natural ventilation decrease the indoor temperature with less usage of fan and air conditioner.

Figure 4.9

Vegetation to improve ventilation

Figure 4.10 Red Clay bricks application to improve ventilation Source: Harian Metro, 2021

32

Figure 4.11 Illustration by Zaizul Azri Mohamad Mahayudin Source: Instagram (@kotak_teduh)

Figure 4.12 digital illustration by Hamizah Baharudin Source: Instagram (@kotak_teduh)

33

4.1.2 Single-Storey Tiny Home a)

Background

The second case study is on tiny home that located in Chendering, Terengganu. The house was built in 2013 for Muhammad Fauzi bin Ismail and his wife Nur Asila binti Abdul Halid

Figure 4.13 Key Plan of the tiny home location Source: Google Map

Figure 4.14 Single-storey tiny home, Chendering, Terengganu Source: Author

34

b)

Data findings

The house is about 10 x 20 square feet (200sqft) built with common method with concrete and brick. The house is complete with living area, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom.

Figure 4.15 Floor Plan sketch of the tiny home Source: Author

The house was built on the same land of their parent’s home.

It was built as an idea to initially start to live separately with their parent

Green: Tiny Home Red: Main House

Yellow: car porch

Figure 4.16 Site plan of the tiny home Source: Google Map

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The owners planned to build a house that can help them to learn to live together with quiet small budget. The plan idea was Fauzi’s father idea. His father planned it also for future uses, in any case that Encik Fauzi decided to live elsewhere, the house could become a guest house for visitors or other family members.

Figure 4.17 Front elevation of tiny home Source: Author

The house took 2 months to be built. The construction method that was used are common method. House was built using concrete and brick top of with metal zinc roofing.

Figure 4.18 Roofing of the tiny home Source: Author

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The interior has quite simple utilities and furniture enough for a day living.

Figure 4.19 Interior of tiny home in Chendering Source: Author

Figure 4.20 Bedroom Interior of tiny home in Chendering Source: Author

Figure 4.21 Kitchen of tiny home in Chendering Source: Author 37

The house receives good amount of lighting due to large opening provided through out the house. The tiny home also incorporated high ceiling to aid ventilation throughout the house as well as been surrounded by plants and vegetation.

Figure 4.22 Ceiling height of the tiny home Source: Author

Figure 4.23 Plants around the tiny home in Chendering Source: Author

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Figure 4.24 Rear area of tiny home in Chendering Source: Author

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4.2

Part B – Data Analysis

The data analysis will be focusing on to compare the different design and construction of suitable tiny living home between both case studies.

In addition, any related findings that can be analyzed also added into the table to be able to understand the data better.

No.

Case study Aspect

1 2

Year of Built

Built Up Area

3 Number of Occupants

4

Cost

5

Kotak Teduh Meru, Klang 2017 (6 Weeks) 900sqft Analysis A bit bigger than other tiny home but still accommodate the aspects and characteristics of tiny home 2

Analysis looks bigger than number stated

Analysis still living as married couple with no children RM120,000

Analysis started living with a young baby

Analysis Quite cheap with the land price included with the budget

Analysis Reasonable price to own a landed house for a starter. act as other choice than renting a flat.

Concrete Bricks

Concrete Red clay bricks Steel containers

Material

Tiny Home Chendering, Terengganu 2013 (2 Months) 200sqft

Analysis Common material used in building in Malaysia Priced at RM14,000 including renovation of the containers

3

RM200,000

Analysis Common material used in building a house in Malaysia

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6 7

Typology

Design Approach

8

Future proofing

9 Scarcity 10 Livelihood

11 opportunity

12

Weakness

Table 4.1

Modular Minimalist

Linear Common

Analysis Try to combine the modular aspect with minimalist to create open space for the interior to avoid cluttered Analysis Able to add more Room or area due to modular aspects that applied to the house.

Analysis Design to common residential home with high ceiling to create the illusion of big space Analysis Able to add loft/mezzanine High ceiling could be used to add more useable spaces if planned properly Reasonable

Reasonable Analysis Both provided reasonable price and bills as stated by the owners Analysis Analysis Already big enough Not suitable for family to repurpose a few more than 3 members spaces to other type if no renovation of room when getting done needed Analysis Analysis Ability to Add more Able to add spaces around the loft/mezzanine floor house due to due to high ceiling modular-like If not wanting to add typology new first floor Analysis Analysis Steel containers Lack of privacy due to continuous care to plan arrangement avoid worse (Visitors walk through corrosion due to bedroom from living Malaysia weather area if need to use kitchen and bathroom) Comparison of both case studies Source: Author

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The data from above shown the comparison between two types of tiny living home. Both case studies provided good reasons and opportunities for family to live in their own home for reasonable budget for a starter. Depends on personal taste and interest, the Tiny Living Home can adapt and be built according to it as it offers the flexibility as well as the ability to be upgrade in future rather than other common starter home like apartment for high rise or terrace housing for landed.

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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION Throughout this research, it can be concluded that the study has identified and analyzed the comparison of tiny living home in Malaysia. The comparison of different types of tiny living home allows different idea and opinions to be applied to the home for future reference in living in a tiny home.

By comparing the different aspects and characteristics of each case

studies,

the

varying

results

provide

an

opportunity

for

Malaysians to adapt and live in a tiny home. For instance, by analyzing the built-up area to price between two case studies, people can decide on how to spend their budgets on building their house efficiently.

These

details

can

provide

better

views

for

people

to

demonstrates a comfortable living experience with reasonable price eina

addition

for

future

proof

ideas.

The

data

also

provided

weaknesses and problems so that Malaysians can planned carefully to save more energy and money in future.

In general, the tiny living homes can adapt in Malaysia living society. In addition, with better studies and implementation of tiny living

home,

it

can

provide

and

better

future

for

our

scarcity,

sustainability, and efficiency.

43

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Retrieved from academia.edu: https://www.academia.edu/23304694/House_and_home_methodology _and_methods_for_exploring_meaning_and_structure Writers, H. E. (2020, February 6). The History and Evolution of Tiny Homes.

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