SEKEPING SERENDAH RETREAT_ CASE STUDY

Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234] PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

DESIGN STRATEGIES APPLIED FOR BEING ONE WITH NATURE IN SEKEPING SERENDAH RETREAT, RAWANG.

NAME:

TAN MING LONG

STUDENT ID:

0311069

LECTURER:

MR KOH JING HAO

SUBMISSION DATE:

09 JUNE 2015

Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

DESIGN STRATEGIES APPLIED FOR BEING ONE WITH NATURE IN SEKEPING SERENDAH RETREAT, RAWANG. Table of Contents

Page

Abstract .........................................................................................................................2

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................... 3 - 4 1.1 An Overview of Sekeping Serendah Retreat ....................................... 5 - 6

2.0 Usage of Stilts................................................................................................ 7 - 9

3.0 Usage of Glass ...........................................................................................10 - 12

4.0 Choice of Materials .....................................................................................13 - 15

5.0 Choice of Design Elements .........................................................................16 - 18

6.0 Utilization of Natural Factor .........................................................................19 - 21

7.0 Conclusion .........................................................................................................22

8.0 References ........................................................................................................23

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Abstract Design strategies are an important element to apply in an appropriate manner in order to attain better building design which is being one with nature. Being closer to the natural environment is a minor step in architecture but gives a huge impact for people to aware and appreciates the beauty of the nature. Human is a part of the nature. Architect Ng Sek San was promoting us to embrace the nature without any boundary and burden through architecture. Sekeping Serendah Retreat specially designs for us to hug the nature, live with nature and being one with nature. The application of design strategies for being one with nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat is being studied and discussed in favour of having a better understanding of nature and architecture in tropical country which enrich with remarkable forests. In assisting the validation of research, literature reviews based on various sources regarding vernacular and tropical architecture design were conducted to enhance the process. Usage of stilt and glass, choice of materials and design elements and utilization of natural factor are the design strategies applied in Sekeping Serendah Retreat. Thus, a deep analysis of every single particular design strategies used in reference with design concept of the retreat is discussed and analysed. Well thought of shape, colour, texture, quality, performance, function and effect of every design strategies are applied wisely in order to bring us to get closer to the nature. In being one with nature, Sekeping Serendah Retreat also performs integrated and almost camouflaged when the context was used to provide connection with the architectural concept meanwhile to achieve a better contextual architecture. Moreover, application of the design strategies is used to minimize the undesirable environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, design elements and natural factor to achieve sustainability.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

1.0 Introduction Today, we have differentiated the world into natural environment and built environment. The inclination and expansion of the built environment had been affecting our life style dramatically. Recall the last time you walking within trees, stepping on the grass with bare foot, the warmness of the sunlight shine on your skin, how long have you been one with nature? Have we been staying in the jungle of ferroconcrete for too long and overlook about the greenery scenery, aroma of the true nature and the sense within the natural atmosphere? Ng Sek San, the architect has proposed to create a space by constructing basic shelter using local materials for the people to experience and interact with the natural environment. Sekeping Serendah Retreat, a basic design and free from lavishness that offers a relaxation and intimacy occasion with the natural environment. The intention of the architect is to celebrate the beauty of the nature through architecture for being one with nature.

As a significance of the power of the eye over the other sensory realms, architecture has turned into an art form of instant visual image. Visual perception is a significant component of environmental quality that can be impacted through the design of a building. Instead of creating a visual aesthetically piece of architecture, Sekeping Serendah Retreat is designed not only to construct a building with a harmony exterior looks with the site but also to create a space that implement with the surrounding nature that stimulate our sensory experiences.

This paper will explore the design strategies applied for being one with nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang by responding to the following research questions: 1. What is the significant concept of Sekeping Serendah Retreat?

2. How does the usage of stilt compliment the forest surrounding Sekeping Serendah Retreat?

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

3. Does the usage of glass promote or demote nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat? How? 4. How does the choice of materials enhance the concept of being one with nature?

5. How does the choice of design elements used in achieving visual lightness to being one with nature?

6. How does the utilization of natural factor impact on Sekeping Serendah Retreat?

BEING ONE WITH NATURE

USAGE OF STILT USAGE OF GLASS

DESIGN STRATEGIES

UTILIZATION OF NATURAL FACTOR

CHOICE OF MATERIALS

CHOICE OF DESIGN ELEMENTS

The concept mapping illustrates the structure of the paper to analyse and discuss the design strategies applied in obtaining the core concept of being one with nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat. Thus, a deep analysis of every single particular design element used in reference with design concept of Sekeping Serendah Retreat will be discuss and analyse.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

1.1 An Overview of Sekeping Serendah Retreat Sekeping Serendah is started as the architect’s won weekend retreat in the forest of Serendah. It was mainly to reveal that people can build and live harmoniously with the land; on a very steep forested land without destroying too much natural existence.

Sekeping Serendah Retreat situated nearby the local Orang Asli Villages on a tropical rainforest which far away from busy street and crowded downtown. It is a modern take and extension of the Orang Asli neighbourhood. Ten sheds designed with various which encased by exotic forest that not so much as a conventional retreat. Each of the sheds is constructed based on the Malaysian vernacular style in keeping the natural land terrain and contour and strategically planning within the trees in order to respect the greenery and the provoked landscape. Four glass sheds, two timber sheds, two mud sheds and two warehouses are available for rent. An ideal and amazing getaway place for the people who are staying in the city for a long time and forgotten the scent of the nature. Sekeping Serendah Retreat promotes oneness with nature with its open and transparent sheds. This allows us to truly get in touch with the nature by stimulating our sensory experiences even if inside the sheds. Staying in the retreat is about having fun in a serene, regular way free from the burdens of city life.

The mud sheds and timber shed are built on the ground against a small hill slope.

Glass sheds are elevated on a raised foundation sited on slope to look out to the canopies. The sheds are tactically built which providing privacy to the guests. All these materials applied have lending appeal to the sheds that are both aesthetically attractive and well-designed. Most of the sheds consist of a living hall, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The living hall is furnished with a coffee table and armchairs; a refrigerator, small stove and sink also share the space yet function as kitchen, so guests can make coffee or tea or do some light cooking. The bathroom is designed with an open concept so guests get to enjoy a bath under the open skies, but with

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

tactically design to protect one’s privacy. Numbers of big beds for accommodation follow by the size of the sheds. Mosquito nets hang from the ceiling to keep out from the insects for a better sleep. Besides, the two attached mud sheds are constructed from mud with a little amount of cement give a different stimulation for the guest.

Uneven texture of the mud wall provides a natural haptic feel similar with the ground.

Two rectangular pools of clear water creatively set into a large concrete slab. open out to the surrounding allows the guests to get closer to nature.

Figure 1.1.1 Mud shed

Figure 1.1.3 Timber shed

Figure 1.1.2 Glass shed

Figure 1.1.4 Warehouse

Figure 1.1.5 Pool ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

2.0 Usage of Stilt In attaining openness and minimalism in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, stilts are widely used as an essential vertical structure to lift up and support the slab and roof in constructing the sheds. Metal stilts, timber stilts and concrete stilts are strategically applied in different sheds according to the particular design based on various function. Most of the sheds are elevated up by stilts which sat on slope as to tread the land lightly. Instead of using slab on fill foundation by clearing the land and fill the sloppy land with concrete as the foundation, raised foundation with the use of concrete stilts is more practical in preserving and conserving the nature. In addition, stilts are not only used as a supportive structure of the sheds, but they also highlight the verticality in reference with the surround trees and blends in to the site. These vertical stilts help in enhancing the visual adaptation by camouflaging the sheds within the forest.

Figure 2.1 Raised foundation using timber stilts of timber shed.

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Figure 2.2 Raised foundation using concrete stilts of glass shed.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Figure 2.3 Warehouse has been camouflage by the surrounding trees.

The usage of stilts not only gives an impact of creating visual lightness for the exterior of the shed but also promotes openness inside the shed to the surrounding.

The openness of each shed does invite the interesting and exotic sight from the outside rather than cover up the building by wall which blocking the view. The design does provide a feeling of being one with nature through visual impact. Besides, trees are integrated in the sheds to provide a direct and intimate sensation of staying in the forest. An integration and open concept give a different experience and stimulating moment that connects with the nature.

Figure 2.4 Openness create by using timber stilts allow the forest scenery being view from the inside.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Figure 2.5 Amazing view from inside the shed to the forest outside.

Figure 2.6 Trees are integrated in the toilet.

Figure 2.6 Trees are incorporated in the warehouse.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

3.0 Usage of Glass Glass is one of the modest materials used in today’s building while the architect cleverly used the glass in Sekeping Serendah Retreat to enrich the concept and particularly inviting the accent of nature visually. Two-storey glass shed is built-in with whole glass panels that function as windows and doors. The usage of glass has open up the view to a maximum range which allows the guests have the feel of being one with nature through visual impact. Indeed, glass has been used to create a sense of openness due to its uniqueness of transparency. This lets the guests who will having visual contact with the surrounding and enjoy the foliage view outside, in the same time being protected from the environment outside. In compare with using opaque materials as the wall which maybe isolate the guests from the surrounding context.

Moreover, the frame of the glass folding panels helps in emphasizing verticality and brings the vision up to the tree top.

Figure 3.1 Usage of glass endorses the connection of inside and outside the space.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Figure 3.2 Transparency of glass promotes openness for the shed.

Figure 3.3 & 3.4 Frame of the glass folds helps in enhancing verticality of the trees surrounded in favour of getting closer to the natural environment.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Furthermore, other than the transparent feature of glass, another design strategy applied with the usage of glass is reflection. The image of trees surrounded the glass shed has been reflected on the glass panels that create an adapted vision with the context. The glass shed has been camouflage by the reflection approach in the forest. The view of the reflection deepen the sense of being one with nature and forget about the built structure.

Figure 3.5 Image of trees is reflected on the glass panels.

Figure 3.6 Glass shed is camouflaged by the reflection figure of the surrounded trees.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

4.0 Choice of Materials Local materials used in Sekeping Serendah Retreat has an obviously distinguishable design responsiveness of the architect - a lot of exposed concrete and brickwork; timber, metal, mud and glass which are intentionally chosen and blend in with the context for being close to nature. All the materials applied are free from lavishness and not overly finished. The architect believed that in using local materials as much as possible because the importing materials are too expensive in term of transportation cost and not sustainable. Concrete is gently laid as a bed for the sheds. The texture of the concrete gives a sense of stiffness and stable without taken the shine of the natural environment. Unfinished brick wall and stairs are cleverly applied in reference to the colour and the solidity, which provide closeness to the surrounding context.

“Natural materials – stone, brick and wood – allow our vision to penetrate their surfaces and enable us to become convinced of the veracity of matter. Natural materials express their age and history, as well as the story of their origins and human use. All matter exists in the continuum of time; the patina of wear adds the enriching experience of time to the materials of construction.” - On Materiality and Time from Juhani Pallasmaa’s The Eyes of the Skin (p 21). Laterite mud and local boulders used for landscape walls. These natural materials would directly connect with the natural environment without unnecessary processing. Additionally, timber stilts are used to give a through feeling of trees. Metal stilt also look alike with the trees in term of the shape. These local and natural materials are strategically applied with a twist in order to contextualise with site and promotes the guests for being one with nature.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Figure 4.1 Concrete stairs view like layers of rocks lay on the ground.

Figure 4.2 & 4.3 Brick stairs and wall tends to blend with the colour of the ground that covered by fallen leaves.

Figure 4.4 Laterite mud wall has the same appearance with the ground.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Figure 4.5 Local boulders are used as landscape wall.

Figure 4.6 Stones are lay intendedly to function as stairs.

Figure 4.7 & 4.8 Timber stilts and metal stilts are designed to blend with the surrounding natural environment in term of texture and shape.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

5.0 Choice of Design Elements The most minor elements but important in making the choice to wisely design and plan with every design elements such as structure, panel, furniture, access and etc.

These design elements have created visual lightness in respond to the concept of Sekeping Serendah Retreat – openness to obtain visual adaptation. The significant design element by the architect is wire mesh armchair. The armchair fulfils the function by providing seat for the guests. Well, the uniqueness of the armchair is it promotes openness and visual lightness for the guests to see through it without obstructive. So the guests are still able to enjoy the natural scenery outside the sheds. The armchair seem like been camouflage by the surrounding; engaging the forest through visual impact.

Figure 5.1, 5.2 & 5.3 Wire mesh armchair looks like being hidden within the context.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

The ‘transparent’ and look through design feature also applied in other components in Sekeping Serendah Retreat to take full advantage of the intimate relationship between built and natural environment. For instance, small bridge and balcony made by metal net platform and perforated metal platform, which not only used to drain off the water but to improve the lightness feeling for being closer to the nature.

Figure 5.4 & 5.5 Usage of metal net platform promotes nature through visual impact.

Figure 5.6 Perforated metal platforms at balcony promote visual lightness in emphasizing the focus on the natural surroundings.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Roof structures are designed by the replication of trees highlighting the existence of trees surrounding. The exposed roof structures promote openness and visual lightness rather than cover by ceiling. In order to design an open and light structure, the rigidity of the stairs was considerate to decrease the density of the materials. For example the concrete stairs, layers of concrete sheets is designed used to attain the idea.

Figure 5.7 Roof structures - replica of trees in warehouse.

Figure 5.8 & 5.9 Stairs made by concrete sheets that promotes visual lightness.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

6.0 Utilization of Natural Factor Sunlight or natural light is commonly applied and integrated in architecture by our ancestor long ago. Natural is still one of the valuable and unique natural factors that have been utilized in Sekeping Serendah Retreat in enlightening the concept of being one with nature. The power and benefit of nature would never been defeat and obscure. Natural lighting has been widely utilized in the retreat. The natural light not only increasing the visual impact on brighten up the dull and cold space but also inviting the warmness into the sheds; double up the sensory stimulation. Additionally, natural light enhances the quality of space by highlighting the materials of shape, texture and appearance. Besides, the attractiveness strategies which usually applied in architecture - light and shadow created by natural lighting could enhance the quality of space through visual impact. Suitable design by using natural light could help in balancing the atmosphere of the space and give a natural feel which able to enjoy the sunlight even under shelter. This feeling is totally different in compare with using artificial lighting. The shadow of the trees, and leaves scattered inside the sheds appease visual impact and make the space feel like one in the forest. This simple planning in design had magnificently ignited the feel of being one with the nature. Modest and alert but well thought of design.

Figure 6.1 & 6.2 Utilization of natural light in the sheds and brighten up the space.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Figure 6.3 Exotic exterior view of the timber shed enhanced by the sunlight.

Figure 6.4 Infiltration of sunlight into the space enrich the spatial feeling of being closer to the nature.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

Figure 6.5 Natural lights provide another layer of visual stimulation on the materials.

Figure 6.6 Light and shadow of the furniture enhance the nature feels.

Figure 6.7 & 6.8 Shadow of trees and leaves improve the space quality and spatial feelings.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

7.0 Conclusion In being one with nature, these design strategies are deliberately applied in the design of Sekeping Serendah Retreat in respond to the site - Serendah forest. All the design components are carefully designed with appropriate form, shape, texture, colour, quality, utility function and effect with regard to be one with nature. Sekeping Serendah Retreat implements well by integration and being camouflage by the surrounding context meanwhile to achieve a better contextual architecture. The effort of the architect should be appreciate and cherish for promoting us the critical effect of embracing nature and being one with nature. Furthermore, application of the design strategies that applied for being one with nature in the retreat also used to minimize the undesirable and negative environmental impact produced by the building. The efficiency and the moderation of the design strategies applied in term of materials, design elements and natural factor help in achieving sustainability.

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Design Strategies Applied for Being One with Nature in Sekeping Serendah Retreat, Rawang.

8.0 References -

Lim, C. Y. (2008, May 24). Ideal getaway to be at one with nature. THE STAR ONLINE. Retrieved April 18, 2015 from: http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2008%2F5%2F24%2Fcentral%2F 21291243

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Uniqhotels. (2015). Sekeping Serendah. Retrieved Apri 19l, 2015 from: http://www.uniqhotels.com/sekeping-serendah

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A. Galatioto, M. Beccali, D. Milone. (2015). Sustainable lighting design through the analysis of spatial and time non-uniformities in natural lighting with the metric of the information theory.

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Judit, L., Carlos, A., Isabel, C., Rafael, S., & Helena C. (n.d.). Visual comfort assessment based on perception in transitional spaces between inside and outside: A Mediterranean case study.

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Adam, K. (2007, May 1). Visual Adaptation: Physiology, Mechanisms, and Functional Benefits. Journal of Neurophysiology. Retrieved April 19, 2015 from website: http://jn.physiology.org/content/97/5/3155

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The Bridge of Perspective. (2010, June 23). Retrieved June 6, 2015 from website: http://thebridgeofperspective.tumblr.com/post/729888847/natural-materials-stonebrick-and-wood-allow

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Hello Chubby Bunny. (2013, September 15). Sekeping Srendah: beautiful, peaceful and relaxing forest retreat just outside Kuala Lumpur, bringing you to the heart of nature in Malaysia. Retrieved June 6, 2015 from http://www.hellochubbybunny.com/bunny-blog/sekeping-serendah-beautifulpeaceful-and-relaxing-forest-retreat-just-outside-kuala-lumpur-bringing-you-to-theheart-of-nature-in-malaysia

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Kenny, M. (2013, July 19). Getting away‌ without leaving town. Malaymail Online.

Retrieved June 6, 2015 from http://www.themalaymailonline.com/travel/article/getting-away...without-leavingtown

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Seksan Design Sdn Bhd. (2012). The Sekeping Projects, April 2012. Seksan Design Landscape Architecture & Planning. Retrieved June 6, 2015 from http://www.seksan.com/txt_sekeping.html

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Photographs taken by Tan Ming Long and Chuah Wei Hong.

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