Serenity and Charm
Spectrum House, aspire to transform two separate block into a cohesive home for a family of six. Inspired by the clients’ global travels, they envisioned a home where modern elegance meets whimsical charm, creating a serene yet playful ambience for their children. Known for their warm hospitality, the owner wanted a home that could graciously host guests, while maintaining family privacy.
Design Ethos: Living Canvas of Light
Spectrum House explores the emotional spectrum of colors, with each hue meticulously chosen to create a resonant atmosphere. Transcending surface-level aesthetics, the design brings color and light to life as interactive features, enhancing user experience through a dynamic interplay. Adopting the concept of a “Living Canvas of Light,” colorful louvered windows on the facade serve as striking architectural features and conduits for natural light. This ever-changing spectacle transforms the home into a living canvas, where sunlight creates dynamic strokes of art that evolve throughout the day, enriching the interior and elevating the overall living experience
Crafting Space & Experience
The building’s composition masterfully blends scale and proportion, resulting in an engaging and visually striking form and elevation. The design establishes functional zoning that separates leisure and entertainment area from the family sanctuary as intended by the owner. Seamlessly connected by a vibrant transitional space, the journey trough the space transitions from cool to warm tones, from public to private areas, creating a dynamic and immersive experience
Bridging Indoor and Outdoor Harmony
The outdoor area extends the indoor space harmoniously, with full-height sliding doors and timber louver screens blurring boundaries and inviting nature in. Pavilions, balconies and green roofs adorned with lush greenery create a union of indoor elegance and outdoor bliss.
Enriching Vitality in Home & Community
The house design focuses on family-centric spaces by implementing warm and open spaces allowing family bond to flourish within them. The interplay of light and color enrich the residents’ daily experiences, creating a deeper connection between the user and the house. The generous outdoor landscape and water element injects a vitality within the community surrounding, promoting a holistic living experience that embraces both personal well-being and community harmony.
Marvel of Metal Steel
The long hour of sun exposure and the large roof are are crucial elements for user comfort. Thus the metal deck roof is coated in Armor Grey with an SRI of 48 to reflect heat, optimizing thermal comfort. The thin metal deck allows for double insulation within limited roofing space, minimizing thermal transfer. Metal deck also facilitates easier solar panel installation and its durability outlast the solar panels, omitting the concern of removal and reinstalation of the solar panel due to worn down roofing.
Sustainable Living in Style
Spectrum House seamlessly blends sustainability and aesthetics, earning the highest platinum rating from Malaysia GreenRE. Its design optimizes natural ventilation and daylight with fin walls and strategic openings, while courtyards and water elements create a cooler microclimate. Sustainable materials plays a crucial role: Low-e glass glazing resists excessive heat transfer. PEFC-certified timber is used throughout the design. Equipped with 101 photovoltaic panels, the home generates 30% of its energy needs. A rainwater harvesting systems and efficient sanitary fittings further reduce water waste. Spectrum House exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of eco-conscious living and elegant design.
Spectrum House: Vibrant Sanctuary
Spectrum House blends modern elegance, playful charm, and eco-friendly design into a cohesive family sanctuary. Its dynamic use of color and light creates an interactive living canvas. Seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces with sustainable feature which exemplifies the harmony between aesthetics and sustainability, offering a stunning, responsible home.
The design echoed the manifestation of a new housing typology imbued with strong modern tropical detached housing style concept.
With the primary aim to attain privacy and comfort for each homes, the design aimed to promote expandable living spaces both internally and externally by introducing side garden for intermediate units (compared to the standard terrace house) which created a new quasi-semi public living spaces, as a spillover of internal spaces via generous access of sliding doors. In addition, because of the aforementioned, it allows more natural lighting, cross ventilation and green view for the house.
On the facade, adopting the characteristic of the uniform clean line, simple and timeless detached house, we introduce a meticulous notion of distinct horizontal and vertical lines arrayed throughout the facade and the sides of the building and neatly capped with vertical roof lines formed by metal roof ribs.
Hangar and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) at Jalan KLIA S7, KLIA.
Project Overview and Design Intents
The 20-acre site, strategically positioned between Jalan KLIA S7 and the KLIA runway, has been designated by the client for the development of a state-of-the-art Hangar and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. This facility is engineered to accommodate up to 14 nos. A321 aircraft simultaneously or, alternatively, 2 nos. A330neo aircraft and 8 nos. A321 aircraft simultaneously.
The following client requirements and design intents have significantly influenced the consultants' architectural approach, construction methodology, and material selection for this project:
Aviation Safety Compliance: Ensuring that the operational safety of incoming, outgoing, and stationary aircraft remains uncompromised, strictly adhering to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) regulations and compliance standards.
Precision Construction Techniques: Implementing precise construction methodologies to maximize the spatial efficiency of the site, allowing the intended number of aircraft to be accommodated within the limited footprint, particularly given the L-shaped configuration of the hangar.
Time-Sensitive Construction: Adopting accelerated construction timelines due to the site’s proximity to sensitive and restricted zones (airside/landside), necessitating careful coordination to minimize disruptions to airport operations.
Column-Free Spanning: Designing expansive, column-free spans to facilitate unobstructed manoeuvrability of aircraft within the hangar, addressing the need for large, open spaces essential for aviation operations.
Architectural Representation: Crafting a façade that reflects the client’s esteemed position in the aviation industry, with a design that embodies both functionality and the client’s corporate identity.
Achieving the Design Intent
In pursuit of the design intent, and with meticulous consideration to ensure that the outlined objectives remain uncompromised, the materials for the facades and roofs were meticulously selected. The “Swisma-Sanko Speed Deck” for the facades and “Swisma-Sanko Seam Lock” for the roof were chosen, covering approximately 50,500m² of surface area.
The diverse range of Swisma-Sanko cladding options was instrumental in achieving the intended façade design, which emphasizes the sleek and modern aesthetic of the overall structure. Simultaneously, the façade and roofing materials were carefully selected to minimize glare, ensuring the safety of nearby aircraft in flight.
The integration of Swisma-Sanko with the predominantly steel structural framework not only complements the building’s architecture but also accentuates the quality and refinement of the steel structure’s detailing and finishes, internally and externally. This synergy between the cladding and structural elements underscores the sophistication of the construction.
The installation methodology adopted for the facade and roof materials has significantly streamlined the process, allowing the builder to meet the project’s tight timelines effectively.
Moreover, the innovative use of these facade and roofing materials has enabled the project to secure a Silver category certification under the Green RE. The carefully calculated thickness and composition of the materials ensured that the U-value and OTTV (Overall Thermal Transfer Value) targets were not only met but exceeded, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency.
The project has been distinguished by the Malaysia Book of Records for its remarkable achievements in the following categories:
Longest Single Span Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) System Rafter – 153 meters
Longest Locally Designed Single Span Truss Frame System – 183 meters
Longest Vertical Hangar Door (Megadoor) – 143 meters
These milestones were made possible through meticulous material selection and precise engineering. The strategic choice of materials was crucial in ensuring the structural integrity and performance of these record-setting elements, highlighting the importance of alignment between design intent and material specification in achieving such extraordinary feats.
The Detached Factory- Phase i8B:
Elevating the Benchmark of Bukit Raja's Industrial Evolution
In the drive to redefine industrial infrastructure, the vision for this advanced facility is to set a new benchmark in delivering world-class products. Driven by principles of continuous improvement, integrity, teamwork, and innovative design, the objective is to create a cutting-edge structure that surpasses the expectations of today's consumers, who demand swift and efficient service throughout the order completion process.
Modern consumer expectations for rapid delivery place significant demands on logistics, particularly in areas like order picking, loading, and unloading. Given these challenges, design is done to incorporate state-of-the-art logistics technology along with optimized workflows.
Another essential feature that would bring comfort to the users while being responsible for the environment is practicality. The design incorporates a nicely-thought-out passive strategy in bringing comfort and maximizing space utilization. Featuring modern architectural style, the design is flexible catering to various needs. Decorative elements are adopted in a minimalist but effective manner, incorporating visual appeal with reduced maintenance requirements. The use of sustainable materials in the building reflects a concern with environmental stewardship and rings with eco-friendly practices.
The design is to achieve a balance of function and beauty. This building highlights extruded coping feature that beautifies the modern and industrial appearance of the building while gaining practical benefits from it. Large, tall windows have been cleverly located in a way that light naturally seeps in, thereby promoting energy efficiency and a pleasant working ambiance. All these factors merged the visual appeal and functionality, ensuring perfect harmony of form and function. Metal
The roof design plays a significant role in this vision. Metal deck provides an industrial texture that gives cohesion and rhythm to the building. The pitched roof improves heat resistance, allowing passive cooling to maintain constant indoor temperature. Thoughtful provision of openings and glazing provokes both natural ventilation and daylighting. The presence of passive heat-resistance materials and insulation eases the building's energy efficiency.
It also includes some of the major strategies in the design to ensure that there are minimal impacts on the environment implemented to attain sustainability in place. The use of local resources and building materials reduces the 'carbon footprint'. Adaptable spaces are incorporated to reflect sustainability principles in the design for flexibility according to evolving needs. Simple structural lines enhance the building's appearance while simplifying construction and maintenance. The design considers long-term maintenance, aligning with overarching sustainability objectives.
Jet roofs are also incorporated in the design to respond to local climatic conditions by allowing for air circulation and hot air escape, hence stabilizing internal temperatures. The open and direct natural lighting from the external walls highlights key locations such as the staircases. Transitional spaces between the office and the docking provide necessary resting spaces for the users, whether drivers or workers. Covered docking areas offer protection from harsh weather, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
Technological innovations are also taken into account while designing. Rainwater harvesting system, which recycles the water for purposes of efficient utilization. The A/C ledge is hidden but easily accessible for maintenance, balancing aesthetic appeal with functionality. Electric vehicle (EV) car parks with convenient charging stations highlight a dedication to sustainable transportation solutions.
This design integrates efficiency, practicality, and sustainability within a contemporary architectural framework. It combines aesthetic appeal, economic feasibility, cutting-edge technologies, and eco-friendly strategies, setting a new industry standard that meets evolving user needs. The building will serve its intended function effectively while also contributing positively to the environment and the community.
Discovery Park - Project Description
Discovery Park is located within the heart of Gamuda Cove. Gamuda Cove is a new 1530-acre township set next to wetlands and forest reserves in Southern Klang Valley. Within close proximity to Cyberjaya and KLIA, it has direct access from the ELITE Highway and easy accessibility from other major highways. Discovery Park sits on a parcel of land which measures approximately 20 acres. It was conceived as a small and temporary development which would act as a catalyst that would spark the generation and establishment of the new township.
The brief called for an integrated mixed development which could provide a whole range of leisure and recreational activities enjoyed within the backdrop of the existing wetlands and forest reserves. A small mall or ‘The Hive’ would act as the anchor for this development housing a plethora of local F&B delights within a unique building which would act as a landmark to attract the crowds. The Hive taps onto the strong signature imagery of gable roofs which has come to be associated with this Client. This is then given a slightly different twist in its extensive utilisation of steel and reliance on the repetitive use of the hexagonal form to allude to a hive of activity. Southeast Asia’s first ‘Aerobar’ sits in a public ‘Village Square' adjacent to The Hive. This is an observation tower structure which has a rotating gondola. This gondola seats visitors and takes them to an elevated height on the tower enabling spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands and township taking shape.
Wrapping around the circular public square and adjacent to The Hive is the 'Beach Pool Club’. This Club houses the first salt water public pool in Malaysia complete with a deep dive pool and platform as well as sunken lounges. A dining and drinks hall located within the Beach Pool Club looks out onto a vast deck and landscape which evoke the experience of being by the beach. The Beach Pool Club takes on the evocative and curving shape akin to that of the nautilus shell. This shape expresses the nature of the building and is a gentle nod and gesture to its intimate relationship with the public square and The Hive.
A little further down is the ‘Drift Kart Building’ which is home to the first stand alone drift kart facility in Malaysia. The building is designed like an aircraft hangar with a spacious internal hall which accommodates the first raised and purpose-designed karting track in this region. The copious volume of the structure allows unobstructed views to the track from the viewing decks and promotes natural light and ventilation to invigorate the space. The building also acts as the base for the ATV vehicles which will allow another facet for exploring the local terrain here.
All these buildings form the first phase of Discovery Park and are interconnected by a comprehensive network of covered walkways and are complemented by ample visitor parking. The park is also served by generously landscaped gardens and bicycle tracks integrated into the public facilities. The Discovery Park acts as an appropriate introduction to the main township development. It is designed to draw the permanent dweller as well as the transient visitor in search for a fun and restful respite with a difference. Together, the various components of Discovery Park make for an unforgettable feast for the eyes as well the senses.
One Stop Collection Centre (OSCC), Kota Samarahan, Sarawak
RKD Architects Sdn Bhd
Architect’s Statement
The OSCC building is located in Kota Samarahan, approximately 37 minutes (25.8 km) from Kuching City Centre at an area designated as an industrial zone near the new Batang Samarahan Bridge.
The site sums up to a total area of 3.78 acres and the development area takes 2 acres of the whole site to allow for possible future developments through phases.
The approximately 1300m2 gross floor area were planned by locating areas with high frequency and logical relationships to have the spaces correspond better to one another.
Highlights and Features
The lobby features a retail gallery and a glass-separated production area. The packaging area has a high ceiling for future expansion. The facility includes a product testing lab, two flexible training rooms, a dynamic space for events, a co-working area, and a mezzanine-level office incubator space.
Project Objective
The OSCC supports local cottage industry start-ups, particularly women entrepreneurs, by promoting their products, providing business training, and enhancing product development for international markets. It aims to increase successful local entrepreneurs through networking, marketing, financial coaching, and alignment with Sarawak Digital Economy policies.
Design Approach
The design approach was to assimilate utilitarianism architecture to represent an industrial outlook. The clean-line look gives a strong and definitive contrast between the different elements of the space and it revolves around minimalism to obtain a sleek and functional design. The idea was adopted to abide to the ideals of ‘form follows function’ through simplicity, conspicuous views of structural elements and by eschewing unnecessary design details. A lot of thought was applied on choosing the right materials for the building that are not only long lasting, maintenance friendly and practical but are aesthetically pleasing.
These points elaborate on why steel was chosen as the primary building material which is not only a practical choice but also a material that aligns with the overall design philosophy of the project: -
Versatility in Design: Steel's inherent flexibility allows for a wide range of design possibilities, enabling the creation of long span structure demanded of the project brief, maintaining a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Its adaptability supports the industrial outlook and clean-line appearance central to the design approach.
Speed of Construction: Utilizing steel as the main material significantly reduces construction time. Its prefabricated nature allows for off-site fabrication, ensuring quick assembly on-site, which is crucial for adhering to project timelines without compromising the integrity of the design.
Structural Integrity: Steel's strength and durability make it an ideal choice for achieving the desired minimalistic design while ensuring structural soundness. This material supports large spans and open spaces, aligning with the design's emphasis on conspicuous views of structural elements.
Sustainability and Efficiency: Steel’s recyclable nature, contributing to sustainable construction practices aligns with modern principles of environmental responsibility, which is increasingly important in contemporary built environment.
Maintenance-Friendly: The choice of steel also considers the long-term maintenance of the building. Steel's resistance to corrosion and wear, coupled with its ease of maintenance, ensures the building remains aesthetically pleasing and functional over time.
Aesthetic Appeal: The sleek and polished appearance of steel in this case enhances the building's industrial aesthetic. Its use in visible structural elements reinforces the ‘form follows function’ philosophy, creating a visually striking yet functional design.
These points elaborate on why steel is not only a practical choice but also a material that aligns with the overall design philosophy of the project.
The seamless roof and façade structure of double volume space adds an extravagant vibe to an otherwise mundane building typology and the height allows the flexibility for additional floors in the future. To accentuate the building, the design integrated primary colours for an interesting unembellished look. The minimal use of red and yellow is the bold side to the generally subdued look of simplicity.
As the project was constructed at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Project Implementing Agency; JKR Sarawak had requested that contactless & social distancing features be included such as automated sliding doors, biometric access system and facilities for video conferencing and other features to facilitate the new-normal work environment.
In the context of mass housing design, blending in with the existing surroundings can be seen as a safer approach. The concept behind this innovative housing project is to break away from the traditional norms of mass housing design and create a distinctive environment that offers residents a fresh and modern perspective. This departure from convention is achieved through several key design elements and features.
Firstly, the design intentionally contrasts with the existing surroundings to create a unique aesthetic that stands out visually by embracing individuality and modernity. The choice of a recessed wall design and a front patch of greenery not only adds visual appeal but also serves as a statement of uniqueness. The contrast creates a striking visual impact that immediately distinguishes the residences from their surroundings, offering residents a sense of identity and pride in their living spaces.
The functional aspects of the design are carefully considered to enhance comfort and promote sustainable living. The open-plan layout is not just about aesthetics but also about practicality. It facilitates natural cross-ventilation, reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling systems and promoting a healthier indoor environment. The tall ceilings play a crucial role in stack ventilation, allowing hot air to rise and escape while drawing in cooler air from lower levels, thus improving overall air circulation and quality.
The placement of a ventilation block on the facade is a smart design choice that serves multiple purposes. It acts as a filter for east and west sunlight, preventing harsh glare and heat buildup inside the homes. Simultaneously, it optimizes cross ventilation, especially on the first floor, where airflow can sometimes be restricted. This strategic approach to ventilation not only enhances comfort but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial cooling and lighting during the day.
One of the project's main features is the deliberate avoidance of mirrored-repetition design. Each unit is crafted to appear as an individual dwelling, akin to a townhouse or super-link home. This design philosophy adds character and a sense of exclusivity to the development. The high ceilings and abundant natural lighting create an ambiance of luxury and spaciousness, elevating the living experience for residents. The double-volume spaces adjacent to the stairways further enhance this luxurious feel, offering residents a visually stunning and comfortable home environment.
The high ceilings not only contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal but also provide practical benefits. They offer residents the unique opportunity for expansion by creating an attic floor above. This flexibility allows residents to customize and adapt their living spaces over time, catering to changing needs and preferences. It also adds long-term value to the properties, as they can evolve along with the residents' lifestyles.
Internally, each bedroom is thoughtfully designed with an attached bathroom, enhancing convenience and privacy for residents. This attention to detail reflects the project's commitment to providing a comfortable and functional living environment. The combination of aesthetic appeal, functionality, and convenience ensures that residents not only enjoy the visual aspects of their homes but also appreciate the practicality and ease of everyday living.
Despite its focus on modernity and luxury, the project also prioritizes affordability and sustainability. The design choices, such as the emphasis on natural ventilation and lighting, contribute to reduced energy consumption and lower utility costs for residents. This holistic approach to design ensures that the homes are not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious and economically viable in the long run.
In a world where conformity often takes precedence, this innovative housing development goes beyond mere aesthetics to prioritize functionality, sustainability, flexibility, and convenience. By daring to be different and embracing contrasting elements, it offers residents a unique and modern living experience that combines individuality with practicality. From the strategic use of ventilation and lighting to the emphasis on luxury and expansion opportunities, every aspect of the design is carefully crafted to enhance the quality of life for residents while also setting a new standard for modern housing design.
Mapletree Logistics Hub
Encompassing two blocks of multi-tenanted logistics and warehousing facilities, the Mapletree Logistics Hub, located in Shah Alam, stands as a modern hub for warehousing and distribution businesses. The facility is designed with sustainability and functionality at its core.
The use of metal roofing and cladding in the overall design is a deliberate choice to enhance both performance and sustainability. COLORBOND® steel, specifically chosen for its long lifespan and proven weathering performance, ensures that the warehouse can withstand harsh industrial environments while maintaining its integrity for decades. This durability aligns with the facility’s purpose of providing long-term service without frequent maintenance or replacement.
To optimize the building's thermal efficiency and promote a comfortable working environment, ventilation openings are thoughtfully placed throughout the façade, ensuring optimal airflow. This strategic placement not only improves air quality within the warehouse but also contributes to reducing the overall energy consumption for cooling.
In line with the company’s sustainability initiatives, the roof is equipped with photovoltaic panels that harness abundant renewable energy. This integration of renewable energy sources significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the facility, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship
The design of the roof is intentionally kept low in pitch to maximize the available interior space, optimizing it for warehousing functionality. This low-pitch design not only enhances the structural efficiency but also provides ample space for storage and logistics operations.
Mapletree Logistics Hub is a testament to the seamless blend of modern industrial design, sustainable practices, and functional efficiency, setting a benchmark for future developments in the logistics and warehousing sector.
UNISEM Semiconductor Production Facility
Tropical Climate Adaptation
The design strategically addresses the challenges of Malaysia's tropical climate, applying passive design principles to both the office and factory blocks. Large overhangs, sun shading devices, and carefully placed fenestrations are incorporated to minimize solar heat gain, while maximizing natural ventilation. These elements are thoughtfully integrated to enhance indoor comfort and contribute to a pleasant microclimate around the facility.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
A key focus of the design is energy efficiency, with the roof system engineered for compatibility with solar panels. By selecting a light-colored roofing material with a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), the building significantly reduces heat absorption, thus lowering cooling demands. This approach not only minimizes energy consumption but also contributes to the building's overall sustainability goals.
Worker Welfare and Indoor Comfort
Understanding the common challenges of working in industrial production facilities, the design prioritizes worker welfare. The roofing system is optimized for indoor comfort, ensuring that the workspaces remain cool and comfortable despite the external climate. By creating a more humane and pleasant environment, the design aims to boost productivity and morale among employees, making the facility a better place to work.
This holistic approach to design ensures that Unisem’s new Gopeng facility is not only a leader in semiconductor production but also a model of sustainable and worker-friendly industrial architecture.
Starbucks, Iconic Point
A Place Making in Progress
Iconic Point is located in the rapidly urbanizing Simpang Empat. Simpang Empat cries for a sustainable destination place where public, commercial and cultural activities would thrive, evolve and prosper. In Iconic Point, public and pedestrian space take the center stage and forms the center of gravity while the buildings orbit this public space. Over time, public activities would take form and structure, meandering the built structures and not merely confined within. Evolving over time and space, this public-building interaction would create a series of acts and plays that would eventually be the place identity of Iconic Point. The process of Place Making thus starts with the architecture of Iconic Point.
Starbucks Iconic Point is an integral part of this place making progress. Its architecture is a landmark within a landmark. The vision of its sculptural form and aesthetics is realised with the use of metal cladding that is easily formable into angles, bends and curves. In this case Bluescope Colorbond Matt Steel, (specifically Lysaght 360 Seam and Lysaght Spandek Optima) provided the perfect solution to realise this vision. The Lysaght cladded surfaces of the building is perceivable to be rising fluidly from the shadows on the ground. It reminisces on the scene of how the indestructible T-1000* shape-shifting liquid metal that is endlessly fusing and coagulating into forms. This is the inherent quality of Lysaght metal cladding, which allows for visions and ideas to coagulate into infinite shapes and forms.
*The robot from Teminator 2 made of liquid metal.