lau ee tian [0309596] report

How Does the Context Influence the Design Strategies in Belum Rainforest Resort,

Pulau Banding.

How does the Context Influence the Design Strategies in Belum

Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding

Table of Contents Page

Table of Contents Page.................................................................................1

Abstract......................................................................................................................1

1.0Introduction ...........................................................................................................3

2.0Context..................................................................................................................3

3.0Role of Contextual in Belum Rainforest Resort......................................................6

4.0Design Strategies..................................................................................................7

4.1Landform and Typography.................................................................................7

4.2Clustered...........................................................................................................8

4.3Roof Form..........................................................................................................9

4.4Ground Character and External Colour & Texture............................................10

4.5Veranda...........................................................................................................11

5.0Sustainable Materials..........................................................................................12

6.0Belum Resort’s Living Conditions .......................................................................14

7.0Conclusion ..........................................................................................................15

8.0 References........................................................................................................15

Abstract

This paper investigates the context of Belum Rainforest Resort. By looking at

how the architect decided to approach it through analysing the spatial planning of the

Resort. Not forgetting how the architect managed to manipulate the materials to create

a thermal comfort whilst complimenting the space. Analysing the proposal of the

architect, we could create a more sustainable and eco-friendly structure that

compliment both the user and nature. Using the objective to understand how the

context could aid the architect to integrate his design to site. I was assist with the aid by

site experience, images, literature review, journals and thesis paper, to develop my

knowledge onto the focus stated. The given case study is as stated, Belum Rainforest

Resort, located at Pulau Banding, Perak. As they envision their development to comply

with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report, hence they recognize the

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 1


Pulau Banding.

importance of balancing the need for preservation of nature via-à-vis the need to

promote eco-tourism. As the Royal Belum Preservation Forest, being one of a kind

rainforest in the world, the architect’s is required to innovatively integrate nature’s

context with the structure with the aid of its material. For in order for the vision of Belum

Rainforest Resort to be accomplished, it is important for the material to play a huge role

in sustainability, by using local materials and reuse material. As the design strategies

responds to the surroundings by the location of the building; landforms, the clustered

layout and roof form which is inspired local climate, along with its vegetation and the

characteristics of the colour and texture of structure. To conclude, that contextual plays

a huge role in terms of design, whereas the materials provide inspiration in its

sustainability.



Pulau Banding.

1.0 Introduction

Being older than the Amazon Rainforest, Belum Rainforest stands being the oldest

rainforest in the world with the approximately 130 million years. Situated in Perak,

Gerik in an island call Pulau Banding. Where the architecture is known for its

sustainability where human meets nature. Inspired by nature, the architect manifests

the full potential and understanding of the nature when designing the site. Constantly

thinking about nature while designing space helps create a sustainable living

environment. By observing the type of materials used in site, we could understand the

intention of the architect’s responds to the environment.

This paper will discuss on the how the site aided the architect’s when designing for the

resort. Using the following questions in responds to the research paper.

1. How does context correspond towards sustainable design?

2. What role does contextual architecture play in Belum Resort?

3. How the contexts respond to the design strategies?

4. How sustainable material responds to site?

5. How does Belum Resort integrated with nature improve the living

conditions?

2.0 Context

A vital step towards developing a sustainable community is to first identify the

community’s nature and cultural assets. Where the suitability for sustainable

development is determine by existing patterns of natural and cultural resources, as well

as by the patterns of physical and socioeconomic attributes. If a poorly designed is

being develop on site, this could cause many negative impacts. A sustainable site



Pulau Banding.

planning is context sensitive, therefore, minimizing negative development impacts by

respecting the landscape’s natural patterns and processes. (LaGro, 2008)

By having a structure that fits the context only then a sustainable design could be

develop from. This would require the designer to have a throughout analyse of site, for

it is hard to design a sustainable design without knowing the site well enough, for a site

analysis summarizes the site’s suitability for the programmed uses. A sustainable

design would reflect the context as it is, in architecture form, in terms of its physical,

biological and cultural attributes, as stated in LaGro (2008)

The first and most important step in design stage would be the site planning, by

arranging the spatial in accordance to the environments behaviour.

Understanding the landscape of site is vital. The placement of structure on contour is

important as sustainable design means being sensitive towards environment. With a

poor planning, this could cause land to slowly erode away, which is not what a

sustainable design is. With the earth eroding, thus land would not be fertile and strong,

as the poor planning has disrupted the ecosystem, causing the vegetation to lose its

life. As time passes, without vegetation, landslide would occur to site, which is

dangerous and something everyone would want to prevent. Thus the architect is

required to respect the contour and place the structure to accommodate the contour

instead of upsetting the contour. For example, if an area is inappropriate for a certain

type of activity, the architect could program it to a more site friendly program instead of

clearing up the lot. As programming defines the project’s objectives and functional

requirements, including the proposed activities, area allocated for each activity, and the

functional or spatial relationships among those activities, stated by LaGro (2008)

Vegetation serves as an effectively shading device and helps reduce heat gain. They

can either deflect or direct the airflow towards the building. Where they could



Pulau Banding.

manipulate the pressure of airflow, thus the reliance on mechanical ventilation could be

lessened. Plants, shrubs and trees absorb radiation in the process of photosynthesis,

whilst cooling the environment. With the placement of trees and hedges minor pressure

differences help change the air path, as explain in Fig 2.1 and Fig 2.2. (Krishnan, 2001)

According to LaGro (2008), choosing the types of materials, should be accordance to

the embodied energy and its future availability. In terms of heavy materials, we are to

source it locally. Heavy materials like stone, aggregates, bricks, should be specified

from quarries or manufacturers located near construction site. This helps in terms of its

transportation and reduces pollution which brings harm to the environment. Materials

made on site would be idealistic, where the amount of environmental damage could

reduce and revive local building traditions besides employing the locals, thus providing

job opportunities. Therefore the locals would not view the construction as an eyesore.

As for the lightweight materials, it is more encouraging to source it globally. As the

embodied energy for lightweight material, does not take account of its transportation

cost. In the case of aluminium, the bulk of its embodied energy is the result of the

manufacturing process, with a ratio of 5:1 in the amount of energy consumed per unit

weight of aluminium. The sustainable also take account of its futurity, whilst considering

the needs of the future generations. There are long-term future supplies of sand, stone

and softwoods. Global scarcity does not exist in these areas, and hence they should be

selected in preference to metals, plastics and hardwoods. (Edwards, Royal Institute of

British Architects, & Earthscan, 2010, p. 130 -131 & 133)


Figure 2.1 Hedges manipulate air path Figure 2.2 Trees to change air path(Krishnan, 2001)


Pulau Banding.

3.0 Role of Contextual in Belum Rainforest Resort

The type of contextual played out in Belum Rainforest Resort is ‘Different Element in

Similar Relationship.’ Where the site relates to one thing, which is nature. Nature plays

a huge role in Belum Resort, as the resort was constructed in a way that creates

minimal invasion of the surroundings, by building the resort around the trees rather

than the cut-and construct method, which is more cost-effective. The designs at the

resort mimic nature with open spaces and the smart integration of walls into the

landscape such as cliff and terra morphing rooftops (Valliappan, 2014). For the

ecological design has taken on a broader attempt to put the eco-system into the linear,

functional equations, normally employed by architects (LaGro, 2008). Both phases are

able to display similar design strategies towards nature.

In terms of the different element, as Belum Resort is constructed in two phases as

shown in Fig. 3.1., as both phases display a contrast in terms of the type of material

used and the design approach. The first phase consists of a total of 18 Homesteads

where they provide a private enclave nestled amongst the rainforest (Banding Island,

2014). Whereas the second phase, completed in 2013, will add 36 more rooms, six

kampung-style houses and new facilities such as a larger main lobby, swimming pool,

convenience store, five spa rooms and an administrative centre, as told by Mustapha.

Allowing each phases to stand out individually.


Phase 2Phase 1

Figure 3.1 Indication of Phase 1 and 2 (Lau, 2014)


Pulau Banding.

4.0 Design Strategies

From the design strategies of the resort we could analyse the intention of the architect

and understand his approach towards designing for the context, especially via the local

climate.

4.1 Landform and Typography

As stated, Belum Rainforest Resort is located on an island called Pulau Banding. It is a

243-hectare inland island encircled by the Temengor Lake. Being one of the oldest

rainforest standing, 130 million years (Banding Island, 2014). The architect’s fully utilize

the type of typography, in terms of its high area and low area and designing and

orientate the building accordingly. According to Krishnan (2001), slopes and

depressions lead to different levels of air temperature and air movement at different

parts of the site.

In the high area, the buildings are arrange in order thru the invisible grid line. They are

mostly buildings with simple forms. Being on the high area provides maximum


Low Area

High Area

Figure 4.1 Indicated of level of area

(Lau, 2014)


Pulau Banding.

ventilation. As being on the crest, building would have more exposure towards sunlight,

causing unwanted heat gain. Thus, the designer approach the design by manipulating

the colour and material of building in high area, refer to 4.4.

The villas located at the low area, are perched upon a hill or rise above the lake’s edge

where they enjoy natural ventilation from winds flowing across the lake and through the

trees (Emkay, n.d.). As the buildings that are placed nearer towards the lake’s edge,

they are orientated in accordance to the landform of the island instead of following the

grid line set by the other buildings. This is done to compliment the typography and to

create a funnel effect to maximize the airflow’s pressure to the surroundings, as open

spaces are places in between buildings for circulation.

4.2 Clustered

Clustered would be the typical layout for a normal resort. Not only that, but it proves to

be the most efficient layout. As it is advisable for hot-humid climate’s building to not to

be attached to one another and the open spaces should be orientated with respect

towards the wind pattern, stated by Krishnan (2001).

In Belum Resort, the buildings are evidently clustered with open spaces in between

buildings, to provide ventilation for the users strolling in the open spaces while

increasing heat loss between buildings. With a clustered layout, structures would be

able to receive natural lighting and with the spaces in between the structures, refer to

Figure 4.2.1, the wind would create a funnel effect, refer to Fig 4.2.2, causing the air

pressure to increase (Krishnan, 2001). Thus lighting and ventilation could be obtained

naturally without the use of mechanism, proving to be an efficient sustainable design.


(Krishnan, 2001)

Figure 4.2.2 Enhance ventilation (funnel effect)

Figure 4.2.1 Ensure natural lighting


Pulau Banding.

With the clustered layout, shading could be provided towards the open space, as the

buildings casts shadow upon space. Thus the design planning for space is important to

maximize sustainability.

4.3 Roof Form

In a hot-humid climate, the element of ventilation is a necessity that is constantly well-

thought-out in design stage. The most suitable roof form for the local climate would be

the pitch roof. Roof can be used as an element to manipulate natural lighting and

ventilation in accordance to user’s need. According to Krishnan (2001), it is advisable

to place the longest dimension in perpendicular towards the direction of the wind. And

the roof’s overhangs and pitch should be as high as possible, as this would allow

maximum pressure difference and consequently maximum airflow.

From Fig. 4.3.1.1, the roof of the chalet is placed in perpendicular towards the wind

direction, fulfilling Krishnan’s statement, thus providing maximum ventilation for site. As

for the other site (Fig 4.3.1.2), the pitch roof is placed parallel towards the direction of

the wind. Based on my observations, the roof is placed in that orientation for it is

located at a high area, thus there is no need to place roof perpendicularly towards the


Figure 4.3.1 Direction of air flow and pitch roof

(Lau, 2014)

Apr – Oct

Oct - Feb

Figure 4.3.1.1 Chalet

Figure 4.3.1.2

Accommodation


Pulau Banding.

wind direction. Therefore it isn’t a essential to place the roof perpendicular towards the

wind direction.

4.4 Ground Character and External Colour & Texture

When compare between Fig. 4.4.1 and Fig. 4.4.2 we could easily see that both their

characteristics are different in terms of the ground character and external colour &

texture. As ground character and external colour & texture affects the reflectivity. The

lighter the colour and the smoother the surface, creates a higher the reflectivity on the

material. Whereas for a darker colour and rougher surface, the reflectivity level would

be lower as they would store heat. (Krishnan, 2001)

In Fig 4.4.1, building is placed on a high area, with the rough grass character of the

ground, follow by the façade of the structure surrounded with the rough dark surface of

somah wood, plus the vegetation that grew on it. When the ground has a rough texture

like the grass, it would be harder to radiate the sunlight directly towards the building.

Thus allowing the structure to absorb minimum radiated heat, as explained for the

design placement of the somah wood to be repetitive and not fully covered. With a

rough ground, this let the site to be self-shading. Thus it would be easier for user to

facilitate this site as oppose to site in Fig. 4.4.2, which would explain the placement of

tables and chair at site. (Krishnan, 2001)


Figure 4.4.1 Accommodation area Figure 4.4.2 Villa and open spaces (Lau, 2014)


Pulau Banding.

Whereas in Fig. 4.4.2, the character of the ground is smooth concrete, follow by the

light-coloured surface of the structure. With the smooth pathway, sunlight could easily

radiate directly towards building, which would be a unpleasant situation for the user as

it welcomes sun glare. Thus the designer chooses a light coloured surface to

compliment the smooth pathway, where sunlight will radiated from the pathway. With

this solution, heat gain could be minimized. (Krishnan, 2001)

In both pictures, vegetation could be seen all around site as it can be employed to

maximize air flow (Fig 4.4.3), however if not planted carefully they would end up

reducing air speed. As vegetation can be used to direct and increase air speeds. In

Belum Resort, vegetation are planted along pathway, this is done in order to narrow

‘path’ for the air. (Krishnan, 2001)

4.5 Veranda

Veranda can be function as airy structures when in conjunction with fenestration, while

functioning as an additional space for user. It is ideal for to have veranda for structures,

where it allows heat loss and enhance ventilation, thus prevent heat trap. (Krishnan,

2001)


Figure 4.4.3 Vegetation used to direct direction of air flow

(Krishnan, 2001)


Pulau Banding.

As seen in Fig 4.5.1, verandas are applied onto design as part of strategies. Verandas

are linked with the fenestration allowing user to enjoy space. With the veranda, interior

space would be directly absorbs sunlight and heat as the veranda serves as a buffer

zone. Plus with the vegetation and the rammed earth wall that acts a barrier between

exterior and interior. Integration of vegetation inside boundary wall helps produce a

cooling effect. With this design, user would be able to receive appropriate amount of

natural lighting. Furthermore, verandas are placed facing west, allowing user to enjoy

the picturesque view of the sunset.

5.0 Sustainable Materials

Material plays huge role of site as it shows an identity of a site and creates a more

sustainable design. According to Valliappan (2014), users would be able to find feature

wall or an age-old tree trunk in own villa, or leafy pavilions linked by meandering

walkways. When it comes to selecting range of materials, materials are chosen as

indigenous as much as possible, by circumventing long-haul transport and thereby

greatly reducing carbon footprints.


Figure 4.5.1 Veranda on villas (Lau, 2014)


Pulau Banding.

The reuse of construction materials is a feature of vernacular architecture where new

buildings would often incorporate parts of older buildings, whether in form of structural

members, cladding material or built-in fittings (LaGro, 2008). Materials in Fig 5.1 are

materials that are reused. These materials are actually found on site, thus the

embodied energy on transportation is reduce. Glass bottles used on ceilings of

walkway creates shadows pattern thus providing an interesting open space. Bricks

were reused from previous demolished structures on site, which are crushed to pieces

and stacked on wall, used to create an aesthetic wall that holds no load. Golden

bamboo used as non-structural shading device for the lobby area, as bamboo are well

known for its sustainable characteristics. These bamboos were found on site before

construction. Rammed earth wall reused from site were distinctly used around resort

were introduces to add natural charm and frame the panoramic engagement of views.

It is a narrative reflection, of the change of the water level where the earthy edges of

the lake is exposed during the low water season. They keep the nearby areas cool and

reduce the over reliance on mechanical cooling systems. (Banding Island, 2014)


Figure 5.1 Images of reuse materials on site(Lau, 2014)

Figure 5.2 Sustainable materials

(Lau, 2014)


Pulau Banding.

As shown in Fig. 5.2 are the examples of sustainable materials practiced in Belum

Resort. Materials employed on site proven to be eco-friendly. For example, somah

wood – obtain on site, reinforced concrete and wood-concrete composite – noted as a

recyclable material. These materials could be easily obtained from nearby supplier than

are no more than 50km. Materials are bare with no finishes, as the architect wishes for

nature to grow around the structures, allowing nature to take over. As architectural

design brings nature into the equation – either inside or not, or directly – in the

construction materials employed. For nature is a source of tactile, visual and aural

pleasure. By welcoming nature into buildings, nature serves both a practical purpose

and a spiritual one. (LaGro, 2008)

6.0 Belum Resort’s Living Conditions

Taken from Banding Island (2014), Belum Rainforest Resort serves as the gateway to

Royal Belum State Park and to position it as a heritage destination on the world eco-

tourism map. Visitors will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with natural

world through a myriad of activities such as bird-watching excursions, a cruise around

the island as well as nature walk (Valliappan, 2014). Through visiting Belum Resort,

visitors would be able to experience the ‘Orang Asli’ houses and understanding their

lifestyle and culture; taking consideration not only the social and physical structure but

also the interests of local population particularly the ‘Orang Asli’ community. As the

development process being envisage and practice comprehensive management of

resources in order to ensure its viability, thus enabling the environment and its

surroundings particularly the protected areas, to be preserved. Whilst comply with the

requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. For the

development are required to be sustainable thus it would be economically viable and

ecologically manageable in the long term, conducted in an ethnical manner and be

socially equitable for the local community. Belum Resort recognizes the importance of



Pulau Banding.

balancing the need of preserving nature vis-à-vis the need to promote eco-tourism.

(Banding Island, 2014)

7.0 Conclusion

Belum Rainforest Resort has taught us that it is possible to live within nature. With

careful strategies in order for the building to adopt into the site, as the years goes by.

When we learn from nature, it encourages an appreaciation of interaction between

resources. As one of Robert Venturi's great contributions in Complexity and

Contradiction, was to deplore the absence of cultural meaning in modernist architecture

and to signal the importance of its presence in the historical styles. As present the local

community of the ‘Orang Asli,’ provides cultural attributes towards resort. A sustainable

design would reflect the context as it is, in architecture form, in terms of its physical,

biological and cultural attributes, as stated in LaGro (2008) It does not matter how

grand our architecture are, we constantly would rely on nature. In the end, nature

would still be there even when architecture is gone.

8.0 References

Banding Island. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.bandingisland.com/


http://www.bandingisland.com/


Pulau Banding.

DeKay, M., & Bennett, S. (2011). Integral sustainable design: Transformative

perspectives. London: Earthscan.

Edwards, B., Royal Institute of British Architects., & Earthscan. (2010). Rough guide to

sustainability: A design primer. London: RIBA Publishing.

Krishan, A. (2001). Climate responsive architecture: A design handbook for energy

efficient buildings. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co.

LaGro, J. A. (2008). Site analysis: A contextual approach to sustainable land planning

and site design. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Valliappan, S. (2014) Focusm Benchmark. Tropical Paradise
