Design Area – 1000 Sqft per unit (Including outdoor pool)
Site Extent – N/A
Core Spaces – Basement hideout with pool and Services, Bedroom with convertible mini-pantry/work table, wardrobe and attached bathroom, Lobby space, Terrace level entertainment deck.
Design Year – 2019
This was a unique project which we have been involved in 2019. The client, who was a leading entrepreneur, required to build up the boutique hotel units. His intention was to initiate the project with an existing under-utilized shipping container he owns.
During the initial discussion with client, Architect understood and proposed that the project shall be completely based on “Adaptive Re-Use” conversion concepts while utilizing minimum energy demand. I.e., a low energy budget green building with passive lighting and ventilation. Minimizing energy demand during operation will create a zero-carbon footprint during the building’s operation.
The architect further emphasized three stages of energy demands within a building: i.e., Construction, Operation and Demolition. Construction stage, which includes the design of the building requires careful material selection by having low embodied energy materials, careful construction activity planning which reduces minimum impact to the existing natural habitat. The architect’s vision was to preserve much of the natural features within the ecologically sensitive area, and incorporate his design to support the habitat development. The site, which has a natural contour pattern with an interval of 2 metre, was also preserved, without proposing any serious cut and fill activities. This allowed the soil integrity and stability to be as it is. The only structural proposal was to build a retaining wall in order to prevent land slips. In terms of material, Cinnamon wood became a winning choice of both Architect and the client as it was readily available within the area with a very low cost and effort. Thus, all partitions were proposed with the material where architect has developed his own details for the integrity of partitions.
During construction stage, Architect thus, prepared a comprehensive plan for the construction activities, which included accurate setting out, Tree branch cut plans, temporary work locations, etc and discussed with the contractor who understood the responsibility of the work. Using GPS based geo-location techniques and tools, the architect accurately planned the setting out in the middle of a large landmass while strategically orienting the units, not only responding to the view of Bopath Falls, but also the sun path, wind directions. Work became to a standstill after the easter attacks.
The operational energy budget was primarily based on natural light and ventilation. During detailing stage, the client and architect came into decisions of limiting national grid supplies only for ACs. However, the client’s keen intention on utilizing solar operated AC systems, which are currently costly, was really an encouragement to the architect, which shall be appreciated.
