A tropical box that enclaves the mature vegetation into the house.The house is designed as an inward looking abode that protects itself from the tropical sun and rain, at the same time to embrace the mature vegetation into the house.
Living in the tropics, we want to let the daylight in but keeping the heat out. Therefore in this house, we designed a concrete egg crate structure that becomes the envelope of the house. The structure also brings the existing mature vegetation into the house and blurring the boundary of inside out.
The egg crate structure forms a sun-filtering device that allows the daylight to filter through but keep the radiation out. The structure is made of insitu concrete with a depth of 900mm. The concrete fins are at 150mm thick and framing openings of various sizes at a rhythm.
Besides the heats, in a tropical environment, it is also important to keep the dampness and humility out. The house takes advantage of the sloping profile of the land. From the entry level, the site slope downwards to the back.
The main spaces, living, dining and the pool are all positioned at the entry level. The bedrooms are placed on the upper floor. On the lower ground there is a garage and a service area.
The spaces are organized in a way where most parts of the house are raised from the ground. This helps to keep the dampness and pest away and keeping the house airy and dry.
The approach to the house is via a bridge flanked by several mature Albizia trees. From the entrance, one will pass through a relatively narrow walkway next to a stairway and a courtyard before arriving at the open living area.
The living space with dining and kitchen opens outwards to a double volume deck and a pool. The swimming pool and deck area are surrounded by mature trees. The pool and the gardens are all within the cover of the house’s egg crate structure.On the upper floor, the room windows are designed to frame the views of the beautiful big trees.
Architects WHBC ArchitectsLocation Damansara Heights, Kuala LumpurOwner Husband & wife, 2 boys and grandmotherLand area 10500 sqftBuilt up area 7500 sqftEngineer Projurutek Sdn BhdBuilders CHB Construction Ming Seng Construction