My Tropical Dream House (Partly)
A Local Malaysia Architecture
In the tropical climate, there will be a different architectural style that is suitable and compliment to the humid and warm environment. The uniqueness of the climate of where I am living in, Malaysia is that it can go very warm during the day like 30ish degrees Celcius for some time but it can go to around 20ish degrees Celcius during the night. Such a difference is not too drastic and just nice and comfy for human comfort. Therefore, we can make use of this and turn our houses to be natural ventilated and with specific spaces to have mechanical ventilation. Not only that would save up electric bills of ours, but it also creates the connectivity and breathability of the space. Personally, I also like to be in a well natural ventilated space, not a fan of mechanical ventilation as it can get a bit dry and cold. I just came across one project by a local architect, MJ Kenny who had designed this bungalow on the hill which not only utilize the natural ventilation and also adapted well to the slope.
About The House & Design
The site is at Ukay Heights of Kuala Lumpur where this 3 storey bungalow was built on an existing slope. The owner who is an Australian ex-pat with his Malaysian wife embrace the climate and had decided to go for such design (me likey!). The reasons for the bungalow to have ample openings are:
- Of course, with the right opening, we can create cross ventilation which then the house will be naturally ventilated with the wind and fan.
- The connectivity to the existing natural surrounding is another bonus. Personally, I like to have greens surrounding my house. One way, it is decent to look at greens as it can also reduce stress level. Also, it can cool down the overall temperature of the surrounding, in comparison to having concrete and tar road surrounding our house.
- Natural lighting from the sun can be also utilized in this case and it is romantic as well when it comes to night time.
The only issue for such a design is mosquitos which can be solved through the plantation of lemongrass and other anti-mosquito plants and measures like netting.
Showcase and My Thoughts
Welcome by a humble and secretive car porch and lobby from the top. One of the unique features is the canopy roof of the house that stretches from end to end.
During the day time, space is well lit and ventilated. I think you can also feel it just by looking at the photo.
On the attic level, it is built to be cozier and more shaded as book reading can be a long hours activity and having just enough lighting and good temperature comfort is the key.
My dream is to have an attached pool, swimming really freshen me up! And to note on that, I have not been swimming since 2020, thanks to COVID.
A highlight on the canopy roof structure using steel joist and beam. They are well designed and customized to fit the profiles.
Even the working desk is also situated at the space that has more opening so that the owner is not too stress to stare at the screen for a long time.
Ah, dream dining area. With a pool at the side, water feature, and some BGM playing, every day is like Valentine lol.
A cozy coffee table suitable for some chit chat and welcoming friends.
If the weather gets too hot, just jump right into the pool and start swimming or even a dip would be great!
Night time, a soft and comfortably warm light lit the house.
It is interesting to review houses and see how the architect approaches with different solutions for the owner to come out with the best house design. Well, one way of it, I can also learn from different case studies that prepare me to design my personal villa too!
Do share with me your thoughts or if you have any houses that you want me to review, just drop a comment down below!
Reference: Link
A cross post from my HIVE blog