The fourth generation of the same family has owned this 15-hectare plantation on the out skirts of the coastal town of Sandakan, Sabah (North Borneo). The master proposed to create a modern dwelling for his large family. The proposal is to replace the 1930’s traditional simple timber house.
The scheme is scaled as elements relating to function, modern and simple build form associated daily living family life in rural area.
The conceptual and simplicity of the proposed house is comprised of a rectangular box structure with three horizontal concrete planes sandwiching the two simple contrasting spaces - solid (upper floor) and the void (ground floor).
The upper floor accommodates the sleeping and lounge areas; and the ground floor incorporates the main living, working & eating spaces.
The element of the upper floor is wrapped with openable slender wooden slats shading during the day, while emitting interior light at night to give hints as to the activity inside.
The lower level has two rows of slender concrete columns running longitudinally to support the upper level, this allows fully functional sliding glass doors and walls to provide the maximise unobstructed views of the outside plantation.
The carefully selected construction materials and the building design reflects the surrounding tropical environment, allowing adequate ventilation, whilst providing shading of the internal spaces.
