RIMBUN STUDIO is a double storey office in the suburbs amongst an adopted forest at Jalan Teratai Jingga II, Alor Setar, Kedah. Completed in September 2012, rimbun studio embodies many elements of tropical and sustainable context: water element, natural materials juxtaposed against recycled entities; the shipping container in which this building is known to many, and lush greenery in the background
Expressing nature . . .
sustainable context: water element, natural materials juxtaposed against recycled entities
The construction takes into consideration of recycled materials to its best potential limits. The raw explicit condition of materials creates harmony for the façade. The screen wall of the recycled brickworks distinguished as a point of attraction. The used shipping containers provide a leeway space tucked prominently; as such expresses endless exploration possibilities. Almost all of the structures are of steel, walled by shera plank siding and glass for their recycled characters while the entrance verandah is of the reused timber.
a dissipated material transpose into a mesmerizing element
Almost all of the structures are of steel, walled by shera plank siding and glass for their recycled characters
The site has an old dilapidated house which was unsafe for occupancy. A choice was made to tear it down and among the salvaged materials are the brickworks, an essential recycled element for the construction. The ‘borrowed’ forest of the neighboring land is seen as an opportunity in creating a responsive environment in expressing nature.
Rimbun studio promotes maximum use of natural light and ventilation. It is an effort for a sustainable building. The deep overhangs roof allows extensive use of glass facade for direct heat is dismissed by the shades. The lush canopy of bamboo tree helps in minimizing the thermal level of the building so that it retains as little heat as possible and cools down quickly in the evening.
In addition to enhancing the nature, rainwater was collected through several ponds surrounding the building – recycled and pumped up and plunged back into the floating pond on the upper floor of the inanimate swamp – creating a haven for the little guppies.
Emulating a waterfall, the floating pond streams the overflow water into the main pond, complimenting a green wall of Ipomoea Nil at the main door where deep purple flowers blossom, welcoming the guests into a tranquil environment.
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The emphasis was on sustainable strategies. The roof structures are designed as a single pitch roof and it’s relatively large and deep overhangs propped by the cantilevered steel structures. Like a big umbrella, the roof is adaptive to the tropical climate monsoon rain and the blistering afternoon sun.
RIMBUN STUDIO @ container office “ is still a work in progress, and with time … hope to improve further and eventually develop a container home…For now, the Rimbun Studio becomes a showcase of … architectural exploration and creative endeavours and capabilities.”
Hence, this work will become examples and typologies that others locked unto and followed, in shaa Allah.