Lau Ee Tian [0309596] report

How Does the Context Influence the Design Strategies in Belum Rainforest Resort,
Pulau Banding.
How does the Context Influence the Design Strategies in Belum
Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding
Table of Contents Page
Table of Contents Page.................................................................................1
Abstract......................................................................................................................1
1.0Introduction ...........................................................................................................3
2.0Context..................................................................................................................3
3.0Role of Contextual in Belum Rainforest Resort......................................................6
4.0Design Strategies..................................................................................................7
4.1Landform and Typography.................................................................................7
4.2Clustered...........................................................................................................8
4.3Roof Form..........................................................................................................9
4.4Ground Character and External Colour & Texture............................................10
4.5Veranda...........................................................................................................11
5.0Sustainable Materials..........................................................................................12
6.0Belum Resort’s Living Conditions .......................................................................14
7.0Conclusion ..........................................................................................................15
8.0 References........................................................................................................15
Abstract
This paper investigates the context of Belum Rainforest Resort. By looking at
how the architect decided to approach it through analysing the spatial planning of the
Resort. Not forgetting how the architect managed to manipulate the materials to create
a thermal comfort whilst complimenting the space. Analysing the proposal of the
architect, we could create a more sustainable and eco-friendly structure that
compliment both the user and nature. Using the objective to understand how the
context could aid the architect to integrate his design to site. I was assist with the aid by
site experience, images, literature review, journals and thesis paper, to develop my
knowledge onto the focus stated. The given case study is as stated, Belum Rainforest
Resort, located at Pulau Banding, Perak. As they envision their development to comply
with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report, hence they recognize the
ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture 1

Pulau Banding.
importance of balancing the need for preservation of nature via-à-vis the need to
promote eco-tourism. As the Royal Belum Preservation Forest, being one of a kind
rainforest in the world, the architect’s is required to innovatively integrate nature’s
context with the structure with the aid of its material. For in order for the vision of Belum
Rainforest Resort to be accomplished, it is important for the material to play a huge role
in sustainability, by using local materials and reuse material. As the design strategies
responds to the surroundings by the location of the building; landforms, the clustered
layout and roof form which is inspired local climate, along with its vegetation and the
characteristics of the colour and texture of structure. To conclude, that contextual plays
a huge role in terms of design, whereas the materials provide inspiration in its
sustainability.

Pulau Banding.
1.0 Introduction
Being older than the Amazon Rainforest, Belum Rainforest stands being the oldest
rainforest in the world with the approximately 130 million years. Situated in Perak,
Gerik in an island call Pulau Banding. Where the architecture is known for its
sustainability where human meets nature. Inspired by nature, the architect manifests
the full potential and understanding of the nature when designing the site. Constantly
thinking about nature while designing space helps create a sustainable living
environment. By observing the type of materials used in site, we could understand the
intention of the architect’s responds to the environment.
This paper will discuss on the how the site aided the architect’s when designing for the
resort. Using the following questions in responds to the research paper.
1. How does context correspond towards sustainable design?
2. What role does contextual architecture play in Belum Resort?
3. How the contexts respond to the design strategies?
4. How sustainable material responds to site?
5. How does Belum Resort integrated with nature improve the living
conditions?
2.0 Context
A vital step towards developing a sustainable community is to first identify the
community’s nature and cultural assets. Where the suitability for sustainable
development is determine by existing patterns of natural and cultural resources, as well
as by the patterns of physical and socioeconomic attributes. If a poorly designed is
being develop on site, this could cause many negative impacts. A sustainable site

Pulau Banding.
planning is context sensitive, therefore, minimizing negative development impacts by
respecting the landscape’s natural patterns and processes. (LaGro, 2008)
By having a structure that fits the context only then a sustainable design could be
develop from. This would require the designer to have a throughout analyse of site, for
it is hard to design a sustainable design without knowing the site well enough, for a site
analysis summarizes the site’s suitability for the programmed uses. A sustainable
design would reflect the context as it is, in architecture form, in terms of its physical,
biological and cultural attributes, as stated in LaGro (2008)
The first and most important step in design stage would be the site planning, by
arranging the spatial in accordance to the environments behaviour.
Understanding the landscape of site is vital. The placement of structure on contour is
important as sustainable design means being sensitive towards environment. With a
poor planning, this could cause land to slowly erode away, which is not what a
sustainable design is. With the earth eroding, thus land would not be fertile and strong,
as the poor planning has disrupted the ecosystem, causing the vegetation to lose its
life. As time passes, without vegetation, landslide would occur to site, which is
dangerous and something everyone would want to prevent. Thus the architect is
required to respect the contour and place the structure to accommodate the contour
instead of upsetting the contour. For example, if an area is inappropriate for a certain
type of activity, the architect could program it to a more site friendly program instead of
clearing up the lot. As programming defines the project’s objectives and functional
requirements, including the proposed activities, area allocated for each activity, and the
functional or spatial relationships among those activities, stated by LaGro (2008)
Vegetation serves as an effectively shading device and helps reduce heat gain. They
can either deflect or direct the airflow towards the building. Where they could

Pulau Banding.
manipulate the pressure of airflow, thus the reliance on mechanical ventilation could be
lessened. Plants, shrubs and trees absorb radiation in the process of photosynthesis,
whilst cooling the environment. With the placement of trees and hedges minor pressure
differences help change the air path, as explain in Fig 2.1 and Fig 2.2. (Krishnan, 2001)
Figure 2.1 Hedges manipulate air path Figure 2.2 Trees to change air path
(Krishnan, 2001)
According to LaGro (2008), choosing the types of materials, should be accordance to
the embodied energy and its future availability. In terms of heavy materials, we are to
source it locally. Heavy materials like stone, aggregates, bricks, should be specified
from quarries or manufacturers located near construction site. This helps in terms of its
transportation and reduces pollution which brings harm to the environment. Materials
made on site would be idealistic, where the amount of environmental damage could
reduce and revive local building traditions besides employing the locals, thus providing
job opportunities. Therefore the locals would not view the construction as an eyesore.
As for the lightweight materials, it is more encouraging to source it globally. As the
embodied energy for lightweight material, does not take account of its transportation
cost. In the case of aluminium, the bulk of its embodied energy is the result of the
manufacturing process, with a ratio of 5:1 in the amount of energy consumed per unit
weight of aluminium. The sustainable also take account of its futurity, whilst considering
the needs of the future generations. There are long-term future supplies of sand, stone
and softwoods. Global scarcity does not exist in these areas, and hence they should be
selected in preference to metals, plastics and hardwoods. (Edwards, Royal Institute of
British Architects, & Earthscan, 2010, p. 130 -131 & 133)

Pulau Banding.
3.0 Role of Contextual in Belum Rainforest Resort
The type of contextual played out in Belum Rainforest Resort is ‘Different Element in
Similar Relationship.’ Where the site relates to one thing, which is nature. Nature plays
a huge role in Belum Resort, as the resort was constructed in a way that creates
minimal invasion of the surroundings, by building the resort around the trees rather
than the cut-and construct method, which is more cost-effective. The designs at the
resort mimic nature with open spaces and the smart integration of walls into the
landscape such as cliff and terra morphing rooftops (Valliappan, 2014). For the
ecological design has taken on a broader attempt to put the eco-system into the linear,
functional equations, normally employed by architects (LaGro, 2008). Both phases are
able to display similar design strategies towards nature.
In terms of the different element, as Belum Resort is constructed in two phases as
shown in Fig. 3.1., as both phases display a contrast in terms of the type of material
used and the design approach. The first phase consists of a total of 18 Homesteads
where they provide a private enclave nestled amongst the rainforest (Banding Island,
2014). Whereas the second phase, completed in 2013, will add 36 more rooms, six
kampung-style houses and new facilities such as a larger main lobby, swimming pool,
convenience store, five spa rooms and an administrative centre, as told by Mustapha.
Allowing each phases to stand out individually.
Phase 2 Phase 1
Figure 3.1 Indication of Phase 1 and 2 (Lau, 2014)

Pulau Banding.
4.0 Design Strategies
From the design strategies of the resort we could analyse the intention of the architect
and understand his approach towards designing for the context, especially via the local
climate.
4.1 Landform and Typography
As stated, Belum Rainforest Resort is located on an island called Pulau Banding. It is a
243-hectare inland island encircled by the Temengor Lake. Being one of the oldest
rainforest standing, 130 million years (Banding Island, 2014). The architect’s fully utilize
the type of typography, in terms of its high area and low area and designing and
orientate the building accordingly. According to Krishnan (2001), slopes and
depressions lead to different levels of air temperature and air movement at different
parts of the site.
High Area
Low Area
Figure 4.1 Indicated of level of area
(Lau, 2014)
In the high area, the buildings are arrange in order thru the invisible grid line. They are
mostly buildings with simple forms. Being on the high area provides maximum

Pulau Banding.
ventilation. As being on the crest, building would have more exposure towards sunlight,
causing unwanted heat gain. Thus, the designer approach the design by manipulating
the colour and material of building in high area, refer to 4.4.
The villas located at the low area, are perched upon a hill or rise above the lake’s edge
where they enjoy natural ventilation from winds flowing across the lake and through the
trees (Emkay, n.d.). As the buildings that are placed nearer towards the lake’s edge,
they are orientated in accordance to the landform of the island instead of following the
grid line set by the other buildings. This is done to compliment the typography and to
create a funnel effect to maximize the airflow’s pressure to the surroundings, as open
spaces are places in between buildings for circulation.
4.2 Clustered
Clustered would be the typical layout for a normal resort. Not only that, but it proves to
be the most efficient layout. As it is advisable for hot-humid climate’s building to not to
be attached to one another and the open spaces should be orientated with respect
towards the wind pattern, stated by Krishnan (2001).
Figure 4.2.2 Enhance ventilation
(Krishnan, 2001)
(funnel effect)
Figure 4.2.1 Ensure natural lighting
In Belum Resort, the buildings are evidently clustered with open spaces in between
buildings, to provide ventilation for the users strolling in the open spaces while
increasing heat loss between buildings. With a clustered layout, structures would be
able to receive natural lighting and with the spaces in between the structures, refer to
Figure 4.2.1, the wind would create a funnel effect, refer to Fig 4.2.2, causing the air
pressure to increase (Krishnan, 2001). Thus lighting and ventilation could be obtained
naturally without the use of mechanism, proving to be an efficient sustainable design.

Pulau Banding.
With the clustered layout, shading could be provided towards the open space, as the
buildings casts shadow upon space. Thus the design planning for space is important to
maximize sustainability.
4.3 Roof Form
In a hot-humid climate, the element of ventilation is a necessity that is constantly well-thought-
out in design stage. The most suitable roof form for the local climate would be
the pitch roof. Roof can be used as an element to manipulate natural lighting and
ventilation in accordance to user’s need. According to Krishnan (2001), it is advisable
to place the longest dimension in perpendicular towards the direction of the wind. And
the roof’s overhangs and pitch should be as high as possible, as this would allow
maximum pressure difference and consequently maximum airflow.
Apr – Oct
Oct - Feb
Figure 4.3.1 Direction of air flow and pitch roof
Figure 4.3.1.2
Accommodation
(Lau, 2014)
Figure 4.3.1.1 Chalet
From Fig. 4.3.1.1, the roof of the chalet is placed in perpendicular towards the wind
direction, fulfilling Krishnan’s statement, thus providing maximum ventilation for site. As
for the other site (Fig 4.3.1.2), the pitch roof is placed parallel towards the direction of
the wind. Based on my observations, the roof is placed in that orientation for it is
located at a high area, thus there is no need to place roof perpendicularly towards the

Pulau Banding.
wind direction. Therefore it isn’t a essential to place the roof perpendicular towards the
wind direction.
4.4 Ground Character and External Colour & Texture
Figure 4.4.1 Accommodation area Figure 4.4.2 Villa and open spaces
(Lau, 2014)
When compare between Fig. 4.4.1 and Fig. 4.4.2 we could easily see that both their
characteristics are different in terms of the ground character and external colour &
texture. As ground character and external colour & texture affects the reflectivity. The
lighter the colour and the smoother the surface, creates a higher the reflectivity on the
material. Whereas for a darker colour and rougher surface, the reflectivity level would
be lower as they would store heat. (Krishnan, 2001)
In Fig 4.4.1, building is placed on a high area, with the rough grass character of the
ground, follow by the façade of the structure surrounded with the rough dark surface of
somah wood, plus the vegetation that grew on it. When the ground has a rough texture
like the grass, it would be harder to radiate the sunlight directly towards the building.
Thus allowing the structure to absorb minimum radiated heat, as explained for the
design placement of the somah wood to be repetitive and not fully covered. With a
rough ground, this let the site to be self-shading. Thus it would be easier for user to
facilitate this site as oppose to site in Fig. 4.4.2, which would explain the placement of
tables and chair at site. (Krishnan, 2001)

Pulau Banding.
Whereas in Fig. 4.4.2, the character of the ground is smooth concrete, follow by the
light-coloured surface of the structure. With the smooth pathway, sunlight could easily
radiate directly towards building, which would be a unpleasant situation for the user as
it welcomes sun glare. Thus the designer chooses a light coloured surface to
compliment the smooth pathway, where sunlight will radiated from the pathway. With
this solution, heat gain could be minimized. (Krishnan, 2001)
In both pictures, vegetation could be seen all around site as it can be employed to
maximize air flow (Fig 4.4.3), however if not planted carefully they would end up
reducing air speed. As vegetation can be used to direct and increase air speeds. In
Belum Resort, vegetation are planted along pathway, this is done in order to narrow
‘path’ for the air. (Krishnan, 2001)
Figure 4.4.3 Vegetation used to direct direction of air flow
4.5 Veranda
(Krishnan, 2001)
Veranda can be function as airy structures when in conjunction with fenestration, while
functioning as an additional space for user. It is ideal for to have veranda for structures,
where it allows heat loss and enhance ventilation, thus prevent heat trap. (Krishnan,
2001)

Pulau Banding.
Figure 4.5.1 Veranda on villas (Lau, 2014)
As seen in Fig 4.5.1, verandas are applied onto design as part of strategies. Verandas
are linked with the fenestration allowing user to enjoy space. With the veranda, interior
space would be directly absorbs sunlight and heat as the veranda serves as a buffer
zone. Plus with the vegetation and the rammed earth wall that acts a barrier between
exterior and interior. Integration of vegetation inside boundary wall helps produce a
cooling effect. With this design, user would be able to receive appropriate amount of
natural lighting. Furthermore, verandas are placed facing west, allowing user to enjoy
the picturesque view of the sunset.
5.0 Sustainable Materials
Material plays huge role of site as it shows an identity of a site and creates a more
sustainable design. According to Valliappan (2014), users would be able to find feature
wall or an age-old tree trunk in own villa, or leafy pavilions linked by meandering
walkways. When it comes to selecting range of materials, materials are chosen as
indigenous as much as possible, by circumventing long-haul transport and thereby
greatly reducing carbon footprints.

Pulau Banding.
Figure 5.1 Images of reuse materials on site
(Lau, 2014)
The reuse of construction materials is a feature of vernacular architecture where new
buildings would often incorporate parts of older buildings, whether in form of structural
members, cladding material or built-in fittings (LaGro, 2008). Materials in Fig 5.1 are
materials that are reused. These materials are actually found on site, thus the
embodied energy on transportation is reduce. Glass bottles used on ceilings of
walkway creates shadows pattern thus providing an interesting open space. Bricks
were reused from previous demolished structures on site, which are crushed to pieces
and stacked on wall, used to create an aesthetic wall that holds no load. Golden
bamboo used as non-structural shading device for the lobby area, as bamboo are well
known for its sustainable characteristics. These bamboos were found on site before
construction. Rammed earth wall reused from site were distinctly used around resort
were introduces to add natural charm and frame the panoramic engagement of views.
It is a narrative reflection, of the change of the water level where the earthy edges of
the lake is exposed during the low water season. They keep the nearby areas cool and
reduce the over reliance on mechanical cooling systems. (Banding Island, 2014)
Figure 5.2 Sustainable materials
(Lau, 2014)

Pulau Banding.
As shown in Fig. 5.2 are the examples of sustainable materials practiced in Belum
Resort. Materials employed on site proven to be eco-friendly. For example, somah
wood – obtain on site, reinforced concrete and wood-concrete composite – noted as a
recyclable material. These materials could be easily obtained from nearby supplier than
are no more than 50km. Materials are bare with no finishes, as the architect wishes for
nature to grow around the structures, allowing nature to take over. As architectural
design brings nature into the equation – either inside or not, or directly – in the
construction materials employed. For nature is a source of tactile, visual and aural
pleasure. By welcoming nature into buildings, nature serves both a practical purpose
and a spiritual one. (LaGro, 2008)
6.0 Belum Resort’s Living Conditions
Taken from Banding Island (2014), Belum Rainforest Resort serves as the gateway to
Royal Belum State Park and to position it as a heritage destination on the world eco-tourism
map. Visitors will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with natural
world through a myriad of activities such as bird-watching excursions, a cruise around
the island as well as nature walk (Valliappan, 2014). Through visiting Belum Resort,
visitors would be able to experience the ‘Orang Asli’ houses and understanding their
lifestyle and culture; taking consideration not only the social and physical structure but
also the interests of local population particularly the ‘Orang Asli’ community. As the
development process being envisage and practice comprehensive management of
resources in order to ensure its viability, thus enabling the environment and its
surroundings particularly the protected areas, to be preserved. Whilst comply with the
requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. For the
development are required to be sustainable thus it would be economically viable and
ecologically manageable in the long term, conducted in an ethnical manner and be
socially equitable for the local community. Belum Resort recognizes the importance of

Pulau Banding.
balancing the need of preserving nature vis-à-vis the need to promote eco-tourism.
(Banding Island, 2014)
7.0 Conclusion
Belum Rainforest Resort has taught us that it is possible to live within nature. With
careful strategies in order for the building to adopt into the site, as the years goes by.
When we learn from nature, it encourages an appreaciation of interaction between
resources. As one of Robert Venturi's great contributions in Complexity and
Contradiction, was to deplore the absence of cultural meaning in modernist architecture
and to signal the importance of its presence in the historical styles. As present the local
community of the ‘Orang Asli,’ provides cultural attributes towards resort. A sustainable
design would reflect the context as it is, in architecture form, in terms of its physical,
biological and cultural attributes, as stated in LaGro (2008) It does not matter how
grand our architecture are, we constantly would rely on nature. In the end, nature
would still be there even when architecture is gone.
8.0 References
Banding Island. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.bandingisland.com/

Pulau Banding.
DeKay, M., & Bennett, S. (2011). Integral sustainable design: Transformative
perspectives. London: Earthscan.
Edwards, B., Royal Institute of British Architects., & Earthscan. (2010). Rough guide to
sustainability: A design primer. London: RIBA Publishing.
Krishan, A. (2001). Climate responsive architecture: A design handbook for energy
efficient buildings. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Pub. Co.
LaGro, J. A. (2008). Site analysis: A contextual approach to sustainable land planning
and site design. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Valliappan, S. (2014) Focusm Benchmark. Tropical Paradise

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