Asian Architecture Research Paper - Topography

The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234] PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

The significance of topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the design sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 resort designs of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding.

NAME:

Charlene Chan Huishan

STUDENT ID:

0308518

LECTURER:

Ms. Shahrianne

SUBMISSION DATE:

11 November 2014

[ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture]

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort Designs of Belum Rainforest Resort, Pulau Banding.

Table of Contents

Pages

Abstract ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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1.0 Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1.1 What is Sustainable Architecture?

1.2 What is Contextual Architecture?

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2.0 General Overview -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------2.1 Introduction to Pulau Banding 2.2 Introduction to Belum Rainforest Resort

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3.0 Topography of Belum ------------------------------------------------------------------------------3.1 Building with the contours

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4.0 Solutions to overcome issues of topography ------------------------------------------------4.1 Design Strategies 4.2 Placement of buildings 4.2.1 Phase 1 placement 4.2.2 Phase 2 placement

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5.0 Soil Conditions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5.1 Concrete in acidic soil 5.2 Steel in acidic soil 5.3 Timber in acidic soil

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6.0 Method of Construction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------6.1 Phase 1 foundation system 6.2 Phase 2 foundation system 6.2.1 Deluxe Suites 6.2.2 Traditional Kampung Chalets

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7.0 Case Study Comparison ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21 8.0 Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 9.0 Reference ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Abstract Sustainability in Architecture has recently became an issue of discussion as we are progressing towards an age where the environment is slowly being destroyed. The purpose of conducting a research on the Contextual Architecture of Pulau Banding, Perak is to further understand the relationship on how the topography of the site affects the design and sustainability of the Belum rainforest resort, in phase 1 and phase 2.

This research is an analysis on the architect’s approach to design in relation to specifically the topography. With topography being the main crucial factor that affects the design of a building, it is anticipated that various design approach, placement of buildings and significant features of the Belum rainforest resort designs will be studied. Smaller factors such as the condition of the soil will also be studied as it affects the types of foundation being used for a building. The construction method and the foundation systems for each pf the phases will also be discussed. All these features and design approach that are influence by the topography and soil condition will be discovered and recorded in this paper.

Literature reviews and books of various sources regarding contextual architecture were recorded for further justification of this paper. Photographs and site visits were conducted as the main source to validate this research.

Before the research is conducted in specific, the scope of ‘Contextual Architecture’ and its meaning has to be understood. ‘Context’ itself as a word refers to the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs; environment, setting of the place. [1] Therefore, Contextual Architecture, also known as Contextualism is basically the term that suggests an architecture that responds to its surroundings by respecting what is already there. [2] For example, the topography, climate, existing structures, et cetera.

In order to provide a detailed scope of this research, this paper is also going to look at case studies that further complements the notion for architecture to comply with the topography of the site. This is further explained how the significance of it to create sustainable architecture.

Hence, it has come to a conclusion, that contextual architecture affects the design approach and features of a building in a sense that it changes the placement, and design approach as well as constructional approach. However, it is not enough if a building is sustainable but the users are not doing their part in conserving the environment. The building and the users have to do their part as one, conserving nature together.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

1.0 Introduction What is Sustainable Architecture?

As our world is pacing into the 21st century of technology, progress is inevitable in Architecture. The effect of the Industrial Revolution is now felt quite drastically. Many buildings these days have evolved in accordance to modernism, but many have been classified as ‘unsustainable’ architecture.

In relation to this matter, many countries have now started to see the consequences if this matter preserves on. Many of them have started to adopt Sustainable Architecture in their development designs. In the publication of ‘Our Common Future’, Sustainability is being defined as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ (UNWC, 1987) Sustainable Architecture is basically an architecture that aims to minimize its impacts on the built environment, by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy and spatial development.

The main idea for sustainable architecture is to make sure that our decisions would not compromise the chances of the future generations.

As the world population increases and the use of natural resources surges, architects are called to be sustainable and build buildings that last for more than 100 years, said the world-known sustainable architect, Tadao Ando. (Lee, 2012) The longer the building last, the lesser the natural resources we would need.

In relation to Asian context, Sustainability in Architecture is further documented and supported by the principles of Dr. Nirmal Krishnani in relation to designing with Longevity, Adaptability and Reuse.

‘A Sustainable built environment is designed for adaptability and reuse, with a view to extend the life of whole buildings and their components. Preservation, Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse are approaches that extend the life of the building and its components, thereby lowering their embodied energy cost.’ (Krishnani, 2010)

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

What is Contextual Architecture?

Contextualism, in regards in architecture, is basically the term that suggests an architecture that responds to its surroundings by respecting what is already there. The very idea to

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Respect and follow the topography of the site while designing

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Understand the climatic conditions of the site and using appropriate materials

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Reuse and renovate the existing buildings on site instead of demolishing them;

That is Contextual Architecture.

To design sustainably is to take the site context into consideration. Working with contextual architecture when designing is one of the means to achieve Sustainable Architecture.

To further understand the relationship between the design strategies in terms of contextual architecture and its environmental implication, my research title ‘The significance of topography in relation to the Design Sustainability’ will be taking Belum rainforest resort as a case study. This paper will be responding in detail to the few following questions:

1. What is contextual architecture?

2. What is the general topography of Belum Rainforest Resort (Pulau Banding)?

3. How is the placement of buildings in Phase 1 and Phase 2 resorts in relation to the topography of Pulau Banding?

4. What is the soil condition in Belum Rainforest Resort?

5. What is the construction method of Belum rainforest resort and how it affects the topography of the island?

The structure of the research paper will be focusing on one of the components in Contextual Architecture in detail, which is topography. To strengthen my point, there will also be a comparative case study being shown in the report to support the notion of designing according to the topography. Ultimately, a conclusion regarding the importance of topography in sustainable architecture will be reached.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

2.0 General Overview Introduction to Pulau Banding

Figure 1: A bird’s eye view of the whole Pulau Banding located in Perak. [Source: www.jombelum.com]

Banding Island is an inland island of 243-hectre, encircled by the Temengor Lake. Temengor Lake lies at the heart of Belum-Temengor Rainforest, with the Royal Belum State Park up north and the Temengor Rainforest located at the southern side of the rainforest complex. Banding Island is actually a man-made island located in a man-made lake, created in the late 1960’s by the construction of the Temengor Dam and flooding the valleys, creating the island it is to date. (Banding Island, 2014)

Initially, the dam was purposefully created to generate hydro-electric power supply and to deprive communist and terrorist then of their very few remaining infiltration routes, making them flee back to their bases in Thailand for shelter.

The Royal Belum Rainforest is reputed to be over 130 million years of age and still counting, making it one of the oldest rainforest in the world. This magical rainforest is home to many species of flora and fauna, and even home to some of the many rare endangered species of the world, including the Malaysian Tiger and Sun bear.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Introduction to Belum Rainforest Resort The Belum Rainforest Resort is set amidst Pulau Banding, one of Malaysia’s premier Eco-tourism project developed by EMKAY group. The Phase 2 development is completed in mid-2013, and it had become one of the must visit tourist attraction since then. With the rainforest literally at their doorstep, Belum rainforest resorts seeks to give their guest a rare opportunity to enjoy the shooting beauty of nature.

The resort is so far completed in 2 different phases, although they are anticipating the next phase to start soon. The first phase is completed in 2008 by C’Arch Architects, while Phase 2 is completed by Juteras Architects, both showing traits of sustainable architecture. This research paper will go in depth regarding both the phases of construction, in relation to the methods they used to overcome the challenges of the topography. The approach to amplify design strategies in relation to topography is appropriate for this scope of research.

Figure 2: A bird’s eye view of Belum Rainforest Resort, showing Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the resort.

[Source: http://www.belumresort.com/index.html]

Phase 1 (Completed in 2008 by C’Arch Architects) Phase 2 (Completed in 2013 by Juteras Architects)

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

3.0 Topography of Belum Building with the contours The topography of the land, is relatively irregular due to the flat land and slopes of the natural contour. Banding island would actually have been a hilltop before the flooding of the valley by the Temengor dam. (David, n.d.) The highest peak in Pulau Banding is to be recorded at a height of 2012m from the expedition carried out by the Pulau Banding Foundation, followed by the second peak of 1213m and the third peak of 886m in height. (Mohd A.L., 2013) Therefore, it can be concluded that the contours of Pulau banding is relatively steep.

In the conversation with the architect on site, before Phase 1 was executed, there were existing structures on the flat land due to the logging activities before the land was bought over by EMKAY group. Presumably the flat land was created by the loggers for convenience of transportation and temporary dwellings.

That is the reason why Phase 1 resorts sits on flat land, the central platform of banding island, where as Phase 2 resorts sits on slopping land, adjusting itself while building with the sleep contours.

Figure 3: The placement of Phase 1 development sitting on the terrains [Source: http://www.c-arch.com.my/data/uploads/pub-world-architecture-belum.pdf]

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 4: A sectional diagram of Phase 1 resorts, showing the topography of the land and the height of the water level in comparison. [Source: http://www.c-arch.com.my/data/uploads/pub-world-architecture-belum.pdf]

Phase 1 resorts reuses the materials from the existing structures and designs the resort in to suit the flat land, while Phase 2 is initiated after the completion of Phase 1 and decides to conserve the topography of the site.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

4.0 Solutions to the topography Design Strategies for the development of Pulau Banding Upon the handover of the land to EMKAY group, many people were discontent and feared the worst, that the company will destroy the natural habitat of the land. However, the developers retorted and even came up with a set of guidelines and principles that they would comply with throughout the 10-15 years of development of Pulau Banding. (Yasmin Karim, 2007)

The few guidelines the developers would comply with (Belum Rainforest Villas, 2014):

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Approximately 80% of Banding Island will be left untouched and untainted. Only 20% will be low-density developments with minimal carbon footprints and eco-friendly construction elements utilising local talents and sourcing what is required locally

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Respecting the contours of the land, without resorting to cut and fill excavations, the terrain takes precedence over design.

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Development will only be carried out on previously disturbed sections of the island, which is roughly 44% of the island. Areas which are too low or too steep would not be developed in order to conserve nature.

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Indigenous plants will be moved and replanted while the development will be done with minimal engineering and heavy machinery. Structures will be assembled off site and brought to site to avoid polluting the Temengor Lake.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Placement of Buildings Phase 1 The challenge of Phase 1 was not the placement of the buildings, but more of how the existing structures are being fully utilized instead of just being demolished and wasted, creating a sustainable architecture. The contour of the land was in favour of Phase 1 resorts development. The resorts and the restaurant sits at the highest tier of the land, followed by the reception which is slightly lower in levelling of the contour.

Figure 5: The site elevation showing the land levelling difference and the placement of the buildings of Phase 1 developments. [Source: http://www.c-arch.com.my/hospitality/belum-rainforest-resort]

Phase 2 In an interview with the architect on-site, he claimed the very first step of designing is to fully understand the landform for the development of Phase 2 as it is a steep slope. The deluxe suits and traditional chalets are designed as modular blocks, with its placement following the natural contour of the site, which is relatively irregular on a site plan view. The one thing that binds each of the designs is it encompasses the strategic view of the Temengor Lake.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 6: The plan view placement of both the development of the Phases on the site plan of Pulau Banding.

Phase 1 Developments Phase 2 Developments

Figure 7: The Deluxe Suites are arranged in blocks

Figure 8: The traditional chalets follows the natural contour of the site and seem more embedded into the site.

Phase 2 resorts are located a level below Phase 1 resorts, but they are interconnected using a walkway that links the restaurant to the deluxe suites. The two phases do not seem out of place with this connection, instead it creates a more poetic feeling when the user experience both the spaces of each phase.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

The interplay of levelling is extensively used in the design of Phase 2 resorts, no buildings are blocking one another in any way.

Figure 9: The poetic walkway that interconnects both the phases together, making it becoming one full design instead.

Figure 10: The timber flooring walkway, giving a sense of direction and guiding the users to Phase 2 of Belum Rainforest Resort

Both the phases of the resorts do not overlap each other and block the view of one another facing the Temengor Lake. This does not only provides a beautiful view towards the lake for all the three different types of resorts, but it also promotes ventilation throughout all the resorts as none of the resorts is blocking the ventilation from each other.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

5.0 Soil Conditions Being situated in the tropics and in the midst of the rainforest, the soil condition of tropical rainforest are usually infertile and strongly leached. Large amounts of nutrients and minerals are slowly being removed from the subsoils. (Soilnet, n.d.)

Tropical soil, also known as Laterite soil are usually soil types that are of abundance in iron and aluminium, mainly because of the hot and humid climate of the tropical rainforest. Rain usually leaches fundamental elements such as calcium and magnesium from the soil. Therefore, dry areas that are covered by the trees tend to have more alkali soil, whereas areas that are exposed and have a higher rainfall generally have acidic soil. (Soil pH, n.d.)

Figure 11: The site elevation of a part of Belum Rainforest resort, showing the different types of soil and the relationship between the water level and the soil condition.

Table 1: Behaviours of different types of material in different types of soil conditions.

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Table 2: Soil properties in accordance to water level

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Concrete in acidic soil conditions

Concrete is widely used as piling for foundations of buildings and structures. However, some laterite soil such as those in Belum are of acidic conditions. Acidic soil will slowly corrode the concrete, causing the concrete to become brittle and deteriorate quickly.

However, concrete can be treated with the suitable mixture formulae of low water-cement ratio to withstand corrosion from the soil and also reinforcement corrosion. Concrete is also able to withstand longer if it has low porosity and low absorption. Treated concrete as piling is definitely a material that can withstand corrosion and other attacks for quite a period of time. It can be said that treated concrete will definitely create a better, less polluted environment, leading to a more sustainable design.

Steel in acidic soil conditions

Steel is also an element widely used in foundation pads and footings. Acidic soil conditions speeds up the corrosion process in steel frames. The corrosion rate can be tested by using the linear polarization testing. Even though there is no methods to prevent corrosion in steel, but there are methods in increasing the effective life of steel – Corrosion control measures.

For most steel piles, the common protection means is by applying layers of organic coatings such as zinc metal coatings. Cathodic protection (CP) is another mean of increasing the effective life of steel.

It is a process that involves passing galvanised or impress current throughout the steel. (Davies, 2010) Another recommendation to strengthen and prolong the life span of steel foundations is by using the helical pile steel foundation. It is basically a screw piled foundation with helical piles to support steel grillage. (Orchard Corporate Ltd, 2005) The usual life span of such foundation can usually last more than 60 years, depending on the needs of the client. With treatments done to steel, it can be a sustainable material in the construction industry.

Timber in acidic soil conditions

Timber on the other hand, is resistant to both acidic and also alkali soil conditions. Timber piles have proven to be invulnerable to decay, and extended to the surface using concrete sections, where they are used below the water table. Treated softwood or hardwood can be used to for foundation pad and footings. In recent research, polymer encasement may be incorporated in line with environmental friendly preservatives to protect timber in the UK. (T N, 2003)

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

By using timber for piled foundations, it will be sustainable as to reduce global warming by burying timber to create carbon dumps.

Figure 12: An example of treated timber piling construction, able to withstand both acidic and alkali soils.

[Source: www.koppers.com.au/0904_HWD_Foundation_pile_case_study_compendium%20(1).pdf]

All three of the materials discussed above are suitable to use as foundational materials and are actually sustainable materials, only if they have gone through treatment, and enough to withstand the treats each of them face.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

6.0 Method of Construction Phase 1 Belum Rainforest Resorts

Figure 13: The Hornbill restaurant of Belum Rainforest Resort that acts as an alternative reception sits on flat land of Pulau Banding.

Figure 14: The Phase 1 resorts blends in well with the surrounding context while quietly sitting on the central flat platform of Pulau Banding

The Phase 1 development for the Belum Rainforest Resort is located at the central flat platform of Banding Island. The soil type for Banding Island is of Laterite soil and it is considered one of the waterlogged areas. The foundation construction process of Phase 1 isn’t tricky as it is a flat land and does little damage to the topography of the island.

Raft Foundation Both raft foundation and pile foundation are suitable to be used in waterlogged areas but pile foundation are mostly used for skyscrapers and multi-storey buildings. The damage caused by pile foundation is greater as it is drill deep down the ground and filled with concrete to withstand heavy loads. Raft foundation is mainly for buildings of lesser storeys, in this case the Belum Rainforest resorts has only a maximum of 2 storeys.

Raft foundation has a ground beam which projects out from the foundation base. It is attached to the ground floor slab to form a network of concrete installed around the building space.

(Emmanuel, 2008)

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 14: A more detailed section of Raft foundation system.

The raft foundation used cases minimal damage to the ground and does not change the topography of the site. The foundation construction method in Phase 1 is considered sustainable as it response to the site by using suitable foundation and innovative construction.

Phase 2 Belum Rainforest Resorts

Figure 15: The Duluxe Suite is located just after Phase 1 of the resort, with levelling difference separating it.

Figure 16: The traditional chalets resorts blends in well with the surrounding context and the natural topography of the site

The buildings of Phase 2 are of various size. The bigger the building goes, the more the materials needed and the more soil foundation it will invade, causing more harm to the soil.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Deluxe Suites The development of the Deluxe Suites started in the year 2012, before the development of the traditional kampung chalets. The Deluxe Suits consist of 4 units per modular block, facing the west.

The Deluxe suites is also the linkage between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the development. The height of the deluxe suites is constructed such that it is of the right level to link a walkway between Phase 1’s hornbill restaurant to phase 2.

Figure 17: The connection between Phase 1 resorts and Phase 2’s deluxe suites from the front view of the Deluxe Suites.

Figure 18: The deluxe suites plays around with levelling to bridge the walkway between Phase 1 and Phase 2’s resorts.

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Figure 19: The connecting walkway between both phases, it also seeks as a unique experience for the users to experience the magnificent view of the lake.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

In terms of sustainability, the Deluxe Suites is less sustainable compared to the traditional chalets as it is larger in size and it occupies more of the land, having the foundation to invade the land even more for the structural stability of the building.

Raft Foundation Phase 2 Deluxe Suites also uses the raft foundation as a foundation system. Similarly, it does not require pile foundation as it is of lesser storeys.

Figure 19: The section of the deluxe suites, showing the circulation and entrance of the suites.

Figure 20: The construction process of the Phase 2 Deluxe Suites.

[Source: http://www.anythinglily.blogspot.com]

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Figure 21: Workers are filling the earth rammed wall on site, through the mixture of earth and cement.

[Source: http://www.jdw.com.my/portfolio/bandingrainforest-resort-phase-2]

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Traditional Kampung Chalets The Phase 2 Traditional Kampung chalets are tucked in the steep contour of the topography on site.

The architect employed the traditional kampung house style with stilts to overcome the issue of the uneven terrain skilfully.

The play of levelling is obvious in the spatial arrangement of the traditional chalets. Users will experience a change of level once they enter the chalets. This levelling blends very well with the natural topography of the site, enhancing the beauty of the slope on site.

Figure 22: The section of the traditional kampung chalets, showing the entrance of the chalets and the cantilevered position of the chalets

Pad foundation The traditional kampung chalets uses pad foundation as the foundation system for the building strcuture. Pad foundation is basically isolated colums, or pillars that are casted from the foundation to withstand the load of a slab at the top of the ground. Pad foundation asserts the least damage to the earth and soil, keeping and enhancing the beauty of the natural topography of the site.

Figure 23: A sketch of how the pad foundation system would function and look like, illustrated in a simple diagram

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 24 & 25: The before and after of the construction of the Traditional Kampung Chalets, using isolated columns for its pad foundation system.

Figure 26 & 27: The Traditional Kampung chalets are gracefully tucked into the terrains of the Pulau Banding, sitting according to the curve of the contour.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

7.0 Case Study Comparison Belum Rainforest resort is one of the few buildings that has skilfully resolve the topography issues on site, preserving the naturally steep contour, letting nature taking precedence in their design. The architect deliberately allow the design to follow the curves of nature, making the resort harmonizing with nature to become one.

However, failure to comply with the natural topography of the site and creating manmade interventions might sometimes result in failure of the structure. There are many cases in Malaysia itself in which landslides happen due to their failure to work with the topography of the site. Most of the landslides happen on manmade slopes. This is also caused by the uncertainties much related to human factors like inadequacy in design, the failure in construction or cheap and poorly done maintenance. (Jamaluddin, 2006)

A comparative case study is discussed to strengthen the point, the significance of topography in a sustainable design.

Case: Highland Towers, Ulu Klang in 1993. (Qasim, Harahap and Osman, 2013) One of the three highland towers of 12-storey high collapse, causing a tragedy involving 48 deaths.

Although the main cause of this tragedy is the inefficient drainage, but factors such as design failures are also to be blamed. It is reported to have found buckling and shearing of the pile foundation structure. The rubble walls from the cut and fill slopes also showed safety flawed design. The slope is also to be found too steep for any kind of construction. All these little factors slowly led to the massive tragedy that occurred due to the ignorance of the developer. The towers have then been evacuated for safety purposes.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 4: The collapse of one of the 16 storey highland towers in 1993.

[Source: www.en.wikipedia.org]

Figure 4: The remaining two highland towers have been totally evacuated due to safety reasons.

[Source: http://www.ammboi.com/2013/12/11/kronologitragedi-highland-towers-11-disember-1993/]

Comparatively to Belum rainforest resort’s designs, the Highland towers to do comply to the topography of the site, instead the developer chooses to take the easy way out by using cut & fill method, which is more dangerous and risky. The highland towers is one of the cases than strongly supports the notion to build buildings according the topography of the site, whilst taking into consideration the context of the site.

Heavy rainfall also has the possibility to act as a triggering factor that causes landslides in Malaysia.

This amplifies the importance of a thorough understanding of the site’s topography, including the soil condition and vegetation landscape before making harsh decisions to change the site’s features.

With all these factors being taken into consideration, buildings made would be more sustainable complying with the context of the site.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

8.0 Conclusion To conclude, the topography of the site should not be taken lightly or ignored. Smaller factors such as soil condition and landscape vegetation should also be studied beforehand, before taking any actions on the site. All these factors should be given equal attention in order to build a sustainable building.

Sustainable design should be looked at a wider perspective and not only limited to passive design strategies. To include contextual architecture in building designs would cover a more holistic scope, making sustainability a more complete element. I believe it is every architect’s social responsibility to create buildings that are not only visually pleasing but also sustainable in every possible way. If everyone would practice this simple principles, we can anticipate ourselves pacing to an age of highly sustainable architecture.

Belum Rainforest Resort has complied with its context and is considered as a pioneer example in terms of how it deals with the topography of the site.

Sustainability is a long term goal, even though it might be too soon to classify Belum Rainforest Resort as a Sustainable design, whether it might be a stepping stone to a betterment or the starting of habitual destruction, no one knows. However for now, at the current moment and era, it surely is one sustainable building design.

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9.0 Reference Alexander, L. and Cady, J. (1962). Genesis and hardening of laterite in soils. Washington: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

Banding Island, (2014). Banding Island. [online] Available at: http://www.bandingisland.com/os_banding_island.php [Accessed 10 Nov. 2014].

Belum Rainforest Villas. (2014). 1st ed. [ebook] Kuala Lumpur: M.K.N Group. Available at: http://belumrainforestvillas.com/pdf/BRV_Brochure.pdf [Accessed 10 Nov. 2014].

David. (n.d.). Banding Island on Lake Temenggor, Perak. [online] Available at: http://www.malaysia-traveller.com/banding-island.html [Accessed 10 Nov. 2014].

Davies, K. (2010). Dealing with Corrosion : Helical Piling.

Emmanuel, O. (2008). BuildingContractorSecrets.com Âť Blog Archive Âť Types of foundation and their uses. [online] Buildingcontractorsecrets. Available at: http://buildingcontractorsecrets.com/2008/03/types-of-foundation-and-their-uses/ [Accessed 10 Nov. 2014].

Jamaluddin, T.A., (2006) Human factors and slope failures in Malaysia. Bull. Geol. Soc. Malaysia, 52: 75-84.

Krishnani, N. (2010). Attributes of a Sustainable Built Environment. 1st ed. [EBook] Singapore: National University of Singapore, pp.10-11.

Available at: http://www.academia.edu/8291377/Attributes_of_a_Sustainable_Built_Environment [Accessed 8 Nov. 2014] Lee, W-y. (2012). Creating sustainable buildings to last a lifetime. [online] Koreaherald.com.

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The significance of Topography in Contextual Architecture in relation to the Design Sustainability of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Resort of Belum Rainforest Resort

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Abstract Reference [1] Merriam-Webster, on ‘Context’. Last accessed 24/10/2014 at http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/context [2] JAMES STEVENS CURL. "Contextual Architecture." A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. 2000. Retrieved October 24, 2014 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O1-contextualarchitecture.html

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