Diocesano Museum, Milan, Italy. University Project. Civate Community Center, Lecco, Italy. University Project. Cascina, Pavia, Italy. Competition Entry.
Sustaining memories
Social Housing, Zurich, Switzerland. University Project. Langit Apartment, Kuching, Malaysia. Competition in previous company, 4th place. Cove 55 Resort, Kuching, Malaysia. Completed 2022.
- Collaboration w. L. Longo, G. Gallegos Gonzalez, Y. Yang & M. Blazkho
On principles and design
Context driven
If design is the conversation between creativity and context, then a specific context is what gives rise to a specific design. Álvaro Siza’s Piscina das Marés goes beyond simple pragmatism in construction, embracing the continuity between matter and nature, blending the land and rocky limits of the coast with the Atlantic Ocean.
Design process
Architecture in my opinion is a series of decision making from the start to finishing product. A good product means many good decisions has been made along the process. To simplify the process, architecture can be broken down to smaller components since the beginning. As Frampton argues, the root of architectural autonomy lies in the triad of earthwork (topography), construction (tectonic) and hearth (typology) as the embodiment of institutional form. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the topics of topography, tectonics, and typology with care and sensitivity.
Material
Tadao ando write of Koshino house: “I believe that the architecture materials do not end with wood and concrete that have tangible forms but go beyond to include light and wind which appeal to the senses.”
Artifacts compatible with daily life
Coming from Melaka, Malaysia, a historic town rich with remnants of Western colonization, I deeply understand the significance of preserving history and the narratives that define our belongings. They are evidence that will be used to explain our identity, both individually and as a nation, to future generations. Hence, the aim of treating architecture as artifacts, compatible with the daily life. It is the duty of an architect to be sensible, ensuring that the vocational use, materiality, and spatial design respect the past yet remain relevant in today's context. On the topic of artifacts compatible with daily life, Diocesano museum might be the most evident project in this series – intervening three levels, urban development, architecture and museography in attempt to redefine contemporary art museum in a 4th century monastery.
Sustaining memories
includes respecting the existing traces of the past and current practice, supporting and nourishing – make it better than before. I believe it is our responsibility not to simply recreate a past image, but to establish a dialogue between an envisioned past and the present, allowing their coexistence to generate new, subjective interpretations of history. Langit Apartment is a competition proposal I worked on at my previous company. It serves as a good reminder to always delve deeply into the local culture, as it can often inspire reinterpretations in design language. In this case, the sunscreen detail was inspired by the local weaving technique called ikat, making the building site-specific.
Harmonizing landscape
A theme emerging from the EUmies awards this year is the focus on the regeneration and protection of landscapes and the environment. Five shortlisted projects address this topic. In the era of climate change, the cultivation of landscapes has become a priority in architecture and urban planning, shifting away from the traditional focus on designing standalone objects. These projects ensure a strong renaturation of the sites. For instance, the Alila Resort, located on one of the many islands in the Maldives, attempts to integrate the landscape with the staying experience. Meanwhile, the Lignano Sabbiadoro masterplan introduces a system that unifies and balances the natural and man-made zones with precise architectural elements, such as bridges and towers, demonstrating that strategic planning can address relevant problems even in larger areas.
Architecture tectonic
Architects should maintain an open mind when it comes to rationalizing production and embracing construction innovations to create culturally significant work. The challenge lies in avoiding the reduction of built forms to mere freestanding objects that serve only as technological instruments. The Thompson Hotel in New Zealand exemplifies this approach by utilizing a modular system to significantly reduce both assembly time and the overall cost of construction compared to a typical hotel.
integrating with existing diocesano museum
The project for the extension of the Diocesano Museum in Milan encompasses three dimensions: urban development, architecture and museography. It centers on the issues of reconstruction, simulation and integration.
Urban development
After the bombardment of WWII, Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio undergo several rebuilding phases to restore the damaged. The medieval convent today consist of a church, two cloisters, two museums which are separated entity of the church museum and diocesano museum, a temporary wooden pavilion which sits on the missing arm of the second cloister. Facing the missing arm is a car park that faces the street on one end and the Parco Giovanni Paolo II on the other end which links to Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore.
Our proposal includes removing the temporary pavilion that are causing damage to the facade of the cloisters, introducing a museum building that mirrors the missing wing of the cloister today, attached to the opposite end of the milanese shophouses, whilst they are physically connected by an underground gallery, generating an important in-between space. The in-between space forms a plaza that also gives a more important entrance to Parco Giovanni Paolo II.
Architecture
We were looking for an urban configuration and architectural language that would fit into the old town and yet, upon closer inspection, appear contemporary. Museological components from the recent past were removed and the spaces restored to a former state at the newly introduced library space. We revealed original wood ceilings and reopened formerly blocked windows looking out on the cloister. The church’s roof was renovated and a new floating pavilion was installed above the space. Visitors walk up a new, cast spiral staircase leading to the upper gallery that connects the oldest cloister. Inside, we decided to design the underground gallery and the new exhibition building. The space on the second to fourth floor of the new building is dedicated to present the 19th and 20th-century collections. Playing along contemporary language, simple triangular volume of the new block, reflecting the proportions/volumes of the Dominican church standing opposite.
The Enclosure Perspective view of Milan by Antonio Lafrei, 1573
recontextualization of history community centre at civate
The interior respect the original layout, reminding the users of the existing building footprint. The selection of subtle modern new facade material - translucent polycarbonate pays homage to the character of ruin.
The modern and vibrant material sits harmoniously within the delicately contrasted old existing brick masonry.
Mixed use hostel room
Design Intervention I - Introduction
Key Elements
reimagined cascina residential at pavia competition entry
Cascina, meaning ‘farmhouse’ in Italian, represents a typical architectural typology scattered throughout Northern Italy, particularly along the Po Valley. However, due to advancements in agricultural machinery, many of these cascine have been left abandoned. In response, the competition sought proposals for their transformation into residential units.
Drawing inspiration from the region, characterized by a mostly flat rural landscape, the residential design aims to provide a tranquil countryside living experience.
The first step of the project addressed the need to remove inconsistent modifications that diverged from the historical context of both the manor and the farmhouse. The original structure was consolidated, with only the interior layout altered to clarify its historical identity. Respecting the historical hierarchy of space, the manor house remains recognizable with its distinctive white façade.
In the stable, high ceilings surrounded by vast panes of glass, along with the integration of water bodies and plants, create an interior environment that feels like a greenhouse, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces.
A new intervention features weathering steel on the porch façade, integrated along the grid of the existing brick columns. This porch structure extends into the land, accommodating residents on two stories. An additional module was added to increase the porch’s floor area while reinforcing the boundary of the courtyard space.
As a gathering area, the central courtyard includes a pool that can be converted into a sunken lounge during the colder months.
The completed restoration returns Cascina Lossano to its former bucolic legacy.
rethinking social housing zurich residence
The current state of the site includes a power plant undergoing conversion into a waste-to-energy facility and a central laundry complex set to discontinue operations by 2026. Historically utilized for industrial purposes, the area is now in the midst of a functional rejuvenation phase aimed at revitalizing the urban landscape. Masterplans are underway to establish a health center catering to the elderly, accompanied by senior apartments, an indoor swimming facility, and a neighborhood park.
Urban development
Directly opposite the site is Josefwiese, the last green oasis located in the center of the Kreis 5 district behind the viaduct. The project sees an opportunity to extend the public realm, eventually creating a half courtyard surrounded by a horseshoe shape of proposed blocks, a common typology in this context.
Architecture
Rather than demolishing the laundry complex, the project aims to integrate the new additions of 400 dwellings seamlessly with the elderly apartments. The laundry complex, which played a vital role in servicing the community for generations and is a core memory for the citizens, will be transformed into health facilities such as a public swimming pool, gym, and daycare center. Currently used as an art exhibition space after the laundry service ceased, the complex will be preserved and its interior facilities improved. This will make it a central hub for the complex and the neighborhood, fostering intergenerational interaction in daily life while preserving the city’s collective memories.
PRINTING AREA
Viaduktstraße image.
PHOTO 01:
View of the Viadukt from the power plant construction site.
PHOTO 02:
View of the laundry through the power plant construction site.
PRINTING AREA
PRINTING AREA
reinterpreting existing langit apartment
state competition - honourable mention 2021
The architectural design of the tower features a square plan that integrates two rectangular blocks and a central service core, unified through the use of ‘interlocking arms’ at three different levels. These interlocking arms create a sense of embrace between the rectangular blocks as the structure ascends to 22 storeys.
The design includes two porous planes for the strata-titled serviced apartments, offering residents stunning views. To the east, residents can enjoy a panoramic view of a waterbody, while to the west, they can witness breathtaking sunsets over the mountains. The exterior detailing of these elevations embodies the concept of a multicultural community coming together. This idea is visually expressed through the use of traditional weaving techniques such as ikat or Pua Kumbu, symbolizing the interwoven fabric of diverse cultures. Aluminium extrusions form sunscreens for the balconies, enhancing the facade’s sophistication while allowing air to flow through for natural ventilation.
The gentle and intricate design of these elevations is juxtaposed with the solid planes running along the north-south axis. To avoid a monotonous appearance and to humanize the building’s scale, the elevations feature tree bark textures. These textures are created using off-form reinforced concrete, with added coloring to mimic the natural look of tree bark, adding a touch of organic warmth to the building’s exterior.
The building’s details extend a different idea of embrace, the multi-cultural people woven together to form a unified community. Using the traditional weaving technique ikat or Pua Kumbu, aluminum extrusions form a sunscreen for the balconies and create sophistication for the building facade.
reinterpreting existing cove 55
completed 2022
This project involves the expansion of an existing resort located on a plot adjacent to Mount Santubong and situated at a cove facing the South China Sea, with mangroves growing all over the site. The updates to the resort include 14 additional villas, a wedding pavilion over the water, a sunken lounge, a spa villa, and a butler station.
Guests begin their journey by entering the lobby, where they are immediately greeted by an intimately scaled reception lounge. Adjacent to this is the restaurant, which is supported by a sunken lounge overlooking the sea.
This project is deeply rooted in local inspiration, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings. The design of the villas, elevated on stilts above the mangrove swamp and the sea, reflects traditional architectural practices adapted to the unique environmental conditions. By raising the structures, the design not only preserves the delicate mangrove ecosystem but also provides guests with unobstructed views of the lush landscape and the shimmering waters, ensuring an immersive natural experience.
The aesthetic choices draw from the rich cultural heritage of the region, particularly the traditional Iban motifs, which hold significant cultural and spiritual meanings. These motifs are incorporated into the design through laser-cut aluminum screens, which serve a dual purpose. They offer practical sun protection from the intense tropical heat while also honoring the local artistic traditions. The intricate patterns on the screens pay homage to the Iban culture, linking the modern design with traditional craftsmanship and symbolic significance.
The coffee tables in the villas are inspired by the traditional woven baskets used by the Iban tribe during the paddy harvesting season. These tables replicate the design of the baskets, featuring a square base with a circular top, embodying both the practicality and the aesthetic sensibility of Iban craftsmanship. This design choice not only enhances the thematic coherence of the interior but also connects guests with the region’s cultural practices.
Continuing the natural theme, local Belian wood, known for its resistance to rot, decay, water, heat, and insect infestations, is used for the planks of the elevated walkway. Overall, the project’s design is a thoughtful fusion of local vernacular architecture and cultural heritage, creating a space that honors the past while providing a contemporary, sustainable living experience. The careful attention to local materials and traditional designs ensures that the resort is both a retreat into nature and a celebration of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
villa A1 Plan
villa B1 plan
villa B3 plan
3 villa B3 4 sundeck area
coexisting
with nature
alila maldives resort completed 2022
The resort is strategically situated on two of the many beautiful islands in the Maldives, namely Kothaifaru and Kuroshigiri. The main resort hub is located on Kothaifaru Island, featuring 66 luxurious land villas nestled amidst the island’s natural landscape. Additionally, 34 exquisite water villas are positioned offshore, providing guests with an immersive experience of the serene ocean surroundings.
Kuroshigiri Island, on the other hand, offers hotel guests an opportunity to engage with the untouched wilderness. The island features minimal structural development, ensuring that the natural beauty of the landscape remains largely unaltered. Basic amenities are available to facilitate rest and dining, enhancing the overall guest experience by allowing them to explore and connect with nature in an unspoiled setting.
The architectural design of the resort buildings employs a concept of landscape layering, which helps to integrate the structures seamlessly into the natural environment. This approach preserves the intimate and authentic character of the existing site. Each villa is designed to ensure total privacy, strategically positioned so that they are scarcely visible from any approach, enhancing the sense of seclusion for guests.
The resort’s layout features a series of cascading terraces. The lower terraces discreetly house planters and the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, ensuring that these functional elements do not intrude upon the visual appeal of the landscape. The higher terraces accommodate the villas, gradually stepping down to meet the natural ground levels. This terraced design creates an experience reminiscent of living within a garden, with villas offering views that juxtapose the quiet backdrop of the forest with the calming expanse of the ocean. The play of contrasting scales, combined with the soothing sounds of the waves, provides guests with a tranquil and harmonious retreat.
Planter MEP Bath Living
Water Villa
Reception
ALILA MALDIVES
studiogoto
ALILA MALDIVES
studiogoto
The furnitures follows the same palette of the white Maldavian sand. Warm, earth-toned furnitures make the resort space feel inviting and homely to the hotel guest.
ALILA MALDIVES
studiogoto
ALILA MALDIVES
studiogoto
interconnection
lignano sabbiadoro
TerraViva Competition - honourable mention 2024
Lignano Sabbiadoro was once a swampy island that has been losing its natural ecosystem since urban interventions began in the 1920s. These interventions have created a stark division between the preserved natural forest and the beach, with both areas holding potential for enhancing the natural offerings of the province.
A system of linear pedestrian pathways has been proposed: one to reconnect the preserved forest and the beach, and the other to link the two areas, Lignano Sabbiadoro and Bibione. The advantage of this linear system is its flexibility, allowing for future additions and adaptations as demand increases.
The existing elevated pathway at Unicef Park is designed to be elevated, leaving the ground undisturbed and allowing the Pineta’s greenery to return to its natural state. This pathway includes punctual amenities such as bars, restaurants, shower areas, hostels, and a viewing platform overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
The second pathway is a proposed pedestrian bridge linking Bibione Island to the east-west area. This bridge would connect natural reserves within the two areas and encourage cycling and walking as alternative visiting methods.
efficient assembly
thompson hotel
Thompson Hotel is situated in the picturesque southwest region of Queenstown, New Zealand, offering breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu. The unique topography of the site, set on a slope, heavily influences the architectural design of the hotel. Due to a 12-meter building height restriction that follows the natural contour of the land, the rear blocks of the hotel are designed to be taller, adapting to the varying elevations of the site.
Given that the surrounding area predominantly features low-rise structures, trellises are incorporated into the design to visually break down the hotel’s scale. This design choice helps the building blend harmoniously with its environment, maintaining a balance with the neighboring low-rise buildings.
The hotel’s common areas, encompassing the ground to the second level, are constructed using the cast-in-situ method. This traditional construction technique involves pouring concrete into molds on-site, allowing for greater flexibility and customization in the design of these communal spaces. Meanwhile, the modular guest rooms are fabricated offsite. This approach significantly reduces construction costs and enhances the efficiency of the overall building process, allowing for quicker assembly and reduced on-site labor. The combination of cast-in-situ construction for common areas and offsite fabrication for guest rooms ensures both structural integrity and timely completion of the project.
Guestroom Modules
Cast -In-Situ Podium
1. Modular Guestrooms are manufactured in China and transport to NZ.
2. Each module is set at 4.2m W x 3.5m H due to transportation restriction.
3. Ground to third level are first constructed in CIS (Deeper beam depth at the
4. Modules are being assembled accordingly by cranes.
5. Revit model was modelled in the same sequence, simulating the whole process to reduce error during construction stage.
