The 18′ x 10′ traditional Malay kampung house-inspired shelter is nearing its two-month plus completion deadline by mid Dec. It has been a long and unusually slow process as most of the used materials are sourced separately and carefully handcrafted by experienced Indonesian workers. There have been a number of delays due to insufficient materials. When this cottage is completed, it should have cost an estimated RM 13,000, inclusive labour and materials.
Initially, I was tempted to use an ID but cost concerns means I have to dig deep into my own mental visual references and imagination. The design process was actually driven more by function over form, though form was to be aesthetically and warmly inviting. This shelter is strategically overlooking the access road into the farm and directly opposite the goat house. It’s on top of a hill with a commanding view over the entire farm. Its hill top position also lends itself well to being a water harvester.
Setting up the wall panels, trying as much as possible to keep the non-coloured panels facing outside for a more rustic woody look outside.As these planks of wood are recycled, the coloration can’t be helped. The only way to mitigate the “chaos” was to stagger them in alternate random but yet predictable manner to offset the disorder. Once sanded and varnished, they should blend in nicely.The wire framework.The wire framework taking shape.The wire framework; viewed from the highest point at the farm where the water tanks are located.
One of the six concrete footings upon which the 4×4 solid hardwood pillars sit, wrapped with Y12 steel bars.
Custom-made door.These are the same type of clay roof tiles used in the construction of the Smokehouse Hotel. They have been abandoned by the roadside near the farm for more than 10 years. After obtaining permission from the owner, they were taken back and individually scrubbed by the workers before installation. Rafters and beams are Perah wood, while the purlins are Meranti.These are the same type of clay roof tiles used in the construction of the Smokehouse Hotel. They are truly a sight to behold. The amount of weight up there is tremendous!Unfortunately, we ran out of wood. So, the colored panels have to be faced inside to ensure the non-coloured panels face outside. This will have to be painted.As the wooden planks are recycled, the variation in length, thickness and width was a nightmare. In the end, I reckon the extra work that went into correcting these anomalies was still cheaper than buying new solid hardwood (which would be reserved for the farm house later). As this shelter would be likely used as a worker’s quarter, cost-cutting is key, hence the recycled wood used. However, there still needs to be a certain standard to adhere to in accommodating future agro tourism requirements.
The shelter comfortably fits 2 people in the room, and the outdoor platform another 2. Sardine-packed would be a total of 6 people, though unlikely. The outdoor platform is for resting, dining, meeting, general work area and grass drying station. Entire house is raised 2 feet+ for airflow and animals to access underneath. Minimal storage possible underneath. The elevation also provides for comfortable seating for hanging legs.
The distinctive features of this shelter are the 113-year old meranti window panels, solid resak/chengal hardwood pillars and long-discontinued antique clay roof tiles from a bygone era.
