Tucked within the enclave of a lush tropical forest, this unique residential unit boasts a concrete egg crate-like facade which safeguards its interior from the tropical heat and rain.
Text by Isabelle Pinto
Photography by WHBC Architects
Behind the condominiums and private houses of Damansara Heights in Kuala Lumpur, seated on a sloping terrain and enclaved within the lush tropical rainforest is a rather quaint-looking dwelling. Surrounded by a concrete egg-crate structure, the residential unit does not boast much aesthetic value; however, its design serves a more utilitarian purpose, safeguarding the house’s interior from the harsh heat and rain of Malaysia’s tropical weather.
Designed by Malaysia-based architectural studio WHBC Architects, the residence is a 7,500 sq ft unit and is currently home to a family of five- a husband and wife, two boys and their grandmother. It has proudly been named “Tropical Box” due to its box-like facade which is engulfed within tropical greenery.
The egg-crate structure that envelopes the house is made out of in-situ concrete of 900mm depth. Forming a double facade around two sides of the house, it acts as a sun-filtering device, naturally allowing daylight to filter through while resisting radiation. This effectively keeps the scorching heat out while drawing sufficient daylight in to create comfortable spaces. Concrete fins of 150mm thickness reinforce the structure by framing openings of various sizes at a controlled rhythm. This further facilitates the regulation of light intensity inside.
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‘Concrete’ tree house
Besides acting as an effective shelter against the heat, the residence is also designed to embrace the dense, natural greenery surrounding it. The perforated nature of the egg-crate envelope allows the existing overgrowth to grow into the volume of the house, thus softening the boundary between the interior and exterior. From the entry level, the existing site slopes downwards to the back. The design takes advantage of this sloping terrain to keep out the dampness and humidity of the tropical environment.
Furthermore, spaces are arranged to keep most parts of the house raised from the ground on stilts, elevating them to sit among the canopy of trees- just like a tree house. The raised living spaces effectively keep out pests and help regulate humidity. One can also enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding greenery from above the ground.
Upon arrival, visitors to the unit would be greeted by a narrow bridge flanked by multiple mature Albizia trees, which form the main access to the entrance of the residence. From the entrance, a relatively narrow walkway, adjacent to a stairway and an internal courtyard opens up to the main spaces- the living and dining areas, and the pool. The pool is situated after the living and dining areas towards the rear of the house. All are accommodated within a double volume deck with the pool adjoined to a garden.
“The pool and the adjoining garden are enclosed within the volume of the egg-crate structure,” says WHBC architects. “These spaces are completely surrounded by green foliage as they hover close to the tropical canopy.” And what’s more interesting is that the end of the pool is left completely open, offering extended panoramic views towards the forest beyond.
The kitchen is located behind the walkway in a protrusion from the side of the building. Here, there is a sink and preparation surfaces, and an open wall overlooking the garden below. Beside the deck leading to the swimming pool, there is also a similar protruding area which houses an enclosed bathroom.
A staircase on one side of the walkway takes you to the upper floor which houses the bedrooms. Here, the windows are also specially designed and positioned to take in splendid views of the surrounding forest. The lower ground level can be accessed via a ramp to one side of the entrance. This part of the house has a garage for three cars as well as utility areas.
All in all, the unit is truly one that embraces nature. In the words of the architects, “A seemingly heavy concrete box, it touches the ground lightly, places itself among the trees and encourages the enduring landscape to grow within it.”
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