THEORIZING ARCHITECUTRE

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia
(MASSA)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Architecture)

THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC2224)

PROJECT: Theorizing Architecture

NAME

: Yasaanth Kirishnamoorthy

STUDENT ID

: 0304863

LECTURER:

Lam Shen Fei

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Introduction
Climate
Architectural theory
Materials
Conclusion

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Introduction
Wooi residence is one of the finest buildings that have been designed by Ar. Lok wooi. It is a wellknown project that was awarded and appreciated by PAM for excellence in the construction of an
energy efficient and environment friendly bungalow. The Bungalow is a hill top residence in a
suburb of Shah alam. The house is said to be an outstanding design in the neighbourhood due to its
zinc titanium metal roof that has a shape of an umbrella. Due this unique style from the architect
and traditional material norm, the house is also called as the Wooden Hut. The house design is
said to be based on the traditional Malaysian Architecture with the blend of modern identity of
present society. The design was an inspiration from his childhood experience in understanding the
materiality and structuralism of Kampung houses in the village. He considers the Kampong house
as, a most natural way to live comfortably in a humid tropical country like Malaysia. Architect Wooi
is deliberated to be one of the greatest architecture in Malaysia, due to his advantageous style in
using Malaysian traditional Architecture to the modern world. This feature made him to be one of
distinct architect in Malaysia because of his complex design with using sustainable materials, which
brings back the essence of traditional housing in the present.

Figure 1: An exterior view of Architect Woois residence. (Wooden Hut).

The house has three levels and a roof space. The entrance to the house is at the mid-level without
the ubiquitous double car porch typical of most bungalows in Malaysia. In analysing the Wooi
residence there are three factors that are taken into consideration. This apparently straightforward
and generally created house opens that one's mid to new conceivable outcomes in spatial
experience. Gone are the commonplace rectilinear walls at right points to one another. They are
supplanted with smoothness of bended walls that permit the sequence of spatial experience. Firstly
the Climatic factor is discussed in relation to the design elements that are applied to the house by
responding to the Malaysian tropical Climate. Secondly, the architectural theory will be analysed in
relation to the theory of post modernism. Finally, the materials that are incorporated to the design are
debated in relation to the traditional house and modern architecture.
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Climate
The Wooi residence is well responded to the climatic conditions i.e. sun, rain and wind which are
fully cherished by the architect with wide range of sustainable elements in the design. This
characteristics enhances in spearing to the natural hill top context with extensive roof overhangs,
low wide open windows, transitional opening to the exterior etc. One of the sustainable factors that
was used in Wooi residence is the Cross Ventilation system to an extend which most of the
spaces in the house does not require mechanical ventilation (Air-conditioner), whereas utmost
number of houses in hot and humid climatic country like Malaysia uses artificial cooling systems.
This was accomplished through by placing excessive openings in every part of the house. The
cross ventilation system makes the wind to be flowed through the interior spaces by exhibiting
cooling and exiting warm air to the exterior environment. This would lead to a question of privacy to
the users? The answer would be, Ar Wooi has designed the building in such a way by placing
open able windows in private spaces and wide openings in public spaces such as hall the and
guest room. While describing the openness, these spaces are not completely open. The open
areas used vertical wooden blinds that allow the flow of air. The reason for using this system was
Ar. Woois idea of bounding nature to architecture by connecting the exterior natural environment to
the interior spaces of the house.
Diagram 1 cross ventilation in wooi house

The Wooi residence also responds to the orientation of the sun and wind rose. The openings and
windows are placed facing the direction of wind rose. The building happens to be very conscious
towards sun light, which the windows could be opened during evening to experience the warm
sunlight and also could be closed during high temperatures. The windows are tinted, so that the
glare could be avoided when the windows are close (discussed more under material section). At
next the residence was designed with nature around it. The green surrounding helps in cooling the
building in night as well as providing shade to the spaces. The tall trees and beautiful garden would
let the incoming hot air to be cooler and nature exclusive house. This feature of using green around
the building gives the user to feel connected to the nature with a perfect thermal comfort level.

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Diagram 2 Sun path diagram of shah alam and diagram of showing green landscape in space`

Another climatic feature that the house adapts is the large overhangs from the roof. The large
overhangs helps by providing shade around the house for a cooler environment. The entire
hypothesis will be made conceivable due to the way that, the shade made by the overhangs
produces a cooler ground relying upon the suns position. This in turn contributes a lot in protecting
opening from heavy rain during monsoon seasons. An alternate extraordinary element of vast
top overhangs incorporate the capacity to keep the building wrap away from immediate
sun beams in this manner the heat absorbed or transmitted by the materials forming the
encompass will be minimized. Thus the roof happens to be a unique structure and an important
component as a climatic contributor. These climatic characteristics were translated from the
traditional kampung house design to the residence by which it also adapts the traditional
architecture of Malaysia.

Figure 2 showing overhang of the roof

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Architectural theory
In exploring the architectural theory, the building expresses Post modernism theory of Architecture.
Postmodern theory is a broad and somewhat ambiguous belief system tied to the philosophical
and cultural reaction to the convictions of Modernism. Post modernism happens to be a
contradiction theory of Modernism which is more in following fixed planning, flat roof and modern
ideas, whereas post modernism more towards designing architecture with tradition and cultural
connection to the users. Post-modernist theory came to growth during the modernist time of
movement but has proved to be different from it in terms of ideas. One of the features being,
contrast of styles, which includes the combination of traditional contemporary and newly inverted
forums with overstated traditional detailing. The same applies to the wooi residence, Ar. Wooi
already had much learning about the Kampung types of houses making it simple to use the
theory behind the making and the mechanical working of the house to his advantage when
planning his own house.
In addition to this the post modernism has a nous of anything goes thus forms filled with humor
sarcasm ambiguity and inconsistency. So in relating to this concept of post modernism, Ar. Wooi
inherits different forms to achieve the largeness, rhythm and boundless passage between the
inside and the outside. As said before Wooi residence is supposed to be a unique design between
other houses in that housing area. In explaining the basis of post modernism roof always plays a
major functional purpose in climate as well as hypothesis of architecture. In case of wooi residence,
it happens to be synced with the basis of postmodernism theory in every aspect. The roof is
anchored with angled position to a pillar at the entrance. This acts to be symbol and to be an iconic
feature of the house in the neighbourhood context. It also happens to be peculiar in creating a
simple design but having iconic and complicated details, which makes the building to be unique
from the other designs. This factor concedes perfectly with the theory of post modernism.

Figure 3. Showing pole connection for iconic roofing

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The house exhibits strong character of poetics by its curvy shapes and blends into the context
which makes the user to feel the tropic shelter in a city. The experience approaching the house
creates a rhythm within the home setting, a journey sensed to unravel in distinctive stratums to the
users. This poetics are also achieved from the light and shadow contrast through open and private
space with materials and structural elements. This perceptions completely counterparts the post
modernism theory to introduce some life to the spaces rather than a dwelling to the users.

Diagram 3 expressing light and shadow contrast

Materials
Architect Wooi is very particular in choosing the materials materials of the house. If you refer to his
other designs, the materials are very unique in terms of sustainability and expression to the house. In
Wooi residence he tries to achieve low technology building solution technique by using ample
amount natural material into the exterior as well as in some part of the interior spaces. Since this
research is relating to the Traditional and Vernacular architecture of Malaysia into current
contemporary context, the materials are also in relation to these architectural styles. He chooses
these materials due there unfailing nature of bring up a more regular legitimate look and feel to
spaces. Throughout the house, Ar. Wooi levels the rigidity of wood and concrete with soft fabrics
and textiles. While, his further investigation with wood terrains him breathtaking staircases drawn
with an appreciating wheezes for it to have a floating impact. A curved flight of frighteningly light
timber stairs precariously supported seemingly by only 2"x1" timber strips. Each step will be
assembled from a single plank of meranti wood, with united closes held consistently to the wall.
Brick piers and diagonal timber struts lead one in a rhythmic fashion around the curve of the building
to arrive at the entrance into the ground floor where the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a guest
room are located. The ceiling exposes all the members of the making, proceeding with to mark the
cadenced enthusiasm got from the floor plans. This style encourages to overstate the space
(show up greater) and help flow of air. The decision of materials, stresses on post-modernist way of
material utilization.

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Figure 4 Stairs and Interior spaces

The dining will be encased very nearly totally by glass and unapproachable from the outside due
to it tallness on the slant of the slope outside. A shrewd procedure to lift the floor levels while still
appreciating the view without agonizing over outsiders breaking into the home as the level will be
high and the lower floor completely secure as the dogs have freedom over the entire floor and
garden. There will be just one access into the living room level assembled of robust wood held by
a lock from the inside. The Architect pays a closer attention to the details of his creation with the use
of local wood like Meranti and Chengal to bring out the authenticity of the design. The wood is
converted to Blinds to avoid the need of large use of glass, which is turn the whole space
functions has one but with partitions for privacy. The solid exterior walls of the house happen to be
exposed brick. The ideas of using bricks are because of showing the feeling traditional and cultural
aspect of Malaysia. Eco tinted glass are placed in faades of the building with the exposure
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towards sunlight. In addition to this the roof material is Zinc titanium, which glows at night like a
lantern, almost like a beacon beckoning the world to a new direction in tropical Malaysian
architecture. This becomes an advantage in sustainability of the building by using low energy
materials which leads the building to very energy efficient.

Figure 5 Metallic roof and brick materials

Conclusion
Architect Wooi is very conscious in designing his residence in responding to the context as well as
influencing traditional Architecture to introduce the sense of culture. He uses his personal and
natural element in the design to adopt a naturalistic home to his family. He wants his family to
experience the feeling of a modern kampung house that he felt in his childhood. The use of light
materials such as wood and brick with extensive design ideas (roof and kidney shape plan) gives
an expression in Post modernism theory of architecture. As said earlier, this project is a successful
in terms design as well as in terms of sense of feeling which articulates the Post modernism theory
of Architecture.

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Self-Diagram

Architects Self

External Contributing Factors

Theory In Architecture
Name : Mr . Ar. Lok Wooi
Born
Place of Birth : Alor Setar
Nationality : Malaysian

Postmodernism theory
Childhood

He grew up living in a sundry

shop that his family owned in a
predominantly Malay village,
and therefore no stranger to the
construction of kampong
houses and its tropical design
principles.
had an interest in art from a
very young age
His uncle who was residing in
Singapore at the time
persuaded him to pursue a
career in architecture rather
than art

is a broad and somewhat ambiguous

belief system tied to the
philosophical and cultural reaction to
the convictions of Modernism.

CLIMATE
Architect wooi ideas of
accepting the
malaysian climate is by
using open spaces,
cross ventilation and
roof overhangs.

MATERIALS
Ar.Wooi has a taste of
sustainable and low
cost materials such as
brick and wood
material to exhibit
traditional Malaysian
architecture.

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Reference

Ar. Wah, L. C, 2004. Wooi Residence. Architecture ASIA, [Online]. 4, N.A. Available at:h
ttp://wooiarchitect.com/article3.php [Accessed 23 June 2014].

Zainal, S, 2004. Wooden Hut. Interview with Malaysian Timber Board, [Online]. N.A, N.
A. Available at:http://wooiarchitect.com/article3.php [Accessed 24 June 2014].

YOON, C. M, 2006. Airy, Not Fairy. The Star Online, [Online]. N.A, N.A. Available at:http:/
/www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx/?file=%2f2006%2f2%2f5%2flifelivin
g%2f13247997&sec=lifeliving [Accessed 26 June 2014].

Yoon, Chin. M, 2006. Airy, Not Fairy. StarMag Spaces, [Online]. N.A, N.A. Available at:http://wooiarchitect.com/article1.php [Access
ed 22 June 2014].

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