HOTEL CONVERSION 2

It's quite a while since I last posted anything on my design works. So, these are some updates on RGP projects which reflect the office's skills on conservation developments.

The first entry on the project has been posted in this blog.
http://jalakmas.blogspot.com/2008/08/hotel-conversion.html

I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to be a part of this special project. I've also learnt and got a better understanding of the process beneath the design. This project has opened up my mind on the perspective of old building; how one still manages to respect the old by introducing the new.

The following is one part of the design analysis done for the project.

1. CIRCULATION

Our approach has been to create a contemporary “feature” link at first and second floor levels with secondary links to the different levels at the front and rear of XX Street.

We have produced a number of 3D design sketches for the link to explore the design options. The link provides a contemporary contrasting structure when measured against XX Street and the Y building, but only touches the two buildings with the minimum of structure and minimum of interference with the building fabric.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

HOTEL CONVERSION

1.This a good example on how we deal with a convertion of an old historical building. The project does not only involve one listed building but three separate listed building.

2.The client wants to convert these buildings into a luxurious hotel.

3. As we know when deal with historic building the planner and conservationist would not allow any demolition on the facade of the building. So most of the changes would be on the internal of the building and restoring the existing facade to its glory.

4. The idea is to design a link to connect the 3 buildings with minor alteration to its existing external and internal building layout.

5. We introduced a contemporary tower in the middle of the courtyard and bridges to link the 3 buildings.

6. To ensure that the link would have little impact on the building, we are going to use glass as the main structure for the link to give more transparency and an invisible appearence. Thus the structure is less likely to block the existing facade.

8. The approach taken in designing a modern structure in between a heritage building is hoped to create a clear justification between old and new building.

9. The minimal finishes would help to highlight the old buildings in the foreground. The glimpse of the structure from the pedestrian view creates a sense of suprise and brings an exciting 21st century living to its present time.

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

SEGAMBUT SEMI-D Phase 1

April 2004

While going through our mundane daily routine, many of us seem to have forgotten the time that has passed by. Not until we pause the running time for a little while just to ponder back at all the hard work done in the previous years. We then realise that the years had flown by very fast. If you have the opportunity to sit and analyse the work of your life, I’m sure that you could still remember the lessons you’d learnt while undertaking the job

That was what happened to me when I discovered old CD containing files of my previous. I’d just bought a new 500GB External hard disk. I am planning to create an archive and rescue all my works from as early as varsity years in architecture school up till the present work. One of the files that I found today was done while I was working for a firm known as MOCA (Michael Ong Chartered Architect). It is an exclusive Semi-D development near Segambut. As per date stated in the files, the first initial schematic drawing was done in April 2004. I can’t believe it’s been 4 years since I worked on the design together with MOCA’s Design Director, Zafar. I could vividly recall the time we spent as the only designer in MOCA.

Brochure Design for potential buyers

Site Location

This plot is located in the Malay Reserve area near Hartamas and Kiara. Originally it was just a small Malay Village, but now several developments have been built around the area thus transforming it into a very elite residential area.

First Draft Design

Looking back at the first schematic design until its final draft for planning, this 18 unit semi-D had gone through a lot of processes. The careful intention to its design process was due to the fact that our own director is also the actual client.

These images were the first draft of the semi-D design layout. It was brilliantly designed to improvise the changes in site contour hence reduce the cutting and filling of land. Site strategies wee also developed to minimise the problem from floodplain. A lot of contour study was done to acquire the best solution for its cut and fill design. Based on the site cutting and fill calculation, it was finally decided that the best solution was to introduce only 2 types of semi-D.
First Draft-Type A PlanFirst Draft-Type B Plan

When I analysed the development of internal layout for the semi-d, it seemed that in the end it have become a very practical layout. Too practical thus along the way it has lost the initial sense of space excitement. To be honest it doesn’t make any different with any typical semi-D layout.

The design was perfected with several more facade studies. Again, most of the design is based only on one direction; contemporary tropical design. I realised there should have been more studies made to create different design direction or style. Apparently, a fine and unique design could have been produced if the more studies were carried out on the design style.

Facade Study

Final Scheme - Masterplan

Final Scheme - Type A

Final Scheme - Type B

During this project I experienced the work from schematic design up to making my own planning submission with various authorities. This was one of the excellent lessons I learnt under the supervision of the design director, Zafar. Even though it was a just a small residential development, the exclusiveness had provided me a great training to develop a good residential skills.

EVOLUTION OF BUILDING

The image above is a short remodelling exercise for an extension of a conservertory in a terrace house design. The idea is to illustrate to the planner how a renovation on the terrace design would be built should the potential buyers plan to renovate this house. This would then become a guide to its future extention.

The possibility for future extention is a fantastic idea of further developing a building thus evolving it from its previous form with new features. It would provide owners the opportunity to expand the building in order to accommodate their changing needs without comprimising the architectural value. It would eventually reduce the effect of undesirable terrace extention which very often does not only synchronise with the original design but also spoils the genuine beauty of perfectly planned building.

Lesson: Considering the Evolution Of Building

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

I was once again asked by the residential team to help them prepare the design presentation. It was good to be involved in residential again once in a while. It refreshed me from any routine-like job. Thus making the day a little bit more interesting as it took me away from the more challenging job. It was like painting art work again.

I was amazed with this typical British housing. It has very typical layout and elevations yet once the right materials consisting of various colour of bricks, stones, slates and timber are applied onto it, you'll see how different the typical housing has magically been transformed into. They revealed the pure and true beauty of the materials. The house is no longer a plain, simple, concrete house or cheap brick covered with plasters, painted with fake colours!

Lesson : Understanding true beauty of materials

http://www.rgp.uk.com/ RGP have an innovative approach to architectural design. We have no dogma, no standard answers and we are spirited and fun to work with.

BUKIT KUDA, KLANG

This was another advertising job that I did while I was working freelance for DESIGN OPTION TEAM SDN.BHD back in 2005. As years passed by, the project is progessively being built on the site. I saw it being advertised on the property website. I might go there and have a look in the future to see it for myself. Although I'm not the designer of this project, but having involved in visualising it is enough to get me excited to see it in real life. Most of the visualisers (with architecture studies background) casually forget the need to visit the real-built of their work (although they just made the visual) in order to complete the architectural process. This process actually will sharpen their visual skills. From visualising dream to experiencing architecture.

Project : Bukit Kuda Heights
Land Owner : Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor
Developer : Kombinasi Bijak (M) Sdn.Bhd.
Consultant : LCL Design Architect




Recent photo from the website

KAYANGAN HEIGHTS

Project: BUNGALOWS AT KAYANGAN HEIGHTS
Job Description: Illustrations
Client: Arab-Malaysian Corporation Builders Sdn Bhd
Consultants: KCYS architects

Designed by KCYS architect, this is a bungalow project in Kayangan Heights, Malaysia. I was appointed by Design Option Team (DOT) to take up the assignment of visualising the project. Being trained in the architectural field, I took the initive to visit the actual site and make a rough site anaylsis and not to mention a series of consultation with the architect himself and with the developer that followed through out this assignment.

This visual was produced in year 2003. Eventhough I was not using an advance software for the rendering, this vectorworks basic rendering worked really well. It worked because of the post-editing in photoshop done to get it the rendered image up to the standards.

"The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed."Henry Ford

BUKIT JELUTONG

This is one of my earlier works while I was working part-time at SNO. Eventhough I hadn't fully completed my studies, I had to work on part-time basis in order to support my family. Under Zafarrullah's supervision I've explored my own potential. Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to see the project finishes.

After years of development, the project is finally completed and open for sale. I manage to visit the developer's website; http://www.guthrieproperties.com.my/galleria/index.html. The design has been changed from the original scheme, but certain vital essence of the building feature especially the plans is kept intact.

Based on the information stated in the website, only a few limited units are left for sale. I would really like to have one of those houses that we designed using our aspiration and best idea. However looking at the range of selling price, it is still not affordable for me as the designer to own one. Up till today, even though I 'm working abroad, I'm still not making enough money to own one of these luxurious property!

An abstract from the developer's website:
"The de’ Galleria Collection comprises five crafted masterpieces of architecture, each with its own distinct and very exclusive characteristics. The bungalows, painstakingly built to perfection, are designed with tasteful and quality finishings, and lush green playgrounds. All designs emphasise luxury, space, and comfort, creating a harmonious balance between humankind and Nature."

We manage to create designs that emphasise luxury, space, and comfort, creating a harmonious balance between humankind and Nature ; design that we architects could not even afford to live in it!

CD cover designed for my own filing

Detailed Sketch by Zafarrullah based on my initial 3d model


Detailed Sketch by Zafarrullah based on my initial 3d model

Detailed Sketch by Zafarrullah based on my initial 3d model