The Deck House: traditional model with modern materials.

A house in the forest of Janda Baik in Pahang, Malaysia, designed by architect Choo Gim Wah. Although it looks modern, this house functions like a traditional Malay house, suitable for the moderate tropical climate. The architectural composition here revolves around the outdoors.



Architecture practice, Choo Gim Wah Architect designed this house on the steep terrain in a tropical forest, in an excellent position in terms of the ancient tenets of feng shui and environmentally-aware building.





So, the building spans two-and-a-half levels and benefits from the natural ventilation of descending breezes that cool the interior; it also has minimum interference with the slope due to its overhang and reinforced concrete foundation and stumps.



The open space living, dining and kitchen areas are connected to the main feature of the house – its 10.5 metre long and 6.8 metre wide “deck”. This wooden deck is supported by a steel structure and the large windows turn it into an extension of the house into nature, which acts as the backdrop for all the interiors.



Glass and steel combined with the timber deck and terrace off the master bedroom, create a simple, contemporary building. It is rooted in local tradition. Malay houses have high ceilings, well-lit interiors and natural ventilation in the moderate tropical climate of the zone.



Aluminium louvers at the top part of the Deck House provide protection from the excessive heat and guarantee pleasant temperatures without the use of technological systems. So, the inhabitants can truly live in harmony with the environment.

Project: Choo Gim Wah Architect, http://www.cgwarchitect.com
Location: Pahang, Malaysia
Photos: Kenneth Lim, Gray Studio