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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Pulau Banding Rainforest Research Centre in Perak, Malaysia by C’ arch architectureJuly 26th, 2014 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: C’ arch architecture The Pulau Banding Rainforest Research Centre is located in an environmentally sensitive area at the heart of the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex. Conceived during a series consultations with various NGO’s, it represents a key element of the client’s commitment to sustainable development on the island.  Image Courtesy © 807Studio Sdn Bhd
 Image Courtesy © 807Studio Sdn Bhd Design considerations which are embedded within the building design include CED values in the selection of materials, low energy solutions to cooling and insulation and an open landscape, inviting participation from the researchers stationed there.  Image Courtesy © 807Studio Sdn Bhd This small complex comprises two laboratories, a library, an office and open terraces. The research centre is designed as a place to facilitate the gathering and the dissemination of information from the jungles in Royal Belum and Temenggor Dam Complex. The idea of a building a research centre on this island is central to cultivating intellectual awareness of the forest complex and that it would lead to good practice of forest management and conservation of one of the oldest rainforest in the world.  Image Courtesy © 807Studio Sdn Bhd These ideas are outlined in a document known as the “Pulau Banding Charter” which in essence promotes sustainable cultures. Therefore the realisation of the research centre thus fulfills a part of the agenda described above.  Image Courtesy © 807Studio Sdn Bhd The design of the research centre incorporates environmentally friendly and tropical themes such as a safari roofs, deep roof overhangs, open terraces for sitting and sleeping, and open yards and toilets. Whilst the complex is sited on a slope, handicapped access is made possible through landscaping and link ways. Existing trees on the site were retained and the undergrowth was cleared. The researchers are encouraged to cultivate a garden of indigenous trees from saplings collected in the jungle. The character of the building is unassuming and it sets out to integrate technology with nature. As a place of research the foundation is the embodiment of the “guardian of the forest”. This complex cost approximately RM800,000.00 and it was designed and constructed over a period of six months. The superstructure of the building is steel frame and the skin is a combination of lightweight blocks and shiplap timber cladding.
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