Project Name
Bunk & Bilik Jalan Ipoh
Date Completed
January 2018
Location
Kuala Lumpur
Area
12,000sqft
The objective was to transform a pair of four-story intermediate shop lots into a hostel with private rooms and dorms, as well as non air-conditioned shared spaces. One of the challenges associated with such buildings is their long and narrow floor plan, which restricts natural light and airflow to only the front and back windows, resulting in a dark and stuffy central area.
We drew inspiration from the straits eclectic shop houses constructed in the 19th century. While no longer suitable for contemporary urban settings due to evolving socioeconomic factors, these buildings have long provided comfortable living spaces that harness natural light, air, and temperature regulation without the need for mechanical systems. The design of these old shop houses relied on basic principles of physics, such as the fact that hot air rises and cold air sinks, and balanced the use of shade and light.
To make way for natural cross ventilation, we introduced four airwells that allow for the entry of natural light into the otherwise dull corridors, creating more courtyard spaces and eliminating rooms without windows. The straight corridors that stretch across each floor serve as ventilation paths, while the bespoke lightweight steel lattices that separate the lobby from the street ensure a consistent flow of air without obstruction.
*Brand artwork by Kongsi Design
