The Application of Building With Nature Strategies to Achieve Sustainability in Belum

Rainforest Resort

Asian Architecture [ARC 2213/2234]
PROJECT 1: CASE STUDY

The Application of Building With Nature Strategies to

Achieve Sustainability in Belum Rainforest Resort

NAME:

Surayyn Selvan

STUDENT ID:

0309818

LECTURER:

Ms. Sharianne Mohd Shah

SUBMISSION DATE:

11 November 2014

ARC 2213/2234 Asian Architecture

The Application of Building With Nature Strategies to Achieve Sustainability in Belum

Rainforest Resort

The Application of Building With Nature Strategies to

Achieve Sustainability in Belum Rainforest Resort
Table of Contents

Page

Abstract .......................................................................................................................... 3

1.0

Introduction ...................................................................................................... 4

2.0

Architectural Philosophies of Building With Nature .......................................... 5

2.1

Interdependancy ........................................................................................... 6

2.2

Thermodynamics .......................................................................................... 6

2.3

Change ......................................................................................................... 7

3.0 Advantaes of Building With Nature ....................................................................... 8

3.1

Environmental Benefits ................................................................................. 8

3.2

Economic Benefits ........................................................................................ 8

3.3

Social Benefits .............................................................................................. 8

4.0 Strategies of Building With Nature In Belum Rainforest Resort ............................ 9

4.1

Building Typology ......................................................................................... 9

4.2

Building Design ........................................................................................... 13

4.3

Materials ..................................................................................................... 17

5.0 Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 20

6.0 References .......................................................................................................... 22

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The Application of Building With Nature Strategies to Achieve Sustainability in Belum

Rainforest Resort

Abstract
The main objective of this report is to identify the different strategies used by
the architects who designed the Belum Rainforest Resort in relation to the term building
with nature. The implementation of these strategies would result in a reduction of
negative impacts that would occur on the site and in return would achieve a
harmonious balance between the integration of nature and architecture in Pulau
Banding. A thorough research on the general understanding of some of these
architectural strategies were conducted based on Graham (2003)s, Building Ecology:
First Principles for a Sustainable Built Environment to be used as a comparison study
to the effectiveness of the strategies used in Belum Rainforest Resort. The scope is
then narrowed to the resort and some of the strategies that were identified were the
use of the clustered building typology, the use of the openness concept to promote
growth of vegetation and finally the use of natural building materials that can be found
on site. In terms of building typology, the use of the clustered typology allowed for the
building blocks to be organized freely without the need for extensive site excavation,
which would harm the ecosystem. Besides that, the concept of openness, through the
use of transition pocket spaces, allowed for the uninterrupted growth of the trees and
plants in Belum Rainforest Resort. Finally, the use of natural building materials found
on site meant that the carbon footprint of the building was significantly reduced and a
majority of the materials used can be recycled. In conclusion, after a comparative
analysis based on the principles identified by Graham (2003), the Belum Rainforest
Resort adheres to the principles of interdependency, thermodynamics and change.

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The Application of Building With Nature Strategies to Achieve Sustainability in Belum

Rainforest Resort

1.0 Introduction

Picture 1: Location of Belum Rainforest Resort Pulau Banding ( Google Maps, 2014)

Belum Rainforest Resort is located in Pulau Banding set amidst the 130 million
year old Belum-Temenggor Rainforest. It is one of Malaysias well-known ecotourism
holiday destinations and is famous amongst nature enthusiasts (Emkay Group Berhad,
2014). Belum Rainforest Resort has taken into account some of the principles and
guidelines that Emkay Group Berhad had constructed in order to preserve the ecology
of the rainforest while promoting eco-tourism. Some of these guidelines include (Emkay
Group Berhad, 2014): -

a) The

construction

process

of these

developments

must be

managed

comprehensively to ensure the viability of its resources and in return, enable

the environment and the surrounding context to be preserved
b) These developments would have to take into consideration of the conservation
of the natural landscape of Pulau Banding and its surroundings
c) To promote the ideology of eco-tourism, the preservation of nature vis--vis
must be of utmost importance to the developers

This research report will highlight the execution of some of the strategies that
abide to these principles and guidelines, in relation to the idea of building with nature to
achieve sustainability in Belum Rainforest Resort, Phase 1 and Phase 2, by answering
the following research questions: -

1. What are the architectural philosophies of building with nature?

2. What are the advantages of building with nature?
3. What are the elements of the context in Belum Rainforest Resort that affect the
design of the building?
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4. What are the strategies that were used by the Belum Rainforest Resort
buildings design to respond to the site context?
5. What were the strategies implemented by the Belum Rainforest Resort to
reduce the negative impacts on the site context?

The definition of sustainability used in this report will be provided by the

Merriam-Webster online dictionary which states that, sustainability is the act of
implementing methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources and
being able to last for a long time (Sustainable, n.d.). Finally as a comparison study,
Graham (2003)s book, Building Ecology: First Principles for a Sustainable Built
Environment will be used to verify the effectiveness of these strategies.

2.0 Architectural Philosophies of Building With Nature

This section will discuss Graham (2003)s architectural philosophies of
sustainable design through five essential concepts that facilitate changes in
construction practices that allow for the growth of a sustainable environment. According
to him, environmentally literate people have to have a sense of awareness that
buildings, the built environment as well as the process involved in building affects the
present and future environments and people. Besides that, they have to use materials
and energy efficiently to ensure that there is little wastage and minimize the usage of
these materials and energy to solve as many problems as possible. In short, do more
with less. In relation to the efficient use of materials and energy, Graham (2003) states
that energy should be used in a large number of small steps to guarantee an effective
energy-quality execution. Environmentally literate people also design buildings that
support the diversity of the ecosystems. Finally, there must be an understanding that
sustainable buildings shouldnt last forever but must be adaptable to change.
One of his most interesting points is the idea that buildings and trees are
generally alike because they both are structurally rigid and provide spaces for living
things. However, the major contrast between the inefficiency of the two is that buildings
create waste. Therefore, to create a sustainable environment, we must build buildings
that function the same way as trees do and in order to do so, the concept of
interdependency, thermodynamics and change has to be taken into account.

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2.1 Interdependency
The main idea for interdependency is to form ecologically sustainable
relationships between the natural and built environment. It is important to look at two
aspects of interdependency, which are life cycles and building metabolisms.

2.1.1 Life Cycles

There is a dependant relationship between a building and the environment that
requires the environment to constantly produce the resources needed to sustain a
building as well as be ecologically robust to absorb the waste produced by the
buildings occupants. In order to determine the environmental effects a building would
have, a life cycle mapping of the natural environment and building should be drafted
and assessed. This will aid in the making a decision of the selection of materials and
resources ensuring that there is no form of environmental degradation over time.

2.1.2 Building Metabolisms

The stocks and flow of the resources available as well as the amount of energy
required by the building to operate determine a buildings environmental impact. An
efficient building metabolism has resources and ecological services that could be
reused for future building developments. This would allow the environment to taken in
emissions released by the building.

2.2 Thermodynamics
Graham (2003) states that a comprehensive knowledge of conservation and
efficiency, entropy and surviving designs is essential in understanding the relationship
between a building and its external environment. The laws of thermodynamics describe
the flow and transformation of energy and matter to create a condition of function in
which all systems and structures comply.

2.2.1 Conservation and efficiency

Much like the definition of the first law of thermodynamics, energy and matter
cannot be consumed but are instead processed and transformed. The amount energy
and matter that was present before the transformation would be equal to the amount
after the transformation. With this knowledge, the materials selected to construct and
maintain the building must not create matter that will accumulate and eventually
become harmful to the environment. The consumption of these resources would have
to be minimized at rates in which it can be replenished or renewed or allow nature to
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assimilate waste safely. As a summary, the avoidance of nonessential consumption of
materials and energy is important.

2.2.2 Entropy
The second law of thermodynamics states that as energy flows through a
closed system (a system which does not receive constant inputs of energy) the energy
available to that system for work decreases. In order to achieve equilibrium, high
quality energy must be topped up to keep a system organized. The idea of being
energy-efficient would be inefficacious, as the utilization of quality resources should be
taken into consideration. Therefore, the focus must be on the potential of the
dissipation of high quality energy as it degrades. In relation to nature, buildings should
create ways of using energy in a large number of small stages while minimizing energy
loss from the system.

2.2.2 Surviving Designs

Natural ecosystems have evolved recycling loops that maximise the
effectiveness and efficiency of the use of energy to do work. The outputs of a building
would have to reflect this system in order for it to become ecologically sustainable. The
waste would have to be kept in the system for as long as possible to maximize the
utilization of energy-quality. These outputs would have to be non-toxic to the system
and can be reused without the need for more energy. Therefore, surviving designs
provide pathways for recycling by creating by-products that can be use for resource
production.

2.3 Change
Graham (2003) states that there are two kinds of changes that are inevitable:
intentions, which are planned changes and surprises, unplanned changes. The more
relevant form of change would have to be the unplanned ones and in order for a
building to adapt to change, one must avoid building obsolescence by creating
buildings that continue to meet the users needs. The sustainability of a building is
highly dependant on the resilience of the ecosystems that affect it as well as the
adaptability of the building.

2.3.1 Surprises
In order to deal with the uncertainty of the future, buildings would have to be
protected from obsolescence instead of change. This can be executed through the
creation of durable and resilient buildings. There are several reasons as to why a
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building would become obsolete. To counter this issue, easy access to fast-cycling
materials must be available without the need to destroy slower cycling materials.
Another way to achieve adaptability is to design for deconstruction, which allows for the
components and systems to be disassembled for reuse when it reaches the end of its
service life.

3.0

Advantages of Building With Nature

This section would highlight some of these benefits that resulted in the implementation
of building with nature strategies which could benefit the environment, the economy
and socially.

3.1

Environmental Benefits
Environmentally, green building techniques would increase energy efficiency

and would reduce the amount of harmful emissions such as pollutants released by
fossil fuel. Besides that, there would be a significant reduction in the amount of
construction and demolition waste if strategies such as building deconstruction were
implemented (Take Action, n.d.). The use of rapidly renewable materials would
reduce the need for long-cycle renewable materials as well as improve forest
management and the biodiversity (The Environmental, n.d.).

3.2

Economic Benefits
The money used for utilities could be used for other purposes instead as there

would be a drastic reduction in operation costs. The United States Green Building
Council whom, also states that the application of resource-efficient strategies and
integrated designs would result in the downsizing of expensive mechanical, electrical
and structural systems (Building Momentum, 2002). Furthermore, there would be an
increase in employee productivity, which would positively correlate to the increased
indoor environmental conditions (Take Action, n.d.).

3.3

Social Benefits
According

to

Edwards

(2003),

the

application

of

passive

designs

psychologically affects the users of the space. Due to the emphasis on natural
ventilation and non-toxic, low emission materials, a healthier and more comfortable
form of living and working environments are created.

The preservation of natural

environments also enables healthier alternatives to recreation and exercise

opportunities (Take Action, n.d.). There would also be an increase in alternatives to

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materials as to eliminate materials that could be harmful to the users (Krygiel & Nies,
2008).

4.0 Strategies of Building With Nature in Belum Rainforest

Resort
This section of the research report will discuss the application of building with
nature strategies in conserving the two major elements of Pulau Banding, the
vegetation and topography. These strategies will then be compared to the architectural
philosophies determined by Graham (2003) to determine its effectiveness. Finally,
based on the advantages of building with nature, an analysis on the advantages of the
strategies in Belum Rainforest Resort will be discussed.

4.1

Building Typology

Figure 1: Massing of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Belum Rainforest Resort

Figure 2: Contour of Belum Rainforest Resort

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Rainforest Resort
Building on the available site topography and context instead of moulding it to
suit the building design should be of utmost importance to designers as it promoted the
idea of placelessness by engaging the building to the site (Frampton, 1985). The
placement of the buildings in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Belum Rainforest Resort has
been organized in the clustered building typology. This arrangement allows for the
structures to be placed within the contours without inflicting any major damage to the
topography as well as the natural ecosystems of the site. Sassi (2006) had mentioned
that the main priority of an architectural development is the avoidance of the
destruction of natural habitats similar to enhancing existing structures and the
introduction of new habitats. According to the architect, the design of Belum Rainforest
Resort is a dialogue to the rainforests diverse slopes. They first determined the main
pathway, which wraps around the sides of the lake followed by the placement of the
modular blocks of the Kampung Houses and Tanjung Wan Villas. This organization
allowed for the creation of pocket spaces in between the building blocks, which
celebrated nature by maximizing ventilation as well as natural lighting.
The creation of pocket spaces supports the second law of thermodynamics by
Graham (2003), which states that buildings should create systems that consume
maximum energy-quality. High quality energy such as natural lighting and ventilation
are made available due to the placement of the building blocks.

Picture 2: Example of pocket space in the Tanjung Wan Villas

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Picture 3: Pocket space in between the lobby (left) and Sidai Restaurant (right)

Picture 4: The variation of slopes are very apparent in Belum Rainforest Resort

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Picture 5: The modular blocks of the Tanjung Wan Villas

Picture 6: The modular blocks of the Tanjung Wan Villas

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4.2

Building Design
When Belum Rainforest Resort was designed, the concept of openness was

adopted into the building blocks. It is more apparent in Phase 2 of the resort where the
use of skeletal materials gives the impression of lightness. These materials, such as
perforated steel and wood composite, were used for the walkways that connected the
spaces together. This allowed for the growth of vegetation on site without any form of
disruption. Poetically, it allowed for the users of the space to embrace nature through
intimacy. The plants would pour over the manmade boundaries blurring the distinction
between man and nature. The walls of the Tanjung Wan Villas have creepers growing
on it because the architect intended for the building to become part of nature as it ages
with time.
The design of Phase 2 of the Belum Rainforest Resort supports the philosophy
of change, which states that buildings should allow the natural environment to adapt to
the presence of the building while minimizing the ecological impact the building would
inflict upon the site. The walkways are raised on stilts minimizing the damage it would
create on site. Besides that, the vegetation is left untouched and are allowed to grow in
their natural state. Similar to the Lyola Pavilions in Queensland Australia, the pavilions
allow for plants to grow around it reducing the need to disrupt the landscape (Sassi,
2006).

Picture 7: The walkways connecting the end of the site to the Tanjung Wan Villas

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Picture 8: The walkways connecting the Tanjung Wan Villas to the rooftop deck

Picture 9: The walkways connecting the Tanjung Wan Villas

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Picture 10: Vegetation spilling over the walls in Belum Rainforest Resort

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Picture 11: Creepers growing on the walls of the villas in Tanjung Wan

Picture 12: The railings of the walkways have been altered to accommodate the tree trunk

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4.3

Materials
A more literal form of building with nature can be seen through the use of

natural materials as building structures. A majority of the construction materials used in

Phase 1 and Phase 2 were reused from site and can be recycled. In Phase 1, bamboo
was used as a roofing structure to provide shelter from rain and excessive sunlight in
the Sidai Restaurant. Towards the end of the site at the mock orang asli village
settlement, bamboo was used extensively as walls and structural materials. Located on
the faades of the rooms in Phase 1, Soma Wood Saplings that were found on site
were used as a form of privacy screening, although it was more of an aesthetic
decision. Finally, in Phase 2, the use of rammed earth highlighted the idea of building
with nature as the earth excavated on site during construction was used to create
screening walls in the Tanjung Wan Villas. The addition of a little bit of cement allowed
for the earth to solidify and become rigid without losing the earthiness of its colour and
texture.
The use of these natural materials supports the theory of interdependency,
which states that an ecologically sustainable building always has the resources,
needed to maintain the building and is dependant on the input of resources that could
be renewed for future building developments. The abundance of bamboo, earth and
wood on site ensures that there is no depletion of these natural sources. Besides that,
the materials used are easy to deconstruct and recycle. Graham (2003) had also
mentioned that the buildings should allow for easy access to fast cycling materials
without destroying slow cycling materials in his definition of the philosophy of change.
Buildings should be designed for flexibility and ease of refurbishment. This would allow
for the building to change its use over time and allow for its faades and internal
partitioning to be removed or replaced without structural disturbance (Brophy & Lewis,
2011). The Soma Wood saplings used on the faades of Phase 1 of the resort and the
bamboo used as the roof structure in the restaurant is easy to deconstruct and recycle
without the need for demolition.

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Picture 13: Bamboo was used as the roofing structure of the Sidai Restaurant

Picture 14: Bamboo used as a structural member in the mock orang asli village

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Picture 15: Soma Wood screening in Phase 1

Picture 16: Close up of the Soma Wood screening

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Picture 17: Rammed earth wall used in Phase 2 of the Belum Rainforest Resort

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5.0 Conclusion

Without a doubt, Belum Rainforest Resort is the epitome of the integration of

nature and architecture. The architects and designers have taken into consideration the
natural elements as well as the principles and guidelines constructed by Emkay Group
in order to maintain the biodiversity and ecosystem of Pulau Banding. There are many
ways to interpret the idea of building with nature. In Belum Rainforest Resort, it was
adopted both literally and figuratively in three main strategies. The first one is the idea
of using the clustered typology to allow for the growth of nature together with the
building instead of around it. This in turn, minimizes the impact the resort has on the
natural environment and it reduces the need for excess site excavation to alter the
topography. Next, the concept of openness in terms of the building design allows
natural lighting and ventilation to penetrate the building. With the presence of these
natural energy sources, the need for artificial lighting is minimized reducing the energy
consumption of the building. Finally, the integration of natural materials aesthetically
and structurally is one of the more literal strategies of building with nature. Most of the
materials are readily available on site and therefore there is little need for transportation.
This would reduce the carbon footprint of the building ensuring a healthier environment
while increasing the comfort levels of the resort.

In todays era of sustainability and eco-friendliness, it is important to study

strategies such as these so that future developments would have alternative methods
to greening their building. Through these methods, the integration of nature and
architecture would become an essential aspect of architectural design. In the words of
Frank Lloyd Wright, Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail
you. Therefore, in order to create a harmonious balance between man and nature,
nature and architecture, designers shouldnt build around nature. Instead, they should
build with it.

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6.0 References
Brophy, V., & Lewis, J. O. (2011). A green vitruvius: principles and practice of
sustainable architectural design. London: Earthscan.

Building Momentum: National Trends and Prospects for High-Performance Green

Buildings. (2002). Retrieved November 1, 2014, from
http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Resources/043003_hpgb_whitepaper.pdf

Edwards, B. (Ed.). (2003). Green Buildings Pay (2nd ed.). New York: Spon
Press.

Emkay Group Berhad. (2014). Banding Island. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from
http://www.bandingisland.com/os_banding_island.php

Frampton, K. (1985). Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six points for an architecture of

resistance in postmodern culture. (1st ed., pp. 16-30). London: Pluto Press

Google Maps. (2014). [Belum Rainforest Resort] [Satellite View]. Retrieved

November 1, 2014 from
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Belum+Rainforest+Resort/@5.543204,101
.340637,844m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x31b5aa097d03a541:0x578ab
5056914433b

Graham, P. (2003). Building ecology: first principles for a sustainable built

environment. Oxford: Blackwell Science.

Sassi, P. (2006). Strategies for sustainable architecture. Oxford: Taylor & Francis.

Sustainable. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2014, from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/sustainable

Take Action. (n.d.). Green Building Benefits. Retrieved October 20, 2014, from
https://bloomington.in.gov/green-building-benefits

The Environmental Benefits of Sustainable Design. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1,

2014, from https://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/buscase_section4.pdf

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Thomas, R. (2011). Environmental design: an introduction to architects and
engineers. Oxford: Taylor & Francis.

Krygiel, E., & Nies, B. (2008). Green BIM: Successful Sustainable Design with
Building Information Modeling. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing.

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