DESIGN 4 PROJECT- LOCAL ESSENCE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Another long semester has ended and welcome to holidays. I had an interesting project for this semester and enjoyed doing it although time is limited and it turns out to be not as I expected it to be. Anyway, it was a good try for me to design an actual whole building for the second time. I enjoyed doing the merchandise part especially. To make everything simple and short, I'll just post my design statement of this project here (basically what is this project about):

Embrace the Forgotten

"Tin House is a double storey boutique hotel located at Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur is an ambitious, high profile ecological educational and entertainment facility with the idea of connecting the interior to the exterior surroundings. The main objectives are to instill the knowledge tin cultural heritage among our future generations which was long forgotten with the saying goes; “Embrace your origin place, remember the story”.

Inspired by the ‘palong’ (sluice box) which was used for producing tin deposits during the development of tin mining industry by the Chinese Hakka villagers in 1900s, the design concept is FILTRATION which explains the meaning behind the process of how a palong works. The concept is achieved by the gradual changes from higher spaces to lower spaces and ambiance from the openness of nature to industrial and rustic features interiors made of recyclable materials. The concept also recognizes the quality of green spaces where recyclable energy like solar panels and reusing water from the water feature and sky garden. This is to create awareness to the public to preserve the environment by reusing, reducing and recycling waste products intelligently. The building was once a showroom and the original structures were retained while being converted to a boutique hotel to preserve the sense of space. The spaces are exposed to natural surroundings naturally depicting the tin miners’ lifestyle in the open area.  The building finishes are made from raw and recyclable materials to allow nature work its way in harmony with the spaces creating a diorama effect of an open mine pit area.

The main activity starts from the first floor where visitors are forced to direct from the main entrances to reach the receptions on the first floor. Visitors are welcomed to view the art gallery and have a fun ride on a slide down to the distinctive workshop at the ground floor producing a PRESSURE effect. The spaces are organized in a way forming one way circulations from the first floor to the ground floor. The workshop offers from making pewter, accessories to art sculptures and don’t miss the chance to exhibit your own art pieces too. PENETRATE involves visitors can view the activities happening at the ground floor. The spaces are penetrated by interlocking nature into the interior space and connect indoor activity with the environment. SPLIT involves where the lounge at the center is linked to all the spaces of the building creating a datum circulation. The spaces are divided into active and inactive spaces like the workshop, art gallery, lounge and sky garden. This provides opportunities to bring biodiversity back into the urban environment.

In conclusion, the role of Tin House is not only to create aesthetically pleasing space and exhibition to visitors, but to re-invent interior space by adding and preserving value to the lifestyle trends, rich biodiversity environment and conducive environment for interaction between community. Tin House is a perfect getaway to experience and explore while relaxing to distract yourself from a hectic week."

The Merchandise Areas (main attraction of this boutique hotel)

"The Silver Workshop was extended to accommodate a comfortable working space. The self- contained workshop was surrounded by full length glass windows to allow maximize sunlight to enter for productive working environment. A new semi- glazed roof was built steel- framed supporting glass panels to provide spectacular views to the exterior surroundings. The steel frame enhances the height of the space and the east side is glazed to provide the sunlight. The workshop is partially shed by a cantilever corrugated, galvanized metal roofing which was locally manufactured to provide a reflective surface while reducing the need for roof decking and substructure. The roof was equipped with solar panels to capture the direct sunlight from the east. The original staircase was retained to direct visitors to the art gallery on the first floor. It is a place where visitors can view various activities being carried out at the workshop from outside and participate after a few minutes of exploring them.

The MineCraft Gallery on the first floor was an extended space which rests on top of the Tin Shop. The main objective of this space is to provide a flexible facility to allow pathway circulation and storage for art pieces and old artifacts. Wire mesh partitions were installed to allow installation of art pieces by tying them up with metal wires, creating a tension effect.  The shelving system was fixed on metal poles between the floor and ceiling to display the artifacts making them cantilevered. Full length glass windows at the corner provide clear view of the workshop on the ground floor while allowing diffused sunlight in."

There are altogether 8 A1 boards combined forming a landscape poster taller than me lol. I had never done such a big poster before in my life. Will improve for the better next time. I would like to thank my lecturers for this project. Besides this project, I learned about heritage of my hometown too. 

Zoom ins:

                            

What it really looks like:

The merchandise:

Mock up models (Theme: Filtration)