Story and photographs by JOHNNI WONG | Aug 22, 2010
Good old material
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Environmental concern around the globe has encouraged the growth of many meaningful and viable businesses that contribute to the concept of sustainability and sustainable architecture.
In this connection, deconstruction (building) and architectural salvage represent a small but increasingly meaningful component of the construction industry as such practices offer another lease of life for reclaimed building materials.
In Malaysia, there is already a growing band of forward-thinking architects and entrepreneurs who have conceptualised and built one-off houses, largely out of reclaimed or recycled material, which lessen the impact on virgin resources.
As tropical hardwood such as teak and chengal become increasingly costly and desirable, it makes sense to re-use such reclaimed timber for contemporary homes that can be attractive, comfortable and exclusive.
A case in point is architectural salvage trader and contractor Gooi Kok Wah, 42, and his efforts to create greater awareness on the beauty and feasibility of using reclaimed materials such as recycled timber, granite, stone, glass, metal framework and lighting fixtures.
Besides taking down and salvaging old timber structures such as railway quarters, buildings, saw mills and kampung dwellings, Gooi also undertakes to renovate and restore old houses.
Prototype house
Certainly, Gooi - formerly an accountant - is no ordinary businessman as his newly-completed, prototype house in Bukit Panchor, Nibong Tebal, will attest. Sited at the front of his six-hectare timber yard, warehouse and factory, is an extraordinary house built of recycled beams, trusses, floorboards, doors, bricks and even sanitaryware, among other materials.
"This is my first show house to demonstrate the concept and skill in building such a house of reclaimed material. This is to send a clear message that everything can be re-used," said Gooi, when interviewed at the site.
With a built-up space of 180sq m (2,000sq ft), the double-storey detached house wasn’t exactly cheap to build as the total costs came to about RM500,000, according to the owner. But then again, Gooi wanted a finer finish by refinishing the material, especially the timber for certain sections.
"Basically, it is a timber house with a facade of antique bricks. Certain construction parts like trusses were salvaged intact from old buildings and every section fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle.
"Certain timber parts like the floorboards were refinished but we try to retain the character of the wood as much as possible. This means that certain timber parts were left in their original patina or distressed finish. We wanted to achieve a natural, time-worn effect that could not be achieved by hand.
"I designed the house myself and the construction took a year. The most difficult part was to get all the different components to fit and suit the concept of a contemporary style house."
Old merbau
The ground floor comprises the foyer or reception hall which is separated from the lounge by a glass-and-wooden partition. A section of the lounge serves as office space. This section leads to a small pantry and bathroom. The back wall of the lounge is actually a row of tall windows that allow for better ventilation when opened, should the owner decide not use the air-conditioner.
Another row of windows - sourced from old shophouses in Ipoh - is built on the right side of the reception hall. These windows also serve as attractive architectural highlights within the building. The ground floor is also built with a porch with two side terraces. The left terrace serves as a semi-open kitchen and dining area while the right side offers another nook for afternoon tea. A staircase from the reception hall leads to the upper deck which offers another cosy spot for relaxation. The one and only bedroom is also located here. It is equipped with an air-conditioner, suspended overhead.
While the upstairs flooring - which spans 90sq m (1,000sq ft) - was constructed of balau wood, the floor downstairs was laid with old merbau wood of at least 4.5m (15ft) in length with a thickness of 3.8cm (1&1/2-inch) and a width of 30.5cm (1ft) with amazing grain patterns.
Another interesting feature of the house is the use of roof trusses. But instead of having a ceiling to hide the trusses, they are exposed in all its glory. Furthermore, glass panes have been used to enclose the front and back gables to keep out the rain and insects and yet allow daylight to illuminate the interior.
Said Gooi, "This is to allow the maximum level of natural light to filter in as it is very important to have proper lighting in a timber house. Or it can be dark and gloomy with all the natural wood tone."
Now that his burning passion to build a house of recycled material of his own design has been satiated, the owner intends to use it as a show house-cum-office, as well as a weekend home and for lucky guests to enjoy. It could also be rented out for functions and parties as there’s ample parking space on the grounds. But the real reason for building this house is that it serves as a prototype for a far more ambitious project.
Proportion
And what has Gooi learnt from this challenging exercise?
"That the correct proportion in house design is important for an aesthetically-pleasing concept. Also, there are also lessons to be learnt about ventilation systems, lighting and the art of matching different materials. And even the landscaping."
But Gooi is no first-timer as he has completed many construction projects using recycled material that range from colonial-style houses to retro-chic restaurants in Penang and in the Klang Valley.
It all began when he renovated his own corner linked-house is in his hometown of Nibong Tebal, 15 years ago. With his innate love for wood and carpentry, he thought he could have done a better job than a local contractor hired to build an awning. Subsequently, he built a luxurious annexe to his home with reclaimed material and he hasn’t looked back since.
His previous jobs included working in corporate finance as well as a general manager for a furniture factory that supplied international chain stores. He has lived and worked abroad but chose to return to Nibong Tebal.
Nowadays, he is kept busy with contracts in Perak, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur to dismantle structures such as old mansions, warehouses, railway stations, hospitals, school halls, government quarters and factories.
The reclaimed materials are systematically tagged and stored for sale or re-used for any construction project. For example, for a new seafood centre in Batu Kawan, Penang, some 150 tons of reclaimed merbau wood would be utilised. At any one time, Gooi stocks some 1,000-1,500 tons of reclaimed timber material that includes extra large blocks of chengal, merbau, kempas and even teak. His store of old hardwood doors and windows alone, numbers more than 3,000 units. He also stocks accessories like slide bolts, locks and hinges.
Nothing in Gooi’s warehouse and timber recycling factory is left to waste. And with newly-processed chengal currently fetching RM12,000 per ton, it makes sense to acquire recycled chengal which only costs between RM5,000 and RM7,000 per ton. And the grain and colour of old wood is certainly more attractive.
Gooi Kok Wah can be contacted at +6012-431 9993.
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