Rudinara Residence

In Malaysia, residential buildings with unique contemporary and modern outlook are relatively abundant. Most buildings are formed from rectangular-shaped initial object or object with rectangular element. There are only few design which has a different shape of initial object due to the scarcity of a plan type other than rectangular-shaped. Therefore, to find one with unique non-rectangular layout plan is tough.

Fortunately there is renowned residence known as Rudinara, which has distinctive layout, plans that have won the Aga-Khan Award for Architecture in the seventh cycle of the award in 1998.

Rudinara is a handmade timber house one of its kind in Malaysia and perhaps in the entire world. It is located in the district of Sepang in Selangor on a three-acre land, the house was completed in 1993 and took six and half years of construction period. The name Rudinara was derived from the proud owner, Dato' Dr.Rudin and Datin Munira Salinger. The preliminary design of Rudinara was drawn up by a renowned local architect, Ar.Jimmy Lim in 1984. However, Jimmy Lim was no longer involved in the project during the construction period and several modifications were made by the owner and discussed with the craftsmen involved.

Concerning the space planning of the house, the client's brief that focused around three major interrelating activities in the house: living, dining and cooking were interpreted as a triangular geometry for indoor living and later a triangular verandah for outdoor function was incorporated. In addition, a traditional and Islamic principle of spatial hierarchy and organization were also employed in the design where public and private spaces were placed on separate floors.

The design of Rudinara was made with consideration to ecological and sustainable principles and was primarily influenced by the climate. Besides its orientation to capture the prevailing winds and the open plan concept to allow cross ventilation, the wide overhanging roofs provide shade for walls and windows from sun and heavy rain. The house was constructed using timber structure and raised on columns to reduce the impact on environment as it was built without making any cut to the land, only clearance of trees at the actual site of the building. Besides allowing of natural ventilation, it also helps to reduce water run-off during heavy monsoon rain. Cengal timber is the main construction material throughout the house as it is highly resistant to moisture and termites. Other natural material used for the construction are clay for singgora roof tiles and granite for staircase core.

Reference: "The Shape Grammar of Rudinara Residence" by Mohd Adib Bin Ramli