ryuichi ashizawa architect & associates has built an extension building for a factory on a landfill site adjacent to the jungle in johor, malaysia. aiming towards a sustainable, low carbon type environment, the building uses the abundant rainwater of the rainforest region, as well as the sunlight, wind, geothermal energy, and green power, in order to function.
factory main entrance
all images by kaori ichikawa
the project by ryuichi ashizawa architect & associates follows a respectful approach towards the site and existing flora and fauna, while the building integrates with the surrounding environment by effectively utilizing natural elements. the green-roof works as an insulation layer between the inetrior and the hot malaysian weather, while also collecting rainwater. natural ventilation is carried through the main tower to the lower spaces by temperature and pressure gradients, allowing a continuous air flow that improves the thermal conditions.
bird eye view
the building is organized in two main volumes: a plain clear space with an open layout that contains the production area, and an elliptically shaped tower for the administrative and management departments. the long tower axis is directed towards east-west, in order to minimize the influence of solar radiation on the outer wall surface, while a system of wires and vines forms a natural shield.
exterior view
since the factory staff comprises a considerable number of migrant workers from islamic faith, the design aims to honour their cultural background. the production area is structurally arranged as a forest of hexagonal pillars with star shaped capitals, resembling the arabesque patterns from islamic culture, while the layout mimics the surrounding jungle. rainwater collected from the green roof is channelled into an underground water storage tank through pipes embedded in the pillars, used for plant watering. blowing winds, and water flowing into the pond, together bring a cool breeze to the transitional space between the exterior and the interior.
exterior view
reflection panels reduce the artificial lighting as much as possible, the factory is designed to maximize the use of natural light, while shielding the spaces from direct solar radiation. guided by computer simulations, the required amount of reflected and diffused daylight was calculated and is controlled by reflection panels that again feature arabesque patterns.
pavilion exterior view
pavilion interior view
islamic patterns on light diffuser plates
corridor view
canteen view
slab
dining room
project info:
name: factory in the earth
designer: RAA | ryuichi ashizawa architect & associates
location: johor bahru, malaysia
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom
