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Week Six: Technical Research and Beginning Digital Work

Site Plan Analysis

Geology, soil typology, vegetation, hydrography.

During my site plan analysis, I will research the soil and geology of Sarawak, Malaysia, where I will be designing my project. There, the predominant soil is the podzol – a leached soil composed of pale-coloured sands with accumulations beneath the surface (re-deposits) of the surface humus (decayed organic matter) and iron. Such soils may have accumulated on old river alluvium or coarse-textured sandstone rocks and thus are usually well-drained. (Sarawak's soil system (2015))

The total peatland area of Sarawak is estimated to be about 1,657,600 hectares, representing 13% of the whole land area. Many of the peat swamp forests (PSF) have been harvested or transformed into agricultural lands and settlements along the coastal areas of Sarawak's lowland plains. Owing to the rapid transformation of the PSF, there has been increased attention on conserving some of what is left for biodiversity, water resources, recreation, ecotourism and other purposes, including that of being a carbon sink. The existing protected peat swamp areas are Loagan Bunut National Park, which encompasses 10,736 ha. Maludam National Park of 43,147 ha, Pulau Bruit Wildlife Sanctuary (1,776 ha) and several isolated islands of PSF located in Bako National Park, Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mulu National Park. This paper reviews a study of the flora of the PSF in the Loagan Bunut National Park and the disturbed PSF of Kota Samarahan and Sedilo. In our inventory studies, the traditionally important trees of the peat swamp were also identified, namely Gonystylus bancanus Miq. Kurz. (Ramin), Shorea albida Sym. (Alan bunga), Dactylocladus stenostachys Oliv. (Jongkong), Shorea inequilateralis Sym. (Semayur), Platea excelsa Bl. (Jejangkong), Dyera polyphylla (Miq.) Steenis (Jelutong), Dryobalanops rappa Becc. (Kapur paya), Cratoxylum glaucum Korth. (Geronggang padang) and Combretocarpus rotundatus (Miq.) Dans. (Keruntum). Nevertheless, these species were no longer dominant in the disturbed habitat. This paper also discusses the importance of flora in the PSF ecosystem that plays an important role in enhancing the carbon sink and storage. (Anderson, J.A.R. 1963)

Sarawak soil map

The soil in Sarawak is optimum for huge trees, this is why constructing a modern treehouse is perfect because the size of the tree can be the initial foundation for the treehouse. To add, there is still a lot of areas that has not been touch. 

Size of the site.

My initial thought on the size of the building is similar to a standard modern house. Which is around 200m2. However, I will be adding a patio area outside the house that will be around the house. According to ALDA Landscapes, there are a few key factors to consider here. "As a rule of thumb, 3m x 3m is a sensible size for a typical patio with a table big enough for four or maybe even six people" (ALDA Landscapes, 2023)

Treehouse with patio

The picture displayed above is an excellent representation of the concept for my major project. It is a house constructed mainly with wooden materials and includes a spacious patio area outside, which enhances the overall comfort of the house. The total area of my construction measures around 250m2.

References: 

Miller, Z. (2018) You can stay at this stunning luxury treehouse in England - take a look inside, Insider. Available at: https://www.insider.com/luxury-treehouse-tour-2018-8 (Accessed: 14 November 2023).

Sarawak’s soil system (2015) Borneo Post Online. Available at: https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/04/22/sarawaks-soil-system/ (Accessed: 14 November 2023).

Brinsmead, N. (2023) Patio sizes: Just how big should a patio be?, Homebuilding & Renovating. Available at: https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/patio-sizes (Accessed: 14 November 2023).

(No date) Floral diversity of the peat swamp forests of Sarawak. Available at: https://peatlands.org/assets/uploads/2019/06/ipc2008p271-274-tawan-floral-diversity-of-the-peat-swamp-forests-of-sarawak.pdf (Accessed: 14 November 2023).




Comments

  1. DigitalArts_Architecture_Blog28 November 2023 at 02:52

    A well-written post that demonstrates thoughtful research. A reader would have a much better understanding of the soil conditions with links to follow up for more detailed reading.

    ReplyDelete

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