Meru House Offers Sustainable Living by A3 Projects

Date of Publishing: February 16, 2024

Contents

Architecture Design of MERU House

Description About The Project

Meru House designed by A3 Projects, become a testament to the architectural prowess. Trained at Arup Associates and PRP Architects, the design philosophy, emphasizing volume and spatial expression, resonates in the barn-like structure of Meru House.

Having spent 15 years in the UK, the architects, now residing in Malaysia, faced challenges in translating their design intent to local contractors. The construction, initiated in 2013 and completed in 2017, manifests a commitment to passive design and energy efficiency. Factors such as building orientation, prevailing winds, and the tropical monsoon season guided the design process. Wind catchers, strategically positioned courtyards, and a meticulous consideration of airflow dynamics form an integral part of the ventilation and heat movement strategy.

The wind catcher serves as a cooling mechanism, harnessing prevailing winds to create a stack effect, drawing hot air upward through volumetric manipulation. Cross ventilation louvers at various heights enhance airflow, complemented by deep-recessed verandas, balconies, and vertical fins as key passive design elements. The veranda, encircling the house, acts as a shield from the sun and tropical rainstorms, offering the family a connection to the garden and an inviting outdoor living space.

Meru House embraces sustainability with an on-site rainwater harvesting system, collecting rainwater in an underground concrete tank to keep it naturally cool. Uncommon in Malaysia, the use of double brick cavity walls for external walls mitigates excessive heat gain, ensuring indoor climate comfort. The result is not just a house; it’s a harmonious blend of spatial expression, sustainable living, and the architects’ journey from the UK to Malaysia, creating a home that stands as a testament to their design philosophy and environmental consciousness.

The Architecture Design Project Information:

Project Name: MERU House
Location: Ipoh, Malaysia
Project Year: 2016
Area: 450 m²
Designed by: A3 Projects

Meru House Offers Sustainable Living by A3 Projects — Greater airflow is enhanced with cross ventilation louvers at various height levels. Deep recessed verandas, balconies and vertical fins are part of the key elements of passive design.

The MERU House Gallery:

Text by the Architects: It all started back in the UK around 2009, when architects Kenny and Sin were still working in London. The brief was to design a family home. Both architects were trained in the school of Architecture at the University of Bath.

Photo credit: Lawrence Choo, Michael Khong | Source: A3 Projects

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
– Tel: +60 3-4065 0289
– Email: info@archcubic.com