Alun Retreats Chalet is the first shipping container chalet located at Pasir Bogak, Pulau Pangkor, designed and led by Architect Rushdina from Rushdina Architect.It is made from recycled containers cut in half and had become a basic abode that celebrates the best view offered by Pasir Bogak’s beach naturally.It boasts together with beautiful beach scenery, a sophisticated interior, and some impressive environmental credentials, including energy-saving electricity consumption and environmental-friendly materials and finishes.
The Architect excitedly throughout her experience in completing this project has delivered her bold intention, and translated the concept as;
The design is inspired by the spirit of the young generation’s lifestyle towards social media along with beautiful scenery of ocean, beach, sunset & sunrise from the site itself.Her goal in design: All angles of the site are Instagram-able.
For her, vacations are a celebration package that must come with a room with a view.The best view will become one’s memory.The best memory is not to be kept but to be shared, posted and inspired by people.
Apart from the challenges that have been faced by all the project team members due to the recent outbreak and Movement Control Order, it was not an excuse or reason to discontinue the project.Regardless of the location far from the land, tight regulations, together facing the local people and their local culture, the project team had done their best to overcome all the difficulties and turn challenges into amazing experiences.As a team, the “togetherness” spirit has become one of the driving factors to stay in a positive momentum to complete the development.
It has become one of the remarkable places to capture the tremendous views from any angle and become part of the expansive memory to rock Instagram!
Nature is the biggest constraint throughout the process.Preservation was also the best approach when dealing with the site.
Apart from the view, the existing surrounding trees were saved from being cut down.They remained for the benefit of natural shading and function as wind barriers.The boxes were planned to be inserted in between these preserved trees yet still have unfettered views of the sea.
Instead of using the full-length 40 feet container, and due to the size of the site and compliance with setbacks, the Architect decided to cut the container into half for each room, stack up another level into three boxes of 20 feet in one cluster, whilst all rooms still maintain its romantic views.In the end, the development has seven clusters of three chalet units each, one cluster for the administration building with a tilt box, and another cluster for a cafe with a viewing deck.The decking idea for the whole development was part of the client’s mandatory brief to enjoy the fantastic sunrises and sunsets.
Architecture is nothing without understanding the power of shapes.The Architect was inspired by the boxy shape that penetrates the shapelessness of the surrounding nature.To make a statement, the Architect explored the details using the other basic shapes to win the most romantic view from every angle of each box.At the same time, the Architect wanted to win the “Instagram-friendly” experience from each spot within the development.
The box but tilt it
Blend with nature: The Modern-style box is nestled amidst beautiful “Ketapang trees”…
When starting the design to blend the container box with the existing nature, the architect faced the task to preserve the trees and its surroundings.Even a single slab had to be diverted and carefully designed to respect the existing trees.This was fully supported by the Landscape Architect whose ideas were combined to place the boxes at minimum obstruction to nature.
To celebrate the idea to make the reception building more outstanding at the entrance, something needed to be done to reflect the “Instagramable” concept.The Architect successfully convinced the Client that a flat box is too common, and challenged the site by tilting one of the boxes, placed at the front to become the entrance statement to this development.
“Dare to tilt – break the boxy feeling from box. Let the tilt become the lighting tube at night. Bring people up from inside the box to connect to the deck and let them experience the journey to the ocean each day and night. This is the entrance statement to Alun” Ar. Rushdina
The round shape
When there are too many boxes, the tilt itself was not enough for her design.The Architect still needed other surprise elements to break the boxes.
Inspired by her favourite experience while travelling, she bravely requested the Client to cut the opening for the window in a round shape!She wants to spend her time with coffee by the bay window and frame the memory for her Instagram.
“I still want more surprise elements in Alun. What if -round instead of square? What if -spiral instead of long steps? – ‘surprise-surprise’…” Ar. Rushdina
The Architect said, when things are too tiny to live in, every detail to satisfy the living does matter.Research made on tiny houses and basic living found that the basic component people need during vacations is shelter, yet at the same time, one can have their own private space to rest, sleep, bathe and get changed.
Inspired by Kagelow Mt Fuji while travelling to Japan with family, the Architect borrowed some of the elements from their basic living concept.
The 21 numbers of 20’ containers consist of 1 bathroom, a dressing area, a bed for couples/kids and a couch in a small living area.Even though all units have the same components inside, they have been designed differently based on their functions.
-Single rooms for couples placed on top of the cluster – the only room that has a round-shaped window to view the ocean.
-Single rooms below have a full-height opening to view the beach.
-Family rooms below consist of 2 units of 20’ containers connected by barn doors, having raised tatami platform bed for couples and bunk beds at the next unit for kids.
The Architect also had to explore the design details for hidden storage under the bed and by the bay window bench, the rear of the bed panel as a dressing area and pantry shelves.For those who love 24-hour access to their social media, the 180° adjustable screens are provided in the room for the purpose.
Furthermore, inspired by the ‘tempayan’ concept from the traditional Malay house, the signage panel placed outside every cluster was designed to integrate with the water outlet.This is to ensure guests have feet cleaned off from dirt and sand prior to entering the units.
