Confirmation of Flooring

I have now found a source for the flooring and also made a choice of Selangan Batu.  The company is run by a Mr Ngu at RealLong Timber in Sejingkat.  A good source of information on this wood is this website.  I include some introduction text.

The Standard Malaysian Name for the heavy, yellow to brown timbers of the genusShorea (Dipterocarpaceae). Vernacular names applied include balau (Peninsular Malaysia) with various epithets, selangan batu No. 1 (Sabah), selangan batu (Sabah and Sarawak) and other localised names too numerous to be listed here. Major species include S. atrinervosa, S. foxworthyi, S. glauca, S. laevis, S. materialis, S. maxwelliana, S. submontana and S. sumatrana. The sapwood is lighter in colour and is sharply defined from the heartwood, which is yellow or grey-brown and darkens to deep brown on exposure.

Also known as Selangan batu (Brunnei); Phchok (Cambodia); Sal (India); Anggelam, Balau, Bangkirai and Dammar laut  (Indonesia); Mai chik khok (Laos); Thitya (Myanmar); Gisok, Malayakal and Yakal (Philippines); and Aek, Ak, Balao, Takhian-samphon, Teng and Rang (Thailand).

The main merit of Selangan Batu is that it will resist the termite attack.  However the grade A selangan is difficult to find.  The more common selengan has tiny pinholes more suitable for the deck.

I enclose a pic of the wood.

Plans Resubmitted

Today resubmitted to DBKU.  They will forward it to Land & Survey for initial comments.  Apparently L&S are very efficient (they have a client charter) and will comment within 2 to 3 days.  DBKU wanted more specs particularly on the dimensions of the planking for the wooden floor.  Lets hope that this time all will be approved.

More Family Pics

These are more recent family pics

Sun Screens

This is not really a new idea but it seems to have gained more popularity recently what with "green" concerns.  The main problem with nice glass windows is that they let the sun directly into the house and it can get pretty hot.  So what people do is either put in thick curtains, close windows and put on the aircon.  Thats why you go around and see most houses with the upstairs windows closed.  It all seems rather self defeating in a way and I am sure the electricity bills are high.  In addition I dont like constant air con as I feel suffocated by the poor air quality (low in oxygen and high in dust) and also the dryness.

Recent years has seen an upsurge of usage of aluminum sun screens in form of louvered screens shielding walls and windows.  It is effective as it absorbs the direct sun rays and also allows a view from the window (downwards).  In addition, it also allows siting of the air con condenser units.  Many times I have seen well designed houses ruined by that metal block mounted on the wall.  However I dont like aluminum screens and have opted for wooden screens.  Below is a design.  The screen will be hung from the rafters/truss of the roof.  It should have a gap between the wall sufficient for full opening of a window as well as access to installation of an air con condenser unit.

Note from the diagram the effectiveness of the screen from the shadows behind it.

I have included an Illustrator designed screen for those who are interested in more details.  I have put in a horizontal gap of about 2 inch but really its not scientifically designed and I am sure readers can come up with a better design.  The main objectives would be balancing the shielding from the sun and at the same time allowing the house occupants to look outside.  I estimate a 2 inch gap allows horizontal views and a larger downward view.

Problem #1

The Land and Survey Dept apparently makes a comment on the house design before the Local Authority processes the submission of the house plans.  And on the 17th Dec, they said the current plans had to be rejected as it includes an liveable attic (in other words considered a 3 storey house).  The authority for approving this attic resides with the dreaded SPA (State Planning Authority).  Needless to say, it would be a foolhardy step to seek approval from the SPA.  They make take months to approve.  Subdivisions approval by the SPA has been known to take years.  So we have to change the plans to remove the staircase access to the attic.  Although I had an eye to use the attic, it would have been mainly for storage rather than liveability so thats ok.

House Plans submitted !

On 15th Dec, the house plans were submitted to the Local Authority for approval.  The clock starts ticking.
Below is the elevation view of the plans that were submitted. It would help if you use a microscope.  The right side has been cropped.  Click the image for a full view of the entire plan.

Final Design (Almost)

This series of drawings show an advanced stage design of our house.  There is some tinkering needed.  However essentially the basic architecture is there.

You will note the implementation of previously design features such as the back garage with space for reverse and going out the main gate in forward mode.  However the concept of the roof on all sides were not incorporated.

A new feature is the addition of wooden louvered screens in front of windows to shield the windows and also hide the ugly air cons.  I will post my design of these shields later.

My wife commented that the design a bit too contemporary and so some attention is needed to tinker with the over all look.

Front left elevation

Ground floor layout has a study (cum geriatric room) as originally planned.  Note the kitchen overlooking the deck and front of house

1st floor layout. Note the guestroom next to the master does not have an ensuite bathroom. It was not possible as we did not want any draining pipes (and leaks) into the kitchen below.  No lah - no feng shui, just practical issues.  There is a generous family room for days when I travel and then the family can retreat upstairs.  All bedrooms can accommodate 2 beds.