Wooi's Wow Factor
New Straits Times, Saturday February 19 , 2005 by Yvonne Yoong
The language of simplicity is very much alive and at work here, juxtaposed against a thoroughly detailed structure. Fluid expressions of grace and style find their form in the curved walls that seem to intermingle with the spatial experience to create a seamless whole. So too the divinely detailed light timber stairs with its intricate 2-inch by 1-inch timber strips, leading to the first floor that accommodates the family room, master bedroom, children's rooms and a common study.
Wooi makes no apologies about presenting his work in its natural state and has cleverly chosen to use nature as a canvas to display his architectural flair.
"Our closeness to the environment takes precedence, while everything else is secondary," he explains.
While creative inspiration seems to literally spill out of the many layers of well-designed space, convenient access to the outdoors has been equally emphasized.
The courtyard and the lap pool, for instance, are accessible via huge louvered doors. Indeed, meetings held at the designated work area indoors immediately take on a relaxed feel, what with a peek-a-boo effect of the picturesque four-foot wide lap pool complemented by lush green exterior enveloping the surroundings.
The master bedroom pays homage to the teardrop shape with clerestory windows lighting the way. The intricately laid leaf-like timber ceiling also commands awe-inspiring attention.
Wooi leaves little to the architectural imagination of his residence by incorporating a clever amalgamation of junctions where two complex geometries meet, weaving an intricate spell over them to become, all at once, "viewing apertures" to keep an eye on the kids while providing generous "glimpse of the environment".
Spectacular is the adjective for the giant timber column or "tiang seri" soaring sky-high to support the umbrella-like conical roof while providing a strong anchor for the geometry of the whole house, with all the beams converging here.
The verdict? The layout of Wooi's residence is exceptionally well-planned. Built on a three-storey plan including a loft, it bears testimony to the power of beating a pathway to the architectural road less travelled.
The result is a culmination of sorts, leading to a discovery of spatial experiences bordering on ingenuity. And, for that, Wooi's residence won an Honorary Mention in the Single Residential Building category in Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) 2004 Awards - the highest award to be bestowed for the category of the year.
According to Wooi, the opportunity to do away with partitions, and to capture "the natural warmth that timber gives to space" as well as to allow natural sunlight to stream through his home has made him "a very happy architect" And that has made all the difference.
