All in a day’s work: The team posing for a photo on-site.
CONSTRUCTING a life-sized structure is a laborious task that usually takes months, if not years, to complete.
A group of third-year architecture students at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), however, proved that it could be done within just six hours.
The fruit of their work – a timber structure measuring 12 feet by 12 feet (3.66 metres by 3.66 metres) meant for public use – now stands in Gunung Lang Recreational Park in Ipoh, Perak.
Named the Pondok Ilmu Asli (PIAS), the structure is a wakaf (endowment) for children of families visiting the park.
Panels of plywood, timber, bamboo and bertam weave adorn the inner core of the structure and parts of the external envelope. One wall is made of shelves, intended for the placement of books and toys donated by the public.
The students’ ability to instal the structure in just a few hours was made possible thanks to year-long research.
Led by senior lecturer Dr Wan Srihani Wan Mohamed, the Architecture Department research team from the UPM Faculty of Design and Architecture (FRSB) developed an innovative construction method called the Ready-to-Instal Structure (ReTIS) system, aimed at enabling semi- or low-skilled labourers to construct prefabricated timber structures using a step-by-step manual.
As the architecture students set about installing the PIAS on July 17, Wan Srihani was on-site to guide them, alongside research team members including senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Fakri Zaky Ja’afar and FRSB consulting fellow Meor Mohammad Fared Meor Razali.
The components, fabricated in Negri Sembilan, had earlier been transported by a three-tonne truck and unloaded on-site.
Standing tall: The timber structure for public use.
The students’ success in installing the PIAS prototype served as a testament to the ReTIS system’s viability.
Speaking to StarEdu, Mohamad Fakri Zaky said the innovation focuses on developing a system that requires low or minimum construction skills, as there is a shortage of highly skilled carpenters to meet market needs.
“Malaysia is a timber-producing country and therefore should leverage timber-based construction. However, the shortage of carpenters dampens the nation’s timber utilisation in the construction industry.
“Hence, the manufacturing of standardised prefabricated components for assembly by low-skilled labour is needed to address this issue,” he said.
He added that the research team produced a step-by-step manual, considering the need for a simple and logical sequence to help low-skilled individuals assemble the structure.
He further explained that the prefabricated components were made of three main resources, namely, timber, bertam and bamboo, as these are naturally replenishable resources.
During the research and development process, the team also engaged with the community on the PIAS experimental project, with the third-year students conducting surveys on visitor preferences at the park as part of their course assignments, said Meor Mohammad Fared.
He added that the FRSB also approached the Ipoh City Council, with which it has collaborated, to host the project.
Immanuel Gunaraj, one of the students who took part in the installation, said the project was an inspiring and transformative practical experience.
He added that the project promoted traditional building methods and styles, enhancing local identity while improving the park’s aesthetic appeal and functionality.
“The legacy of ReTIS will continue to enrich the park for years to come, serving not only as a functional space but also as a tribute to the craftsmanship and dedication of everyone involved,” he said.
Mohamad Fakri Zaky noted that Cart Atelier Sdn Bhd – a startup company developed under the UPM Innohub incubation programme to which the ReTIS system was licensed – has begun to commercialise its conceptual approach.
He added that future ReTIS projects would explore digital and artificial intelligence solutions in the design process, allowing individuals to design their own structures with the necessary components.
At this stage. he expects the ReTIS components to target the small structure segment, such as chalets, garden houses (rumah kebun) and wakaf structures.
“We believe in long-term benefits from the experience we’re building. We strive for more sustainable and feasible construction options that timber can offer.
“We hope to gain the support of the government, industry, professionals and the community. This is an effort to avert a future crisis in development when cement and concrete become harder to source,” he said.
Farhan, 21, a student in Selangor, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
