Arkitrek are looking for interns to help design and build a jungle retreat near Poring hot springs on Mt Kinabalu in Sabah. The project is to be built by the local community and aims to find a creative new expression for indigenous building forms and locally available materials.
When complete the jungle camp will be used by voluntourists engaged in community and conservation work, naturalists, schools groups and adventurers.
The interns will be architecture, engineering or construction graduates and they must have a love of nature and be prepared for the challenge of living in the rainforest. The work will involve collaborating with local craftsmen and will require practical problem solving skills as well as an eye for elegant and innovative use of materials.
The first phase of the project is the construction of sleeping spaces, toilet/showers, dining veranda and water, sewerage and electrical infrastructure. The interns will be expected to get their hands dirty but no prior construction experience is necessary. There will also be an opportunity to assist in the concept design for second phase buildings.
The internships are for three months and are voluntary with all board, lodging and transport within Sabah provided, plus a modest living allowance. Accommodation will be camping and self catered on the edge of virgin sub-montane rainforest in the foothills of Mt Kinabalu. The site is a 20minute walk from the nearest road and surrounded by clear flowing streams, cool waterfalls and abundant wildlife.
Two internships are available starting January 2010, one for Malaysian and another for overseas students. Overseas students will need to ensure that visa restrictions allow them to stay in Sabah for three months for the purposes of volunteer tourism.
For further information and to register your interest please click on the contact tab at the top of this page and leave a brief message explaining why you would like to join the project.
Poring bamboo will be the main construction material
The site is on the left of this photo
Another mountain stream, this one 10 minutes jungle trek from the site
At the end of a sweaty day in the jungle this is the place to be.
This is the site boundary, the edge of Kinabalu Park
3km vertically above the site is this dramatic mountain peak.
Tags: Architecture, Borneo, Camp Borneo, Kinabalu Park, Malaysia, Mt Kinabalu, Poring Hot Spring, Rainforest Conservation, Responsible Tourism, Sabah, Sustainable Design
