Architectural Design & Social Enterprise in Malaysia

Arkitrek is rooted in a love of wilderness areas and the question of what we in the construction industry can do to protect them
We are experts in sustainable design, in particular tropical passive design and the integration of architecture with social infrastructure and the natural environment.
We practice participatory design and engage with volunteers, students and communities in many of our projects.
The arkitrek logo is a seed from a rare tropical hardwood tree Dipterocarpus exalatus (local name Keruing rapak) photographed in Maliau Basin.

We provide architectural services to communities, industry and private clients. Our designs are known for their innovation with materials, a light touch on the land and a strong connection to nature. Our Arkitrek Camp is an experiential learning program for architecture students and graduates.

The original Arkitrek was as a multi day jungle trek in 2005 to survey sites for eco-tourism development in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area; Sabah’s ‘Lost World’. The trekking architects were Ian Hall and Andrew Lo and their response to that trek was: “if anything is to be built in this virgin rainforest it’s existence must first be critically justified and the design should then aim to tread as lightly as possible”.

In 2008 the Arkitrek was incorporated as Arkitrek Sdn. Bhd. (831925-W) and is structured as a Malaysian Social Enterprise with our Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation modelled on a UK Community Interest Company. Our business objective is conservation of natural resources through design and education.

Arkitrek is rooted in a love of wilderness areas and the question of what we in the construction industry can do to protect them

We are experts in sustainable design, in particular tropical passive design and the integration of architecture with social infrastructure and the natural environment.

We practice participatory design and engage with volunteers, students and communities in many of our projects.

The arkitrek logo is a seed from a rare tropical hardwood tree Dipterocarpus exalatus (local name Keruing rapak) photographed in Maliau Basin.