SAFE Project - Part 2

Category: SAFE Project

29 April, 2014

How to stay buff on rice and cabbage

By Simon Feather

Simon Feather interned with Arkitrek on the SAFE Project from June 2013 to April 2014. This week he returns home to Hull. Simon, thank you for all your effort and contributions over the last year.

A one year internship in the Borneo jungle is the best experience I have ever had. Constantly surrounded by nature, experiencing a completely different culture, living in isolation and with more simplicity.

However, one thing I always knew I would have to face up to was the rapid loss in weight. During this year in the jungle my body would turn to skin and bones. As a man, this is a terrifying thought. I’m dreading the humiliation of being the weaker, skinnier one out of my group of friends now I am returning home. I set about trying to prevent this but quickly learnt that the truth is: you can’t stay ‘buff on rice and cabbage’.

Firstly, there is no gym in the jungle. Anything that was needed had to be created.

Living in the middle of the jungle brings numerous problems with food. Cabbage and rice became the main substance to the diets of those living at the camp. It was a 3 hour drive to the nearest town and therefore it was not possible to bring food in every day. Electricity was only available from 6-12pm which made it difficult to keep fresh food edible. When fresh food did arrive it would be met by many malnourished mouths and would not last more than a couple of days.

The extreme heat and humidity of the rainforest makes you never want to do anything other than lie in a hammock.

However, with just a few tree trunks and some concrete, the recently opened jungle gym has everything you need to perform Squats, Deadlift, Pull ups, Chest press, Shoulder press and Reverse pulls. These compound movements work all those major muscle groups.

Advice for any future gym makers…

1. Make sure you judge how much concrete you can lift correctly otherwise your hard work goes unused
2. If you don’t measure the amount of water you add to your concrete mix before you pour it into the dumbbell mould each side will be different weights.

Future Arkitrek interns and PHD applicants for the SAFE project, do not fear everything you need is already installed!

9 April, 2014

Kate Neilsen Blog

Text and images by Kate Neilsen

As I neared the end of my undergraduate degree, I began to question whether architecture was the right path for me.

I decided that to pursue my interests in socially responsible, sustainable design, I would apply for a design/build camp and internship with Arkitrek. I was familiar with Arkitrek due to their strong connections with Universities in the United Kingdom. Arkitrek are unique as they have found a solution to funding non-profit projects through design/build camps.

The design/build camp that I took part in was the perfect introduction to construction work, project management, site management and building in Borneo in general. The camp was in Nampasan village, just outside Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, where the Client, TONIBUNG, run their micro hydro training centre and workshop.

TONIBUNG are an incredibly respected organisation who are partnered with Green Empowerment (USA) and have recently received support from National Geographic and Air Asia Foundation. TONIBUNG bring clean energy to rural areas in East Malaysia, mostly through micro-hydro projects.

The brief for the design/build project outlined the need for a building to be used to train indigenous people on the design, implementation and evaluation of micro-hydro projects. There was no specific site and the details of the brief were up to us.

We first spent a couple of days on site analysis: surveying and interviewing the employees and founders of TONIBUNG. After only another two days for design, it was time to present our proposal to the Nampasan community using a physical model and drawings. After helpful feedback and implementing small changes, it was time to build.

The most valuable experience that I received from this project was the opportunity to build the centre ourselves. Detailing and construction was no longer a theoretical activity. The build process involved different people managing specific details, which also meant designing and documenting them. I was in charge of the roof truss, the bamboo balustrade, a feature window above our earth-bag wall, as well as the South elevation. The most difficult of these tasks was the roof truss as we could not obtain wood long enough to span the 4m distance. After consulting a structural engineer in the community, a splice was concluded to be the best solution. The idea behind the South elevation was to showcase the use of bamboo to the community and install adjustable panels due to the harsh sun and security.

After the completion of the design/build camp, I started my internship by assisting in a design for a powerhouse, deep in the rainforest of the Kalabakan region of Sabah. This was very exciting due to the importance of the project, as well as the clients themselves: the SAFE project. The SAFE project is one of the largest biological experiments in the world: it aims to understand the ways in which fragmentation affects the stability of tropical rainforests. The project had been running for two years on a temporary camp-site. With more funding coming in and more scientists arriving, a permanent set of buildings was needed.

The SAFE project master plan includes a hostel, staff accommodation, a rest house, laboratories, library and a powerhouse. The master plan was still conceptual when we arrived to site, giving us the opportunity to amend it. We were also given the task of designing and building the powerhouse, with the main intent to experiment with sustainable building materials that could be used on the other buildings. The biggest accomplishment came with our prototyping of composite peeler-core columns. Peeler cores are the waste product after a log has been peeled to make plywood. Individually they are weak and slender but bound together they are suitable for roof and wall structure.

After the powerhouse building was completed I stayed on to oversee the start of construction of two laboratories and a library. Together with another Arkitrek intern, Simon, we assisting in designing these buildings, ordering materials, managing construction sequences and collaborating with local craftsmen on-site. This has been a very valuable experience and I look forward to receiving updates to see how the buildings coming to life.

In conclusion my time in Borneo has not only given me valuable skills and an unforgettable experience, it has reignited my passion for architecture. It has also given me a strong direction in which I want to pursue in Masters – sustainable, community-oriented design. Working closely with a community has shown me the social benefits that we, as architects, can contribute to. It has shown me that we can work closely with communities, and how important and rewarding it is to include them in the design process.

19 April, 2013

Arkitrek Camp S.A.F.E

The SAFE Project is an ecological experiment which aims to understand the impacts of forest modification. This Arkitrek Camp offers students the chance to get involved in the design/build of a field centre for the SAFE Project.

The Arkitrek Camp dates are 20th June – 19th August 2013 and the cost is GBP1790 inclusive of all board, lodging, facilitation and logistical support. Merit based scholarships and/or extended interships are available.

Deadline for applications is Friday 31st May 2013. Apply Now

Highlights & Aim

The highlight of this Arkitrek Camp will be to design and build a Powerhouse using materials innovations appropriate to context. Design concepts tested on the Powerhouse may form the basis of subsequent buildings making up the SAFE Project permanent field station. Prototyping is an essential stage in testing and exploring the potential of a new material.

The experience will be challenging, both physically and mentally and so is best suited to intrepid, open minded and reasonably fit travellers.

We are offering two merit-based scholarships to the value of 50% of the Camp Cost. Eligibility for a scholarship will be determined by the application form and cv/portfolio.

Design and Build with the Ecologists

The concept of a ‘natural ecosystem’ is fast disappearing as humans modify the world at an ever-accelerating rate, meaning much of the world’s biodiversity must now persist in human-modified landscapes. The SAFE Project is conducting one of the world’s largest ecological experiments to understand the myriad ways in which logging, deforestation and forest fragmentation modify the functioning of tropical rainforest, impair their ability to deliver ecosystem services that people care about, and reduce their capacity to support the diversity of life. For more information about the SAFE Project visit SAFE Project website

The design brief for Arkitrek Camp SAFE is for a powerhouse to shelter both a both micro hydro turbine and a wood gasification generator at the SAFE site. Design constraints include sound attenuation, ventilation, wood chip processing and storage, tool storage, etc.

Some of the materials under consideration are walls made from earth, lime and natural fibres, composite columns made from post industrial waste, green walls, etc. The purpose of using predominantly earth and natural fibres is to reduce embodied energy, both in the material itself and in transporting material to site. There is also a logistical and cost advantage of reducing transport requirements, especially on a remote site. Other advantages of these materials are thermal insulation and moisture permeability; properties which can help passively regulate temperature and humidity inside the building.

Earth and natural fibre materials and technologies that Arkitrek has developed to date include; geotextile ‘sandbags’ and lime:natural fibre composites. Sandbags can be filled on site and the natural fibre can come from agricultural waste.

In addition to the design + build of a powerhouse, the role of the Arkitrek Camp team will be to fine tune the overall field centre design brief and design concepts with the participation of the SAFE project staff. Arkitrekkers will learn participatory design tools by direct application.

There will be an opportunity for one of the Arkitrek Camp participants to stay on at the SAFE Project site after the Arkitrek Camp as an Arkitrek Intern. Their job will be to help continue design development and construction monitoring. The Internship will be offered on merit. Please indicate in your camp application whether you want to be considered for the internship. Arkitrek Interns terms and conditions

Itinerary

The program itinerary is designed to provide an appropriate balance between team building, design, research and construction.

You will learn to write a design brief, develop concept design ideas in group workshops, test those ideas and implement them. Workshops will be facilitated to encourage participants to link and connect ideas and build on each other’s contributions. Arkitrek staff and guest facilitators will guide the process to ensure a fluid workflow and integration of ideas.

During construction the team will work hand in hand with SAFE Project staff, contractor/s, sawmill manager and oil palm mill/s. Participants will have to problem solve as they come up against technical issues and will gain experience from working with local tradesmen of varying levels of ability, experience and spoken English. The design will constantly have to be reviewed against progress and the reality of time constraints to ensure that the project is completed before their departure. The team will also be responsible for full documentation of their work, and ensuring that any outstanding work or future plans are clearly outlined and recorded for future teams to pick up and carry on as necessary.

Life on site is very basic! There is a squat toilet, washing is in the river (next to the camp) and sleeping is in fixed stretcher-style hammocks. Blankets, pillows and mosquito nets will be provided. The group will have opportunities to take walks and explore the surrounding forest together with scientists and researchers and learn about ecology, conservation issues, the web of life and our role as designers in all of this.

Facilitation and Management

The facilitation team and program will be directed by Sarah Greenlees and Arkitrek founder Ian Hall. The project itself will be led on the ground by Camp Leader Peter Lutz.
Sarah has been with Arkitrek for over three years and has led the facilitation calvary charge on previous camps. Ian has 8 years practical experience of community engagement and experiential learning in Malaysia. Peter is a graduate of the University of Colorado architecture program and has a foucus on Design Build Education.
The Arkitrek Camp design process, proposals, construction and finished project will be documented throughout and distributed publicly and to all participants as a record of their unique contribution and experience.

Itinerary Summary
June 20th – Arrival + Welcome (KK)
June 21-23rd – Briefing +Team building (KK)
June 24th – Bus transfer to Tawau (Tawau)
June 25th – Transfer to project site (SAFE)
June 26th-21st July – Project work (SAFE)
July 22nd-24th July – Project Break!
July 24th-17th August – Project work (SAFE)
18th August – Flight to KK / Wrap up / Dinner (KK)
19th August – Transfer to airport

The cost for Arkitrek Camp SAFE is GBP1790 inclusive of all board, lodging, facilitation and logistical support. We are offering two merit based scholarships to the value of 50% of the Camp Cost. Eligibility for a scholarship will be determined by the application form and cv/portfolio.

One extended internship is available based on merit. The minimum duration is 6 months from the final day of the Arkitrek Camp. Please indicate in your application process whether you want to be considered for the extended internship.

Deadline for applications is Friday 31st May 2013. Apply Now

Contact
For questions and further information please contact us.

9 August, 2012

The Best Thing About Malua

By Jonathan Livesey

During my time at university, enthusiasm for architecture had peaked and troughed at certain terms. With no opportunities for work and constantly working on projects that only see an A0 presentation board I was working myself into a particular rut!

After speaking to a friend at university who did an internship with Arkitrek the previous year I decided to get in contact. Working in the jungle nearly 7,000 miles away on a live project, with a group of complete strangers who shared the same enthusiasm for architecture as well as local tradesmen who spoke varying degrees of English sounded like the perfect way to spend my summer and re-ignite my passion.

The aim of this Arkitrek Camp was to design and build a prototype building using materials innovations appropriate to context. This prototype will form the basis of subsequent buildings making up the SAFE Project permanent field station.

I’ve got to admit though…the first week didn’t run as smoothly as anyone anticipated. I had a slight run in with a local on my first night and then we got into a minor bump in the car on the way to site a few days later. The irony of it all being that we were working for SAFE Project.

We were smooth sailing after that though with what turned out to be an on going catchphrase “It can only get better!”.

It’s hard to say what the favourite moment I’ve taken from the Camp is as it’s been such a culture shock and I’ve been taken right to the edge of my comfort zone at times. One of my favourite everyday moments for me was the river at Malua. As the temperature peeked around midday and it became too hot to work, it was time for a siesta. The cool water of the river was a welcome relief from work. It gave us time to relax, bond, shower and reflect on the morning’s progress.

The river in parts was shallow so I spent a lot of time building dams; which turned out to be in vain as when the rain finally came the water level rose by over a meter and all my hard work was washed away. There was also a deeper section of the river with a giant rope swing, which to be honest seemed a bad idea the first time I did it because Daniele had tried moments before and ‘face planted’ the water.

The most interesting moment during the construction stage has to be trying out new construction methods i.e. the earthbags and the bio-crete. The bio-crete in particular as I have worked with a lot of concrete during my years in construction and was very interested to see how the replacement of aggregate with palm fibre would fare. It turned out really well!

The project and Camp both stayed very true to what was portrayed by the brief. What was most surprising however was the contrast in my initial interpretation after reading the brief compared to the feeling once we were set up on site. ‘Bathing and washing in the river’ sounded very primitive when I was in the UK but when I was there it was very refreshing and at times more pleasant than using the shower blocks provided.

It had been a long time since I’d had to design as part of a group. The last few projects I’ve worked on have been individual and mainly university based projects. I found that the design process had a different feel to it and I think it was due to it being a live project and as we put pen to paper there were going to be repercussions; good or bad we were leaving a our mark on their site.

Usually I like to be in control of every aspect when designing, however I found letting go and trusting the people around me to get on with different sections quite liberating.

We knew that the SAFE prototype at Malua was going to be an ambitious project however with the six P’s (Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance) we thought it was going to be manageable…just! However, unforeseen aspect such as: materials not turning up, the cement mixer not having an engine, the purlins on building ‘B’s roof being made out of some kind of concrete wood and the hardness of the ground slightly threw off the schedule. Fortunately I’m in the position of interning with Arkitrek over the next few months and I’m going back to site with a small team to finish off the build.

The experience has been once in a life-time. Before I came I had slight reservations about travelling to the other side of the world and throwing myself in at the deep end. Needless to say I’m so glad I did. The camp tested me physically and mentally, however, the fruits of our labour were worth it. The project turned out great and I think I’ve developed as a person and designer throughout this process. It has also given me an opportunity to get stuck in with a design and build, which wouldn’t have been available in the UK. That in itself is invaluable to the me and to the start of my architecture career.

Cheers for opportunity Arkitrek!

This project is still under construction. Look out for further updates here!

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2 July, 2012

Malua Base Camp

An Arkitrek Camp design-build program has just kicked off at Malua Base Camp near the Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah. This project aims to develop and test natural building materials to be used later in the construction of a scientific research station for the SAFE Project. Camp participants will test lime:natural fibre composite concrete and earth-bag walling as suitable natural building materials.

Stuffing and Stacking

Earth bags will be filled on site as a response to the challenge of transporting construction materials to a remote site. The team will sample soils from the area, blending them if necessary to achieve the correct mix and testing techniques for stuffing and stacking the earth-bags.

Blending and Casting

Building lime (Calcium Hydroxide), cement and sand will be blended with oil-palm fruit fibres to create a lightweight, low carbon, thermally insulating concrete. Fibres will come from a nearby oil-palm mill, ready processed and almost inexhaustible in supply.

Follow the progress of the participants on our Arkitrek Camp Facebook Page

Malua project site showing the laboratory building on the left

Prototyping

These innovative materials are being tested on the renovation of a small field laboratory for the Sabah Biodiversity Experiment. A laboratory is an ideal building type. It needs a clean, dry and comfortable internal environment.

Earth bags provide thermal mass, which if kept shaded can passively (without air-con) regulate the internal temperature of a building at around 27-29ºC. When combined with good natural ventilation this is significantly cooler than daytime external temperatures which peak at around 35ºC.

An major issue on the Malua site is the creepy crawlies that live in the cavities of traditional framed construction. Monolithic earth-bag or lime:natural fibre composite construction has no cavities for those bugs to hide in.

We have a theory that the hgroscopic (soaking up water) nature of earth-bags and lime:natural fibre conmposites will also help to passively regulate the internal temperature and humidity. During cooler wetter times (rain storms and at night) the building fabric will absorb moisture from the atmosphere. During hotter, dryer times (during the day when the sun is out) the material will release moisture helping to cool by evaporation.

Of course we’re not at all sure about all of this and the potential for this laboratory building to be itself a laboratory is not lost on us. We we plan to monitor the building after completion to see how it performs.

Early design and ideas workshop at Kipouvo Homestay in Kota Kinabalu