Benjamin Scholes

Located North East of the Dutch square, Riadah Tepi Sungai provides the locals of Malacca a retreat from the chaotic town, whilst engaging with the surrounding context. The facility aims to improve the mental and physical health of its users as well as aiding community cohesion. The design developed through response to climatic factors, the surrounding infrastructure and points of interest. One of the key aspects of the design is the central sky well that runs throughout the building and protrudes above the skyline. This open central volume creates a vertical ‘stack’ effect which promotes natural ventilation to cool internal spaces and improve overall comfort levels. To further aid the cooling of internal volumes, louvers, bi-folding doors and operable windows were used throughout to facilitate dynamic cross-ventilation. Given the harsh climate of Malacca, internal conditions and comfort levels were always a major component when decision making.