Salinger Residence

Location: Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia (South-East Asia)
Architect: CSL Associates / Jimmy CS Lim
Client: Rudin and Munira Salinger
Completed: 1992
Site size: 12'140 m²

To download the resources below, you can click on the links or right-click
and select 'Save target as':
Salinger Residence Project Brief

The Salinger House, located south of Kuala Lumpur, is a post-and-beam timber structure raised on stilts to reduce its impact on the land and the environment. As such, it is built in the traditional way of the Malays, yet is modern in a form that interprets rather than imitates Malay culture and reflects the client's Islamic faith. It has been designed with sustainable ecological principles in mind. Placed on a high elevation to reduce water run-off through the building during the monsoon rains, it is oriented to capture the prevailing winds. The plan is formed by two adjoining equilateral triangles, the larger for indoor living, the other a prow-like veranda. At the ground level is a hexagonal granite core containing the entrance, a small foyer, a toilet, and stairs leading to the first floor living room, dining area, kitchen and bedroom in the living triangle, and to the veranda; the stairs continue to the second floor dressing room, master bedroom, and study. The house was built completely by hand by traditional Malay carpenters. The only machinery used was a small cement mixer. Except for the handmade roof tiles, it was constructed throughout with a very dense timber highly resistant to water and termites. The jury found that the house demonstrates that high technology and energy-depleting services can be renounced if sufficient craft and creativity are deployed, and that the deeper meaning of a vernacular architectural tradition can be combined with the surroundings of contemporary everyday life.

1998 Award Recipients

Award Home

Background Information

Eligibility Criteria

Submission Procedures

Calendar

Review and Selection Procedures

Press: Press Releases, Speeches, Podcasts

Project Locations

All Award Cycles

AKAA 1998 Resources

Master Jury

Master Jury Statement

Steering Committee

Award Recipients

Other 1998 Cycle Recipients

Alhamra Arts Council

Lepers Hospital

Rehabilitation of Hebron Old Town

Slum Networking of Indore City

Tuwaiq Palace

Vidhan Bhavan