Works · 2023–

Future Ngapuh

A plan for living with the rainforest, drawn with a Bidayuh village

Project data

Type
Community master plan, visitor buildings, reforestation
With
A Bidayuh village
Years
2023 to 2024
Status
Draft plan. Built: Ngapuh Nest, January 2024
Story
Journal: Future Ngapuh: re-learning how to live in the forest

Habitat

  • KeepsThe canopy and the forest floor whole
  • RaisedEvery building is small, light and raised off the ground
  • ReplantsThe cleared river bank, with a tree nursery
  • SharesEvery visitor building also serves the village
One question
The first sketch, February 2023: trails from the lodge to the kampung, the boat landings and the food forests.

One question

Future Ngapuh is a draft master plan for a Bidayuh village on a river deep in the rainforest. It asks one question: can a small forest community help the rest of us re-learn how to live in nature?

A plan drawn on the forest

The plan keeps the canopy and the forest floor whole. Every building is small, light and raised off the ground, and the cleared river bank is replanted. Trails link the lodge, the village, the river and a tree nursery. Shared toilets, a workshop, cabins and hammock tents sit between the trees.

A plan drawn on the forest
The master plan, October 2023: reforestation, the lodge, the workshop and the trails between them.
Ngapuh Nest as built, January 2024: elevation, roof plan and a section through the deck and one ground screw.
Ngapuh Nest as built, January 2024: elevation, roof plan and a section through the deck and one ground screw. Full size →

The first piece is built

The plan is a draft that will keep changing with the community. Its first piece is built: Ngapuh Nest, a shelter on steel ground screws, finished in January 2024.

Ngapuh Nest →
Ngapuh Nest, January 2024.
Ngapuh Nest, January 2024.

Visitor buildings that serve the village

The shared toilets and showers, with a stone forest fountain. Render.
The shared toilets and showers, with a stone forest fountain. Render.
The workshop: a thatched A-frame that opens to the forest. Render.
The workshop: a thatched A-frame that opens to the forest. Render.
The workshop beside its pond and farm, from above. Render.
The workshop beside its pond and farm, from above. Render.
The story behind itJournal →
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