THE ORIGIN BOUTIQUE HOTEL, KUALA SELANGOR

Politeknik Port Dickson

Project idea

Proposing a boutique hotel that promotes the ecology of the Selangor River, especially its vital mangrove ecosystems, while also supporting the economic and tourism development of Kuala Selangor, is a compelling idea. Building more hotels in Kuala Selangor will stimulate tourism, providing more lodging options and encouraging visitors to explore the area's rich history, natural beauty, and local culture. This, in turn, will enhance accessibility and significantly boost the local economy by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and generating revenue.

However, it is crucial to approach this development with a commitment to sustainability. The impacts on the environment, society, and culture must be carefully considered to ensure that the growth of tourism does not come at the expense of Kuala Selangor's natural and cultural heritage. Sustainable building practices, conservation efforts, and community engagement should be integral to the hotel's development. By doing so, the hotel can serve as a model for responsible tourism, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's ecological and cultural assets while contributing positively to the local economy.

Project description

This hotel draws its inspiration from the Selangor River, which is famous for its extensive mangrove swamps. The design of the hotel imitates the river's natural orientation, with the courtyard shaped to symbolize the Selangor River. This design choice reflects the river's meandering path, while the separate buildings and the movement of hotel guests are intended to represent the mangrove swamps and the diverse animal habitats that thrive along the riverbanks.

The structural design of the hotel takes cues from the robust and adaptive nature of mangrove trees. The concrete structure on the ground floor is designed to mimic the sturdy roots of mangroves, anchoring the building firmly into the ground. This foundational concrete element symbolizes the roots holding the tree trunk with the soil. Meanwhile, the upper floors utilize a wooden framework, resembling the intricate network of branches found in mangrove trees. This wood grafting not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also highlights the hotel's commitment to sustainable and natural building materials.

The hotel boasts 9 twin rooms and 2 dormitory rooms, providing a variety of accommodation options to cater to different types of travelers. Additionally, it features a café where guests can relax and enjoy local delicacies, a versatile workshop/hall suitable for various events and activities, and a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts.

To enhance the guest experience and promote local tourism, The Origin Hotel has partnered with Sky Mirror Kuala Selangor. This collaboration offers guests the opportunity to participate in unique excursions such as Sky Mirror boat tours, which take visitors to the mesmerizing reflective sandbars; firefly tours, showcasing the enchanting nightly display of fireflies; and eagle feeding tours, providing a close-up look at these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. These activities not only offer unforgettable experiences for guests but also generate additional income for the hotel and support the local economy.

Technical information

A four-story hotel constructed using mass timber with CLT (cross-laminated timber) slabs and glulam (glued laminated timber) columns offers several advantages. Mass timber, an engineered wood product, provides strength, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal.

CLT Slabs: CLT slabs consist of layers of timber boards stacked crosswise and glued together. This construction method gives the slabs high strength and rigidity, making them suitable for floor and roof applications. CLT slabs offer excellent load-bearing capacity and dimensional stability, enabling large spans without the need for additional supports.

Glulam Columns: Glulam columns are made by gluing together multiple layers of timber to form a single, strong structural element. These columns can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes, providing flexibility in architectural design. Glulam columns offer high strength and durability, making them ideal for supporting the loads of multi-story buildings like hotels.

Using mass timber, especially CLT and glulam, in hotel construction not only reduces the building's carbon footprint due to the sustainable nature of wood but also allows for faster construction times compared to traditional materials. Additionally, mass timber buildings provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall guest experience.

The hotel’s structure is pre-fabricated in the factory, which means that all the components are manufactured and assembled off-site. Once the prefabricated parts are completed, they are transported to the construction site for quick and efficient assembly. This method not only speeds up the construction process but also reduces the need for a large workforce on-site, significantly cutting down labor costs. Additionally, factory-controlled conditions ensure higher quality and precision in the building components, leading to a more reliable and durable structure.