Glamping Resort on Pom Pom Island in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
Pom Pom Island is a small coral reef island situated approximately 30 kilometers northeast of the town of Semporna in the Sabah region of Borneo, Malaysia. Relatively undeveloped, it features a white sand coral beach, and is one of the most popular dive destinations in the Semporna district.
The Sabah region and the entire Borneo contain vast cultural diversity, but there is cultural coherence in the region through architecture, clothing, and handicrafts. The dominant culture in East Sabah and its islands come from indigenous peoples of the Bajau culture. People from Bajau Beach of Sabah, particularly from the Semporna area, are known as "Sea Gypsies". These people are nomads who have lived in boats for hundreds of years, and today they usually live in huts built on stilts. They lead a seaborne lifestyle.
The concept has embraced the elements of the local culture and surrounding nature and incorporated them into its programming details and architectural design. Nevertheless, the design is universal, contemporary, and simple.
Full Description
/01
Site Plan
Main Axis
The common areas on the island are arranged around a central axis for two reasons. Firstly, it provides an exciting experience for visitors upon their arrival. Secondly, by grouping the main common areas, it creates plenty of space for other activities and accommodations. The entrance experience includes three components: a dock with a bar and restaurant, a reception and lounge area, and an inner pool.
When you arrive on the island, you cross the dock and walk towards the reception while feeling the sand beneath your feet. As you check in, you can catch a glimpse of the central coconut structure, which serves as the pool bar, through the outdoor corridor connecting the reception and kitchen.
Moreover, the central axis also offers sea views through the structure as you walk towards the beach.
Paths organization:
The resort has two main corridors, with a gathering place easily accessible from any part of the resort. Most pedestrian traffic is concentrated on the primary paths, allowing for no disturbance in the accommodation areas. The positioning of the secondary paths also allows for complete privacy in the accommodation.
Key Features
The main gathering place in a resort is the pool area. There is a large pool with seven covered seating areas around it. There is also a playground and a pool for children with a slide. The pool design is inspired by coconut geometry. Coconut tree is quite common on the island. In addition, there is a barbecue area, canopy walks with three tripod dining, floating units, and a dock that offers various activities for all ages.
/02
Units
Type 1 - This is a one-unit villa with three bedrooms (six beds) and one living room. It is ideal for a group of friends or a large family. Each villa has a swimming pool on the second floor with a view and a jacuzzi. The Type 1 unit is the most luxurious and attractive in the resort.
Type 2 - This villa is a four-unit villa with four bedrooms (eight beds). It can be used separately by different families. Entrances to the units are at the back and the rooms are basic. Each room has a large terrace, especially those on the first floor. Additionally, the units on the sides have a jacuzzi. Each unit has access to the central pool.
Type 3,4 and 5- Ground Units, the most prevalent accommodations in the resort.
Ground units are open on two sides, following the same concept as the villas. There are no windows on the sides, only at the front and back. This design choice allows the roof to extend only on the front and rear facades, providing the necessary shade. The second reason for this configuration is privacy. The third reason is to maintain the architectural style of traditional Borneo houses while incorporating modern elements.
The main features of these units include spacious openings, a front patio, and an outdoor bathroom at the back. The first unit is designed for couples, the second unit is for families, and the third unit consists of two separate units intended for couples.
Floating Restaurant
The main idea for the restaurant is to have a roof that doesn't block the sea view from areas such as the lobby and villas. That's why I created a roof composed of several planes, avoiding the standard two roofs with a high pitch that could obstruct the sea view.
The construction material used is wood, and the upper beams are covered with tent fabric.
The restaurant features a bar located in the middle (triangle counter), and there is also a dock for boats.
Reception & Rooftop
The reception area is open but can be closed off with floor-to-ceiling wood frames if necessary. Within the same unit, there are two offices, with one specifically reserved for security purposes. Behind the reception area, there are two toilets available, one for visitors and another for staff members.
In front of the reception area, there is an open lounge located on the deck. The structure is designed to be open and airy, allowing for a closer connection to nature.
The rooftop resort is easily reached by a spiral staircase, and it features an open bar, making it a central gathering spot within the resort.
Staff Quarters
The staff quarters are located in the northeast part of the property. The main concept is to have the entire quarter organized within a block. There is a spacious inner garden where main communication areas such as building corridors, stairs, paths, restaurant, and lounge (gathering place) are situated. All dormitories consist of 2 floors.
Dormitories: There are 3 dormitories, each with 2 floors. The south dormitory is larger as it serves as a buffer between the staff quarter and nearby villas. It comprises 18 units with 2 beds per unit, totaling 36 beds. The west dormitory has 8 units with 12 beds, with 1 bed per unit on the ground floor intended for managers. The east dormitory also has 8 units with 16 beds. In total, there are 64 beds.
Inner Garden: It is essential for the staff to have their own comfortable spaces where they can spend their free time within the quarters rather than outside. The gathering place is a large covered central space located between the kitchen/lockers and the south dormitory. The entire space, including the restaurant and lounge, is roofed to provide protection from rain and intense sunlight.
Restaurant & Lounge: The restaurant and lounge are situated in an open covered space. There is also a counter between the restaurant and the kitchen.
Locker rooms & Kitchen: The kitchen is intended exclusively for staff members. It consists of an open kitchen area and a kitchen inside the building with storage facilities.
Medical Station: Adjacent to the west dormitories is the medical station.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
