Villa Samadhi
VILLA SAMADHI
An Asian-inspired boutique hotel, Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur has used salvaged timbers and components for the interiors predominantly, combined with polished concrete floors and white plastered walls. The usage of reclaimed timbers such as Chengal, Balau, Merbau, Teak and Meranti complements the polished concrete and bamboo, thus creating a distinctively raw yet luxurious ambience. Guests are greeted with timber doors featuring some delicate lace-like carvings at the entrance to the lobby. These doors, whose lower panels are carved with Chinese symbols, could possibly have once been part of an ancient Chinese Mansion.
Continued on page 16
SPOTLIGHT ON: MERANTI
- Species: Shorea spp.
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Common Applications: Plywood, interior furniture, general construction, concrete forms, veneer and boatbuilding.
- Characteristics / Appearance: Colors can vary from a pale straw color, to a darker reddish brown. The texture is coarse with medium to large pores. Sometimes the grain is interlocked.
- Janka Hardness Scale: 1,600 lbf (see chart on page 56)
- Comments: Meranti is relatively easy to work with and it glues, stains and finishes well.
Frequently asked questions
What timber species were used in the interiors of Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur?+
Villa Samadhi used reclaimed timbers including Chengal, Balau, Merbau, Teak and Meranti. These were combined with polished concrete floors, bamboo and white plastered walls to create a raw yet luxurious ambience.
What design style is Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur?+
Villa Samadhi is an Asian-inspired boutique hotel. Its interiors predominantly feature salvaged timbers and components alongside polished concrete floors and white plastered walls.
What is special about the entrance doors at Villa Samadhi?+
Guests are greeted at the lobby by timber doors featuring delicate lace-like carvings. The lower panels are carved with Chinese symbols and may have once been part of an ancient Chinese mansion.
Where does Meranti wood come from and what species is it?+
Meranti is from the Shorea genus and originates in Southeast Asia.
What are common applications for Meranti wood?+
Meranti is commonly used for plywood, interior furniture, general construction, concrete forms, veneer and boatbuilding.
What does Meranti wood look like and how hard is it?+
Meranti colors range from pale straw to darker reddish brown, with a coarse texture, medium to large pores, and sometimes interlocked grain. It rates 1,600 lbf on the Janka hardness scale and works, glues, stains and finishes well.