Our design for Juasseh Vocational College forms part of a nationwide initiative to transform vocational education, and one of the ways to achieve this is by improving existing facilities. Eight new blocks were added and strategically placed around the existing campus.  These new buildings are placed in previously underutilised peripheral and interstitial spaces, identified early in the design process.

The architecture of the new blocks adopts a distinct industrial language, setting them apart from the existing buildings. The design approach reflects the hands-on, technical nature of the courses being taught within the campus, providing a didactic framework that demonstrates how the buildings were developed and function.  

Passive design strategies play a significant role in keeping optimal comfort levels in the teaching spaces, which are predominantly naturally ventilated. Classrooms and workshops are arranged in linear single-banked layouts, allowing openings at opposite sides for cross ventilation and ample natural light to filter through. Most workshops have very high ceilings, with some double in height. Here, clerestorey openings fixed with louvres allow accumulated warm air generated by people and machines to flow out through them. Most blocks are oriented with their long axes lying east-west. The orientation permits the long facades to face either north or south, avoiding solar gain from the low and direct morning and afternoon sun. Further protection comes in the form of low roof overhangs and aluminium brise soleils, which further cut off the sun’s rays from falling directly on the walls, keeping the internal spaces comfortably cool for students and teachers throughout the day.

The newly upgraded college can accommodate up to 1,100 students and 140 teaching staff. Students and staff move around and between the new and old parts of the college along covered walkways that connect the old and the new. Corridors, heavily shaded by low roof overhangs and angled louvre panels, provide access to the classrooms and workshops.

Project Information & Credits:
Location: Juasseh, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan
Status: Built
Completion Year: 2024
Total floor area of new blocks: 6,350 m² (68,326 ft²)
Architect: Eleena Jamil Architect
Architectural Design team: Eleena Jamil, Bahirah Rahman, Ishak Sukran, Yow Pei San, Lina Izzati Muhammad, Adam Aziz Marzuki, Ros Adilla Roslan, Anise Kaz Ahmad Kamal, Yusri Amri Yussoff
Photography by Zakee Man
Contractor: Teras Khidmat Niaga Sdn. Bhd.