“The Nest,” the captivating PAM Pavilion at ARCHIDEX, is a testament to the spirit of innovation. Curated by Ar. Ts. Afi Muhaimin Jamalludin, this groundbreaking installation, presented by the Malaysian Timber Council, exquisitely showcases the versatility of Nyatoh timber.

At its heart lies a dynamic waffle structure, precisely crafted from CNC-machined plywood and assembled with an intricate interlocking rib system. Parametric design tools like Rhino (Grasshopper) were crucial in sculpting its complex curvatures with remarkable modularity.

For Afi, Principal of studioKAIZEN and a Corporate Member of PAM, “The Nest” represents a significant achievement. “This is my first time curating for PAM Pavilion,” he shares, explaining the unique competition format that led to his proposal’s victory.

“It’s not very often I get to do this kind of project, so this is a good break once in a while.”

Bringing “The Nest” to life came with challenges, especially time constraints that made parametric tools essential to the design process. Afi also navigated the complexities of working with Nyatoh timber for the first time, learning how to adjust for wood tolerance with the help of fabricator Ar. Firadaus Khazis.

Afi sees ARCHIDEX as an invaluable platform to meet like-minded professionals and potential collaborators. His advice to young architects? “Visit booths, attend talks — you never know who your next client might be.”