Bamboo Playhouse
by Ar Dr Eleena Jamil
in 2020
Tucked gently on a small island within the lake at Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, the Bamboo Playhouse has long been a quiet gathering place for rest, play and shared moments.
Framed by water and surrounded by lush greenery, the pavilion invites visitors to slow down, wander, and reconnect with nature.
Inspired by the traditional wakaf—a humble village shelter open to all—the playhouse reimagines this vernacular form as a playful composition of bamboo structures. Thirty-one square decks rise at different heights, creating an animated landscape of platforms, pauses, and perspectives.
From each deck, a tree-like bamboo column grows upward, supporting the roof and cradling hanging bamboo “tree-houses” that add a sense of curiosity and delight. Above, photovoltaic panels quietly power the pavilion’s lighting, allowing the structure to glow softly after dusk.
Over time, exposure to weather and constant use took its toll on the bamboo structure.
This project focuses on repairing and restoring the playhouse with care and respect—strengthening worn elements, renewing damaged bamboo, and protecting the structure so it can continue to age gracefully.
The restoration preserves the original spirit of the design while extending its life as a welcoming public space.
Once renewed, the Bamboo Playhouse continues its role as a living wakaf—a place to pause, to play, and to belong—nestled harmoniously within the landscape of the botanical gardens.
