Architect tells of his role in the unique endeavour.

THE architect who designed Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House) in Tamparuli is a project architect in charge of the design.

Cheong Kok Ann said the owner-cum-developer of Tuaran Craft Centre, Alexander Yee mooted the idea of the house, and they brainstormed and explored on the design together.

"As a graduate architect (registered with the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), Sabah Chapter), I know what I can do and can't do.

My role as project architect is to look into the design of the house.

"The submitting architect is a certified architect firm engaged by Alexander as the owner. The firm is registered with the Malaysian Board of Architects. Together they submitted the building plan to the Tuaran District Council for approval," he clarified, Wednesday.

Tuaran District Council issued the Occupation Certificate on December 8, 2011.

Cheong and Yee came to the Daily Express Editorial Office in Tanjung Aru to clear the air over reports about the "upside down house" and Cheong's status.

"The article (questioning my status) has put me in a bad light. It has created a negative impression among the public as if I had done something illegally and unprofessionally which I did not even do. It (article) has raised a lot of question marks," Cheong said.

Within his qualification and capacity, Cheong had previously been a resident architect for two building projects in Sabah.

Yee, a tourism player, stressed that there was proper execution of the Rumah Terbalik project.

"It is important to clear the air over Cheong's reputation and that of the house. We have complied with the legality that is required.

If there is any misunderstanding, let that be cleared now.

"If reporters are not sure about the house, they should visit the place or call me. KK is a small place. It is easy to look for me," he said.

On Tuesday, it was reported that the architect was registered as a graduate architect with PAM Sabah Chapter. Immediate Past Chairman of PAM Sabah Chapter, Ho Jia Lit said based on the media report on the house in the Daily Express, the architect concerned (Cheong) had not portrayed himself as a professional architect.

"Personally, I don't know who submitted the building plan to the local authority for approval," Ho was quoted as saying.

Yee regretted that none of the reporters who posed the question on environmental friendliness has visited the place yet.

They had asked whether the house was environment-friendly if it causes dizziness to an average person after about 10 minutes inside the house as reported.

In this respect, he asserted that environmental friendliness of the upside down house has no correlation whatsoever with how a person feels inside the building.

"I honestly don't think it has. Environmental friendliness and a user's feeling are two entirely different things.

Just because it causes dizziness, it is not environmentally-friendly. Does it make sense?

How would environmental friendliness be related to a user's feeling?" he asked. "I have posed the matter on Facebook.

Let the public be the ones to judge."

According to Yee, Rumah Terbalik is actually part of a bigger-scale project called Tuaran Craft Centre, incorporating a souvenir shop and a cafeteria as well.

"All the structures are properly constructed and have obtained the required certification.

The relevant authorities, including the Tuaran District Council, Ministry of Health and Fire & Rescue Department (Bomba), together with the engineer (Paul Yap), have toured the house for verification," he said, adding a police box has been installed for security purposes.