Home tour: a tranquil eco-friendly home for a young family in Malaysia

Laidback and cosy, this home in Petaling Jaya for a young family was designed to be sustainable

Set in the township of Tropicana Indah, this home was set in a terrace block of identical houses with varying degrees of renovation.

The couple who bought the typical double-story unit wanted their home to feel individualistic—a calm space to return to after a hectic day and a warm, loving environment to raise their young family.

As is usual with terrace houses, the existing house had issues of lack of ventilation and natural light, so to transform the house and create this haven of peace, they commissioned IDCandy.

Above The view at dusk

Above Breeze blocks add visual interest

“The overall concept was to create a dwelling filled with affection, dedicated solely to love and exuding a tranquil ambience within the city,” recalls Reina Lu, founder of IDCandy.

“We also designed the house to function as a verdant sanctuary for this young family, designed to be sustainable, eco-friendly, and have a minimal environmental impact,” continues Shawn Lu, co-founder of IDCandy.

Photo 1 of 4 Gentle stepped open plan living space

Photo 2 of 4 Breeze blocks add visual interest

Photo 3 of 4 The foyer

Photo 4 of 4 Staircase detaling

Embracing sustainable living, the designers have maximised the internal space by removing walls and creating a continuous open area combining living, dining and kitchen.

The only “separation” is offered but a short series of steps leading up to the dining and kitchen.

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Wood, concrete and white combines for a soothing palette

Photo 1 of 3 The tree is a central feature

Photo 2 of 3 Neat and organised

Photo 3 of 3 Wood, concrete and white combines for a soothing palette

In line with creating a green home, the designers also looked for ways to utilise passive ventilation and natural daylight while preserving the home’s original form.

The bench and table are an extension of the island

The bench and table is a gathering space

Photo 1 of 3 The bench and table are an extension of the island

Photo 2 of 3 The bench and table is a gathering space

Photo 3 of 3 The bench and table is a gathering space

To this end, the layout of the rooms revolves around a central air well strategically positioned to welcome radiant sunlight from the rooftop.

Not only does this invite nature into the home, but it suffuses both floors with natural light and enables good ventilation.

Photo 1 of 2 The pristine all-white kitchen

Photo 2 of 2 A rear garden

At the heart of this air well stands a single tree, the house’s only green lung,

“This is where one can truly unwind, reclining on a side bench and taking a leisurely breath,” muses Lu.

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Above The tree rises to the second floor

Above Greenery softens the house

To further the designer’s green agenda, vent blocks were installed in the front and rear sections of the house to facilitate the influx of cool air, enhancing comfort and offering basic visual privacy.

Grey adds an elegant touch to the bedroom

Photo 1 of 4 The bedroom overlooks green

Photo 2 of 4 Grey adds an elegant touch to the bedroom

Photo 3 of 4 Neutral palette

Photo 4 of 4 Simple white finishings

Throughout the home, a deliberately restrained palette was favoured.

White was predominantly used in all areas, punctuated by shades of grey, with natural materials such as wood being an intuitive match.

Above Well hung lighting

Above Dark wood is a handsome choice for the bathroom

In this carefully curated space, the couple’s dream of an individualistic, sustainable haven has materialised, proving that thoughtful design can transform a house into a cherished home.

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Credits

Photography

The Space Storyteller

Topics

Home Tour Malaysian Home Malaysian Architecture Modern Tropical Green Design Petaling Jaya Resort Home Designinspo

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