One interesting way in which the site quite literally became a part of the building was the incorporation of on-site stone elements. During the excavation phase, huge boulders were discovered in the ground.

Rather than use brute explosive force to blast the stones away, it was decided to work with and around them. The largest boulder became the staircase landing to the basement while smaller boulders were repurposed as steps or assimilated into the landscape.

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The spatial organisation participates in the interplay between what is built and what is not. The courtyard, for instance, dissolves boundaries by establishing an in-between exterior and interior space.

At the same time, considerable care has been taken to avoid any sense of being put on display. Recessed areas, judicious use of brickwork, and a vertical garden wall all contribute to creating a residence that is as private as it is open.

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BREATHING SPACE

The openness of the design not only interacts with the surroundings but also works with the natural elements of light and air. Such an intuitive approach to sustainability is another way the House on the Hills takes clear inspiration from the traditional kampung house.

It is immediately apparent that the airiness of Malay architecture is translated into this modern structure. The most recognisable carry-over is the incorporation of high openings that promote cross ventilation. The double volume space adds to this effect. Not all inspirations are literal, of course.

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The traditional timber of the kampung house gives way here to materials that are more durable but still allow the structure to breathe: hence the use of porous brick and clay.

A further design choice that contributes to the airiness is that of extensive lattice panelling, which is not only functional but also defines a distinct visual identity.

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Just as with a kampung home, natural light bathes the interior without leading to overheating. The bungalow’s orientation was carefully calibrated, notes Nik Ida, to minimise the hot tropical solar exposure on its exterior facades. The skylights and oversize windows and doors also mean that the well-lit spaces feel more expansive.

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LIVING TRADITION

Ultimately, the overall design creates a feeling of ease and brings out the best of relaxed family living. The conviviality of the rural kampung lifestyle is embodied by the fluidity of the layout: Nik Ida explains that ‘the open concept floor plan of the ground floor encourages interaction’ while ‘inferred pockets of space’ allow for subtle areas of separation.

The long sightlines and the natural flow of movement bind the living areas together, thus creating a real sense of sociability. Even the decorative choices play a part in creating a warm, lived-in atmosphere: from the earthy colours of the brickwork to the upcycled congkak board (a traditional Malay game); from the aged planter pots to the circular wall sculpture made from left-over cane and rattan.

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Given the deep understanding of the ideals of traditional Malay architecture that went into this project, it should come as no surprise that the designer drew inspiration from her own personal background.

Nik Ida recounts: "I had the opportunity to stay in a Malay kampung in a small rural area in Perlis when I was 9 to 11 years old. I loved the feeling of waking up in the morning when the windows were kept open with fresh air coming into the house." The House on the Hills is undoubtedly a fitting celebration of this sense of memory and place.

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