Datuk Ramli Ibrahim’s KamaRia house is the iconic choreographer and dancer’s creative sanctuary in Petaling Jaya, Selangor
In the heart of Section 16, Petaling Jaya, those in the know will find an unassuming 60s bungalow that has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Now known as KamaRia House, this 10,000 sq ft abode has been reimagined into a sanctuary of art, inspiration, and tranquillity by its owner, Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, a luminary in the world of performing arts.
Originally the property of Ramli’s late mother, KamaRia House is a repository of memories where he spent his early teens. “It’s a typical single-storey PJ bungalow house with a 1960s design, rather nondescript in many ways, but has a nice garden area where my father had planted rambutan and banana trees at the back,” recalls Ramli.
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Reviving beauty
After the passing of both parents, the house sat in disrepair for nearly three years. During this time, Ramli primarily resided at Sutra House in Titiwangsa, a vibrant hub of artistic activities and eventually decided to make KamaRia his new residence, but only after a complete makeover.
Under the creative direction of Dutch-Indonesian architect Joost Van Grieken, the house was reborn as KamaRia, a homage to the owner’s late mother, Kamariah. The overarching concept focused on a harmonious alignment with the cardinal directions and an open but private design, shielding the occupants from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Gone are the ubiquitous grills of 60s houses, replaced with a modern and airy aesthetic. The central water feature, housing a thriving community of indigenous fish, became the soul of KamaRia, uniting the rooms around its calming presence.
