The main inspiration came from the idea of having a resort home despite living in the city. The lap pool thus became the key feature of the house where the architects arranged all the main internal spaces parallel to the rectilinear lap pool to overlook it and the landscape beyond.

Some rooms were deliberately placed close to the water’s edge to have a more intimate relationship with the water, with some hovering above it as though floating above, and some set off from the body of water to allow space for a semi-outdoor terrace. 

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Designed by Choon Sin Ho, one of the founding architects of A3 Projects, for her parents, this serene eco-retreat is located in the sleepy town of Serendah in Hulu Selangor.

Since her parents bought the land in 1995, they had planted it with a profusion of trees and plants. As the architect had recently returned from working overseas, Ho took on designing a new house for her parents, who had always wanted a retreat adjoining their orchard.

The Japanese principles of shakkei (borrowed landscape) were observed where the house was conceived as an extension of the landscape. To this end, a two-storey bungalow was built where the first floor consists of a car porch, open-plan living/kitchen/dining with a generous external verandah and one en-suite master bedroom with an exterior staircase that leads to the rooftop.

The spatial arrangement responds to sun orientation, maximises views of the outside nature, and has a balanced composition of walls and openings for cross ventilation. Deep open verandahs coupled with matured trees on the west side provide perfect natural shading to the house, while a clerestory skylight allows diffused daylight into the main living spaces.

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Once an ordinary terrace corner lot set in a nondescript neighbourhood in Johor Bahru, Rice Design transformed it from poor ventilation to an outdated structure to a sleek, modern home.

To this end, the designers modified existing layouts into open-plan spaces and large picture windows. These alterations multiplied natural light entering the home and improved air circulation.

Another significant structural change was raising the ceilings, which improved air circulation and enhanced the feeling of well-being in the home. The ample open space means good air circulation to ensure that the residence remains cool throughout the days and nights.

Connecting the interior spaces to nature was another crucial consideration in the overall design concept. It was introduced by using natural materials and materials that can be readily recycled and also have lots of greenery inside to freshen up the space. 

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Nicknamed Wonky Woo for its original dilapidated state, this terrace in Taman Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur, was overhauled by Tony Heneberry of Two’s Company for a British ex-pat couple into a home which makes the most of the views of the surrounding hilly landscape. 

The house had a total build-up area of about 3,000 sq ft on four split levels, so it is, in effect, a two-storey house with the front half split from the rear and sitting about 5ft higher than the rear. Heneberry had the house stripped back to its skeleton and enlarged in the front and back with a retaining wall structure to raise the slope to the rear, into which was built a plunge pool with a home workshop underneath.

It was a particularly long block with a very open aspect to the rear. It offered a huge opportunity to give this space a sense of light and distance that is usually hard to achieve in an intermediate link house.

Hence, the design goal became how to maximise these features while designing out the poor aspect of the front and improving the light and airflow into a long, narrow house. Framing the views of the hills in the distance and creating transitions and visual connection to these views with the landscape features was also part of the design thinking from the outset.

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Located in a large three-storey bungalow in Muar, Johor, with approximately 10,000 sq ft of interior space and 4,000 sq ft of courtyard area, S/LAB 10 was commissioned to create a multi-generational family home for the family to enjoy and especially the client’s father who was recovering from an accident.

To improve the overall layout, the designers shuffled the layout, loosened the space and generated a more open space that they termed ‘breathing space’ by connecting the indoors and outdoors.

The designer incorporated natural materials such as marble, granite, wood, and timber slabs to enhance this ‘breathing space’.

Natural wood veneer was used in the common areas, and the warm hues juxtaposed deftly against the marble. A marble staircase pierces through all three floors and appears like a seamless swathe of stone, while the kitchen island consists of 48 pieces of marble layered over each other; each piece was hand-cut and installed individually. 

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NDC Design was tasked with creating a contemporary tropical two-story bungalow in Selangor’s Mines Resort, adjacent to the client’s family home.

The design incorporated essential living spaces and unique features, including a wine room for 2000 bottles and a games room with a golf simulator and entertainment lounge. 

The ground floor entrance was adorned with limestone arranged meticulously by craftsmen for stability and texture. Privacy on the upper floor was ensured with openable timber louvres.

A shared courtyard with the client's parents’ house was created by extending a timber deck, providing a private oasis for both families and friends to gather.

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Nestled in Setia Eco Glades, Cyberjaya, this bungalow offers a picturesque view of the surrounding lake, serving as the central inspiration for its design.

Initially featuring marble floors and plain plastered ceilings, the owner enlisted Matthew Lim Associates, an award-winning interior design studio, to transform the space. 

The design caters to a family comprising the owner, his girlfriend, mother, sister, and nephew, with a focus on user-centric living and aims to provide an inviting, serene environment for the residents to cherish.

Changes included altering the living area, incorporating folding doors, custom carpentry, a hidden pantry and kitchen, and diverse themes for different rooms. 

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The owners of a Subang property in their 50s went to NuInfinity to create a versatile space that would adapt to their evolving lifestyle.

They desired a communal block adjacent to their existing home, which was tastefully appointed to showcase their art collection.

Focusing on practicality and functionality, the designers included a secondary kitchen, a spacious study area convertible into a bedroom, and an elegant staircase that minimally obstructed a full-height glass window.

The result is a calming, adaptable retreat that exceeds the couple’s expectations, with the dining area overlooking a swimming pool and folding door openings enhancing the space’s flexibility.

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Winner of the Silver award at the MIID REKA Awards 2022, House No. 36 is a modern resort-style bungalow in Kuala Lumpur which embodies its owners’ environmental commitment through architecture.

Designed by architect Dr Tan Loke Mun, this is home to a two-generational family with open living spaces, customised private rooms, and sustainability at its core. 

Challenges like a sloping narrow lot were addressed with sustainable solutions, including a net-zero energy goal achieved through 20kWp of solar PV and passive design strategies.

Notably, a stainless steel mirror finish brise-soleil on the front façade balances sunlight, heat, and surroundings, underscoring the house's eco-conscious design.

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Perched on the highest point in Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur, a 7,000 sq ft home, previously renovated a decade ago, received a complete makeover by YNG Studio.

The new owners, a family of four, desired a modern redesign for comfortable living. Inspired by the adjacent forest, the design aimed to harmonise with nature, employing white and warm earth tones, veneer, marble, and stone. 

High ceilings, large glazings, and sliding doors create fluid living spaces, seamlessly connecting indoors and outdoors while maximising natural light.

The result is a tranquil, light-filled home that embraces its forest surroundings and offers comfortable modern living.

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S/LAB 10 has redefined family living with their innovative design for a gated community abode in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, infusing the essence of a resort-style lifestyle inspired by the laid-back charm of Australian homes.

The traditional notion of front and back is flipped on its head, with the rear side of the site transformed into the focal point of the residence, as “both yards share two very similar elements: ‘privacy’ and ‘openness’,” explains Hao Wang, co-founder of S/LAB 10. 

At the heart of the design are double-row rotating louvred panels that span the length of the rear façade, offering precise control over sunlight and ventilation. This dynamic feature not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes cross-ventilation, allowing cool breezes to sweep through the entire residence.

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Inside, comfortable minimalism is key, with a thoughtful selection of durable materials and a soothing neutral colour palette. Oak timber floors create warmth and calmness in the bedrooms, while custom-made terrazzo adds a touch of timeless elegance to the common areas.

These common areas–the dining area, family area and study–are each distinct from the others, “different spaces for family members to spend time together with a degree of privacy,” Wang adds.

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Within the serene confines of a low-density and private boutique development in the prestigious U-Thant area, Wayne Yap of Wayne Factor embarked on a journey to craft a residence that would embody the essence of sophistication for its discerning occupants.

“We wanted to create an abode that represented an oasis of tranquillity for the family,” he elaborates. “This home is a retreat from urban hustle, a refuge where the family can unwind, recharge, and savour moments of quiet amidst the city’s ceaseless rhythm.”

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The four-storey villa is adorned in soft neutral tones, and bathed in warm ambient lighting, exuding an atmosphere of serene elegance at every turn. Thoughtfully curated loose furniture and traditional built-ins contribute to an airy and inviting layout, fostering a sense of openness and fluidity throughout the space.

In an ode to quiet luxury, sleek furnishings with chic accents were carefully selected to strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, resulting in a seamless fusion of comfort and sophistication. 

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Villa Vista, a breathtaking creation by Pentago Architects, is a sublime fusion of opulence and nature-inspired tranquillity that drew inspiration from renowned Southeast Asian resorts like Amanpuri in Thailand, and The Datai and Four Seasons in Langkawi.

Spanning over 1,150 sqm, Villa Vista beckons with its five bedrooms spread across three levels, outdoor breakfast and dinner pavilions, a 32-metre curved infinity-edge pool, and a sprawling one-hectare outdoor gardens–all of which are surrounded by Langkawi's unspoiled ocean and forest views.

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“The open-plan living and dining area seamlessly melds with the outdoor expanse, forging a harmonious union between the indoors and outdoors,” says Jordan Chen, founder of JC Interior Design, who is in charge of recreating the experience of a luxury tropical resort villa for the owners and their guests. 

Reclaimed wood panelling and natural stone claddings pay homage to Langkawi’s rugged landscapes, while Balinese furniture and curated artworks by Gin Poh add a touch of cultural richness.

More than just a feast for the senses, Villa Vista is a testament to sustainability. Besides leveraging local and recycled materials, the principles of eco-conscious design embraces rainwater harvesting, and employs energy-efficient technologies to minimise its environmental footprint.

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The “KamaRia House,” nestled in the serene enclave of Section 16, Petaling Jaya, was designed as a sprawling 10,000 sq ft sanctuary for Datuk Ramli Ibrahim and his artistic circle, where composers, dancers and visual artists come together to cultivate their craft.

Under the creative guidance of Dutch-Indonesian architect Joost Van Grieken, the once nondescript single-storey PJ bungalow with a 1960s design has undergone a remarkable transformation. 

Embracing a modern and airy aesthetic, the design revolves around a central water feature teeming with indigenous fish, instilling a sense of tranquillity amidst the urban chaos.

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For the interior, Ramli collaborated with Joost to design the main pieces for the home, as well as a curated collection of furniture and sculptures sourced from Bali and Sumba Island, each piece harmonising effortlessly with the KamaRia’s organic design ethos.

“I tend to prefer a non-fussy, organic and classic design that blends well with nature,” muses Ramli. “I tend to have a soft spot for natural landscape gardens, preferably with attractive water features. I must say I feel attracted to the aesthetics of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.”

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