“At the onset, lengthy conversations took place to either up-cycle the existing frame or extend with a second floor (a common scenario with the underlying motive to optimise value). However, the final decision to upcycle and dwell on optimising the one-storey model resulted from the desire to enhance the building’s original character.” 

Don't miss: 8 minimalist Malaysian homes that do more with less

The essential brief was to reconfigure the layout and transform the dark and cloistered interior into one that feels bright, spacious, and well-organised. For starters, partition walls were removed, and the central yard (which had been condemned by previous owners) was reinstated to create a generous and bright open-plan interior.

The original terrazzo floors in the dining area and former living room were buffed, existing ventilation blocks were restored, and metal grille elements at all openings were reclaimed. The ceiling was also opened to enhance the house's sense of loftiness.

Read more: 6 luxurious penthouses in Singapore with breathtaking views

“While retaining the original frame, important interventions were made to accommodate the new owner’s requirements. The revisited layout now divides the house neatly into two distinctive zones, the living, dining, kitchen and other common spaces on one side, and bedrooms and bathrooms on the other,” explains Gibert.

“One enters the front door (a full-width, bi-folding window that maintains full visual continuity with the front garden) to an open plan whereby the common house areas are subtly segmented into several ‘micro spaces’ through furniture and changes in floor finishes.”

See also: Home Tour: Inside a Hong Kong House Where Pets and Supercars Take Centre Stage

Terrace homes are notorious for not responding to the tropical climate in terms of ventilation and cooling. To address this, the architects looked at Southeast Asian vernacular passive cooling techniques that allow occupants to feel comfortable throughout the day.

The main device to that effect lies within a central yard that functions simultaneously as a light well, a ventilation shaft, and a connector between the different spaces of the house.

Don't miss: 5 Modern Tropical Malaysian Homes with Lush Gardens

The roof geometry with a strong pitch and long eaves were maintained as per the original building, gutter sizes were enlarged, and extra downpipes were added to further discharge heavy rainfall.

A retractable glass cover was also installed atop the central yard’s roof opening, allowing it to close when raining while still providing natural daylight at the centre of the house.

Read more: 7 amazing structures designed by women

“The front yard heavily planted garden participates in cooling air before entering the house while additional insulation was installed between roof tiles and ceilings to compensate for the fact that we opened up the old ceilings to expose the roof truss. The cross-ventilation from the front to the back of the house also maintains comfortable cooling even when the central roof needs to be closed,” states Gibert.

See also: 5 Asian projects by Sir David Chipperfield, winner of Pritzker Prize 2023

Overall the architects’ intervention was about contrasts; the relation to the street is about privacy, with tall brick walls thus creating a boundary, while the interior opens up entirely to the garden view with large expanses of glass.

“Where the exterior is mainly clay bricks with black painted steel, the interior is filled with light reflecting on various colours and textures. The house, as a result, offers the opportunity to enjoy bright open spaces while still allowing for reclusive quiet moments off its immediate surroundings,” muses Gibert.

“To this were added the owner’s eclectic furnishing and tasteful collection of artworks that all come together to create a unique bespoke home that oozes charm and character."

NOW READ

Home Tour: A stylish apartment in Paris with bold colours and retro elements

Kyoto by Design: 5 inspiring venues to visit for decor inspiration

Home Tour: A Malaysian condo revamped with a modern Parisian aesthetic