Traditional Courtyard House Reinvented In Malaysia

The residence we’ll be reviewing today is special in the sense that its design successfully reinvents the traditional image of the courtyard house. The building is located in Selangor, Malaysia, in a new housing development area with a lot measuring 22′ x 75′.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia front porch and garden

The house was renovated in 2015 by 02 Design Atelier Sdn. Bhd. The concept behind the project was focused on the minimization of the interior space by extending the living area outwards. This was a request coming from the client. A contemporary style was chosen for both the exterior and the interior of the building.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia social space

The parking lot was intentionally reduced in favor of a lush garden in front of the house. The front porch has become an important part of its design. One of the main concerns was to bring natural light into the interior spaces and this was done through various methods.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia social area

The interior featured an open plan concept. The living area, the dining space and the kitchen share the floor space. They are situated at the core of the residence. At the very center, a double height space is filled with greenery and natural light.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia kitchen

Two large trees and some shrubs form a central interior courtyard without being separated from the living spaces by any partitions or walls. The designer chose to let the spaces interact and form a continuous zone.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia live edge dining table

Some of the roof tiles were replaced with clear polycarbonate ones and this strategy allowed more natural light to enter the internal spaces. The solid walls of the rooms on the upper floor were replaced with sliding doors, the reason for that being a desire to let light flow freely and to facilitate cross ventilation and interaction between these spaces and the lower level.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia central double height space
Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia trees at the center

A decision was made by the designer to focus mainly on the natural light entering the interior spaces, the idea of space throughout the house and the greenery that’s part of the its design. This led to a choice of very simple and neutral materials and colors.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia greenery area

The concrete walls and floor offer the space a bare and raw look. They’re complemented by wooden furniture. A selection of modern and antique pieces add character to each of the rooms. The dining area is particularly beautiful, featuring a live edge table with an irregularly-shaped top.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia master bedroom suite

The social areas are gathered on the lower level. The upper level is occupied by the bedrooms and bathroom spaces. Each bedroom has its own share of greenery, being closely connected to nature in this way. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and is visually connected to the front garden. The bedroom and bathroom are only separated by curtains when required, sharing an open plan.

Reinvented courtyard home in Malaysia bathroom