Ken Thong Is Honored with the Bronze A' Design Award for Eco Park 15 Residential House in Interior Space and Exhibition Design

The Work

Project

Eco Park 15 Residential House

Function

Residential House

Category

Interior Space and Exhibition Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture and Packaging & Retail

Colors

Black, Dim Gray, Olive, Gray and Dark Gray

Images

5

Client

The Roof Studio

The Recognition

Laureate

Ken Thong

Country

Malaysia

Recognition

Bronze A' Design Award

Edition

2019 - 2020

Design ID

#92754

Credits

Team

Emma Yap

Design Details

Unique Properties

This semi-detached house is updated with a modern tropical concept that emphasizes a warm, laid-back, resort-like ambiance. Non-structural walls were removed to create an open space layout, large glass panels were installed wherever strategically possible in order to illuminate the space with natural light. Natural materials such as brick, wood, steel and cement surfaces evoke a rustic quality while cool urban hues complete this sophisticated look. Furthermore, the tea room, patio and terrace have been re-purposed to enhance the functionality of the design.

Inspiration

Inspired by the symbiotic relationship between light and shadow, we have re-imagined this residential space to fulfill the aesthetic and functional needs of modern Malaysians. Glass panels and steel frames are incorporated to provide soothing illuminations while brick, wood and cement surfaces evoke a rustic quality, refined with a cool urban colour scheme and clean straight lines. Additionally, the boundaries between exterior and interior spaces are blurred to create a resort-like atmosphere.

Research

Through our meetings with the clients, we understand that they are intrigued by the warmth provided by modern and natural elements such as timber and concrete. At the same time, they also wanted a home where they can entertain guests and carry out daily activities in comfort. Consequently, our researches were based on the study of colors, lighting, air ventilation and space rationalization to provide them with a sophisticated, modern tropical home that caters to the needs of a family. The use of a dark color palette, natural lighting and rustic materials has resulted in a modernized resort-like ambiance that is both tasteful and tranquil.

Challenge

In this project, we noticed that parts of the interior were unnaturally dark due to the lack of natural lighting. On top of that, the existing layout did not optimize the exterior spaces such as the terrace and patio. In our design, we focused on illuminating the interior and creating more sensible proportions for each space. We have also managed to forge a link between the interior and exterior by linking the dry kitchen, laundry area to the outdoor kitchen, and also the living area to the patio, dining area to the outdoor terrace. As a result, we have created an undisturbed flow that connects each area which indirectly expanded the functional spaces in this new layout.

Realization and Technology

The lower level has been reworked to create an open space layout. Non-structural walls were removed to rectify the lighting issues faced by the existing layout. As a result, we have created an undisturbed flow that connects the entire length of the ground floor. We have also added a study area while moving the living and dining area further in to create better proportions between these spaces. Furthermore, the 6-panel skylight feature is made up of a 4x4 feet, double-layered laminated glass panel for safety considerations.

Operation and Interaction

Walking through the main entrance, visitors will be greeted by the sight of the study room. Adjacent to the study room is the tea room, which serves as the ideal entertaining space for guests. Walking past this point, visitors will arrive at the modern and cosy living room, which is connected to the dining area with its breath-taking wood slab table. Large glass panels are installed to illuminate the interior with natural lighting, as well as to take full advantage of the gorgeous garden view. Opposite of the dining area, the dry kitchen is distinguished with a dark grey wall and is connected to the outdoor wet kitchen.

Project Duration and Location

This project started in February 2018 and ended in 2019. The project is based in Setia Eco Park, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Specifications

This double-storey semi-detached house covers an area of 3,600 square feet (or 335 square metres). Upon completion, the ground floor of this house has a study area, a tea room, a living room, a dining area, a dry kitchen, a separate laundry area, a powder room, an outdoor wet kitchen, as well as a terrace fashioned with a wooden deck that is connected to the patio and two gardens. The upper level consists of a family area and three bedrooms. The walk-in closet has been refurbished in order to enlarge the master bath.

Keywords

The Roof Studio, Ken Thong, Emma Yap, Eco Park