Home Tour: A modern net zero energy home in Kuala Lumpur

This award-winning net zero energy home designed by DrTanLM Architect is literally a greenhouse

Designed to encapsulate its owners' love for the environment and express this through its architecture, this modern resort-style bungalow is a net zero energy home set amid metro Kuala Lumpur.

The architect responsible for this literal greenhouse is Dr Tan Loke Mun, who recently took home a Silver in the residential category at the recent MIID REKA Awards 2022 for this house, nicknamed House No. 36.

A Tatler AMI honouree, Tan is the principal of DrTanLM Architect, director of ArchiCentre Sdn Bhd, and Founder and Director for DTLM Design Group, all multi-award winning architectural studios operating out of Kuala Lumpur.

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Photo 1 of 2 A profile of the net zero home

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No.36 is located in a fully developed neighbourhood populated generally large vernacular two- to three-storey bungalows.

The brief required a house for a two-generational family with generous open living spaces to entertain guests, private rooms with resort facilities customised to each family member’s requirements, and green sustainable features.

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Photo 1 of 3 The road facing facade

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The site was not without its challenges, comprising a long and narrow lot sloping down from the road.

However, making the most of the site while fulfilling the brief, Tan ensured that every aspect of its architecture had a sustainable purpose.

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Photo 1 of 4 Trailing plants soften the hard surfaces

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One of the sustainable goals was to be a net zero energy home. This means that the total energy the building uses annually equals the amount of renewable energy created on the site.

To this end, the house generates 20kWp of solar PV (solar photovoltaic) with solar panels.

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Photo 1 of 2 Simple finishes were favoured and complement the owners' art collection

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Meanwhile, various passive design strategies were implemented, such as the front façade with a stainless steel mirror finish brise-soleil.

This acts as a projection screen of the surrounding trees and sky condition of the day, yet reflecting the harsh sunlight and heat.

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Photo 1 of 3 The floating staircase is a sculptural element

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Pockets of open spaces are incorporated to promote natural ventilation and lighting.

These open out unto the cantilevered private balconies, which provide canopy roof cover for the building and give necessary shelter and shade to the spaces below.

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Photo 1 of 3 The living space features high ceilings and an open plan

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The results are high-volume spaces, courtyards, nooks and hanging gardens to be discovered and enjoyed throughout the home.

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Photo 1 of 4 Simple but effective architecture

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External balustrades are bi-functional as planters with trailing Vernonia Elliptica vines drooping downwards to form a green curtain providing natural screening.

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Photo 1 of 3 The pristine dry kitchen

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The sculptural wrap staircase at the main entrance thoroughfares to the lounge deck with a view of the diamanté planter hovering over the pool.

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Photo 1 of 3 The master bedroom has a generous balcony

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More than just pleasing to the eye, the pool and resort facilities located at the lower levels act as adiabatic cooling to help reduce the temperature in the house.

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Credits

Photography

Lin Ho

Topics

Home Tour Greenhouse Green Building Sustainability

Tatler Asia

Home tour: A modern net zero energy home in Kuala Lumpur