Home tour: An elegant Mediterranean-inspired residence in Malaysia

One of the biggest challenges, then, was to preserve the charm of the existing 20-year-old house while still giving it a new identity.

In Lim’s words, “the home needed a thoughtful refresh and reimagination to better suit modern living while preserving its original essence.”

Don’t miss: Private islands and wealth: How 6 tech and business leaders built their secluded domains 

The design process involved meticulous observation. The clients had already voiced their appreciation of sunlit interiors and cozy atmospheres.

So the design team went to work by allocating a considerable amount of time to analysing the light orientation and spatial flow of the empty house. Armed with a deeper understanding of the building, the team then focused on crafting a space that would be “open, airy, and full of life”. 

Read more: 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture

The resulting open-plan design is an elegant response to the brief. Natural sunlight pours through expansive openings, imparting an inviting glow to the interior.

And there is also an ease of movement in the way that the living area, second living space, and kitchen all are seamlessly connected. 

See also: 5 iconic hotels in film: Where architecture becomes the star

The pool that adjoins the open-concept dining area not only enhances the tranquil atmosphere but also visually extends the space into the surrounding landscape.

Lim adds that the open-plan design was not just about the aesthetics, but was also about being “deeply intentional in matching the clients’ love for hosting”. It was all about making the home feel “genuine, lived-in, and deeply personal”.

Don’t miss: Le Creuset at 100: How enamelled cast iron cookware conquered culinary culture

In addition to its open-plan interior, the house is also very much committed to being as open-air as possible. Thus, we find large foldable glass doors which allow fresh air to pass through the interior spaces.

Given the lush natural landscape that surrounds the property, it just made sense to embrace natural ventilation as a core feature.

Read more: Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts

This was all in line with Norme’s commitment to nuanced sustainability. Lim shares that it was not about “implementing every green initiative just for the sake of it” nor was it about ticking a “marketing checkbox”. Rather, the team was more focused on aligning environmental concerns with the clients’ own lifestyles.

For instance, there was the decision to eschew demolition in favour of deconstruction, hence the emphasis on salvaging and repurposing materials whenever possible. This choice contributed to sustainability but was also in keeping with the overall intention to preserve the original craftsmanship and history of the existing house.

See also: Embracing warm minimalism: Beyond austerity in interior design

Another decision that played a part in making the house more sustainable includes the use of LED lighting throughout, to cut down on excessive electricity consumption.

The team was also mindful about indoor air quality and so they opted for low-VOC paint for the interiors. 

Don’t miss: 7 distinctive mid-century modern hotels in Asia for design lovers

The focus on textures truly emerges in the choice of materials and detailing throughout the space. Take the flooring, for instance. Here, textured paint from Transformers Texture was applied to large-format tiles, adding character and warmth. The ceiling’s beams might be made from high-density, low-VOC polyurethane foam, but the paint finishing makes them look indistinguishable from solid timber.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, bold concrete cabinets are softened by the soft sheen of their lacquered rubberwood doors. Woven rattan, especially apparent in the door panels of the full-height wardrobe, introduces another layer of organic texture. 

Read more: From pineapple leaves to cow dung, these Southeast Asian designers are using unconventional natural materials in their work

Certain details add a real sense of personality. There is the whimsical incorporation of nature into the kitchen by way of the mini-landscape on top of the 12-foot-long island counter. And then there is the striking wall-hung figurine display in the man cave, which was all about making a statement.

Ultimately, it was abundantly clear that a lot of fun was had during the whole design process. Lim shares that “there was plenty of laughter – including their running joke about me moving in with them!”

NOW READ

Inside the world’s most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections

Home tour: Malaysian indoor-outdoor home blends concrete design with African influences

11 exclusive Bali villas from Aman’s limited collection of Indonesian residences