Cover Window House, designed by Formzero
Window House, designed by Formzero
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Formzero’s Window House in Kuala Lumpur was designed to form a seamless connection with nature and privacy
Nestled on the brink of a lush tropical forest reserve in Kuala Lumpur, Window House, designed by Formzero, delves deeply into the relationship between a dwelling and its natural surroundings.
This unique project emerged from two fundamental questions that challenged the lead architect at Formzero, Cherng Yih Lee’s creative vision—ultimately resulting in a home that bridges the gap between interior and exterior spaces while preserving utmost privacy.
The first conundrum arose when the architect pondered how to forge a seamless relationship between the house and the natural environment while considering the possibility that the homeowner might prioritise the maximisation of interior volume over connecting with the outdoors.
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Window House has a striking concrete
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Instead of dismissing the paradox, Lee saw an opportunity to transform it into a wellspring of inspiration.
At the heart of this ingenious design lies the window—a simple yet powerful element that defines our connection with the world outside. However, in the midst of other houses, this relationship can be easily severed by the mere pull of a curtain.
To overcome this challenge, the architects aimed to restore the bond between the indoor and outdoor spaces without compromising privacy.
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Above Window House is well named
Above Overhangs combined with openings
Window House is well named
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The design concept of Window House revolves around three distinctive tectonic approaches, each manipulating the form and function of windows to achieve the ultimate goal of deepening the homeowner’s connection with the surroundings while adhering to the initial design brief.
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Meticulously finished concrete
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The first approach involves a concrete shell that wraps around the house, extending from east to west.
This shell serves multiple functions, acting as a thermal protector with cross ventilation and, most importantly, as the primary layer for privacy control.
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Natural materials were naturally favoured
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Multi-level landscaping was inserted between the concrete shell and the building to create an intriguing sense of ambiguity between the house and the landscape.
This effectively blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces while making the landscape appear more like an interior extension.
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The interiors are simple but with amazing views
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Embracing the second approach, the concrete shell is shaped in a telescopic form, gently tapering towards the front while expanding towards the lush forest in both plan and section.
This clever configuration results in a striking giant window frame that offers captivating views of the verdant forest. Simultaneously, the tapered facade projects towards the street, crafting a more human-scale appearance that harmoniously integrates with the surrounding urban context.
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The floating staircase
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The third and final approach revolves around the concept of “windows follow functions”. Each room within Window House is endowed with distinct functions and thus deserving of unique viewing experiences.
To achieve this, the proportion and positioning of windows on the north and south facades are meticulously derived from the function of each room.
Landscaping was incorporated within the concrete envelope
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This deliberate consideration ensures that the facade becomes an expressive representation of each room’s purpose rather than an arbitrary aesthetic imposition.
Moreover, deepened eaves outline each window, creating a visual frame that captures every scene as though it were a masterpiece preserved within a living canvas.
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Concrete finishing in the bathroom softened by plants
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Indeed Window House is a harmonious amalgamation of architecture and nature, exemplifying how thoughtful design can strengthen the bond between a homeowner and their environment, even when faced with seemingly contradictory design briefs.
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Above The infinity pool at the edge of the property
Above Forest bathing
The infinity pool at the edge of the property
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Formzero’s innovative vision has breathed life into a dwelling that not only maximises interior space but also fosters an inseparable connection with the surrounding tropical paradise.
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Credits
Photography: Ronson Lee
Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
