Cover The central staircase serves as both architectural focal point and practical play space for the resident dogs
The central staircase serves as both architectural focal point and practical play space for the resident dogs
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Core Design Workshop has designed Interlace House in Petaling Jaya that reimagines domestic space for all inhabitants, four-legged ones included
In a densely populated township just outside Kuala Lumpur, an unassuming plot that once housed a modest single-story bungalow has been transformed into what might be the ultimate expression of human-pet cohabitation.
The Interlace House, as its name suggests, demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can elevate everyday life for all inhabitants, regardless of species.
“We wanted to move beyond the idea of simply accommodating pets in a human space,” said Chun Hooi Tan, director of architecture and design at Core Design Workshop, the firm behind the project. “The concept was to create a home where both the couple and their dogs could thrive together, with spaces specifically designed for their shared experience.”
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A street-level view of the Interlace House showing its distinctive modern facade against the tropical landscape
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The home’s distinctive structure consists of three interlocking rectangular volumes that create a series of pocket courtyards.
These courtyards bathe the interiors in natural light while maintaining privacy from neighboring properties. This interlacing approach serves both aesthetic and practical purposes.
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Above A side view of the home showing the relationship between the solid concrete volumes and the lush courtyard spaces.
Above A close-up view of the minimalist exterior, featuring clean lines and a modern cement skim finish on the walls
A side view of the home showing the relationship between the solid concrete volumes and the lush courtyard spaces.
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“In such a compact urban setting, many homeowners build upward and outward as much as possible to maximise floor space,” Tan explained.
“We took the opposite approach, using horizontally interwoven spaces to create a sense of expansiveness without increasing the overall mass of the structure.”
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A dark Chengal wood deck extends from the interior, creating a transitional space between the living areas and the manicured lawn
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Walking through the open-plan ground floor, the central stairwell emerges as both an architectural centrepiece and a clever pet-friendly feature.
“The stairwell functions as a light well during daytime hours, but it’s also become the dogs’ favourite place to play,” Tan noted. “Architecture should respond to how people—and animals—use space, not just how we imagine they might.”
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Above A contemplative inner courtyard underlines the emphasis on natural elements and serene transitional spaces
Above One of the home’s intimate courtyards reveals its pet-friendly design
A contemplative inner courtyard underlines the emphasis on natural elements and serene transitional spaces
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The wet kitchen, positioned adjacent to an inner garden, exemplifies this philosophy of enriched daily living.
What could be a purely utilitarian space becomes something more profound—cooking while surrounded by greenery and the energetic presence of pets creates an immersive domestic experience.
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The main living area reveals the heart of the Interlace House’s open-plan design
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Perhaps nowhere is the integration of pet lifestyle more evident than in the home’s series of courtyards.
Strategically placed dog houses blend seamlessly with the overall design aesthetic, while an inner garden complete with a pond offers restorative moments for human residents and playful exploration for their canine companions.
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The central staircase serves as both architectural focal point and practical play space for the resident dogs
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The material palette reflects a commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability. Polished concrete flooring throughout the ground level provides both durability for active pets and sophisticated visual appeal. Chengal wood, sourced locally and known for its strength, adds warmth to outdoor decking and screens.
“Sustainability isn’t an add-on feature; it’s fundamental to how the house functions,” Tan emphasised. “The interwoven design naturally promotes cross-ventilation, significantly reducing reliance on air conditioning in Malaysia's tropical climate.”
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The dining area showcases the home’s refined material palette and connection to outdoors
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The master bathroom perhaps best encapsulates the home’s unique approach to privacy and openness. It opens to a double-volume courtyard, offering serene views without traditional enclosures.
“We challenged conventional notions of private space,” said Tan. “The result is a bathroom experience that feels connected to nature without compromising the residents’ sense of security.”
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Above A striking architectural detail featuring a towering concrete wall
Above The narrow vertical cutout runs the entire height of the concrete wall
A striking architectural detail featuring a towering concrete wall
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Solar panels installed on the metal roof further reduce the environmental footprint, while the double-volume central stairwell minimises the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
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The home office reveals a sophisticated monochromatic palette with a balance of black and white elements.
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“The Interlace House demonstrates that inclusive design—considering the needs of all inhabitants—can result in spaces that are more functional, beautiful, and meaningful,” Tan reflected.
“Then we dissolve traditional boundaries between human space and pet space, we create something that transcends both categories.”
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Credits
Photography: Bricks Begin
Topics
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.
