Cover Double-volume living space in this Japandi apartment showing a steel staircase, a TV wall, and a dining area
Double-volume living space in this Japandi apartment showing a steel staircase, a TV wall, and a dining area
1 / 1
In this 1,300-square-foot Japandi apartment in Mont Kiara, Wuuu Studio transformed a spatial constraint into an architectural feature, integrating a fixed staircase with the living area to create a minimal retreat defined by wood and steel
In a 1,300-sq-ft duplex condominium in Mont Kiara, a fixed steel staircase posed an immediate problem for Wuuu Studio. Positioned near the window in what should have been the living area’s most flexible zone, the existing structure limited furniture placement and threatened to block natural light in an already compact space. Rather than work around the obstacle, Dom Tee, director of Interior Design at Wuuu Studio, made it central to the design.
Above The marble console platform and steel staircase with views to the deck, showing how the interior connects to the outdoor environment
Above Sectional sofa from King Living with neutral textiles and double-height curtains
The marble console platform and steel staircase with views to the deck, showing how the interior connects to the outdoor environment
1 / 2
“Instead of treating the staircase as a limitation, we integrated it as part of the home’s architectural spine by designing the TV wall and console as one continuous element with the stair zone,” he explains. The solution reduced visual clutter and preserved light while giving the Japandi apartment a clear organising principle.
See also: Cross-border wealth: where foreign tycoons buy in Seoul
TV wall system with marble console platform incorporating a hidden cat tunnel beneath
1 / 3
The client, who lives here with his cat, wanted a calm environment inspired by Japanese minimal living. The brief called for restraint: a balance between warm and cool materials that would feel grounded without being heavy. The neighbourhood sits between extremes. A busy urban setting is softened by a common pond visible from the unit, while the hum of a nearby motorway is tempered by surrounding greenery.
Don’t miss: 9 new museums shaping Asia’s cultural scene
Above The common pond at TWY Mont Kiara has lily pads, providing a natural buffer that softens the urban setting
Above The deck area by the pond with planted greenery and views into the living space, demonstrating the indoor-outdoor connection
The common pond at TWY Mont Kiara has lily pads, providing a natural buffer that softens the urban setting
1 / 2
Tee responded with a material palette built on contrast. Warm wood finishes create a sense of comfort in the main living areas and built-in elements, while stainless steel provides a cooler, reflective counterpoint. “This dialogue between wood and steel becomes the project’s signature: warm and grounded, yet crisp and modern,” Tee says. The steel changes throughout the day as light shifts across its surface.
Read more: Malaysia and Singapore’s Art Deco legacy: Buildings that tell stories
Stainless steel TV backdrop creating reflection in the compact living space
1 / 3
The Japandi apartment includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room, with a double-volume living space and mezzanine study area that Tee reworked during the renovation. The original unit was functionally adequate but generic, a typical condominium layout that required careful spatial editing to achieve the clarity the client sought.
See also: Home tour: this London apartment in Mayfair pulls from five decades of design history
Above The existing straight steel staircase with timber treads is integrated into the apartment’s design
Above The client’s cat beside the timber panelling and black steel staircase structure
The existing straight steel staircase with timber treads is integrated into the apartment’s design
1 / 2
The integrated TV wall system demonstrates how Tee addressed practical needs without compromising the minimal aesthetic. The console platform aligns precisely with the TV wall and discreetly incorporates a cat tunnel, accommodating the client’s daily life without adding visible clutter. Behind the television, the stainless steel backdrop makes the space feel larger through reflection. A slim rod attached to the steel functions as an almost invisible shelf, allowing books and objects to rest without requiring bulky cabinetry.
Don’t miss: Bali hospitality architecture: how a century of tourism shaped the island’s design identity
Mezzanine study area with circular timber table and built-in shelving with stainless steel rod supports
1 / 3
Sustainability came through durability rather than added features. The design favours a restrained palette and timeless detailing, reducing the need for replacement. Natural daylight and cross-ventilation were prioritised, and the client has extended these strategies by planting generously on the deck area by the pond. He frequently keeps the doors open, creating airflow that supports passive cooling and connects the interior to the semi-outdoor environment.
Read more: GDP Architects Sarah Merican on 35 years of Malaysian architecture and design legacy
Primary bedroom with floor-to-ceiling curtains and timber wardrobes in the double-volume space
1 / 2
Furniture came primarily from King Living, supplemented with bespoke pieces designed for specific conditions in the space. The selection was practical: specify what serves the space, customise where necessary, and avoid excess.
See also: Building botanicals: How Lego creates lasting florals
Above View from the bedroom to the ensuite bathroom, with timber shelving displaying minimal objects
Above Bedroom nightstand with cylindrical lamp and timber door frames
View from the bedroom to the ensuite bathroom, with timber shelving displaying minimal objects
1 / 2
When asked about the completed project, Tee points to the quality of light. “The home feels visually quiet but not empty. Light moves gently across timber and stainless steel surfaces, making the space feel alive and continuously changing, while still maintaining a composed and minimal atmosphere.”
NOW READ
The architecture of 007: Bond film locations and their design legacy
Home tour: inside a Mediterranean-inspired clubhouse in Malaysia designed for hosting
Shaun Killa: the architect reshaping Dubai’s beachfront story
Credits
Photography: TWJPTO
Topics
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
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.
