Cover Double-height living space in Malaysian bungalow features contemporary furniture, terrazzo flooring, and panoramic koi pond views through floor-to-ceiling glazing
Double-height living space in Malaysian bungalow features contemporary furniture, terrazzo flooring, and panoramic koi pond views through floor-to-ceiling glazing
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Architect Fabian Tan transformed a 1970s Malaysian bungalow by preserving its original split levels while adding double-height spaces, automated pivot doors, and a cooling koi pond that flows seamlessly from the living room
The split-level bungalow that architect Fabian Tan encountered on a quiet Kuala Lumpur hillside presented the kind of puzzle he relishes. Built on a 6,800-sq-ft plot, the two-story house had good bones but needed radical surgery to accommodate its new owners: a young, active couple who wanted their 4,000-sq-ft home to breathe.
“I find design challenges interesting — they come with a unique set of problems that, when resolved, can make a project much more engaging,” says Tan, whose firm Fabian Tan Architect tackled the renovation. The original structure featured a 1.5-meter split level that created awkward proportions, but Tan saw opportunity in the constraint.
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Aerial view of renovated bungalow on hillside plot shows relationship with traditional terracotta-roofed neighbours and contemporary white architectural intervention
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Rather than demolish everything, he preserved the front portion of the house, which contains a ground-floor study and the master bedroom above. The rear section, however, was completely rebuilt to create what the clients specifically requested: a double-volume space with soaring ceilings.
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Aerial perspective of contemporary bungalow renovation demonstrates relationship with neighbouring traditional houses and extensive outdoor landscaping with mature trees
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“The design intent was to fuse old and new elements to refresh the spatial layout and create a holistic experience that connects with the surrounding natural environment,” Tan explains. The result challenges the typical Malaysian bungalow’s compartmentalised rooms in favour of what he calls “spatial connectivity.”
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Above External staircase and elevated deck area of contemporary Kuala Lumpur bungalow renovation features integrated structural columns as seating, overlooking front garden with tropical landscaping
Above Innovative pivot door system above sliding entrance in Malaysian bungalow renovation provides four configurations for privacy, light, and ventilation control from neighbors
External staircase and elevated deck area of contemporary Kuala Lumpur bungalow renovation features integrated structural columns as seating, overlooking front garden with tropical landscaping
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The transformation becomes apparent upon entering the foyer, where the former living area now serves as an enclosed study. Ascending to the upper ground floor reveals the project’s centrepiece: a spacious double-volume living and dining area that opens directly onto a koi pond through large sliding doors.
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The living area of the split-level bungalow opens directly onto koi pond through sliding doors, with elevated concrete planters providing natural cooling and privacy screening
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“My favourite feature is the rear koi pond, which the living room opens onto via large sliding doors,” Tan says. The water feature wasn’t merely decorative but tactical, addressing the proximity of neighbouring houses while providing natural cooling. An elevated planter with integrated seating and shade trees creates a morning retreat where the clients feed their koi.
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Above Entry foyer of the renovated Malaysian bungalow features built-in timber storage, terrazzo flooring continuation, and direct garden access through modern glass doors
Above Split-level bungalow staircase design uses oak timber treads and terrazzo flooring to connect the ground floor study area with the upper living spaces in this Malaysian home
Entry foyer of the renovated Malaysian bungalow features built-in timber storage, terrazzo flooring continuation, and direct garden access through modern glass doors
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Above the sliding doors, Tan installed what appears to be a static architectural element but functions as something more dynamic: two solid panels that pivot at their centre.
“The panels provide privacy from the close rear neighbour, while also allowing for ventilation and light through the sides,” he explains. The mechanism offers four different configurations, allowing the space’s character to be adjusted throughout the day.
Open-plan bungalow interior combines dining, living, and kitchen areas with terrazzo flooring, timber accents, and double-volume ceiling design for tropical living
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The living area flows into a bar lounge that exploits the home’s angular geometry, creating openings at mid-landings that connect to a high-ceiling front deck. Here, structural columns double as seating, maintaining visual proportions while offering views of the expansive front garden.
Automated pivot panels above the koi pond entrance demonstrate an innovative bungalow privacy solution, appearing as solid architectural elements while providing flexible ventilation
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Material choices reinforced the concept of seamless connection. Tan selected cast-in-situ terrazzo flooring for the living spaces, with a continuous surface uninterrupted by joints or transitions. Warm oak timber strips on the first floor provide a textural contrast while maintaining the flow between levels.
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Above Dramatic staircase design in split-level bungalow utilises angular geometry and oak timber treads to connect multiple levels whilst maintaining open sightlines
Above The Hillside bungalow’s exterior showcases a contemporary white façade with integrated landscaping, an elevated koi pond system, and tropical planting for natural cooling.
Dramatic staircase design in split-level bungalow utilises angular geometry and oak timber treads to connect multiple levels whilst maintaining open sightlines
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The upper floor houses the master suite — bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, and large bathroom with bathtub — plus a family room that overlooks the double-height living spaces. Two additional ensuite bedrooms complete the accommodation, while the rooftop level opens to panoramic views of neighbourhood greenery and distant city skyline glimpses.
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Bar lounge area beneath bungalow staircase utilizes angular geometry to create openings at mid-landings, connecting split levels with marble kitchen backdrop
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Sustainability measures include solar water heater panels and rainwater harvesting, complemented by passive strategies like the cooling koi pond and smart home lighting systems. The insulated roof and cross-ventilation through double-volume spaces reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.
Upper level workspace in renovated bungalow features built-in oak desk overlooking double-height living area with seamless indoor-outdoor connection to garden
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Furnishings came from various sources: Ambient Living provided the sofa, Stanzo the coffee table, Lightcraft the pendant lighting and floor lamps, and King Living the bedroom furniture. The clients’ excellent taste in decoration, Tan notes, keeps the house looking pristine during his visits.
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Rooftop terrace of hillside Kuala Lumpur bungalow offers panoramic neighbourhood views and integrated concrete seating with city skyline glimpses inthe distance
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The project’s success lies not in dramatic gestures but in thoughtful problem-solving. By working with existing constraints rather than against them, Tan created a home where old and new elements support each other. The split levels that once felt awkward now facilitate connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as between private and communal areas.
“Spatial connectivity is at the core of the concept,” Tan reflects. In Flovik House, that connectivity extends beyond mere floor plans to embrace the surrounding landscape, creating a home that feels both grounded in its site and open to its possibilities.
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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.
