Cover The rear elevation reveals the home's bold geometric form
The rear elevation reveals the home's bold geometric form
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Fabian Tan Architect reimagines tropical living through Japanese spatial principles in Kuala Lumpur
In one of Kuala Lumpur’s upscale neighbourhoods, the Lapatoo House harmonises Malaysian tropical modernism with Japanese spatial principles. Designed by Fabian Tan Architect, this family home shapes a dialogue between contemporary architecture and cultural heritage.
“The house was conceived as a singular volume that connects spaces both horizontally and vertically,” says Fabian Tan, founder of Fabian Tan Architect. This vision materialises most dramatically in the home’s three-storey void, crowned by a timber-clad pitched ceiling with a strategic skylight.
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Above The Lapatoo House's clean geometric exterior features a cantilevered upper floor and sleek grey privacy gates
Above The rooftop terrace serves as a private retreat away from the main living areas
The Lapatoo House's clean geometric exterior features a cantilevered upper floor and sleek grey privacy gates
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The natural light filters through this central space throughout the day, creating patterns that transform the interior atmosphere.
The 5,000 sq ft home’s Japanese influence emerges from the moment of entry. A sunken foyer creates a transitional space before opening to the fluid living areas.
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The infinity pool seamlessly integrates with the deck level
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The open-plan ground floor flows to the front, rear, and side deck, where an infinity pool’s edge meets precisely with the deck level.
A covered lounge pavilion overlooks the landscaped garden, creating intermediate spaces that reference traditional Japanese architecture while fulfilling the needs of tropical living.
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Above The three-story void is crowned by a dramatic timber-clad pitched ceiling with a strategically placed skylight
Above A beam of natural light from the skylight creates ever-changing patterns throughout the day
The three-story void is crowned by a dramatic timber-clad pitched ceiling with a strategically placed skylight
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At the centre of the house, the three-storey void visually and spatially links the ground and first floors.
The staircase to the first floor follows the angular boundary wall, while the second-floor stair runs perpendicular, allowing light to filter into the stairwell voids.
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Contemporary furnishings create a sophisticated living space that opens directly to the pool terrace
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The first floor reveals the strongest Japanese architectural influence, with a corridor that loops around the central void, connecting the master and children’s bedrooms through large sliding doors.
The central void is crowned by a timber-clad pitched ceiling
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The floor cantilevers outward on all sides with a concrete finish, shading the deck areas below and defining the exterior.
The steeply pitched roof, extending on three sides, features slender edge details that unify the architectural language.
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The kitchen combines matte black overhead cabinetry with walnut base units and a waterfall-edge island
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The rooftop level houses a private entertainment room, while a concealed rooftop space at the apex of the roof pitch provides an elevated vantage point over the surrounding views.
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Above The angular geometry of the stairs echoes the home's exterior form
Above Strategic placement of skylights transforms the stairwell into what Tan calls a vertical garden of light
The angular geometry of the stairs echoes the home's exterior form
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Set on a 6,150-square-foot plot, the home’s square form mirrors the geometry of the land while creating distinct zones for arrival, living, and outdoor entertainment.
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A detail of the timber-clad pitched ceiling
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The cultural fusion shows in the details: the joinery of the timber elements, the framing of garden views, and the orchestration of natural light throughout the spaces.
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Above The entertainment room on the top floor offers panoramic views of the city skyline
Above In the master bathroom, a minimalist aesthetic prevails with large-format tiles and a freestanding tub
The entertainment room on the top floor offers panoramic views of the city skyline
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The result is a home that brings together the best of two architectural traditions.
The adaptation of Japanese spatial concepts to Malaysia’s tropical climate creates a contemporary residence that feels both innovative and timeless.
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As night falls, the ground floor becomes a glowing lantern reflected in the pool's surface
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Through the thoughtful manipulation of light, space, and form, Lapatoo House achieves a rare balance between architectural ambition and cultural sensitivity, creating spaces that are as practical as they are poetic
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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.
