The open plan living has areas for entertaining and views of the green
Cover The open plan living has areas for entertaining and views of the green
The open plan living has areas for entertaining and views of the green

Pins Design Studio transforms a corner-lot terrace in Selangor into a family home that is more than double its size, focusing on nature and light

The ubiquitous terrace house continues to be transformed into living spaces celebrating the best parts of living in the tropics, even in an urban environment. Equipped with cross ventilation, ample natural light, and lush greenery, these modern abodes seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living.

Award-winning Pins Design Studio has had its share of projects that exemplify this philosophy, infusing each design with a harmonious balance of form, function, and tropical allure.

Their latest project is a corner-lot terrace house in Puchong, Selangor, spanning 1,300 sq ft. of living space. Home to a family of four and their two dogs, the renovation expanded the living space to a staggering 3,700 sq ft, now boasting four well-appointed rooms.

Read more: Home tour: A contemporary makeover for an original 1940s John Elgin Woolf build in Los Angeles

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The facade of the house with its timber cladding
Above The facade of the house with its timber cladding
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The planter box has lush greenery
Above The planter box has lush greenery
The facade of the house with its timber cladding
The planter box has lush greenery

Designed to capture the symbiotic relationship between nature, inhabitation, and natural light, the living room now features a double-volume height that impresses with its spaciousness upon entry. The layout has been tweaked to ensure visual connectivity throughout.

“We added a generously proportioned hall that integrates dining, pantry usage, and TV lounging—all of which seamlessly share space with the lush garden, creating a sense of expansiveness despite the constrained footprint,” explains Leong Yew Shin, design director of Pins Design Studio.

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Photo 1 of 4 The wall of ventilation blocks to minimise heat gain
Photo 2 of 4 The wall of ventilation blocks to minimise heat gain
Photo 3 of 4 The wall of ventilation blocks to minimise heat gain
Photo 4 of 4 Beautiful details
The wall of ventilation blocks to minimise heat gain
The wall of ventilation blocks to minimise heat gain
The wall of ventilation blocks to minimise heat gain
Beautiful details

In its new incarnation, this residence embodies the ethos of sustainability through meticulous bioclimatic design. Passive systems, such as cross ventilation and harnessing natural sunlight, are deftly woven into its structure, alongside solar panels and shading elements.

In the front, a double-volume door panel serves as a visual centrepiece and a conduit between the interior and exterior spaces. Strategically positioned windows further facilitate airflow, enhancing the home's natural ventilation system.

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The double volume living area
Above The double volume living area
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Furnishings in a neutral yet chic palette
Above Furnishings in a neutral yet chic palette
The double volume living area
Furnishings in a neutral yet chic palette

On the eastern facade, a bank of ventilation blocks deflects the intensity of morning sunlight, ensuring comfort within.

Meanwhile, integrating double glazing with perforated panels in the upper windows of the double-volume space regulates internal temperatures, striking a balance between energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Within, an interplay of light and space unfolds, with natural light filtering through the ventilation block, imbuing the interior with a warm and inviting ambience.

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Photo 1 of 3 The double-volume door panel
Photo 2 of 3 A balcony overlooks the living
Photo 3 of 3 A balcony overlooks the living
The double-volume door panel
A balcony overlooks the living
A balcony overlooks the living

“To mitigate internal temperature, we've cleverly integrated double glazing with perforated panels in the upper window of the double-volume space,” states Leong.

“Natural light filters through the vent block, creating a welcoming ambience, while perforated steel delicately reflects and diffuses light, enhancing comfort and aesthetic finesse.”

See also: 9 nature-inspired furniture and décor items for a soothing, biophilic home

 

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Photo 1 of 3 A chicly realised kitchen island
Photo 2 of 3 A chicly realised kitchen island
Photo 3 of 3 Additional storage
A chicly realised  kitchen island
A chicly realised  kitchen island
Additional storage

Catering to the client’s interests was a factor. Since they were passionate about plants and hosting gatherings, two distinct zones were created—one for daily family life and another for secluded relaxation.

With meticulous attention to detail, this residence’s landscape design harmoniously intertwines with its natural surroundings, transforming the outdoor space into a multifaceted sanctuary.

It is divided into three distinct sections, with each area serving a unique purpose. Upon entry, a planter box extends a warm welcome to residents, setting the tone for the verdant oasis beyond. Adjacent to it, a more intimate garden beckons guests, offering a tranquil setting for shared moments and contemplation.

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The dining space feels welcoming
Above The dining space feels welcoming
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Minimalist lines define the space
Above Minimalist lines define the space
The dining space feels welcoming
Minimalist lines define the space

Expanding the boundaries of indoor living, a spacious garden adjoining the living room provides a backdrop for gatherings and leisure activities, enriching the home with an abundance of greenery and open-air ambience.

Nestled at the threshold of the master bedroom and wet kitchen, a secluded garden offers a private refuge, fostering a sense of serenity and connection to nature within the confines of daily life.

Read more: 9 greenest skyscrapers in Asia

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Photo 1 of 2 The wet kitchen
Photo 2 of 2 The wet kitchen
The wet kitchen
The wet kitchen

The dining hall here serves as a nexus of familial warmth and conviviality, and a ripple glass round dining table anchors this communal space.

Complementing this centrepiece is a bespoke dry kitchen counter, crafted to integrate functionality with visual allure seamlessly. Nestled nearby, a planter box adds a touch of natural serenity to the dining experience. A ripple glass window casts ethereal light upon the space, further enriching the ambience.

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Photo 1 of 2 The family area upstairs
Photo 2 of 2 The family area upstairs
The family area upstairs
The family area upstairs

Venturing into the wet kitchen, stainless steel finishing cabinets and sleek porcelain countertops evoke a sense of contemporary elegance, while accents of vibrant green create a lively atmosphere.

Curved ceilings soften the aesthetic, striking a harmonious balance between form and function, warmth and coolness. “This thoughtful design transforms the wet kitchen into a stylish and welcoming culinary haven for the homeowners,” muses Leong.

Don’t miss: 14 tranquil modern resort-style homes around Malaysia

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Photo 1 of 4 Beautiful light filters into the master bedroom
Photo 2 of 4 Beautiful light filters into the master bedroom
Photo 3 of 4 Walk in wardrobe
Photo 4 of 4 The master bathroom
Beautiful light filters into the master bedroom
Beautiful light filters into the master bedroom
Walk in wardrobe
The master bathroom

Each bedroom in this home is designed with a distinct style yet shares a common ethos of integrating with the surrounding landscape to maximise natural ventilation and sunlight.

“The master bedroom exudes a serene ambience with grey-ish texture paint and micro-cement finish, providing a tranquil backdrop for the client's lifestyle,” recalls Leong. 

Read more: 6 Tips for Creating the Ultimate Relaxing Bedroom

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Photo 1 of 4 The kids room
Photo 2 of 4 The kids room
Photo 3 of 4 The kids room
Photo 4 of 4 The kids room
The kids room
The kids room
The kids room
The kids room

“On the other hand, the son’s room boasts a contemporary aesthetic with shades of grey and green, highlighted by a sleek ceiling design and expansive windows framing the landscape, perfectly reflecting his personality. In contrast, the daughter’s room bursts with vibrant energy, encouraging creativity and exploration with playful designs and a mix of colours and textures, reflecting her joyful spirit.”

See also: 10 amazing structures designed by women

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Photo 1 of 4 The home in the evening
Photo 2 of 4 The home in the evening
Photo 3 of 4 The home in the evening
Photo 4 of 4 The home in the evening
The home in the evening
The home in the evening
The home in the evening
The home in the evening

In a cityscape where the urban fabric often overshadows nature’s touch, Pins Design Studio continues to redefine the quintessential terrace house.

With a singularity of purpose and a keen eye for details, this home in Puchong exemplifies the designers' harmonious blend of contemporary living and tropical charm.

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Credits

Photography: TWJPTO

Topics

Jennifer Choo
Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

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.