Home tour: A minimalist Malaysian home with whimsical touches in Johor

Wong elaborates on the overall concept: “With this project, we were fascinated with the idea of blurring the lines between architecture, interior design and landscape design.”

The various different spaces are integrated such that there is a dialogue between the interior and its surroundings. Wong adds that the design team “wanted the homeowners to feel as if they were living within a private garden”.

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In terms of practical application, the design team retained the existing 3-storey house but enhanced privacy by inserting different layers of boundary walls.

The uncomplicated geometry of the single-storey extension and new pool fits seamlessly into the original structure, thus allowing for an emphasis on effortless, clean lines. Large pieces of glazing link the various parts of the interior and exterior so that all corners of the house have access to natural daylight.

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The space planning of the whole residence was meticulously thought through. This is especially evident in the open concept layout of the main living areas.

Besides the airy sense of space, there are also two features that emerge: firstly, the play area is easily visible so the parents can keep an eye on the kids; and secondly, the connections between the various articulated spaces mean that several different groups of people can move around with ease.

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In reimagining the original house, Supernormal also rationalised some space usage.

For instance, the original guest room on the ground floor was moved up to the second, and the master bedroom was extended to the existing balcony area. These changes helped make the house answer more closely to the clients’ lifestyles.

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Much of the design’s calm sophistication is due to its colour and texture stories. The overall selection may tend towards the neutral and understated, but this delicacy of approach allows for nuances to shine.

As Wong explains it, “We wanted the material palette to be kept as soft and subtle as possible”. Thus, the cabinetry was spray painted in a beige tone to match the slight variant of beige in the engineered timber flooring; a similar hue of beige then re-emerges in the finely-veined Serpeggiante stone of the ground floor.

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Seamlessness was a guiding principle throughout. For instance, the effort to minimise abrupt edges can be found in the extra-tall full-height panels, which make the joins and gaps almost indiscernible.

Smooth, gleaming planes are created by using solid white surfaces for the table tops of the wet and dry kitchens, as well as in all the bathrooms. Such a high level of finish was achievable only after several bouts of testing and discussing that involved both the design team and the clients.

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For instance, it took quite some time to explore different paint options for the walls before settling on the exact shade of beige white that would complement the abundant natural light.

Just as much patient attention to detail was required in figuring out the exact quantities, heights, widths, and elevations of the panels in order to arrive at the perfect proportions.

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The furnishings and accessories follow the simple, tasteful lead of the architecture. One focal point would have to be the white Hamilton sofa from Minotti—this modular seating system lies low and close to the ground, gracefully extending its parallel lines across the living space.

The Ventura dining chairs from Poliform bring a more sensuous form of elegance to the space: the fluid curves of their cushions balance lightly atop slender legs. 

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Here and there, the design’s minimalism is enlivened by touches of whimsy. The Cloud chandelier from Apparatus is a particularly memorable instance in this regard.

Suspended from chains made of aged brass, these clusters of featherweight spheres float above the dining table, looking for all the world like inverted balloons. 

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Meanwhile, the shapes of the vase and the tray by Georg Jensen bring an organic sense of sculptural shape that contrasts with the long, straight lines of the building.

In the children’s room, a playful polka-dot effect on the wardrobe doors is created through the use of ‘The Dots Wood’ hooks from Nordic brand Muuto.

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