Cover The double-volume living space visually connects both floors while maximising the generous land area in this multi-generational home
The double-volume living space visually connects both floors while maximising the generous land area in this multi-generational home
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Wuuu Studio transforms a partitioned Kajang bungalow into a sprawling multi-generational compound, linking old and new structures to house three generations under one roof
When Dom Tee first visited the corner bungalow in Kajang, Malaysia, he saw beyond the existing 3,000-sq-ft house with its maze of interior walls. The property offered something more valuable: substantial vacant land and a client with an unusual brief.
The client, with whom Tee of Wuuu Studio had collaborated on previous projects, needed to house three generations under one roof. His ageing parents required a retirement sanctuary, while his siblings needed space to host their own families during gatherings. The original house, segmented by multiple partitions, couldn’t accommodate this complex program.
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Above The evening exterior reveals how the expanded compound addresses contemporary Malaysian family living while respecting the suburban bungalow typology
The evening exterior reveals how the expanded compound addresses contemporary Malaysian family living while respecting the suburban bungalow typology
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Tee’s response was both surgical and expansive. He opened up the existing structure by removing walls and introducing a double-volume living area that would become the project’s heart.
On the vacant portion of the 5,500-square-foot property, his team constructed an entirely new two-story block, positioning it parallel to the renovated original house.
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Another view of the double-volume space reveals the sculptural lighting installation, which serves as both functional illumination and an architectural feature
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“The corner site’s potential was immediately apparent,” Tee explains. “The original 3,000 sq ft structure felt segmented and enclosed with many partitions. Our solution was to open up walls and introduce a double-volume living area that visually connects both floors while maximising the generous land area.”
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A wider view of the kitchen shows how the black fluted cabinetry creates visual drama
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The two structures don’t simply sit side by side. They’re connected by what Tee describes as a "sky roof” that follows the natural landscape, creating a unified compound while respecting the site’s existing topography.
This linking element transforms separate buildings into a coherent whole, allowing family members to move between spaces while maintaining distinct zones for different households.
The formal dining room’s sculptural lighting installation creates a dramatic focal point visible from the double-volume living area
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Material choices throughout the project reflect both aesthetic preferences and practical demands of multi-generational living. Tee selected marble and bronze brass as primary finishes, complemented by textured fabrics and bronze mirrors. These materials are most prominent in the double-volume living area, where durability is just as important as appearance.
The covered outdoor dining terrace extends the multi-generational living concept to the garden
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“We selected marble and bronze brass finishes for their timeless elegance,” Tee says. “The interplay between textured fabrics and bronze mirrors creates a beautiful contrast—a silent dance between smooth and tactile surfaces.” The television wall exemplifies this approach, incorporating textured fabric surfaces that transition vertically into bronze mirrors and brass accents.
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Above The main living area now has an open plan that accommodates both intimate family time and large extended family gatherings
The main living area now has an open plan that accommodates both intimate family time and large extended family gatherings
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Above The upper-level office space features a dramatic lighting installation that serves as both functional workspace illumination and architectural sculpture
The upper-level office space features a dramatic lighting installation that serves as both functional workspace illumination and architectural sculpture
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Furnishing the expanded house presented an unusual advantage. The client operates a furniture manufacturing business, enabling the creation of custom pieces throughout the compound. This arrangement allowed precise control over scale and proportion, particularly important in spaces designed to accommodate both intimate family dinners and large extended family gatherings.
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The master bedroom has marble-clad walls creating visual weight against the textured fabric headboards.
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The project’s success lies partly in its ability to address the spatial complexities of contemporary Malaysian family life. Multi-generational households require both communal areas and private retreats. The double-volume living area serves as the social centre, while the dual-structure arrangement provides natural separation when needed.
Bedrooms balances playfulness with sophistication, featuring the same material palette that unifies the entire compound
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Tee acknowledges that not every detail reached ideal proportions. “There are a few architectural elements where the proportions could have been better controlled,” he admits, “but overall we’re pleased with the outcome.”
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A bedroom with contemporary furnishings and traditional Malaysian residential proportions create comfortable spaces for extended family visits
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Traditional Malaysian bungalow typologies find new expression in this completed compound without losing their essential character. Generous use of land, integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, and emphasis on family gathering all honour local residential traditions while accommodating modern living patterns and changing family structures.
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Photography: TWJPTO
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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.
