Cover The two giant pitched roofs afforded an opportunity to have shared mezzanine floors
The two giant pitched roofs afforded an opportunity to have shared mezzanine floors
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Seshan Design’s Shah Alam house features overlapping planes creating dramatic silhouettes with tropical living spaces.
There is no denying the visual impact of this residence’s two giant pitched roofs: the pair of tapered planes overlap, nudging into each other at dramatic angles, with one side jutting confidently out into the Shah Alam sky.
Ramesh Seshan, founder of Seshan Design, notes that the project was all about “building a simple and efficient modern tropical house but with a distinct architectural presence.” Accordingly, the slanting roofs were not only conceived of in visual terms but also played a role in influencing the eventual space usage and layout of the interior.
Above The two giant pitched roofs afforded an opportunity to have shared
mezzanine floors
The two giant pitched roofs afforded an opportunity to have shared mezzanine floors
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Seshan’s team was freed up in the design process by the decision to demolish the original bungalow. The 11,740 sq ft of the cleared site then became the setting for a completely new house with a total built-up area of 5700 sq ft, consisting of two blocks— one public and one private.
As Seshan puts it, this means that “the house manages to be both intimate and yet spacious enough to host events.”
Over and above
Above The two giant pitched roofs afforded an opportunity to have shared mezzanine floors
Above The dramatic overlapping pitched roofs create a bold architectural statement above the swimming pool
The two giant pitched roofs afforded an opportunity to have shared mezzanine floors
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The roofs are an engineering feat in and of themselves: the underlying structure consists of metal decking, which is strong yet lightweight and also versatile enough to be used for unconventional designs.
Besides the striking geometry, the eye is also drawn to the warm wooden hues of the roofs’ undersides.
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Landscaping adds to the home’s tropical feel
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It may come as a surprise, then, to learn that this cladding is actually Shera cement board, which has been stained in random tones to achieve a natural look.
Timber-grained cement was chosen because it was easier to maintain than actual wood.
Large windows allow natural light in
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The pitched roofs play a part in the design’s responsiveness to the tropical climate.
Firstly, the metal decking supports insulation that prevents heat gain. Secondly, the gap between the two roofs was equipped with glass slats that let in both light and air.
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Above Terrazzo flooring with a sandpaper finish ensures safety poolside
Above The dramatic overhangs showcase the lightweight metal decking structure beneath warm wooden-hued cement board cladding
Terrazzo flooring with a sandpaper finish ensures safety poolside
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Elsewhere in the house, this concern for natural lighting and ventilation is carried forward—hence the widespread use of Breezway louvres and sliding doors with mesh screens.
The installation of HVLS (high volume, low speed) fans proved to be so effective that air conditioning has almost never been used.
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Above A spiral staircase leads up to the mezzanine floor
Above Generous overhangs provide essential shade and protection from the tropical climate
A spiral staircase leads up to the mezzanine floor
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At first, the intention was to build a single-storey house. However, when it was determined that there would be giant pitched roofs, it just made sense to respond to their unique volumes.
The extra height proved to be a boon for the bedroom block. As it was, there were quite a few bedrooms to fit in: the master, the two children’s, the grandmother’s, as well as the grand-aunt’s.
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Mild steel spiral staircase
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“Since the site is only so long,” Seshan shares, “one solution for the children’s bedrooms was to go upwards!”
While the base footprint of these rooms might be small, the design makes up for it with the additional loft space. Additionally, in Seshan’s experience, mezzanine play spaces are invariably a hit: “kids love it and won’t come down!”
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Above Greenery creates a natural privacy screen while softening the modern architectural lines
Above This thoughtful landscaping enhances the indoor-outdoor connection essential to tropical living
Greenery creates a natural privacy screen while softening the modern architectural lines
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To provide additional shade, a flat RC (reinforced concrete) roof was constructed over the pool terrace. After the house was completed, it soon became apparent that the top of the RC roof had the potential to be repurposed.
Seshan continues: “so we added in a steel spiral staircase and railing and then we added wall fans, lights and gym equipment and voilà—another usable space!”
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Purpose built
The sloping roof soars above the living room
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Every effort was made to ensure that the house was well-suited to the lifestyles and personalities of the family members. For instance, the centrally-located common study room serves as a natural focal point.
The parents and children can work here together, and its proximity to the entrance means that tutors can access this space without having to pass through the rest of the house.
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Spaces for entertaining were incorporated
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Careful thinking about accessibility is also apparent in the fact that the drying yard and outdoor kitchen lead directly to the car porch: this facilitates the delivery of items directly to the back of the house.
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Natural light floods the interior through strategically placed windows
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The master bedroom was designed so that it would evoke the feeling of a suite at a tropical resort. Here, the simple lines and clerestory windows contribute to the bright, airy atmosphere. At the same time, the mood of the whole space is anchored by the warm hues of the dark walnut flooring.
Appropriately enough for the idea of holidaying, the master bedroom flanks the swimming pool. Seshan points out: “yes, you can open the sliding door and jump straight in!”
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Above Multiple levels throughout he home
Above The expansive dry kitchen
Multiple levels throughout he home
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The adjoining powder room also enters into the holiday theme: it is accessible both from the inside and from the outside, meaning that it doubles up as the pool shower.
As for the pool terrace, in-situ terrazzo flooring with a fine sandpaper finish was employed. Seshan explains that this rougher texture was required to ensure that “no kid that thunders past will slip.”
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High ceilings in the bedrooms
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The mezzanine ‘man cave’ of the public block is another space which has a clearly defined personality.
There is an emphasis on unabashed comfort here: from the warm, burnished colour palette to the low-slung slouch of the sofa and from the recessed ‘study’ nook to the adjustable louvre screens.
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Above Large windows frame verdant tropical greenery, providing a calming natural backdrop
Above Warm wood and green are a soothing colour palette
Large windows frame verdant tropical greenery, providing a calming natural backdrop
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Even the hidden loft staircase that leads up here adds to the sense of luxurious privacy. As Seshan declares, “this is the sort of space where the head of the house can enjoy a cigar!”
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Photography: Rupajiwa Studio
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