Cover Teresformasi maintains its original 2,000-square-foot footprint, demonstrating spatial reprogramming rather than outward expansion in the intermediate terrace house typology
Teresformasi maintains its original 2,000-square-foot footprint, demonstrating spatial reprogramming rather than outward expansion in the intermediate terrace house typology
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Six Design Office’s terrace house renovation in Melawati centres on a single bold move: reopening and expanding a sealed airwell to bring natural light into what was once a dark, compartmentalised interior
The 1980s terrace house in Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, had been modified so many times by previous owners that by the time architects Suffian Shahabuddin and Wani Khairi purchased it, whilst still living in Melbourne, the interior had become dark and disjointed, and years of ad hoc renovations had left the 2,000-square-foot intermediate terrace house near Bukit Tabur Quartz Ridge without coherent spatial organisation. What the couple have created in its place centres on a single architectural decision: reopening and doubling the size of a sealed-off service airwell.
Above The façade curves and peels outward towards the front, opening the house to borrowed views of Bukit Tabur and enhancing the connection to the surrounding landscape
Above The terrazzo-like bricks provide tactile richness whilst contributing to the passive thermal strategy of the house
The façade curves and peels outward towards the front, opening the house to borrowed views of Bukit Tabur and enhancing the connection to the surrounding landscape
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“Everything in the house now revolves around the central lightwell,” says Suffian, director of 6ix Design Office, who designed the renovation with Wani, also a director of 6ix Design Office, as their own family home. “The original service airwell had once been sealed off to make space for another bathroom, but we made a deliberate design decision to reopen it, and even double its size, to flood the home with natural daylight.”
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Above The curved façade demonstrates the material innovation that emerged from budget constraints, replacing the originally planned perforated steel
The curved façade demonstrates the material innovation that emerged from budget constraints, replacing the originally planned perforated steel
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The project, which the architect has named Teresformasi, maintains the original 2,000-square-foot footprint of the intermediate terrace house near Bukit Tabur Quartz Ridge. Rather than expanding outward, Suffian approached the renovation as what he terms “spatial reprogramming,” reorganising the interior to accommodate contemporary needs whilst preserving the building’s existing structure and embodied energy.
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Above The terrazzo-like custom bricks, the first of their kind used in Malaysia according to supplier Saujana Stone, form a double-skin system that moderates heat gain
The terrazzo-like custom bricks, the first of their kind used in Malaysia according to supplier Saujana Stone, form a double-skin system that moderates heat gain
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The lightwell functions as the organisational spine. Communal areas, including the living room and kitchen, occupy open, fluid spaces around this central void, whilst private rooms and service areas are compact and efficient. “The hierarchy is deliberate: served versus servant spaces, each calibrated for its purpose,” states Suffian.
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Above The sunken living area sits adjacent to the expanded lightwell, with the Kato sofa by King Living reinforcing the floating mass concept
The sunken living area sits adjacent to the expanded lightwell, with the Kato sofa by King Living reinforcing the floating mass concept
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Reopening the lightwell triggered a cascade of structural adjustments. To maintain a column-free living area, Suffian realigned the existing columns into a single structural wall beside the staircase and reinforced the beams. This created pockets where ceiling heights were compromised. His solution was to drop the living area itself, positioning it lower and directly adjacent to the expanded lightwell.
“Sitting lower and right beside the expanded lightwell, the living area now feels more grounded, whilst the adjacent double-volume void gives the space a dramatic sense of openness and visual relief,” Suffian explains. The conversations with the structural engineer and contractor were extensive.
Above The kitchen island features Brazilian quartz granite from Stone De Art with the central lightwell visible beyond
The kitchen island features Brazilian quartz granite from Stone De Art with the central lightwell visible beyond
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The façade presents a double-skin system clad in what Suffian describes as white, terrazzo-like custom bricks. According to the supplier, Saujana Stone, these are the first of their kind used in Malaysia. The outer skin reduces heat gain whilst allowing natural light into the interior. Towards the front, the façade curves and peels outward, opening views to Bukit Tabur.
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The bespoke dining table was designed by the architect and crafted by Harith Chin
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The material palette throughout relies on brick, timber and concrete, with recycled chippings embedded in the brickwork to create texture. These choices serve both aesthetic and passive thermal functions. Floors in the stairs and bedrooms are solid satin wood from Lumbermart; the kitchen features Brazilian quartz granite from Stone De Art, its veined pattern providing visual interest against the neutral backdrop.
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Above The custom dining table with black chairs demonstrates the clean lines and functional clarity that define the interior spaces
Above Solid satin wood stairs from Lumbermart feature the recessed skirting detail that creates the impression of floating masses throughout the house
The custom dining table with black chairs demonstrates the clean lines and functional clarity that define the interior spaces
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A recurring detail throughout the house is what Suffian calls the “floating mass.” Shadow lines are carved beneath slabs, stairs, and the kitchen island to create the impression that the solid elements are slightly lifted from the ground. The Kato sofa by King Living, selected for its low profile and modular composition, reinforces this visual language in the sunken living area. The dining table was crafted to the architect’s bespoke design by Harith Chin.
The project was originally planned for 2020, a date Suffian describes as symbolic for his generation, shaped by Malaysia’s Wawasan 2020 development policy. The pandemic delayed construction and forced adjustments to material costs, but the family has occupied the house for nearly six months.
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Above Natural light filters through the expanded central lightwell, which was reopened and doubled in size from the original sealed-off service airwell
Above The double-skin façade clad in white, terrazzo-like custom bricks frames views of Bukit Tabur Quartz Ridge
Natural light filters through the expanded central lightwell, which was reopened and doubled in size from the original sealed-off service airwell
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For Suffian, the renovation represents an argument for transformation over demolition. The approach values existing structures, embodied energy and cultural memory, advocating for renovation and reuse as viable alternatives to new construction. In Malaysian cities where affordable housing stock exists in ageing terrace houses, he suggests, thoughtful renovation can renew both architectural and social value. In the completed home, he notes, “Sunlight now dances through spaces that were once dark and constrained,” showing just what thoughtful renovation can achieve.
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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.
