Cover The biophilic facade
The biophilic facade
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OTCQ Architects have reimagined a terrace house in Kuala Lumpur as a sustainable tropical haven
Located in Taman OUG, one of the Klang Valley's earliest suburbs, OTCQ Architects has transformed a corner terrace house into a home that exemplifies the essence of tropical living.
A reimagined space that marries simplicity with sustainability, the thoughtful design has created a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living.
“We started with ‘removing’ rather than ‘adding’,” Oscar Tan, founder of OTCQ Architects, explains, describing the renovation strategy for the 4,123-sq-ft home.
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The biophilic facade
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The original structure, a typical one-and-a-half-story house with four bedrooms, was stripped down to its essentials, particularly the oppressive pitched roof and the extensive car porch that once dominated the façade.
In their place, the designers have crafted an open, light-filled space that embraces its tropical surroundings.
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Transparent roof tiles introduce a playful dance of light in the double-height activity area, while strategically placed turbine ventilators ensure constant airflow throughout the house.
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Above The unassuming entrace
Above Generous overhangs for maximum shade
The unassuming entrace
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The material palette is deliberately restrained. “We stayed true to the material, using brick, concrete, and earth,” Tan notes.
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The interplay of these elements is particularly striking in the living area, where concrete and brick flooring delineate spaces without the need for walls.
In the kitchen, a rammed earth counter with a polished concrete top showcases the raw beauty of natural materials.
See also: Home tour: A tropical courtyard bungalow designed to be a family oasis in Malaysia
Plants were incorporated inside the house as well
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Perhaps the most captivating feature is the master bedroom’s shower screen. A descending S-curve concrete wall, it seamlessly integrates the bathroom functions while maintaining privacy.
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Above Exposed brickwork adds rustic charm
Above High ceilings make living in this home a breeze
Exposed brickwork adds rustic charm
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“It’s designed with ergonomic considerations," Tan proudly states, “The gradient of the descending height is based on general human height.”
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The open plan living area
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Sustainability was a key consideration in the redesign. Tan focused on passive design elements, paying particular attention to the sun’s path and prevailing winds.
A metal screen on the east façade, now adorned with climbing plants, acts as both a natural sun filter and a privacy screen.
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Concrete and brick in the kitchen
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The homeowner, an expat who has lived in Malaysia for a decade, sought to create a tropical house with ample natural lighting, ventilation, and garden space.
Tan’s design not only meets these requirements but also educates on harmonious living with the regional climate.
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The master bedroom with concrete detailing
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As Tan reflects on the project, his satisfaction is evident. “Our satisfaction comes from witnessing the house and its owner start to develop a relationship,” he says.
The sight of the owner moving plants around and personalising the space brings him a deep sense of fulfilment.
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Credits
Photography: Lin Ho
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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.
