Home tour: A modern tropical Kuala Lumpur home with sculptural staircases and a four-storey climbing wall

A prime concern was that this project should embody the following key features of modern tropical architecture: the integration of the building into the landscape, the utilisation of locally-sourced materials, and the implementation of both passive cooling and natural ventilation.

The distinctive red screen of the façade played a large part in ensuring that the house was attuned to the local climate while also projecting a modern aesthetic.

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One of the main challenges with this particular site was its west-facing orientation; the architects had to find a way to mitigate the harsh glare of the afternoon sun. A happy solution was found in the double façade, whose perforated metal allows natural light to filter through without excessive heat gain. At the same time, there is a cooling effect due to the air gap between the screen and the interior walls.

The intentionally small diameter of the screen’s punched holes creates a dynamic visual effect while also ensuring privacy. Tan explains: “When viewed up close or from a dimly lit interior, it remains see-through, but from a distance and under bright daylight, it appears as a simple red box.”

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The structural framework of the original 5000 sq ft house was preserved in its entirety. This was in line with OTCQ’s ethos of sustainability since it minimised the need for demolition and reduced material waste. The team also made an effort to use locally sourced materials that matched the original design intention, hence the loose granite gravel and the clay bricks and tiles.

It was the interior layout that was changed the most; in particular, the architectural geometry was simplified and rationalised. The flow of movement and air benefited from the resulting open plan of the ground floor: there is now a straightforward ease of access from the foyer to the living room and then to the dining. 

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The indoor courtyard has to be the most striking part of the whole design. As Tan points out, it “serves as both the functional and experiential centrepiece”.

The idea for this space emerged from the constraints imposed by the central staircase: rather than working around or fighting against this structural element, the design team resolved to celebrate it. 

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They removed the staircase walls and introduced a skylight, thus allowing an unimpeded flood of natural light into the formerly gloomy stairwell.

By opening up this four-storey vertical space, they were able to create natural ventilation, allowing hot air to rise and escape. The addition of the rock-climbing feature not only draws attention to the height of the interior volume but also imparts a sense of dynamism and activity.

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Besides its airy verticality, the indoor courtyard functions on the horizontal plane as well. Tan explains that “the courtyard strengthens spatial connections, fostering a sense of openness and interaction between spaces”.

One important element that ties together the horizontal spaces is the linking bridge. According to Tan, “the bridge is particularly impactful given the original split-level design, as it seamlessly unites different areas of the house”.

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The staircase itself was conceived of as a work of art. Custom-made handrails ascend skywards before unfurling near the ceiling in the shape of a blossoming flower. Tan notes how this “adds a sense of movement and fluidity”. The railing was meticulously crafted using metal rods of varying diameters.

Metal was chosen for its durability, allowing for the creation of fine, intricate curves while maintaining structural strength. Of course, the texture of the metal, along with its distinctive maroon hue, links the interior with the screen of the façade. Tan points out proudly how this sculptural staircase is “a central feature that is not only visually striking but also deeply functional.”

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