Cover Directors of EDI from left to right, IDr Wong Pei San, Ar. David Chan, Ar. Chan Mun Inn (Photo: David Yeow)
Directors of EDI from left to right, IDr Wong Pei San, Ar. David Chan, Ar. Chan Mun Inn (Photo: David Yeow)
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Essential Design Integrated's award-winning office in Damansara Jaya is a home office in every sense of the word
These days when the idea of home and work spaces are blurred, the wonderfully homey studios of Essential Design Integrated (EDI Architects) seem ahead of the curve. Located in a typical three-storey shophouse in Damansara Jaya, the idea was to create a ‘home office’ complete with living and dining rooms, a kitchen, pocket gardens, and balconies.
“This decision was made before anyone knew what a pandemic was and before we were forced to work from home. So to design the office ‘like home’ makes a lot of sense for many of us now when we are allowed to come back to the office,” muses MunInn Chan, one of the three directors of EDI.
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Above Directors of EDI from left to right, IDr Wong Pei San, Ar. David Chan, Ar. Chan Mun Inn (Photo: David Yeow)
Directors of EDI from left to right, IDr Wong Pei San, Ar. David Chan, Ar. Chan Mun Inn (Photo: David Yeow)
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LIGHTEN UP
The first and most important order of business was making the office as bright as possible, as the 21m deep intermediate unit originally had small windows towards the front and even tinier windows at the back.
All façade windows were replaced, and the internal layout and planning were designed to avoid partitioning that would block visibility. This decision was also essential to ensure good cross-ventilation.
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Above A view of the hanging gardens (Photo: Courtesy of EDI)
A view of the hanging gardens (Photo: Courtesy of EDI)
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While opening up the façade and having bigger glass panels were good for daylighting, this wasn’t visually enticing for the internal working environment. “Our goal was creating a workspace providing the comfort of home.
So all the openings towards the exterior were paired with a planter or a balcony that would allow for planting trees and vegetation,” states Chan. “We also have plants growing on the front facade providing shade and reducing glare to the working space and lounge area.”
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Above Large openings fill the spaces with natural light (Photo: David Yeow)
Large openings fill the spaces with natural light (Photo: David Yeow)
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LIVING LARGE
A variety of areas are dotted throughout the three levels with myriad functions. The living room is flexible and multi-purpose. Here, studio members can use the space as a relaxed sitting room or switch on the Smart TV for a meeting, presentation area, or even Zooms.
Another main gathering space is the theatre and dining room, where a convertible split space allows for a boardroom-type meeting with doors closed and an open theatre presentation format.
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Above The internal staircase feels light and airy (Photo: David Yeow)
Above A view from the top of the staircase (Photo: David Yeow)
The internal staircase feels light and airy (Photo: David Yeow)
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The kitchen is fully functional complete with a built-in fridge and oven. “The centre island is a common space for group discussions, meetings and presentations, and office lunches amongst the staff. This was a well-used area, especially during the conditional lockdown,” recalls Chan.
Next to the kitchen is a small balcony that houses the edible garden. “We have basil, mint and even a pomelo tree growing there,” says Chan. “ The balcony also serves as an outdoor breather and break out space for the office when one needs to just step out for a short while.”
Read more: Home tour: How Farm designed a concrete house in Singapore in the style of a doll’s house
Above The lush pocket garden; a view of the hanging gardens (Photo: David Yeow)
The lush pocket garden; a view of the hanging gardens (Photo: David Yeow)
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SHOOTING FOR THE MOON
The upper stairs were designed to be open, allowing the facade to extend deep into the floor plan. “When you live in a tropical climate where rain sometimes falls not vertically down but sideways, we made this decision very carefully,” recalls Chan.
“By opening up the stairs, we could create a pocket garden next to the living room and simultaneously create garden steps that lead up to the architectural studios.” Adding a touch of whimsy is the sizeable spherical light fixture that hangs over the garden giving the space a soft ‘moon-light’ glow.
Don't miss: Home tour: A modern tropical home in Indonesia designed for an art-loving family
Above The Theatre (Photo: David Yeow)
Above A deep green colour was carried throughout the space (Photo: David Yeow)
The Theatre (Photo: David Yeow)
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When designing this office, the designers extended the idea of sustainability both to the built environment and office philosophy. To this end, existing materials were upcycled from the previous office and reused as furniture, wall panelling and built-ins as much as possible.
Sums up Chan: “The approach for a calmer and more casual lifestyle at the office encourages creativity and productivity whilst ensuring the health and well-being of the people using the workplace.”
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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.
