Cover Softly curved seating and tables create a gentle counterpoint to the home's geometric architecture
Softly curved seating and tables create a gentle counterpoint to the home's geometric architecture
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Framework Studio’s dramatic renovation doubles living space while maximising natural light in this TTDI home.
In the leafy enclave of TTDI, Kuala Lumpur, what began as a modest 2,800 sq ft dwelling has been transformed into an airy 4,800 sq ft sanctuary that masterfully harnesses natural light. Framework Studio orchestrated the ambitious renovation, which preserved only the ground floor columns and beams while rebuilding 80 per cent of the original structure for a family of four with young children.
“Our inspiration for this project was light,” says Joanne Low, Creative Director at Framework Studio. “The original space was quite dim, and we saw the immense potential to recreate it while meeting our client’s requirements.”
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The renovated TTDI home nearly doubled the living space to 4,800 sq ft while maintaining the property’s connection to its leafy surroundings
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The renovation’s centrepiece is a meticulously planned living and dining area, where clever ceiling design work accommodates existing structural elements.
“The challenges were to make the ceiling higher and to incorporate the existing columns and beams for the ground floor,” Low explains. We created an interesting ceiling design for the living, dining, and entertainment kitchen as we needed to consider the existing beams and services above it.”
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Softly curved seating and tables create a gentle counterpoint to the home's geometric architecture
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Natural materials dominate the interior palette, with timber features lending warmth and cosiness to the space. “The client wanted something that could last and be easy to maintain,” says Low.
Most importantly, they wanted the natural look of timber to give the house more warmth and cosiness.”
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Above Natural light streams through expansive windows, while carefully selected materials create a warm, inviting atmosphere
Above This contemplative spot encapsulates the harmonious blend of functionality, natural light, and connection to nature
Natural light streams through expansive windows, while carefully selected materials create a warm, inviting atmosphere
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The home’s layout thoughtfully separates entertainment and utility spaces. An entertainment kitchen welcomes guests, while a dry kitchen features a nook illuminated by a skylight.
A separate wet kitchen, pantry, and laundry area ensure all practical needs are met. The staircase design allows light to cascade downward, brightening the central areas of the home.
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The rounded forms, rendered in warm neutral tones, add a sense of comfort and fluidity to the minimalist space, while echoing the natural shapes of the indoor plants that bring life to the interior
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The renovation expanded the original five-bedroom layout to six rooms while preserving the side garden and backyard. These outdoor spaces play a crucial role in the home’s design philosophy.
“We love how we draw all the natural lights in and how we connect the space with the garden,” Low notes.
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The dining area is anchored by a dramatic black dining table, with Urbanesta pendant lighting above, demonstrating the studio's commitment to combining functionality with modern aesthetics
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The interior furnishing combines custom-built pieces by Framework Studio with carefully selected items from local retailers.
The living room showcases a sofa from Islandlife furnishings, while Urbanesta provided the striking decorative lighting above the dining area and kitchen island.
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Indoor plants soften the monochromatic palette while reinforcing the home's connection to nature, a key theme throughout the renovation
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Sustainability wasn’t overlooked in the renovation, with the addition of solar panels reflecting the homeowners’ environmental consciousness.
However, Low acknowledges room for improvement: “We wished we could create a better roofing system and planter box at the façade to prevent future leaking.”
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Above A defining feature of this renovation is the dramatic use of floor-to-ceiling windows across all three levels, creating a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces
Above A closer view of the home's contemporary architecture showcases the thoughtful integration of green elements, with carefully placed planters creating a living façade that softens the bold black and white geometric design
A defining feature of this renovation is the dramatic use of floor-to-ceiling windows across all three levels, creating a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces
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The two-year journey from the initial website inquiry to the completed home has resulted in a space that perfectly aligns with the family’s lifestyle.
“Our favourite part of the project is all the space division, which was well arranged and thought out, which makes it effective and aligned with the requirement given by the client,” Low reflects.
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The staircase is bathed in natural light courtesy of the skylight
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Framework Studio’s deft touch extends beyond the obvious architectural interventions to minute design details that enhance daily life in surprising ways.
Each sight line has been carefully considered, from the strategic placement of skylights to the thoughtful ceiling designs that work around existing structural elements.
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The serene master bedroom showcases the home’s commitment to creating tranquil spaces
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The renovation’s success lies in its transformation of previously dim spaces into bright, welcoming areas while maintaining practical functionality for the family of four.
This strategic overhaul - keeping only the ground floor columns and beams while rebuilding 80% of the structure - has resulted in a light-drenched family sanctuary where indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly together, proving that sometimes the boldest architectural decisions yield the most rewarding results.
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Photography: Pixelaw Photography
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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.
