Cover A stunning brutalist home in Klang Valley with futuristic design elements (Photo: Bricks Begin)
A stunning brutalist home in Klang Valley with futuristic design elements (Photo: Bricks Begin)
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These nature-inspired Malaysian homes blend lush greenery with open spaces and sustainable designs
As urban development progressively encroaches upon Malaysia’s natural landscapes and each pocket of green space becomes increasingly precious, a new wave of architectural trends is emerging—one that refuses to surrender the connection between home and nature.
Through thoughtful design interventions—including panoramic windows, strategic skylights, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and integrated gardens—designers are blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, masterfully preserving and celebrating the natural environment as an essential design element.
Read more: 5 Asian homes that celebrate nature in their design
Here are five of Tatler’s most popular home tours in 2024 that serve as compelling examples of how architecture can preserve our connection to the natural world, even within Malaysia’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.
1. A spacious Johor Bahru condominium with a panoramic view of Singapore
A fluid and airy layout in the spacious condominium unit (Photo: Heartpatrick)
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It would be remiss for the homeowners not to maximise the afforded views of the Johor Straits at their residence in Pangsapuri Straits View 18 in Johor Bahru, Johor. To achieve this, S/LAB 10 created a fluid and airy layout that spans 3,250 sq ft, opening up previously enclosed spaces to expand on natural ventilation and views throughout.
The spacious residence, including the bedrooms, dining area, living room, dry kitchen, and foyer, blends sophistication with functionality while showcasing the integration of art installations with luxury design.
See also: Ultimate Malaysian Home Tours guide: 7 stunning homes in Johor
The cosy master bedroom with an innovative bedhead design (Photo: Heartpatrick)
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Eco-conscious design choices and locally sourced materials—marble accents, natural timber veneers, and sleek steel finishes—create a sophisticated palette that serves as a backdrop for custom artistic elements, complemented by art pieces from the Taksu Gallery.
A centrepiece of the design is the sculptural island kitchen, its monolithic form inspired by the curvature of an ark, appearing to float within the space while making a bold artistic statement.
Meanwhile, the master bedroom features an innovative bedhead design—a laser-cut steel plate folded like origami—while the guest bedroom showcases hanging disc installations.
Read more here
Don’t miss: 5 ways to create a luxurious bedroom that promotes uninterrupted sleep
2. A stunning brutalist home in Klang Valley with a futuristic flair
The arresting façade of Beurre House in Klang Valley (Photo: Bricks Begin)
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In a suburb of the Klang Valley overlooking a forest reserve, the Beurre House is a futuristic dream home that marries organic forms with modernist principles, benefiting from the natural cooling effect that sometimes envelops the property in morning mist.
The home, which Wong designed herself despite having no formal architectural training, is named after her dog. She drew inspiration from Antoni Gaudí’s organic forms and, influenced by modernism, futurism, and brutalism, achieved a delicate balance between natural fluidity and geometric precision.
Intentionally restrained, the material palette focuses on metal, glass, and concrete, starting with undulating exterior walls that fold like a giant accordion, creating an ever-changing visual experience from different angles.
Read more: Home tour: A brutalist beach house in Mexico that embraces sustainable design
Expansive glass doors maximise natural light and views throughout (Photo: Bricks Begin)
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The house accommodates multiple spaces within its deliberately compact footprint, comprising two bedrooms, an entertainment area, library, yoga room, and various living spaces—all connected by a sweeping corridor with floor-to-ceiling louvre windows, and cantilevered above the ground for an airy, floating effect.
Brass accents zigzag across floors and countertops, while expansive glass doors and windows maximise natural light throughout. Furthermore, the concrete work includes unique details like a stalactite-shaped bathroom skylight and walls cast in fresh bamboo for one-of-a-kind textures.
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See also: 7 stunning Brutalist homes redefining Southeast Asian architecture
3. An expansive Desa Park City home transformed into a modern oasis
Expansive sliding glass doors form a seamless connection between the living area and the terrace (Photo: Rupajiwa Studio)
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For the FIABCI award-winning The Mansions in Desa Park City, Seshan Design began the pivotal renovation by relocating an imposing central staircase that previously dominated the entrance—a bold decision that catalysed a complete spatial transformation, opening up the entire ground floor and mezzanine.
Natural light and ventilation were prioritised throughout, with new windows and doors incorporating adjustable louvre components and upgraded skylight elements with operable panels.
Don’t miss: Home tour: Art gallery living comes to life in this Kuala Lumpur condominium
The installation of expansive sliding glass doors created a seamless connection between the indoor living area and a new side terrace, while the removal of walls provided a verdant backdrop to the enlarged living space.
Above White oak flooring and wooden doors in the wardrobe room (Photo: Rupajiwa Studio)
White oak flooring and wooden doors in the wardrobe room (Photo: Rupajiwa Studio)
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Above Natural light pierces through the different levels (Photo: Rupajiwa Studio)
Above The striking Claybrook bathtub beneath a skylight (Photo: Rupajiwa Studio)
Natural light pierces through the different levels (Photo: Rupajiwa Studio)
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Here also, the minimalist yet characterful material palette includes gleaming white in situ terrazzo floors that flow from the interior to the terrace, unifying the bright, inviting space.
Read more: Tips from Michelin-starred Chef Raymond Tham on how to choose the right kitchen countertop
Meanwhile, the dry kitchen now extends into the living area as an engaging lifestyle hub, a reconfiguration that allowed for a dedicated family room and study on the mezzanine level.
In the upper floor, white oak flooring complements subtle pink-tinged textured paint on the double-height ceilings, whereas terrazzo, mosaic tiles, and brass inlays anchor a striking Claybrook bathtub beneath a skylight in the master ensuite.
Read more here
4. A compact penthouse in Bangsar with mid-century aesthetics
The open-concept space with mid-century modern influences (Photo: David Yeow)
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The 1,800 sq ft penthouse at Tivoli Villas in Bangsar enjoys verdant views through its three balconies, a privileged position that interior design studio paul+pris and homeowners Jaclyn Lee and Johnny Doran chose to maximise.
Inspired by the home’s vertical volume, the removal of an 8.5-9 ft plaster ceiling accommodated a mezzanine floor, while demolished walls created an open-concept space unifying the living, dining, and kitchen areas.
See also: What is mid-century design and how it transcends time with its enduring appeal
Following an elegant minimalist design narrative that enhances the home’s luminosity, materials were carefully selected to amplify the sense of space. Polished terrazzo flooring creates a subtle, flecked expanse throughout, while the kitchen features off-white spray-painted cabinetry and touches of pastel sky blue connecting the island counter to the dry pantry.
Custom-designed access points for the couple’s dog, Sky (Photo: David Yeow)
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Mid-century modern influences pervade the home, anchored by large-format teak veneers that add warmth to feature walls, while the owners’ Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman from their New York days and a Danish-imported TV cabinet decorated the space.
Furthermore, personal touches integrate seamlessly with the overall aesthetic, including discreet “Sky doors”—custom-designed access points for the couple’s dog.
Read more here
Don’t miss: Home tour: A 3-storey penthouse in Kuala Lumpur with breathtaking city views and infinity pool
5. A Kuala Lumpur home with a nature-first design approach
The original carport reimagined as an open garden (Photo: Ameen Deen)
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In a quiet Kuala Lumpur neighbourhood, Futurground has breathed new life into an abandoned 35-year-old single-storey house, creating a nature-focused home for two retired sisters.
Due to the property’s extensive leaking issues, the design team convinced the homeowners to invest in a long-term, future-proof solution rather than quick fixes.
This resulted in a 3,000 sq ft renovation that embraces seamless indoor-outdoor integration, with the original carport reimagined as an open garden connecting to the living spaces; while two-foot roof elevation and strategic skylight placements allow natural light to permeate throughout the home.
Read more: 4 natural wabi-sabi homes in Malaysia
Each bedroom opens into the tranquil garden (Photo: Ameen Deen)
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A striking cantilevered canopy protects the semi-outdoor patio, whereas the central courtyard links the guest and master bathrooms, each bedroom afforded tranquil garden views that exude a villa-like ambience.
Material choices reflect both sustainability and durability, with clay bricks forming the exterior walls for optimal thermal efficiency in the tropical climate, while interior raw plywood adds rustic charm with minimal maintenance requirements.
Moreover, the home’s eco-friendly features include solar panels and water heaters to reduce utility costs.
Read more here
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Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
