The essence of traditional Malay architecture is brought to life by IDent_3, in this spacious residence in Kuala Lumpur
The main inspiration for this 2.5-storey bungalow was the open and airy charm of the traditional Malay kampung house. The designer Nik Ida Juliana, founder and managing director of IDent_3, notes that every effort was made to capture ‘the essence of Malay architecture’ while also allowing these ideals to adapt to modern living. Thus, significant attention was paid to concerns for sustainability, comfort, and the practicalities of family living.
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It is evident that there was a natural evolution to the project. IDent_3 were involved from the ground up, from architecture to interior and landscape. This allowed for the client’s interests in tropical architecture with touches of industrial and vintage to be carried over into the unifying concept of Malay vernacular architecture. The resulting 8000-square-foot residence in the leafy suburb of Taman Tun melds together history and the contemporary, inspiration and execution, light, and air.
HOME GROUND
Overlooking the lush greenery and gentle slopes of Bukit Kiara forest reserve, the setting itself has become a defining feature of this project–which is appropriately named House on the Hills.
The oversized windows and doors open up onto the surrounding views of nature, and the lanai is perfect for watching the sunset. As Nik Ida explains, it was a deliberate choice to constantly blur the demarcation between interior and exterior as site and house become one.
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