The house at dusk
Cover The house at dusk

A Design Atelier’s bungalow in Selangor, is designed to sparkle like a jewel box, featuring ample space for entertaining

Located in a suburban area of Selangor, Malaysia, this bungalow was refurbished by A Design Atelier for a family with careers in the beauty industry.

This sprawling 11,156 sq ft home was designed to meet the client's requirements, which meant having a space that offered the family and their guests a haven while providing enough areas for socialising and leisure activities.

“Our clients often host gatherings and parties at their residence; thus, visitors' privacy is a top priority,” recalls Darren Gan, founder and design principal of A Design Atelier.

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Photo 1 of 3 The house facade
Photo 2 of 3 Modern profile
Photo 3 of 3 Detailing

This resulted in the bungalow’s most distinctive feature, nicknamed the “jewel box.”

Comprising of a perforated cladding that enhances ventilation, the structure creates a mesmerising sparkling effect in the evening, making the bungalow a prominent landmark from a distance.

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Photo 1 of 6 Doors open up completely to the outdoors
Photo 2 of 6 Sleek lines
Photo 3 of 6 The "wall"
Photo 4 of 6 Outdoor areas were planned
Photo 5 of 6 Landscaping
Photo 6 of 6 Landscaping

The architects put a majestic stone wall surrounding the property to meet privacy requirements.

Affectionately dubbed the “fortress” by the team, the solid stone barrier encloses particular areas on the grounds. 

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Photo 1 of 5 The grand entrance
Photo 2 of 5 Wooden cladding
Photo 3 of 5 Rounded shapes and slivers of light
Photo 4 of 5 Rounded shapes
Photo 5 of 5 Curated artwork

“We’ve meticulously designed the public and private spaces, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access the interior, adding an element of intrigue for visitors,” explains Gan.

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Photo 1 of 4 HIgh ceilings and natural light
Photo 2 of 4 High ceilings and natural light
Photo 3 of 4 High celings
Photo 4 of 4 Ample natural light

“The stone and steel cladding exude a sense of solidity and maturity while embracing the lush landscape, complete with water features that adhere to feng shui requirements by the owner.”

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Photo 1 of 4 Open plan kitchen
Photo 2 of 4 The open kitchen
Photo 3 of 4 Open plan kitchen
Photo 4 of 4 Open plan kitchen

Interior spaces have been calibrated with care and designed to provide the best platform for whatever activity they are meant for.

A double-volume pavilion seamlessly connects to the dining area and dry kitchen, where the owners can enjoy their meals, host gatherings, and indulge in wellness activities, including aerial yoga, while enjoying the verdant surroundings.

A cosy tea room and a meditative space with plenty of timber finishings were also included. 

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Photo 1 of 3 Round shapes are repeated
Photo 2 of 3 The dining room
Photo 3 of 3 Round windows

The carefully curated landscape with thoughtfully placed trees and plants by SJH Nursery & Landscaping further offers a visual treat and a sense of tranquillity to all who behold them.

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Photo 1 of 3 Swing seats
Photo 2 of 3 High ceilings for aerial yoga
Photo 3 of 3 Airy space for aerial yoga

Interior design work was carried out by Groundwork Interior Design, who added lightness and ease to the furniture selection with neutral and pastel-coloured low-slung pieces. Whimsical shapes add another layer of joy with hanging loungers that swing and Roly Poly chairs.

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Photo 1 of 3 tea room
Photo 2 of 3 The tea room
Photo 3 of 3 Wooden shelving

Echoing the round windows in the private pavilion, shapes were also deliberately rounded, from the globe pendant lights to the softly curved dining chairs.

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Photo 1 of 4 Bedroom has a concealed TV
Photo 2 of 4 The master bathroom
Photo 3 of 4 Master bathroom
Photo 4 of 4 The master bathroom

Large-scale modern artworks dot the home and are especially prominent in the pavilion, where the print stretches the height of the double-volume space.

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Photo 1 of 4 Whimsical kids room
Photo 2 of 4 Whimsical kids room
Photo 3 of 4 Open plan kitchen
Photo 4 of 4 Terrazzo bathroom

With the completed space, the family is as delighted with the results as the designers.

Gan summarises: “I believe this project embodies the essence of modern architecture, blending functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Its unique design elements and the fusion of public and private spaces make it a compelling project.”

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Credits

Photography  

Lawrence Choo

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