Inspired by the concept of a village, the architectural layout revolves around three interconnected sub-units of extended family bedroom suites centred around communal spaces on each floor.

Materials for the house are chosen with sustainability in mind, focusing on low energy use and a raw, simple aesthetic. Traditional artisanal techniques and local materials, like clay and reused timber, add character and history to the home, incorporating elements such as clay channels for planters and cane for fences and screens.

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J House Studio crafted a wabi-sabi-inspired home in Sibu, Sarawak, that would be the marital home of a newlywed couple.

Prioritising serenity and authenticity, the design highlights natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship. 

Notable features included a curved TV wall, a textured paint wall, and a handcrafted curved staircase handrail.

The interior was carefully curated with items resonating with the wabi-sabi ethos, showcasing the characteristic natural materials and craftsmanship associated with the style.

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ZLG Design’s founders, Susanne Zeidler and Huat Lim, transformed their Wangsa Ukay home into a wabi-sabi haven harmonising with nature.

Originally purchased in the ‘80s, they renovated it to create airy, loft-like spaces inspired by Melaka and Penang shophouses with finishes and materials reminiscent of those traditional typologies.

Following a decade-long hiatus due to a significant landslide, they returned to revitalise the house, incorporating a steel structure and expanding it to integrate the garden seamlessly.

This cage-like steel addition created a transitional space, partially covered with clear PVC for rain protection. Inside, a double-height void allows for indoor trees, replacing the closed-up roof attic with timber trusses and a skylight. A spiral staircase was also installed in the void.

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Read more: Home tour: A pair of houses in Ipoh, Malaysia, one with a spectacular staircase

Located in Shah Alam, the founder and principal of the award-winning firm DesignTone Interior Practice, Idr Joe Chan, created a home for himself and his family that is as soothing to behold as it is to live in.

He approached renovating a two-storey semi-detached house with minimal intervention to preserve the original architecture and blend harmoniously with neighbouring structures.

Nicknamed House 44, the design incorporates elements of Australian verandah houses and Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, reflecting Chan’s architectural influences from the time he spent in Australia. 

Emphasising a balanced relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design prioritises a generous garden area to create a micro-climate and ecosystem, diverging from the typical Malaysian practice of maximising building footprint.

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