The exterior view of House No. 36. Photos: DrTan LM Architect/H. LinHo
In a rapidly changing world landscape, well-designed buildings and spaces actually create value for its users. This strong belief is what drives acclaimed architect Dr Tan Loke Mun – principal of DrTanLM Architect, director of ArchiCentre, and founder of DTLM Design Group – in finding the balance between a rush towards modern standardisation and the extra effort and detail that can create the requisite ambience for his projects.
Known for his innovative and sustainable building designs, he often works from the basis of typologies and has managed to interpret and translate simple regional metaphors into his increasingly green architecture.
“The desire to create a beautiful architectural sculpture that is environmentally conscious is what inspires me when designing a home. Private homes also give me the opportunity to experiment and try out new ideas and innovations,” says Tan.
The sustainability pioneer brought this same thoughtful approach to this home in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, known as House No. 36.
This extraordinary property in a well-established neighbourhood took on several challenges with its design.
Not only did it need to be environmentally conscious, but it also needed to accommodate the constantly changing living patterns of the different generations of family living in it.
“The client’s brief was to have a multi-generational family home. The dual access from top and bottom provided the opportunity to have private access for a twin home,” shares Tan.
The homeowners also wanted generous open living spaces to entertain guests and private rooms with resort facilities customised to each family member’s requirements and also green sustainable features.
The home consisted of a long and narrow lot sloping down from the road.
“It was important that this new build addressed the slope and was robust enough to with-stand the rain and underground water.
“So the structural and drainage considerations were important,” shares Tan.
Stylish, yet sustainable
House No. 36 is a shining example of how eco-friendly homes can be stylish too. One of the sustainable goals for the house was to ensure that it was a net zero energy home. And it is.
The total energy the building uses annually equals the amount of renewable energy created on the site, which means the house generates 20kWp of solar PV (photovoltaic) energy.
Says Tan, “The house design is green and tropical with good cross ventilation and sun screening.”
Meanwhile, other innovative design elements were also implemented, such as the front façade with a stainless steel mirror-finish brise soleil.
This is one of the most symbolic spaces for Tan as it acts as a projection screen of the surrounding trees and sky conditions of the day, yet reflecting the harsh sunlight and heat.
Throughout the space, pockets of open spaces were incorporated to promote natural ventilation and lighting.
These open out onto the cantilevered private balconies, which provide canopy roof cover for the building and give necessary shelter and shade to the spaces below.
This creates high volume spaces, courtyards, nooks and hanging gardens that the homeowners and guests can enjoy discovering.
Meanwhile, external balustrades are bi-functional as planters with Vernonia elliptica, vines drooping downwards to form a green curtain providing natural screening.
The sculptural stairs at the main entrance lead to the lounge deck with a view of the diamante planter hovering over the pool.
The pool and resort facilities located at the lower levels act as adiabatic cooling to help reduce the temperature in the house.
When asked what his idea of a perfect home is, Tan says it would be a house that is architecturally ageless, tropical and green.
The exterior view of House No. 36. Photos: DrTan LM Architect/H. LinHo
An open-plan and high ceiling dominate the living space.
Every aspect of the home has been carefully thought out.
Trailing green vines form a green curtain, providing natural screening.
Sleek lines and artful touches are seen in the home.
A generous space to entertain guests.
The serene kitchen area.
The house design is green and tropical, with good cross ventilation.
The floating staircase adds a sculptural element to the home.
The modern sleek facade of House No. 36.
The floating staircase makes a strong visual impact.
Every aspect of the home has been carefully thought out.
The sculptural staircase anchors the space.
The double-volume living room gives out a spacious feel.
A bedroom done up in luxe minimalist design.
The stylish facade of House No. 36.
