Bewboc House by Fabian Tan Architect

Houses
Bewboc House by Fabian Tan Architect

Architect: Fabian Tan Architect
Built up Area: 3700 sqft
Land Size: 5800 sqft
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photographer: Ceavs Chua

  • This is an exterior view of the house with bright exterior walls complemented by the surrounding lush landscape of trees and shrubs.
  • This is a close look at the side of the house with a tall concrete arched structure.
  • This is a closer look at the arched concrete structure showcasing upper level that has a balcony platform.
  • The tall arched concrete structure has a dark shiplap wooden wall on the lower level below the balcony.
  • The wooden shiplap wall of the arched structure opens up to reveal the interior of the house.
  • On the side of the structure is another open wall that leads directly to the living room area.
  • This is a closer look at the interior living room area of the structure from the vantage of the side wall that opens up to the grass lawn.
  • This is an interior view of the arched concrete structure and its tall ceiling with a loft area above the living room.
  • The tall dark wooden barn doors on the far side open up to bring in natural lighting for the interior living room.
  • This is a closer look at the dark wooden shiplap barn door showcasing the massive size of the structure.
  • The barn doors integrate the interior living room area of the house with the outdoor grass lawn bordered with tall shrubs.
  • This closer view of the interior showcases the dining area just beyond the living room topped with a concrete loft.
  • This is an upper level hallway and landing with bright walls, ceiling and white marble flooring.
  • This is a view of the living room area from the vantage of the dining area that has a large wooden dining set.
  • This is a close look at the staircase with wooden steps and a large drum pendant light by the landing.
  • This is a closer view of the upper level loft fitted with a built-in wooden desk right on the edge with a view of the large barn door.
  • This is a closer look at the home office area with a large window on the far side and a wooden built-in desk that matches the hardwood flooring.
  • This is another close look at the tall ceiling of the living room area with a loft and balcony on the far side.
  • This is another look at the home office with a large wooden built-in desk that matches the hardwood flooring.
  • This view of the home office showcases the large window on the far side that showcases the bedroom and its view of the home office.
  • This is a closer look at the balcony loft above the living room area with a large arched opening.
  • This is a nighttime view of the whole house exterior showcasing the various concrete structures and the warm lighting.
  • This is a closer look at the side of the house with a tall concrete structure with a an arch and warm lighting.
  • The barn doors open to reveal the interiors of the house that has also warm lighting to pair with the concrete walls.
  • This is a view of the living room interiors of the house from the vantage of the side wall that has an opening.
  • This is a nighttime view of the home office showcasing the wooden built-in desk and the wooden platform counter on the other side.
  • This is a nighttime view of the balcony showcasing the warm lighting ad how it complements the concrete and glass.
  • This is a view of the side exterior of the house with a unique large half-circle window that gives a glimpse of the interiors.

A suburban terrace house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia owned by a young family who requested for minimal intervention. The approach was to reimagine a form befitting a corner house and to re-purpose the living spaces on ground level.

The new form is intended to be simple but bold; contrasting it with the existing fabric of tropical suburban homes. From plan view, the living spaces were orientated parallel to the site boundary, resulting in a “break” between the original and new spaces. The triangulated “break” acts as a secured ventilated light well, cooling both sides naturally. An arch roof extends outwards, creating a vaulted annex that forms the living spaces.

The space appears continuous through the extension of the arch and exaggerated further through the materiality of the concrete finish from floor to ceiling. The extension is further enhanced by two large doors that open up to the garden. The uninterrupted perspective from inside out immediately connects the interior with nature.

The upper floor sets up a dramatic background with a play of curves and levels. The spaces are layered, creating a hierarchy of space. The study overlooks the living spaces and adjacent, a step-up platform corner for lounging. Behind this is a bedroom overlooking these spaces.

The master bedroom connects through a bridge to the outermost floor section of the annex, and much to one’s surprise, an open balcony.

To counter the heaviness of the concrete vault, openings were carefully carved out on the upper level. For example, the inverted arch window at the side of the vault is drawn as a continuous “S” shape when it meets the front arched opening. Walking through the upper levels, this continuity echoes throughout the spaces as lines of openings and arches meet.

Consequently, this rhythmic play of lines within a heavy structure lends to a play of light in subtle ways. Reminiscent of a journey through a cave, perhaps to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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