Brickwood Villa: Raising Roofs and Creating Open Spaces of a 35-Year-Old Home in Kuala Lumpur

Project: Brickwood Villa
Architects: Futurground
Area: 3000 ft²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Choong Wei Li, Wilber Ooi, Ameen Deen
Lead Architects: Choong Wei Li
City: Kuala Lumpur
Country: Malaysia
This renovation project aims to transform a 35-year-old, single-story semi-detached house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The existing structure suffers from significant issues such as roof leaks and mold, exacerbated by its layout on three different sloping levels towards the front. This results in low ceiling heights and cramped spaces. To address these challenges, our design approach focuses on reconfiguring the entire layout to enhance privacy and spatial hierarchy.
Key elements of our solution include raising the ceiling height from 2.8 meters to 5.5 meters throughout the house, achieved through the installation of new perimeter roof beams supported by six additional reinforced concrete columns. This not only creates a sense of openness and airiness but also allows for better circulation of natural light and ventilation.
Moreover, we have integrated generous garden spaces strategically positioned to provide direct access from all rooms while preserving privacy. This infusion of greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of tranquility and connection with nature within the confines of the urban setting. In line with our commitment to authenticity in materiality, we have opted for basic materials such as clay bricks and plywood as integral components of the structure. This choice not only imbues the architecture with a sense of honesty and integrity but also ensures durability and low maintenance requirements over time.
Clay bricks, renowned for their thermal properties and timeless appeal, form the backbone of the structure, providing stability and insulation against Kuala Lumpur's tropical climate. Meanwhile, plywood, with its natural warmth and versatility, is utilized for interior finishes, adding a touch of rustic elegance to the spaces. By embracing these raw, earthy materials, we not only celebrate their inherent beauty but also minimize the need for extensive maintenance, allowing the architecture to age gracefully while remaining true to its essence. This harmonious marriage of materiality and craftsmanship ensures that the finished spaces resonate with a sense of authenticity and timelessness, enriching the lives of its inhabitants for years to come.
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