How A Family Turned Their 1950s Home Into A Modern Sanctuary _ Malaysia

We didn't want to live in a condo with facilities because we wanted a land that suited our lifestyle. Therefore we chose an old house built in the 1950s with large land in a matured neighborhood as the outdoor space would suit our lifestyle with dogs and be closer to nature. That also meant tearing the house down and rebuilding it completely. One of the biggest concerns for us is the amount of time spent commuting to and from work. Therefore we chose an old neighborhood with just a 15-minute drive away from our workplace. We wanted a design that allows us to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and allow us to be close to nature when we come home. Our goal was to find a good balance between modern living as well as a more natural surrounding. At the same time also prioritizing sustainability and comfort for us and the dogs. Natural ventilation was important for us to ensure a cool and comfortable environment throughout the day. In the design of the spaces we had areas specifically for the dogs but they were also allowed to interact with us in the common spaces. In a tropical climate the issue of direct sunlight especially if you have many windows can cause heat build-up and glare. What we did was to set the walls back from the house to make the light come in in an indirect fashion in a diffused manner. Our house is enclosed by a private shell to maintain privacy and also security while the interior follows an open concept for the feeling of freedom and connection within the home. The entrance and facade of this home make a bold statement combining modern aesthetic with an emphasis on privacy. The clean minimalist design uses a mix of concrete and perforated metal to create a contemporary look while maintaining a sense of seclusion from the outside. Large walls are incorporated into the front design to obscure the interior view from the street while still allowing natural light to filter through. The car porch is hidden from street view using a combination of automatic gates and perforated metal screen with horizontal platters. These elements provide both ventilation and privacy creating a semi-enclosed area that integrates with the house exterior. The living and dining area at the heart of this home we wanted an open plan layout that is ideal for hosting and interacting with family and friends. This space is designed to facilitate conversation and connection. The large sliding glass doors create a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor areas allowing gas to spill out into the courtyard or garden for a more spacious and relaxing feel. It also allows natural light to brighten up the space in the day. The courtyard is an intimate calming to treat as the centerpiece of the home designed for our dogs to hang around. We wanted our courtyard to feel safe yet serene so we use high perforated metals as natural barriers to keep it open. This space is also perfect for relaxing outdoors whether we are enjoying a morning coffee or an evening gathering. We have a dedicated herb garden nestled within the overall landscape design. Located near the kitchen for convenience, we sometimes enjoy the fresh herbs for our cooking and adds a green sustainable aspect to the home. The dining, dry kitchen and wet kitchen all connect to one another for an open concept enabling interaction during our meal preparation be it for our dogs or when guests visit. We wanted our bedroom to be a peaceful sanctuary with a view of the courtyard. The large windows allow natural light to flood in slanted so our focus would be led to the courtyard instead of the surrounding houses. The ensuite bathroom is similarly designed with a modern minimalist approach with fukabumi tiles reminiscent of hotel swimming pools and textured concrete for the door sinks. The study room was designed to be a cozy and calming space to work in with a large window overlooking the street view. Sustainability is built into the core of our home. The metal deck roof is designed to accommodate solar panels. This feature allows the home to reduce its carbon footprint. After living in this neighborhood for nine months it's really been a peaceful retreat. What we love is the quietness of the area which provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The design of our home complements this tranquility perfectly. Our house stand out on its own designed for natural ventilation throughout the space. It gives our home a fresh breezy atmosphere all year round reducing the need for constant air conditioning. The open layout gives us a sense of freedom making the house feel spacious and airy rather than confined by walls. The dogs enjoy the outdoor space. It's a perfect spot for them to explore and relax with plenty of room to run and play. It's been a wonderful to have a home that accommodates not only our needs but also theirs.