Home tour: A minimalist light-filled terrace in Kuala Lumpur

Fabian Tan Architect transformed this Bangsar corner terrace into a minimalist light-filled home

In the bustling Bangsar neighbourhood in Kuala Lumpur, this 3,100 sq ft terrace house is located in a quieter residential enclave and has the added benefit of being a corner unit and overlooking a park.

Despite its advantages, the existing house also possessed the undesirable traits that terrace houses often came with. To remedy this, the owners went to Fabian Tan Architect, which has transformed its fair share of terrace houses from cramped spaces with poor ventilation into airy, light-filled homes.

A view of the house from the quiet street

Photo 1 of 4 A view of the house from the quiet street

Photo 2 of 4 The minimalist facade

Photo 3 of 4 An aerial view

Photo 4 of 4 The minimalist facade

“The house underwent a complete transformation to practically become newly built. The client’s request was conservative, seeking a practical house that harmonises with the neighbours. Some of the client’s interests include collecting art, antiquities, and books, and they needed space and an appropriate background to store and showcase this,” says Tan.

Above The side garden is now very much part of the home

Above Clean, sleek lines

With the brief, the idea was to consider the previous house’s existing conditions, including its narrow frontage and underutilised side garden, to redesign the relationships between these spaces and the home.

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The spatial connection between the house and nature is reinforced through elemental frames.

The side garden is now very much part of the home

Photo 1 of 4 Elemental lines

Photo 2 of 4 The spatial connection between the house and nature is reinforced through elemental frames.

Photo 3 of 4 The side garden is now very much part of the home

Photo 4 of 4 The side garden is now very much part of the home

“The core of the architectural design revolves around the concept of simple elegance. This is defined by how the spaces relate to each other and the environment,” explains Tan.

Above Elemental lines

Above The well-landscaped garden

Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted by a corridor-like double-volume space that connects the floors through light, views, and ventilation.

Photo 1 of 2 The outdoors is always present in this home

Photo 2 of 2 A clean canvas for the owner's artwork and antiques

The open living and dining room span the entire width of the land frontage, overlooking the lush park trees in the front, while the dry kitchen connects to the side, leading to an open deck surrounded by matured trees.

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Photo 1 of 2 Open-plan living

Photo 2 of 2 Seamless indoor outdoor living

“The tree foliage extends towards the house, providing a protective shade that envelops the deck. The spatial connection between the house and nature is reinforced through elemental frames. Additionally, the wet kitchen also enjoys views of the side garden and trees,” explains Tan.

Photo 1 of 2 The kitchen also opens up to the outdoors

Photo 2 of 2 The open plan kitchen

The staircase leads to the first floor and is illuminated by a skylight.

This airy first floor then unfolds into an open study room facing the corridor’s double volume, featuring a bookshelf and a view of nature.

Photo 1 of 3 A skylight above the staircase

Photo 2 of 3 A strategically lit staircase

Photo 3 of 3 Neat lines

Bedrooms on this floor each have corresponding balconies, offering specific surrounding views that connect the spaces.

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Photo 1 of 2 The upstairs has an open concept as well

Photo 2 of 2 The open study has plenty of storage space

While the completed house feels effortless and light, this was achieved through meticulous planning, especially in how nature intersects with the house.

Tan concludes: “Clean lines and depth were created through the bold proportions of the structure, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow. The subtle contrast between architecture and nature enriches the spatial experience to the senses.”

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Home Tour Bangsar Kuala Lumpur Home Malaysian Architecture Malaysian Design Terrance Transformations

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