YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Cover YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)

These 5 modern Malaysian homes make a convincing argument for multi-generational homes

Multi-generational living, in which several generations of a family cohabit under one roof, has always been standard practice in Asia, although its appeal has waned somewhat in past decades.

However, with the growing price of housing, as well as elder and childcare, these communal living arrangements are gaining popularity again, prompting architects and designers to devise clever ways to divide up interiors, balancing the need for both private and communal spaces.

These five family homes scattered across Johor, Selangor and Perak boast impressive architecture and interiors that cater to the diverse needs of multi-generational families. With ample space for privacy and individual pursuits, these homes ingeniously provide areas for bonding and entertaining loved ones and friends.

Read more: Home tour: A Malaysian pitched roof home by an architect couple

1. A home in Muar, Johor, centred around wellness

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Photo 1 of 3 Muar house by S/LAB 10 (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 3 Muar house by S/LAB 10 (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 3 of 3 Muar house by S/LAB 10 (Photo: David Yeow)

S/LAB 10's expertly designed Muar family home combines material exploration and a focus on family ties.

The spacious three-storey bungalow, spanning 10,000 sq ft of interior space and a 4,000 sq ft courtyard area, was transformed into a comforting haven for the owner's recovering father.

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Muar house by S/LAB 10 (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Muar house by S/LAB 10 (Photo: David Yeow)
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Muar house by S/LAB 10 (Photo: David Yeow)
Above Muar house by S/LAB 10 (Photo: David Yeow)

By shuffling and reimagining the layout, the designers created open, interconnected spaces that they termed ‘breathing space,’ linking the indoor and outdoor areas.

Natural materials such as marble, granite, and natural wood were chosen to enhance the design, offering a luxurious finish and thermal benefits, while embracing the unique patterns and versatility of these materials.

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See also: 5 beautiful Michelin-starred restaurants by acclaimed designers worldwide

2. A home with a gravity-defying roof in Bukit Raja forest reserve, Selangor

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YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Above YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
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YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Above YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)

Lok Wooi, the award-winning Malaysian architect, showcases his creative improvisation and sense of wonder in the design of YeYuen House.

Situated amidst the lush greenery of Bukit Raja forest reserve in Selangor, this family residence embraces elegant geometry. The roof gracefully swoops and glides, incorporating organic curves inspired by nature

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Photo 1 of 3 YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Photo 2 of 3 YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Photo 3 of 3 YeYuen House in Bukit Raja, Selangor by Lok Wooi Architect (Photo: Lawrence Choo)

The precision of the construction process is remarkable, with each steel rafter and the 3D curved ridge demanding technical expertise. The layout transitions gradually from solidity to transparency, offering spacious rooms for family gatherings and emphasising the value of togetherness.

Open-concept dining areas and outdoor spaces, like the timber decking and swimming pool, invite family connection and enjoyment.

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Don't miss: Home tour: A compact Japandi apartment in Kuala Lumpur

3. An effortlessly elegant home in Horizon Hills, Johor

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Photo 1 of 2 House in Horizon Hills, Johor by Team BJ (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Photo 2 of 2 House in Horizon Hills, Johor by Team BJ (Photo: Lawrence Choo)

Team BJ Design designed a home in Johor's Horizon Hills development that accurately expresses the personalities of its inhabitants, a well-travelled couple who own a successful business.

The double-storey bungalow offers stunning views of the golf course and serene lake. With four children of varying ages and tastes, the design needed to strike a balance between understated luxury and a wow factor for entertaining guests.

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Photo 1 of 3 House in Horizon Hills, Johor by Team BJ (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Photo 2 of 3 House in Horizon Hills, Johor by Team BJ (Photo: Lawrence Choo)
Photo 3 of 3 House in Horizon Hills, Johor by Team BJ (Photo: Lawrence Choo)

From the discreet entrance, the ground floor reveals a grand double-height living room with curated Italian designer furniture and an impressive central courtyard with a swimming pool.

The first floor houses private spaces, including leisure areas and bedrooms accessed via both a main and spiral staircase, with a family area adorned with tasteful Minotti furniture and a well-equipped bar/kitchenette, where cherished evenings are spent reading from their extensive collection of books.

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Read more: Home tour: A modern classic Surabaya house inspired by myths and Indonesian craftsmanship

4. A pair of homes for siblings in Miri, Sarawak

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Photo 1 of 3 Miri houses by Design Network Architects (Photo: Kevin Chan Photography)
Photo 2 of 3 Miri houses by Design Network Architects (Photo: Kevin Chan Photography)
Photo 3 of 3 Miri houses by Design Network Architects (Photo: Kevin Chan Photography)

Design Network Architects (DNA), an award-winning Kuching-based firm, has beautifully designed a multi-generational compound in Miri, featuring three separate houses surrounding a central courtyard.

Siblings, Jonathan and Teresa Ling, wanted their own homes while staying close to their parents' house, which had already been built on the land. DNA embraced the principles of tropical design and green sustainability, creating a yin and yang concept with Teresa's house representing femininity and Jonathan's exuding masculinity.

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Photo 1 of 3 Miri houses by Design Network Architects (Kevin Chan Photography)
Photo 2 of 3 Miri houses by Design Network Architects (Photo: Kevin Chan Photography)
Photo 3 of 3 Miri houses by Design Network Architects (Photo: Kevin Chan Photography)

Open spaces and seven courtyards were strategically incorporated to promote cross-ventilation and seamless integration between indoor and outdoor areas.

Lighting played a crucial role, utilising secondary aluminium screens to filter sunlight and create an interplay between shadows and light. Distinct material choices gave each house its unique character, while high-spec glass ensured uninterrupted sightlines and security.

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See also: 7 architecturally distinctive destination hotels in Asia

5. A pair of houses in Ipoh, one with a spectacular staircase

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Photo 1 of 3 A pair of houses in Ipoh by A3 Architects (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 3 A pair of houses in Ipoh by A3 Architects (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 3 of 3 A pair of houses in Ipoh by A3 Architects (Photo: David Yeow)

A3 Projects has created two light-filled houses, Light Box and Helical Pearl, that embody sustainable modernity while addressing the needs of a multi-generational family.

Located in Meru Valley, Ipoh, the houses utilise bold geometries and are staggered across the sloping terrain, blending harmoniously with the surroundings. 

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Photo 1 of 3 A pair of houses in Ipoh by A3 Architects (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 3 A pair of houses in Ipoh by A3 Architects (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 3 of 3 A pair of houses in Ipoh by A3 Architects (Photo: David Yeow)

The split-level design and deep recesses elevate the buildings visually, while extensive shared lawns provide continuity and space for indoor and outdoor activities. Privacy is maintained with solid fronts facing the main road, while rear fenestrations offer panoramic views of lush greenery.

Light Box features diffused daylight through vaulted ceilings, while Helical Pearl impresses with a dramatic spiraling staircase and a serene reflective pond.

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