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Concrete: Raw concrete finishing dominates the exterior
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Located alongside one of Bangsar’s main arteries, Lorong Maarof comprises a series of double-storey terrace houses that is a testament to Malaysia’s economic boom throughout the 70s and 80s. It was at this period of time when the successful baby boomers migrated to this part of the capital and formed an exclusive district.
Bangsar’s Lorong Maarof has, in recent years, enjoyed a mild architectural facelift. While the mainstream urban developers have been focusing on new areas such as Kepong, Damansara Perdana and Kota Damansara, a handful of independent architecture firms are set to resurrect the old face of Bangsar.
At the forefront of this modernisation movement is Malreka, a boutique size architecture firm manned by Penang-born designer-cum-architect Adeline Lim. Over the years Malreka has slowly but firmly injected minimalist contemporary aesthetic to Bangsar. One of her most talked-about projects is a house located at Lorong Maarof owned by a banker, who prefers to remain anonymous.
“I chose this house mainly for the excellent location,” says the homeowner. “However, the structure was too flimsy and the layout was poor.”
He realised that there was a need to redefine the structure of the house and realign the space utilisation; two areas Malreka is best known for. Unsurprisingly, the homeowner appointed Adeline Lim to head the renovation project of his house.
“She’s the right person to do the job,” the homeowner says, “Not only do I admire her contemporary aesthetic, but I also love her concept of space and function.”
This is not Lim’s first project in Lorong Maarof. There have been a few houses enhanced with her signature combination of concrete, steel and glass in this quarter, including her very own abode.
Private structure
The cubic façade of the house is the first thing that you would notice. The built-up area of 2,900sq ft is mostly coated in lighter shades of grey. Admittedly, concrete was the material of choice. It is the kind of contemporary architecture that pushes the boundaries, to the extent where it looks and feels a little bit like a warehouse – thanks to the raw concrete finishing that dominates the exterior. However, when examined closely, it isn’t hard to notice that the whole structure is superficially hard-edged. Despite its stark exterior, the house was designed in a warm and playful manner. In fact, there are a lot of personalised features that lightens up the seemingly cold structure.
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Zen: A mini Japanese garden next to the living room
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Take, for example, the staircases, which are without any handrails. Unbounded, edgy and sophisticated, the staircases are one of the most prominent features in the house. The master bedroom is located on the second floor and there is a deep-set window, layered by a quirky steel veil that thrusts out of the window frame. A sexy and stylish shower room, which is attached to the master bedroom, perhaps best illustrates the most personalised feature of the house. Flanked by a glass panel on one side and a frangipani tree on the other, the outdoor shower room is designed to satisfy the homeowner’s voyeuristic fetish.
“From this outdoor shower area, I can glance upon a mini Japanese garden located next to the living room on the ground floor,” says the homeowner with a smile.
Refined interior
The homeowner’s affinity for Asian antique furniture, too, further contributes in creating a homey ambience. Thanks to the clever configuration of space, what would otherwise be heavy antique furniture seems to fit in effortlessly in this house. The layout on the ground floor sees an open-ended living and dining area, creating an airy atmosphere that allows prominent furniture placement. To create a more conducive space for his furniture collection, the homeowner instructed Lim to paint the interior grey.
“I love antique furniture and Oriental art pieces, and they usually come in vibrant colours such as red and orange. I thought grey walls would serve as a perfect background for my furniture and art pieces,” the homeowner explains.
“My client has a very good taste in furniture,” says Lim, “He knows how to play with antique furniture within a contemporary setting.”
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| Contemporary setting: Despite its stark exterior, the house's interior is warm and cosy |
Meanwhile, the original floor has been replaced with Australian polished concrete for practical reasons. According to the designer, the polished concrete, which costs around RM15 per sq ft, doesn’t require a lot of maintenance.
“And it goes well with the whole concept of the house,” says Lim. With the growing interest of design-oriented house, it seems like Lim’s mission to change the face of Bangsar is not that far-fetched.
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