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House for a Collector of Chinese Antiques in Kuala Lumpur

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Here’s an intriguing renovation of a mid terrace house for a collector of Chinese antiques in Kuala Lumpur by Fabian Tan.

The front door is double height and red, like the entrance to a Chinese temple.

Architectural details of the renovation are purposely kept to a minimum to provide a neutral backdrop for the owner’s extensive collection of Chinese antiques.

To bring light in, the central roof was cut out to create a central light well in an open courtyard, suitable in Malaysia’s temperate climate.

Within this open central courtyard, outdoor materials are used, like concrete and porous surface of pebbles.

So any rain damages nothing.

At the front of the house a grill in the shape of a series of French doors provides security, without sacrificing elegance.

Blending in with the grimy surroundings of the old city, concrete columns provide security at the back.

The grilled French windows can be fully opened or closed securely for security.

Above them, more grilled French windows overlook a small garden.

Intriguingly, these french windows to the little roof garden are accessed by a walkway at desk height.

These windows provide an exit to a small roof garden.

The rooftop access provides some respite from dense city living.

The central courtyard brings light and huge ‘borrowed’ space in to a skimpy bathroom.

At the other end of the bathroom, windows on two sides also suggests more space, though one overlooks the waste space of the stairwell.

You can see how clever this tiny bathroom is on the plan.

Altogether – it’s a successful renovation of a tiny terrace apartment that maximises size.