white-washed outer shell enfolds renovated insight house in kuala lumpur

Core Design Workshop’s Insight House embraces minimalism

Core Design Workshop’s architect Chun Hooi TAN takes over the renovation project of Insight House nestled in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. The residence stands on an end lot in UEP Subang Jaya, a satellite township outside the capital developed in the late 1980s and is surrounded by terrace houses. Remodeled to eliminate the claustrophobic character of the original structure, the house expands by approximately 610 sqm. Supply shortages and the tight budget limit the design that focuses on essential needs and challenges conventional user expectations embracing a minimalist approach as the guiding principle.

The original house is stripped down to its bare structure, with only the staircase and roof remaining. Full-height walls are added to the front and rear extensions, devoid of windows, while the interior is reconfigured into two linear blocks, an indoor block and an outdoor block. The indoor block houses all the rooms, positioned alongside the neighboring property, with glass sliding doors opening out to the opposite side, the outdoor block. This semi-outdoor space features an open dining area, kitchen, and semi-indoor tree gardens. Punctured openings in the external walls allow for daylight and ventilation, while an extended lounge suspended above the kitchen acts as the master bedroom, breaking the monotony of the linear space.

all images courtesy of Core Design Workshop

indoor and outdoor spaces coexist interdependently

Privacy is ensured through the strategic placement of punched openings, offering glimpses of the outdoor environment. The design incorporates full-height glass doors and windows that are screened with semi-transparent frames, eliminating the need for curtains. Insight House maintains a clear distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces while coexisting in an interdependent manner. Nestled within a white-washed outer shell, both indoor and outdoor areas are insulated from the tropical climate and the bustling environment outside. The project prioritizes spatial experiences aiming to express the richness within the structure, while form and aesthetics take a secondary role in the design process along with blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Insight House adds to Core Design Workshop‘s ‘Inside the Houses’ design series, showcasing their innovative approach to house remodeling projects.

the minimal white facade stands in contrast to the surrounding buildings

upon entrance, the residence’s double height is revealed

the indoor block and outdoor block interconnect visually

the outdoor block assembles an open dining area

glass screens separate the two blocks within the house

the semi-outdoor zones infuse spots of greenery in the residence

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the kitchen in the outdoor block arranges a central concrete counter

the design maintains privacy while providing glimpses of the outdoors

ground floor and first floor plans

section through indoor block

section through outdoor block

project info:

name: Insight House
designer: Core Design Workshop | @core_design_workshop – Chun Hooi TAN

location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom