In this renovation project by Futurground Design (formerly VWXY), Choong Wei Li has transformed a 35-year-old, single-storey semi-detached house in Kuala Lumpur into a villa for relaxation bliss.
8 July 2024
Text by Yen Kien Hang
The origin story of Brickwood Villa sounds very much like an episode from the Fixer Upper TV show. In this story, two sisters were looking for a lifestyle of simplicity and quiet for their retirement. With that in mind, an old 3,000-square-foot, single-storey semi-detached house that came with a broken roof – but that included three bedrooms with en-suite potential – seemed like a good fit.
Unfortunately, as Futurground Design’s Choong Wei Li discovered, merely patching up the roof wasn’t enough, as the existing roof structure had suffered significant issues such as leaks and mould, which were exacerbated by its layout situated on three different sloping levels towards the front. This resulted in low ceiling heights and cramped spaces. “We had to replace the entire roof,” explains Wei Li. “Only by doing so could we extend the lifespan of the house and make it a more feasible and economical long-term solution.”
Moreover, this old house had no single supporting column. Wei Li explains that “it was built by load-bearing brick walls” and so, new perimeter roof beams supported by six additional reinforced concrete columns had to be added first before lightweight metal deck roofing topped up the whole house. Raising the ceiling height from 2.8 metres to 5.5 metres not only creates a sense of openness and airiness but also allows for better circulation of natural light and ventilation.
The layout of the original house has also been reconfigured slightly. Apart from adding an en-suite bathroom to each of the two original bedrooms, generous garden spaces have also been strategically positioned and integrated to provide direct access from all rooms while preserving privacy. This infusion of greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of tranquillity and connection with nature within the home’s urban setting.
Using basic materials such as clay brick for outer walls and plywood for interior walls conjured a nostalgic feel and aesthetics from the 1980s. From a practical standpoint, clay bricks, which are renowned for their thermal properties and timeless appeal, will also be able to provide stability and insulation against the tropical climate of Kuala Lumpur. On the other hand, plywood, with its natural warmth and versatility, added a touch of rustic elegance to the spaces. By embracing these raw, earthy materials, Wei Li aimed to not only celebrate their inherent beauty but also minimise the need for extensive maintenance, allowing the architecture to age gracefully while remaining true to its essence.
Out front, the white entrance structure serves as a counterpoint to the brick and wood combo and functions like a ‘lightbox’ to improve security. “It has a motion sensor that lights up when someone approaches, deterring crime. It also welcomes the homeowners by lighting up as they come home, letting them enter safely without getting out of their car,” continues Wei Li. “This harmonious marriage of materiality and craftsmanship ensures that the finished spaces resonate with a sense of authenticity and timelessness, enriching the lives of its inhabitants for years to come.”
Futurground Design
www.instagram.com/futurground
Photography by Choong Wei Li, Ameen Deen, Wilber Ooi
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