design collective architecture: j-house

'j-house' by design collective architecture in subang jaya, selangor, malaysia
all images courtesy design collective architecture


malaysian practice design collective architecture (david chan weng cheong, chan mun inn) has sent us
images of 'j-house', a renovation project to a double-storey terrace house in a suburb of subang jaya,
selangor, malaysia. slipped between two neighbouring buildings on a slim and narrow site, the design
integrates a private vertical garden into the layout to promote an illuminated interior atmosphere.



street view


focusing on seamlessly blending into the aesthetic of the suburban fabric, the street elevation continues
the strong angular faces of the flanking buildings with an asymmetrical roofline. the house is stepped back
from the street line to accommodate a private parking space for two cars. the front facade adopts a
lower window-to-wall ratio to shield the westward elevation from overheating. predominantly finished
in a light shade of white and grey, the exterior exhibits a clean and modern identity within the area.



front elevation



view from vertical garden


conceived for a young family of three, the interior features high-ceilings and levels that overlook
different areas, resulting in a loft-like organization of space. the ground floor combines the dry kitchen,
dining, and living room in a free-flowing open concept. the vertical garden placed at the rear of the 6.6m
by 22.5m plot serves as a green volume of open-air space that extends the layout into the outdoors.
a guest bedroom and washroom is accessed through the garden, creating a distinct separation from
the rest of the house.



guest bedroom from garden


accommodating a master bedroom, washroom, and an intermediate zone that can be converted to
a temporary room when needed, the upper level is punctuated with void space that overlooks the garden
and living area below. an outdoor terrace elevated by the vertical garden serves as a private outdoor space
for a variety of activities. given the limited exposed surface area of the exterior, the design maximizes
on natural daylighting opportunities by utilizing acrylic roof tiles with matching profiles to subtly
integrate translucency into the roof. a careful study of solar conditions was conducted to prevent
excessive heat penetration.



interior view of living space



dining and kitchen



view of vertical garden from upper level



(left) exposed beams
(right) view of dining table from above



bathroom overlooking garden and level below



bedroom



(left) entrance
(right) washroom



stairs



floor plan / level 0
(1) car porch
(2) foyer
(3) study
(4) living
(5) new dining
(6) new dry kitchen
(7) store
(8) new guestroom
(9) new guest bath
(10) new wet kitchen
(11) garden



floor plan / level +1
(12) master bedroom
(13) master bath
(14) new laundry
(15) new open toilet
(16) new open terrace



longitudinal section



cross section



front elevation



cross ventilation diagram