Task 3: Local Interior Spaces and Local Designers

I have fondly appreciate the art of simplicity.  The term "Less is More" by architect Mies Van der Rohe has greatly influenced the building design of today. Nowadays, interior architects strive to achieve that holistic simple designs by stripping down back to basics, in terms of materials and spacial planning. Industrial design as well as green design has since been a popular design trend and has since been embraced by local architectures here in Malaysia. Below are a few examples of interior spaces with these design elements 

Sekeping Serendan Retreat House 

The architecture of this building is interesting in a way it compliments, better yet suits to the tropical rainforest environment of Malaysia. The idea of having a holistic simple design by limiting the use of material finishes such as glass, steel, timber and concrete in order to achieve that minimalistic approach of design gives of a sort of industrial vibe. The  layout as well as the furnitures of the interior is set in such a way where open spaces of transparency and lightness celebrates and compliments the surrounding natural environment.

Sepang House by Eleena Jamil 

The Sepang house is also another example of a modernist approach. The use of raw material such as concrete, wood and steel has developed a material language that echoes the tropical setting. Most people would presume the lack of interior furnishings within the space as boring and plain, with little to no splashes of colour. However, it is in the richness of material textures that  screams  out the wining design.

Terrace House Renovation in Sungai Buloh Malaysia

This house is located at a new housing development in sungai buluh. The idea of contemporary design  approach was to bring in lush greenery into the living space. An open plan concept that acts as a courtyard in order to bring natural lighting and shadows helped to make the place more airy. The use of bare wooden furniture as the tables and shelvings gave the place a more organic relaxing feel.

Joy a furniture showroom

(Studio Bikin)

This space was designed as a showroom for furnitures in which it has an open plan design. I especially love how, there is a contrast in both colour and material used. The walls acts a a partition that could subdivide the space and create new backdrops for their other furniture sales. The panels are made of mdf pegboards for some texture. The furnitures also add a pop of colour in which brings contrast to the existing space.

Eleena Jamil

Eleena Jamil is a local architect based in Kuala Lumpur. She is one of Malaysias foremost female architects that works on a diverse range of projects whether large or small with her practice Eleena Jamil Architect (EJA) which she formed in 2005. Eleena is strongly inspired by the simplicity of modernism designs but strives to go beyond and produce works that are both eminently practical and comfortable.