AIA Hong Kong

Merit Award for Interior Architecture: 3×3 House

Winner: CL3 Architects Limited
Award: Merit Award for Interior Architecture

Set in urban Kuala Lumpur on a 800m2 corner plot, the design of the 500m2 house started with 2 goals: Comfort and Privacy. To create comfort, it is important to combat the intense solar heat. Inspired by the vernacular Southeast Asian colonial courtyard house, the resulting atrium design allows hot air to rise to the top, and makes an internally focused family dwelling. The atrium is occupied by the dining space at the bottom, and has large openings on all 3 levels to visually connect all the spaces. A sculptural stair of glass and concrete forms one edge of the atrium, adding transparency and fluidity to the space, while making the rising and descending steps a visual intrigue.

The 3 levels serves 3 distinct functional needs of Live, Rest and Play. On the ground level is the living and dining spaces. The second level contains 4 bedrooms, a family den and a study. The third level is a U shaped open space with the gym on one side and games on the other. A full height glass wall on the north side of the atrium brings in soft daylight to the entire house.

A simple interior finishes palette of white washed walls, exposed cement, and wood grained floor tiles makes for easy maintenance. A blue color group of curtains wraps the entire 3rd level of the atrium to provide visual privacy and flexibility to the use of the spaces.