Undivided Duality
d+a|Issue 132
Slicing through a sedate suburban hollow is a multigenerational home of sharp, intrepid architecture.
Nizar Musa
Undivided Duality

The fringes of northern Damansara have for decades been a residential domain for Malaysian who’s who. Along winding tree-lined arteries, sizeable bungalows and residences sit side by side with a pomp interestingly bereft, for most, of design zest one might expect in these prime neighbourhoods. Cue House 12A by DCA Plus, one of but a handful of exceptional abodes in the vicinity, whose bet on non-conformity has paid off in more ways than one.

character personified

Some neck craning is required for a first look, the house obscured by foliage and boundary wall. Past those, you will find opposing vertical inclines of off-form concrete and fibre-cement panels, more Tokyo-urban than Kuala Lumpur-metropolitan, that evoke a visceral response. Through light and shadow, the trapezoidal grey-toned elevation becomes a dynamic element, having a quasi-Japanese aesthetic that feels neither derivative nor asynchronous to place and climate when seen up close.

DCA Plus – an offshoot of local firm Design Collective Architects – embraced the challenge of designing off the beaten path, responding to the persona of their client. “They’re an outgoing family, daring and willing to try different things, which led us to attempt a less traditional interpretation of a house,” says architect and DCA Plus partner Chan Mun Inn. “Our approach was sculptural, to create forms that had character. The façade especially has a sleekness to it, while having this dual quality of rough and smooth.”

Denne historien er fra Issue 132-utgaven av d+a.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra Issue 132-utgaven av d+a.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA D+ASe alt
timeless appeal
d+a

timeless appeal

Cosentino’s new collections continue to offer sustainable, durable and innovative surfaces that seamlessly blend into and enhance any contemporary space.

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 134
FIND - design fair asia 2024 returns for third edition
d+a

FIND - design fair asia 2024 returns for third edition

Exciting design innovations and the latest trends from Southeast Asia under one roof.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 134
Global design hotspot
d+a

Global design hotspot

Highlights of Ambiente 2025: An extensive and diverse global marketplace for consumer goods

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 134
the natural balance
d+a

the natural balance

Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 134
balancing act: nature and humanity
d+a

balancing act: nature and humanity

In this inspiration-led series, we asked Jay Liu and Alex Liu, co-founders of Right Angle Studio, to dream up a unique interior concept using mainly items from Space Furniture.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 134
rethinking, remaking, reframing
d+a

rethinking, remaking, reframing

Aoki Akio, the founder of DESIGNART TOKYO discusses the importance and legacy of Tokyo’s eminent art and design event, particularly for young creatives.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 134
rebuilding communities
d+a

rebuilding communities

Shift2024, the much-anticipated conference returns with a stellar line-up of prolific architects making their mark in Asian urban design.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 134
unparalleled italian craftsmanship
d+a

unparalleled italian craftsmanship

Filippo Arnaboldi, Chief Executive Officer of Frette, tells us how this ry lifestyle Italian brand is moving forward with times yet not forgetting about its existing legacy.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 134
where the mountain meets the sea
d+a

where the mountain meets the sea

This bespoke hillside residence features modern design elements, natural touches, and panoramic ocean views.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 134
building a green home
d+a

building a green home

This semi-detached house by Zivy Architects explores passive tropical design the delight in architecture and the issues of multi-generational living.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 134