Red, Real, Retro

With its inspired design cues, studio bikin’s latest opus explores volume, light and pragmatism in an articulate brick dwelling.

- Nizar Musa

In a secluded residential quarter of old Bangsar, Sudut House is an unintentional statement. Its moniker – in Malay, meaning

“angle” or “corner” – is aptly coined by a proud owner describing her home that, among some in the 1970s-era neighbourhood, has been a subject of converse conjecture.

But such is the draw of architecture well made, exemplified in this instance by a considered, functional and humanised design.

A CLEAN SLATE

With 6,500ft2 of floor area, Sudut House replaces an existing single-storey dwelling on the corner-lot site; both architects and owner decided a fresh design was a better option than to renovate the already heavily renovated original.

“The existing layout was disjointed and strange, we couldn’t salvage anything. So, it was a good decision to demolish and rebuild,” says Farah Azizan, director at Studio Bikin.

Adds the owner who prefers not to be named, “It was more cost-effective that way, and you get the house that you want. You shouldn’t have to restrict your layout just to salvage a couple of walls here and there.”

The end-result is a house defined by an extensive and centrally-positioned dry kitchen, offering commanding views of adjoining spaces such as hall, living, dining and outdoor pool areas.

Importantly, the kitchen is a hub for the family of four, a place to have meals, do work and share stories, and on occasion, entertain.