Valdi House is a bungalow nestled in the serene area of strata development in Shah Alam, Selangor.This family home of four underwent a transformative journey with Fabian Tan Architect at the helm of redefining its interior spaces.The client’s brief was simple – to maintain the external outlook of the house following the development’s rules and change the interior.
In the initial observations of the house, the previous layout of the house was divided into clear zones. The front of the house is the living room/bedroom, the middle is the stair/circulation, and the rear is the dining/kitchen/utility areas. The upstairs were the three bedrooms.After carefully studying the layout, we decided not to change the layout too much except for the extension of the kitchen and bedroom areas.However, the intention was not to merely apply interior design to the space for purely aesthetic reasons. Instead, we thought of the idea of ‘exaggerated’ transitions and experiential ‘realms’ between the zones of the house.
Seeing the staircase as the main connector of the house, it became the guiding principle behind the interior design. This is embodied by the use of contrasting dark timber hues, enriching the ambience with a sense of texture, depth and warmth.The end walls of this transitional space integrate multifunctionality, serving as a daybed, doorway to a powder room, display shelf/storage, and even kitchen space.In addition to the idea of ‘realms’, mirrors are strategically placed at the upper wooden body to give the illusion of an expanded dimension, expanding the area to feel more spacious and borderless.
Ascending the staircase becomes an experiential journey in itself. The clear, upward movement is visually accentuated, creating a sense of progression and change from the grounded lower floor to the elevated upper level.Natural light streams through the window and bathes the staircase in a play of light and shadow, making the act of climbing the stairs a visually stark experience.
The master bedroom at the top has been extended to the rear, with thoughtful consideration for both luxury and tranquillity.The idea of the expansiveness is maintained through gaps at the top of walls/cabinets; creating a minimalist entry into the bedroom.The room extends outward to reveal a seated balcony, providing an intimate space for the family to enjoy the outdoors.An outdoor bathtub is carefully placed for the clients to enjoy dips whilst immersing in the view of sunsets.
Landscaping was also an integral part of the design prioritised by the client to maintain privacy and a sense of cosiness. The main parts of the house are enveloped with a lush green garden.
In essence, the Valdi House is a curated design meant to expand the sense of space that seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics, creating a home where every part tells a story of meticulous attention to detail filtered through the lens of minimal living.
