The rear part of Keranji House opens out to the gardens beyond. Photos: Arlene Chew

The general idea was to keep things simple, and be respectful of nature. The result: an open and “breathable” design built around existing acacia trees.

Keranji House, named after the lane it is situated on, is located in a dense housing area in Kuching, Sarawak. The original 1,114sq m plot of land came with five large acacia trees – one in front, two in the middle and two at the back.

“The intention to keep all the trees was very clear from the start. Integrating the trees became pivotal to the planning of the house. The building ended up wrapping around the two trees in the centre, naturally forming a central courtyard, ” explained architect Arlene Chew, from Kuching-based SML Architects.

“We believe existing trees contribute greatly towards the character and spirit of a place, and that co-existing with the land’s ‘original residents’ is always important when designing. It is very important for me, personally, to keep existing trees. We would always pursue to keep as many trees as possible in our projects unless there are valid reasons not to, ” she said.

The entrance draws one in and then out to the courtyard beyond.

The acacia at the front, unfortunately, did not survive due to termite problems. To make up for that, the owners planted a large Flame of the Forest in its place.

The couple, who hails from Kuala Lumpur and has two grown children, bought the piece of land because they loved the mature trees in its midst as well as the presence of a small river nearby.

“We were asked to design a small house that would capture the essence of the site and be a home where they could really connect with the lush surroundings. It was to be their future home when they moved to Kuching, a retreat and haven for them and their extended family of rescued cats and dogs.

“The family also has a strong appreciation for what was natural, honest and embraced the idea of living openly, ” said Chew, adding that the design process was very enjoyable for her as the client was open to non-conventional ideas and was on a similar wavelength.

Keranji House is designed to allow freedom of movement inside and outside, as well as promote natural ventilation.

“The design approach was naturally inspired by the unique site conditions as well as a desire to explore the idea of a very open and permeable way of living, something that reflected both the client’s and our own ideals of what living in the tropics should be like.”

Keranji House essentially consists of two pavilions erected around the trees. Airy links characterised by shaded terraces, open walkways and galleries on all levels connect the pavilions.

These shared spaces are where the family members and their friends spend time to socialise, rest, relax and dine.

“At the heart of the house is a double-volume kitchen with a ‘floating’ staircase, flanked by open decks on two floors. All are welcomed here, including the natural elements of rain, wind or sun.”

At the heart of the house is a double-volume kitchen with a ‘floating’ staircase, flanked by open decks on two floors.

Chew said the owners emphasised from the start that they wanted minimal air-conditioning and enjoyed living spaces that allowed them to move freely inside and outside.

“Connection with the garden and the natural elements was essential, ” said Chew.

The north-south facing design also promotes natural ventilation, with deep roof overhangs over the pavilions and generous terraces around the living spaces providing effective shade from the sun.

Louvres are seen in abundance, placed above glazed windows and behind the permeable laced brick facade, facilitating breeze and constant air movement throughout the entire house.

Two lower entrances connecting the central double-volume space also create a wind tunnel along the terraces, something which the owners love.

The walkway leading to the central terrace, one of two links that constantly draw air into the space beyond, creating a wind tunnel effect.

Unsurprisingly, there is no air-conditioning in the house except for the bedrooms.

Being avid travellers, the owners also wanted the house to be practical and easily secured when they were away. Therefore, the fully enclosed built-up area measures just around 270sq m, with a similar sized space set aside for covered terraces. All that provides enough living space for the family as well as their three dogs and six cats.

“In addition to the physical permeability of the spaces, the generous terraces on both levels and the vented gallery between the front rooms and the laced brick façade provide plenty of nooks and corners for the animals to rest and play.”

The design also maximised the use of materials in their natural states.

“The project was successfully completed with a relatively small budget. We managed this by maximising the use of local materials. This included employing locally produced tiles, red bricks, concrete blocks, timber, stones, etc, which were then expressed in their natural states as much as possible.

“It was about the extraction of value from everyday materials and objects, the appreciation of materials for their colours, textures and structural characteristics. No extravagance; just materials simply used differently, ” explained Chew.

Sourcing the materials locally, added Chew, not only meant keeping costs down, it also helped reduce the level of carbon footprint that the building would have had on the environment.

The central terrace linking the two pavilions is a great place to relax and unwind.

“The materials were also applied in ways that would make them work extra hard. Everything had a purpose. Materials were used as sparingly as possible and had to contribute to the overall design intention of living openly and naturally.

“An example is the front laced brick walls that breathe while providing privacy, filtered views and light. Another is the ‘floating’ minimalistic steel main staircase that transports and delights.

“The way the house is designed also encourages a more sustainable way of living, with very little energy actually used for lighting and cooling, ” she said.

A peek into the Keranji House

The rear part of Keranji House opens out to the gardens beyond. Photos: Arlene Chew

The central terrace linking the two pavilions is a great place to unwind and relax.

The walkway leading to the central terrace, one of two links that constantly draw air into the space beyond, creating a wind tunnel effect.

The Keranji House opens up where two spines collide.

The living and dining areas in the master pavilion and the flow of spaces within the house allow one to connect visually and physically.