Perched on a slope in the prestigious suburb of Damansara Heights, the Chempenai House stands as a remarkable contrast to its surroundings. Designed by the innovative WHBC Architects, this four-bedroom family home, with its modular design, delicately integrates with the land, offering a refreshing departure from the ostentatious mansions and luxury condominiums that dominate the area.
The house’s unobtrusive presence is immediately apparent. Its minimalist concrete surfaces, devoid of any flamboyant elements, do not clamour for attention. Instead, the structure seems almost hidden, a half-concealed rhomboid box nestled among a lush tapestry of tropical trees and vegetation. As one ascends Jalan Chempenai, the secluded nature of the house evokes a sense of discovery, tucked away from prying eyes.
The harmony between the house and its verdant environment is further enhanced by its most striking design feature: an egg-crate shaped façade. This innovative sun-filtering device, conceived by WHBC co-founder BC Ang, serves a dual purpose. It allows natural light to permeate the interior while simultaneously shielding it from the harsh tropical heat.
“The structure naturally allows daylight to filter through but resists radiation,” Ang explains. Moreover, the perforated façade encourages the existing undergrowth to spread uniformly over the surfaces, gradually enveloping the house in nature’s embrace.
Over time, this thoughtful design ensures that the Chempenai House will be increasingly integrated into its natural surroundings, creating a hidden sanctuary. The seamless blend of architecture and jungle achieves a visual harmony that speaks to a deeper narrative of coexistence and reclamation by the environment.
Project/images: www.whbca.com
Article by Lily Wong
