A renovated urban residence by Eleena Jamil Architect, fondly called the “End-lot” House in Bangsar, elegantly redefines simplicity to create a cosy family home for a couple, their two kids and overnight guests. The original building, constructed in 1980, had low ceilings and floors split into four different levels within a two-storey structure. There is also a little garden running along its open perimeter.
For the remodelling, the architects had to add a level at the top to make room for a double height volume and voids for a new staircase. Additionally, non-loadbearing walls and floor slabs were removed so that the upper floors had larger rooms and efficient circulation. In contrast, the ground floor was redesigned as a single area for daytime living.
“The building is extended along its southern front facade with a board-marked concrete wall that sits over the car porch. This new façade wraps around the master bedroom and extends upwards to enclose a roof terrace on the top floor. Here, the concrete wall is punched with large rectangular openings that frame views out to the neighbourhood and the city’s skyline,” says the architect. “Some privacy and shading from the afternoon sun in the terrace are provided by multiple trees planted in oversized planters brought up and put in place by a crane during construction.”
According to the architect, the family spends much of their time in the playroom on the top floor. As it is directly linked to the roof terrace, the space offers the kids a secure outdoor play area. This area is also regularly utilised as an outdoor dining area for drying laundry. A roofed terrace with views out over the sideyard has also been added to the ground floor. Overall, the project is a successful experiment in extending the existing building to turn it into a bright, cosy, and private family home with views of the city.
