With its brick-dominant aesthetic, the design of this law firm stands out amid the residential neighbourhood of Damansara Heights. A masterpiece by Gibert&Tan Design Studios, the project involved the reuse of a partially demolished 40-year-old house that was then expanded to 50% of its original size.
“An expanse of brickworks unites the existing and new building sections and provides for an increased thermal mass through large wall protrusions protecting glazing windows from direct sunlight exposures,” the designers explain. “While the appearance of the building is monolithic from the street front, large glazed surfaces are located at both sides opening up to a series of pocket gardens that allow for ample natural daylight and cross ventilation to the interiors.”
Essentially, passive cooling methods have been employed as a core principle to optimise the building’s performance and prevent extensive use of mechanical air conditioning while maintaining optimum comfort. In addition, trends for the design of law firms are centred on factors such as individuality, connectivity, wellness and flexibility.
“We worked closely with the senior partners to align our design with the firm’s work culture. If it seems obvious that private offices are a permanent fixture for attorneys for a myriad of reasons, however, right from the start, the notions of collaboration and connectedness also appeared a must-do,” the designers elaborate.
Throughout the spaces, a tranquil yet professional ambience prevails, offering occupants a conducive place for both focused and collaborative work. The surrounding greenery also adds to the unique appeal of the building, infusing a refreshing touch of nature to complement the modern features.
