Nestled in Petaling Jaya, the Jose House by Fabian Tan Architect is a striking reinterpretation of a typical single-storey terrace house. Spanning 1275 m², the design transforms the traditionally closed-off layout into an open plan, balancing communal and private spaces with a clever use of existing structures. By utilising existing structures and creating innovative spaces within a limited budget, Fabian Tan Architect has crafted a home that harmonizes with its environment while offering a modern, light-filled sanctuary for its inhabitants.
Although it was commissioned with a restricted budget, Tan’s design ingenuity shines through in the retention and repurposing of the existing house elements. The layout retains the original structure as much as possible, incorporating a half loft floor, which was originally an old water tank slab. The existing roof timber supports were left untouched, maintaining the building’s scale in harmony with the neighbouring houses.
A standout feature is the roof viewing deck, proportioned to remain unseen from street level, offering a secluded space for night-time hangouts and barbecues. The ‘U’ shaped concrete seats, slightly lowered with a glass table that serves as a skylight, bring natural light to the heart of the house. This thoughtful addition creates a unique ambiance, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
The interior design draws inspiration from the client’s grandmother, embodying her love for nature and light. The spaces are meticulously crafted to frame views, light, shadows, voids, and relationships, enhancing the linear spatial qualities of the house. The careful balance of open and private areas fosters a natural harmony within the home, making it a serene retreat in the bustling urban landscape.
“This house was designed through the eyes of a grandmother to recreate her love for nature and light whilst inside,” the architect says. “The ideas are explored and distilled to create careful framings of view, light, shadow, void & relationships. Clearly, a natural harmonisation of the houses’ linear spatial qualities.”
Project & photos: www.fabian-tan.com/gallery/jose-house
Article: Lily Wong
