Home ID Blush of Light: The Red House in Kota Kinabalu Engages Nature in a Design-Led Dialogue to Create Beautiful Spaces

Blush of Light: The Red House in Kota Kinabalu Engages Nature in a Design-Led Dialogue to Create Beautiful Spaces

by creativehomex

The Red House, designed by SAVA Architects, is a bold reimagining of a 2-storey terrace house in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This renovation transforms a conventional residence into a contemporary sanctuary, where the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a living environment defined by natural light, ventilation, and a deep connection to nature.

Set on an elongated 6.4m x 29m site, the Red House centres around a thoughtfully designed courtyard that bridges the original house with a new rear extension. This courtyard becomes the heart of the home, bringing in natural light, ventilation, and framed views. A skylight, positioned where the original staircase once stood, enhances these qualities, while a newly relocated staircase offers glimpses of the courtyard’s stone wall, enriching the experience of moving through the space.

Natural light floods the interiors, filtering through the courtyard and skylight to illuminate the living and dining areas, bedrooms, and playroom. The house spans 175 sqm and is defined by a tactile palette of stone, wood, and terracotta, echoing its connection to nature through trees, sunlight, and breeze.

The front façade features concrete vent blocks that filter morning light while preserving privacy from the street. A shaded terracotta walkway ties the house together, linking each room with the courtyard and guiding visitors from the entrance towards the home’s core. The elevated rear extension introduces a subtle split level, creating enough depth for a tree and outdoor seating to flourish in the courtyard.

Unlike traditional layouts, the entrance is positioned at the central courtyard rather than the front. The playroom and guestroom are placed at the front for easy access during the client’s weekly sessions with children, while the courtyard and walkway provide a secure, open space for outdoor learning, evolving into a “third teacher” for children’s activities.

The kitchen and dining room open directly onto the courtyard, inviting natural breezes and tranquil views of trees. Upstairs, the living room benefits from dual light sources from the courtyard and skylight. An elevated terracotta walkway leads to the master bedroom, turning every entry and exit into a moment of connection with nature. Finally, the attic provides access to the rooftop, where a water tank, solar panel, and future garden space await.


Project & Images: SAVA Architects

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