Eco-Friendly Transformation of an Old PJ Home by Architect

In the heart of Petaling Jaya’s oldest suburbs lies the Skylight House, a transformed 1970s terrace home that now epitomizes eco-friendly living.

Originally a childhood home for Leou Zia Zia, the house had fallen into disrepair after years of being rented out.

Architect Eleena Jamil took on the challenge of redesigning this space to create a visually appealing, sustainable, and functional home for Leou and her family.

The result is a contemporary yet historically respectful home that integrates natural light, open spaces, and sustainable materials.

Transforming a 1970s Terrace House

The Skylight House project began with a vision to modernize a dated structure without losing its historical essence.

The original house had low ceilings, beams, and lacked natural light.

Eleena’s approach was not about making grand gestures but rather implementing subtle, thoughtful interventions to bring the house into the modern era.

Maintaining Historical Context

Eleena and her team extended the house from front to back, allowing for more natural light and better ventilation.

They also restructured the house to its original layout, creating a flexible, open-plan space where the family could gather and interact.

These extensions included a shaded terrace, an en-suite guest bedroom, and utility spaces, all designed to complement rather than overpower the original building.

Prioritizing Open Spaces

One of the key elements of the Skylight House is its open-plan design.

The ground floor now features a cohesive space where the living, dining, and kitchen areas flow seamlessly into one another.

This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes family interaction and flexibility in the use of space.

Extending Living Areas

The terrace, accessible from the living room through sliding doors, serves as an extension of the family’s living space.

This area is defined by terracotta-colored compressed earth bricks and a cast in-situ concrete bench, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Sustainable Choices in Materials

Skylight House is a testament to the use of sustainable materials.

The exterior features locally sourced, compressed earth bricks, which are produced using a process that involves dampening, compressing, and natural drying.

This method results in lesser embodied energy and carbon emissions compared to traditional brick-making processes.

Using Renewable Resources

Bamboo and timber play significant roles in the house’s design.

The stairs leading to the attic are made from bamboo, a sustainable material, and the timber screens provide shading to the large, glazed openings.

These materials not only contribute to the house’s aesthetic appeal but also support its environmental goals.

Interior Design Elements

Inside the Skylight House, Eleena has used materials with muted tones to create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere.

Polished natural stone flooring in sandy hues complements the rich tones of the wooden cabinetry.

The main staircase is crafted from folded steel plates suspended on rods, with treads made from compressed bamboo planks.

Creating a Light and Airy Atmosphere

The use of light brown tones in the bedrooms gives them a light and airy feel.

Bamboo continues to be a prominent material on the upper floors, used for both the flooring and the stairs leading to the attic.

These choices are part of a conscious effort to reduce the home’s carbon footprint.

Environmental Benefits

Skylight House is not just about aesthetics; it’s a model of sustainable living.

The use of solar panels on the roof significantly reduces the home’s reliance on the national grid energy supply.

Compressed earth bricks, bamboo, and timber are all renewable, low-carbon options that contribute to the house’s environmental goals.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Natural stone on the floors and bathroom walls are low-embodied energy materials.

The combination of these sustainable resources helps in reducing the overall carbon footprint of the house.

This project serves as an example of how architecture can respond to the needs of an expanding family while being mindful of the environment.

Conclusion

Skylight House is a home that connects the past and present. It offers a sanctuary for Leou Zia Zia’s family to live, grow, and gather. For architect Eleena Jamil, this project exemplifies how thoughtful design can create a sustainable, functional, and visually appealing living space.

By integrating natural light, open spaces, and sustainable materials, Skylight House stands as a testament to the possibilities of eco-friendly architecture.

For more details on this remarkable transformation, you can read the full article here.