Renowned designer Mr. William Lim collaborated with his sons, Kevin Lim and Vincent Lim, to design a three-story residential building in Malaysia (BIM learning). The house seamlessly integrates living, resting, and entertainment spaces for Mr. Lim’s brother. A central staircase and atrium connect these distinct functional areas, resulting in a stunning architectural design.
Situated on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the residence spans 800 square meters of land with a 500 square meter building footprint. The design emphasizes comfort and privacy. To combat the intense local heat caused by strong sunlight, the architects drew inspiration from Southeast Asia’s colonial-era courtyard homes, which used internal courtyards to channel hot air upward, naturally cooling the space.
Inspired by this concept, the designers incorporated an atrium that centers the internal layout, preserving privacy while promoting natural ventilation in this suburban home.
The dining area is located at the base of the atrium, featuring spacious openings on each floor that visually connect all areas, enhancing the sense of openness throughout the home.
The sculptural staircase, crafted from a combination of glass and concrete, defines the atrium’s edge. This design choice not only enhances spatial transparency and fluidity but also offers a subtle visual experience for those ascending and descending the stairs.
To minimize heat gain, the west facade and northwest corner are protected by vertical aluminum louvers. These panels shield the terrace from harsh sunlight while maintaining privacy. Additionally, a suspended insulated metal roof provides further shading.
This three-story building meets three main needs: living, resting, and entertainment. The ground floor includes a living room, dining room, and a distinctive bar crafted from brass and marble. The second floor houses four bedrooms, a family activity room, and a study. On the third floor, a U-shaped open space accommodates a gym on one side and a game room on the other.
To the north of the atrium, a full-height glass curtain wall allows soft sunlight to flood the residence, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The design aesthetics prioritize functionality, featuring simple interior finishes such as white walls, exposed concrete, and wood-grain tiles, all chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. All materials are locally sourced.
The atrium is equipped with ceiling fans to enhance air circulation, while curtains and blinds help control sunlight, contributing to energy efficiency. These passive design strategies make this contemporary Asian residence highly sustainable—an ideal peaceful retreat from city life.
Design Drawings:
▲ First floor plan
▲ Second floor plan
▲ Third floor plan (BIM training)
▲ Axonometric diagram
Project Information:
Project Name: 3×3 House
Completion Date: May 2018
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Area: 500 m²
Design Team: Silian Architecture Design, Youzhe Design, Linzi Design
Official Website of Silian Architecture Design: __AI_ST_URL_0__
Photography: Lin Zhenhua, Wang Siyang
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