The 320 sqm Vermani House, designed by Eleena Jamil Architect (EJA was formed in 2005 by Eleena Jamil) is situated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“This is a remodelling exercise of an existing house to turn it into a family home for a couple and their young daughter“, says the architect. “The existing has been stripped bare leaving only its reinforced concrete structure onto which walls and roof were added. A new pavilion was added to the rear to accommodate the private quarters such as bedrooms, study and gym and it is separated from the main house by a circular courtyard.

From the outset, the owners agreed to the idea that the house will be rough, to feel real, inside and outside. Brutalism and its aesthetics were discussed, where exposed structure and services can be an interesting background for everyday life. As such, the house displays its raw construction and tectonic quality, thus effectively giving it special poetic dimension.

So, the house is concrete throughout except the brick wall which also forms the party wall with its adjacent neighbour. Handling of natural light is carefully considered in this house, with selective openings on walls and roof bringing in a combination of diffused light and rays of sunshine depending on the time of day“.