A groundbreaking renovation project in Kuala Lumpur has transformed a typical 1980s terrace house into a contemporary architectural showcase that demonstrates how existing housing stock can be modernized without expansion. The project, named Teresformasi, was designed by 6IX Design Office and is located in Melawati, near the Bukit Tabur Quartz Ridge. The name cleverly combines the Malay words "teres" (terrace) and "transformasi" (transformation), reflecting the project's core mission of updating traditional residential architecture for modern Malaysian living.
The renovation centers around a strategic airwell that serves as the primary organizing element of the entire home. This central void acts as the heart of the design, distributing natural daylight and ventilation throughout the interior spaces while creating a clear hierarchy between served and servant areas. The circulation patterns and room arrangements are carefully structured around this central feature, ensuring optimal flow and functionality throughout the home.
The architects reconfigured the interior layout to create distinct zones that cater to different lifestyle needs. Communal areas, including the living room and kitchen, have been designed as open, interconnected spaces that promote family interaction and social gatherings. In contrast, private and service areas remain compact and efficient, maximizing the use of available space while maintaining privacy and functionality.
6IX Design Office selected materials that prioritize both environmental performance and spatial coherence throughout the renovation. The main material palette consists of brick, timber, and concrete, with recycled chippings incorporated into the brickwork to create a unique terrazzo-like finish. These material choices not only ensure durability but also contribute significantly to passive thermal moderation, helping to naturally regulate the interior temperature in Malaysia's tropical climate.
The most striking feature of the renovation is the porous white brickwork facade that creates a secondary skin around the building. This innovative facade solution effectively reduces heat gain while maintaining access to natural light, filtering the intense tropical sunlight into a beautiful play of breeze and shadow throughout the interior spaces. The perforated design allows for optimal ventilation while providing privacy and visual interest from both inside and outside the home.
The project successfully maintains the essential character of the original terrace house form while comprehensively addressing contemporary functional requirements. Rather than pursuing expansion or major structural changes, the design team focused on targeted spatial adjustments that maximize the potential of the existing footprint. This approach demonstrates a sustainable and cost-effective method for updating aging residential properties in urban Malaysia.
For 6IX Design Office, Teresformasi represents more than just a renovation project—it serves as an important exploration of incremental transformation and the untapped architectural potential of everyday residential structures. The project challenges conventional approaches to housing renovation and offers a compelling model for how architects can breathe new life into existing buildings while respecting their original character and context.
