By Willy Wilson

A developed town with bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, Petaling Jaya is one of the nine districts that have made Selangor the most developed and prosperous state in Malaysia.The real gem of PJ, however, lies on the rows of quaint neighbourhoods that consist of old bungalows, semi-detached and terrace houses with retro architectural style.

The S$655k bachelor pad Click on thumbnail to view

Among these nostalgic neighbourhoods, stands a semi-detached house that has recently been given a total makeover by architect MK Looi and Adrian Liew of LNL Sdn Bhd. Their client, Christopher Chia, is a system and business consultant at a multinational oil company. A bachelor in his 30s, Chia, as he is fondly known, desired a house that reflects his personal and professional achievements. Chia confesses he dislikes the idea of newly built houses in a gated community, as most of them are identically designed.

"I knew that I wanted to have a house located around PJ with a personalised design. Therefore, renovating an old house in this area seemed fitting," he says.

It didn't take him long until he bought a 3,300 sq ft semi-detached house that he currently occupies. Tucked away in the older part of the town, Chia bought the house in 2008 for RM740,000 (S$305,087).

A chance encounter with MK Looi in early 2009 marked the beginning of a year long renovation of Chia's house. Looi, a young architect known for his cutting-edge aesthetic, proposed a sophisticated look to his bachelor client.

"As per Chia's request, I proposed a sleek design concept that reflects him. In doing so, I spent time with Chia and tried to understand his lifestyle," Looi explains.

Exclusive sensation

Having unsuccessfully worked with two architects, Chia realised that finding the right person to materialise his dream house wasn't easy.

"Working with an architect is a serious commitment, for both parties have to be on the same page. But Looi knocked my socks off with his cutting-edge yet thoughtful design idea, and we worked well together," he shares.

Looi conceptualised his design based on Chia's lifestyle. In doing so, Looi spent time observing his client's work schedule, hobby and personal preferences.

Given Chia's demanding work schedule, Looi reckoned his client wouldn't spend much time at home. But he is quick to add that this shouldn't compromise the living experience of the homeowner.

"I want him to experience the house despite his limited time spent here. Therefore, the indoor and outdoor design of the house must be seamless," says Looi.

With this in mind, Looi created a beautifully designed walkway and a fish pond that lead to the main entrance to the house. The outdoor landscape oozes a Zen feel of sorts, which is particularly enjoyable at night - all thanks to a clever lighting arrangement.

"I want my client to be greeted by such serenity after a long day at work," he adds.

Of Looi's observant approach, Chia comments, "A journey into the house becomes an experience of its own. And once I step into the house I have the dining and kitchen on my left, bar counter and sofa on my right, and the staircase that leads to my bedroom - all within equal distance from the main door."

Ultimate indulgence Where layout is concerned, Looi says privacy of the homeowner is his main consideration. Take, for instance, the entertainment room. Located next to the kitchen, the entertainment room is concealed behind a mirrored wall.

Another example is the façade of the house, which has been fenced by horizontal metal grill for privacy and security reason. "It blends in quite well with the overall design," says Looi of the grill.

Complementing the metal grill is a splash of green olive and grey colours, which dominates the living area. The result is a stunning modern contemporary look. Meanwhile, a dash of black-and-white combo can be found in the kitchen and dining area. Adding sophistication to the interior in the kitchen and dining is a collection of minimalist furniture and house ornaments.

"When you are on the ground floor, you think that the house doesn't seem like a bachelor's pad. But go a floor up to the master bedroom, where we put all the elements needed for a bachelor pad," says Chia.

Occupying half of the entire first floor, the master bedroom comprises a mini living hall, a larger-than-life bathroom, a jacuzzi, a balcony and a spacious walk-in wardrobe.

Expanding space

Admittedly, a total makeover doesn't come cheap. Chia admits he forked out RM600,000 for the renovation, plus another RM250,000 for interior and electronic goods. He explains that most of the budget went to the master bedroom.

"We basically gutted the house. There are some structures that we maintained for all practical purposes, but there are also some fundamental changes where architecture is concerned," says Looi. Looi says that designing cantilevers with minimal support from the columns was the biggest challenge.

"In favour of creating a more spacious indoor area, we eliminated some existing columns. Such design allows for a bigger horizontal space," says Looi.

The expansion of space didn't stop horizontally. In an attempt to create a grand impression, Looi increased the vertical space by raising the ceiling to a 12-feet height. Looi adds that his goal in this assignment is to build a space that enables a living experience that encompasses maturity, success and contentment. Therefore, the maximum use of space is deemed fitting.