Home Tour: Kuching’s award-winning tropical modern house by MNSC Architects

MNSC Architects crafts a flexible, climate-responsive haven for three generations in Kuching, Sarawak

In Kuching, Sarawak, a striking residence on Jalan Urat Mata exemplifies modern tropical living. The house, designed by MNSC Architects, is a masterful blend of contemporary aesthetics and practical family living, spanning an impressive 11,150 sq ft.

Lau Ming Ngi, co-founder of MNSC Architects, who led the project alongside co-founder Thang Suh Chee, explains, “Our client requested a living space that could accommodate three generations and two pet corgis. We saw this as an opportunity to create a home that’s both expansive and intimate.”

The home's street-facing facade combines clean lines with creative screening elements, allowing glimpses of the interior while maintaining seclusion amidst lush greenery

Photo 1 of 2 The home’s street-facing facade combines clean lines with creative screening elements, allowing glimpses of the interior while maintaining seclusion amidst lush greenery

Photo 2 of 2 The breeze blocks form a striking and functional facade

The home’s street-facing facade combines clean lines with creative screening elements, allowing glimpses of the interior while maintaining seclusion amidst lush greenery

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The house’s design is dominated by a sprawling horizontal layout crowned by a single oversized roof. “The varying wall heights create a striking silhouette,” Lau notes. “It’s a visual representation of the diverse family dynamics within.”

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a central stairwell featuring a water element that offers a glimpse through the rear lawn. A stone feature wall adds textural contrast, creating what Lau describes as “a rich visual perspective that may awestruck visitors.”

Above Geometric lattice details and overhanging eaves provide shade, while lush landscaping softens the clean lines

Above This sleek balcony marries form and function with its breeze block wall, providing both privacy and filtered natural light.

Geometric lattice details and overhanging eaves provide shade, while lush landscaping softens the clean lines

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Flexibility is a recurring theme throughout the home. The living room, equipped with glass folding doors, can transform from a private family space to an expansive entertainment area connecting to an outdoor patio and BBQ deck.

“These flexible layouts provide infinite opportunities to create unique experiences and memories with dear ones,” Lau explains.

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Above Natural light and ventilation are key factors in the design of this home

Natural light and ventilation are key factors in the design of this home

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The ground floor’s open plan eliminates traditional boundaries between family, dining, and kitchen areas, ensuring visual connectivity. Upstairs, a steel-grated walkway spans the exterior of the master bedroom, offering a unique vantage point.

“It works as a passageway and a balcony for the occupants to enjoy the external ambience without worrying about being seen or exposed to the harsh sun,” Lau says.

Above The covered patio seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living with slatted wood screens providing privacy and dappled light

The home's exterior features sleek wood screens and a covered carport, blending modern design with lush landscaping for a harmonious tropical aesthetic

Above The home’s exterior features sleek wood screens and a covered carport, blending modern design with lush landscaping for a harmonious tropical aesthetic

The covered patio seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living with slatted wood screens providing privacy and dappled light

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Perhaps the most striking feature is the 2.5-meter-high rectangular vent block wall.

“With a dimension of 190 x 390 x 190/140, the blocks were arranged in which all blocks were mirrored to its adjacent blocks,” Lau details. “This creates an expressive yet pragmatic façade element.”

Lush foliage frames the modern facade, creating a harmonious blend of nature and contemporary design

Generous overhands and breeze blocks ensure maximum shelter and air flow

The home's exterior showcases a striking blend of modern and tropical elements

Photo 1 of 3 Lush foliage frames the modern facade, creating a harmonious blend of nature and contemporary design

Photo 2 of 3 Generous overhangs and breeze blocks ensure maximum shelter and air flow

Photo 3 of 3 The home’s exterior showcases a striking blend of modern and tropical elements

Lush foliage frames the modern facade, creating a harmonious blend of nature and contemporary design

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The home’s design also prioritises climate responsiveness.

Operable interventions like folding doors and pivoted lattice screens allow for natural light and ventilation, enhancing thermal comfort in Kuching’s tropical climate.

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Glass balustrades maintain an open feel, allowing natural light to flood the space

Above Greenery is clearly visible through the generous windows

Above Glass balustrades maintain an open feel, allowing natural light to flood the space

Greenery is clearly visible through the generous windows

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The first-floor entertainment room showcases the architects’ commitment to versatility.

“With sliding screens and glass doors, the space adapts to weather conditions and various functions,” Lau points out. “Whether it’s a movie night or a study session, sunny or rainy day, the room’s atmosphere can be tailored to maximise the experience.”

The staircase ends in a serene reflecting pool

A statement chandelier illuminates the dramatic staircase, which descends to an indoor water feature

Photo 1 of 3 The staircase ends in a serene reflecting pool

Photo 2 of 3 A statement chandelier illuminates the dramatic staircase, which descends to an indoor water feature

Photo 3 of 3 A statement chandelier illuminates the dramatic staircase, which descends to an indoor water feature

The staircase ends in a serene reflecting pool

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“As ‘cool’ as the façade may seem,” Lau reflects, “House at Urat Mata is a house that embraces every possibility, a tropical home that compromises seclusion with inclusion, a family’s haven behind the wall.”

Above The home’s exterior showcases a striking blend of modern and tropical elements

The home’s exterior showcases a striking blend of modern and tropical elements

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The success of this thoughtful design was recently recognised at the PAM Awards 2024, where it secured a Silver award in the single residential category.

It is a shining example of how modern architecture can create spaces that are not just visually stunning but deeply livable and adaptable to the needs of a multi-generational family while respecting and responding to its tropical surroundings.

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Credits

Photography

Lau Ming Ngi

Topics

Tropical Modern Design Multi Generational Home Kuching Architecture MNSC Architects Flexible Living Spaces Climate Responsive Design PAM Awards Winner Malaysian Luxury Homes Sustainable Tropical Living

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