SPARK Architects transformed a 132 sqm, 3-bedroom apartment in a Brutalist tower in Singapore into an open, vibrant space reflecting the owner’s love for art and design. The new layout features flowing, light-filled areas with bold colors and flexible, multi-functional furniture. Large windows highlight panoramic views, while art and high-quality finishes add character and sophistication, showcasing modern elegance.

For the practice’s first major project in South East Asia, Kokaistudios undertook an interior and exterior redesign and renovation of The Starhill shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, right in the heart of KL’s famous shopping belt Bukit Bintang. By injecting welcomed daylight into the interior space and further diversifying its functional mix, the iconic mall has been rejuvenated and opened-up for a new chapter.

Located in suburban area of South Jakarta, Rumah Sisik Batu—translated as a house with stone scale (or skin)—is a recently finished renovation project by ArMS. Prominent use of basalt as the building envelope is evident even at the house’s parking space and a security post located at the front. Muhammad Sagitha of ArMS pointed out that the inspiration behind the project’s name was from the angled and layered arrangement of basalt pieces that resembles animal scales.

In Singapore, it is not unusual to see rows of heritage shophouses transformed into boutique hotels, be it for backpackers or luxury travellers. Most of these hotels, however, were renovated with the approach to restore or uplift the shophouses’ original exterior as well as the interior, resulting in the ubiquitous, predictable impression when staying at one of these properties.

In the northeastern part of Kuala Lumpur, real estate development with semi-detached houses were the norm for some twenty years ago. Although houses were built with quite a spacious outdoor area for each lot, the division of the outdoor and indoor area were apparent. Eleena Jamil Architect had the chance to renovate one of these units and create better connection of the house interior with its surrounding.