last updated 5 days ago

The Elevated Sanctum

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Now - a working site, noisy and alive.

A three-storey house in Johor Bahru, that is still taking shape. Built by father and son, unfinished and in progress.

The site’s in Johor Bahru — a new place, but one we hope will become home for generations to come. My dad began the design process in 2023, working out the layout and building physical models. I joined later on to develop the facade and finer details. At the time, I was working in Singapore, so most weekends were spent crossing the border for site visits and design discussions. It’s still in progress — shaped by back-and-forths, changing ideas, and the goal of building something that lasts.

Dirt & Beginnings

Conversations In Progress

We don’t have it all figured out. These are the chats, sketches, and late-night ideas that shape where we’re headed. Some might fail, some might stay. This is where the real work happens.

Courtyards have always been central to traditional Chinese houses (Siheyuan) — and for us, they’re one of the most important parts of the design. We went through multiple iterations, testing different placements and proportions, trying to get it just right. It’s the one element we really wanted to nail.