Human-made structures often conceal narratives in their limbs; these can originate from the vision of the creator or those of future inhabitants. These subtle threads set the tone of a project and constitute its essence, also weaving a layer that renders it unique and demands exploration. A series of such interwoven narratives delineate this earthy dwelling conceived by SAVA in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital city of Sabah, Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo.

Titled Red House, the renovation project revives a two-storey terrace house in Kota Kinabalu. SAVA, a design consultancy based in Borneo, Malaysia, and Da Nang, Vietnam, pursues the relationship between the indoors and the outdoors, aiming to establish a spatial dialogue. In tandem with addressing client needs, the residential design also caters to tropical housing challenges—all the while avoiding demolition of the previously existing structural members. The project name, Red House, alludes to the red terracotta floor that resembles a red carpet, inviting house owners and their guests into the heart of the home. “This project aligns with SAVA’s design philosophy of creating spaces for people from all walks of life. The house offers comfort in the tropical climate, fostering an appreciation for the natural environment,” Aron Beh Kawai, the co-founder of SAVA, tells STIR.

Co-founded by Aron Beh Kawai and To Quang Cam, the studio draws inspiration from the mountains in Northern Borneo and coastlines in Central Vietnam. Through their oeuvre that encompasses residential design, hospitality projects, and commercial and interior design, the studio reiterates a commitment to designing for people from every walk of life—providing spaces that allow humans to reconnect with nature in urban environments. “We are very intentional about designing spaces that are not intimidating and are enjoyed by individuals regardless of social status, striving to create inclusive architecture for everyone to appreciate,” shares Kawai.

Measuring 6.4 metres in width and 29 metres in length on an elongated site, the residence features a central courtyard that bridges the existing structure to a new extension. Furthermore, the courtyard design allows natural light to seep into spaces, unobstructed flow of air and captivating views. The strategically positioned skylight occupies the location of the previous staircase while a new staircase is introduced from the dining room—offering views of the courtyard and its stone wall. Speaking about the placement of the newly built volume on the site and its juxtaposition with the extant, the designer says, “Positioned strategically in the existing backyard lawn, this minimises demolition while bridging a new rear extension to the existing structure through an elevated terracotta walkway.”

The designers’ intent to optimise natural lighting is reflected not only in interior spaces such as the courtyard and the skylight but also in the front facade design. The front-facing shell of the renovation architecture features a simple arrangement of concrete vent blocks—serving the dual purpose of filtering sunlight and maintaining privacy from the main road. The shaded outdoor terracotta walkway links every room to the courtyard and guides the user from the main entrance to the abode's heart. The rear extension is elevated to introduce a split level between the existing and new structures and to ensure sufficient soil depth for the trees in the courtyard to thrive.

The house layout seems rather unconventional given its entry at the central courtyard as opposed to one at the front. The playroom and guest room near the entrance accommodates the client’s weekly session with the children. These relatively public spaces are further linked to the private areas at the rear end via the courtyard. The courtyard and the walkway together form a conducive outdoor environment where the children’s activities can spill out from the playroom.

The kitchen and dining room, placed adjacent to the courtyard, enjoy a refreshing breeze and soothing views. Upon moving upstairs, one finds the living room soaked in natural light owing to both the courtyard and the skylight. Through an elevated terracotta walkway, one can access the master bedroom embodying the indoor and outdoor relationship. An attic provides access to the rooftop equipped with a water tank, a solar panel and space for a rooftop garden in the future. “During the construction process, challenges arose when the original layout had to be flipped entirely due to the position of existing concrete columns. This adjustment was necessary to integrate the columns into the overall design concept,” Kawai explains.

A cohesive language of materials binds the house together; humble natural materials such as stone, wood and terracotta strike a dialogue with the natural elements interspersed between them. This material palette, according to the designer, contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. As one manoeuvre through the renovated spaces, tracing the juxtaposition of the old and the new, a deliberate interplay of spatial design, functionality and natural elements surfaces. While exploring these subtle nuances and notions hidden within the layout, the inhabitants encounter a harmonious connection with their environment—and its renewed past.