Project

The Free House is a quintessential semi-detached home of the 1970s modern urban housing typology in Penang. Its spatial relationships have been re-conceived to “free” the house from the rigidity of a typical layout. This includes the removal of past renovation clutter, the reorientation of the staircase, and the opening up of the existing ceiling and roof to introduce skylights and expose decades-old trusses. The aim is to create fluid spaces that flow seamlessly into one another, allowing soft daylight to reach every corner of the house from multiple directions.

A restrained palette of light-toned materials and furnishings is employed throughout the house to reinforce a sense of clarity and brightness. Soft whites, pale timber, and neutral finishes form a calm backdrop that enhances the play of natural light within the spaces. This light materiality not only keeps the interiors crisp and visually expansive but also allows shadows, textures, and structural elements to emerge subtly, ensuring that the architecture remains quiet, cohesive, and perennial.