Transformation of a pilot’s house at Glen Marie

The ‘Before’ look of the living

The After transformation. We reopened large glass doors to the right to see the garden and created a feature wall for the TV

The Before photo of the entrance and the kitchen to the right

The After photo showing our design od the left wall witha hidden door to the storeroom and a bright spacious entrance on the right with show cabinet

Transforming a Semi-Detached Family Home in Glen Marie: The Art of Space Planning

When our client, a pilot, approached us to redesign their home in Glen Marie, Kuala Lumpur, their family was growing. With a 5-year-old son and another baby on the way, the semi-detached house they had lived in for years was starting to feel too small. It wasn’t just about adding more space—it was about rethinking the layout to match their evolving lifestyle.

That’s where the magic of space planning comes in. Every home tells a story, and ours starts with understanding the family: their habits, how they entertain, and the flow of their daily lives. When we first visited the site, we began by zoning the home, which means identifying where the private spaces, like bedrooms and bathrooms, meet the more communal areas—like the kitchen and dining room, where the family and their guests spend the most time.

One thing that struck us right away was the kitchen layout. It was right in the center of the house, and when the madam of the house cooked, she faced a wall. Since she’s an avid cook who loves preparing meals for her family, this arrangement didn’t do justice to the vibrant energy she brings to her cooking. So, our first exercise was to reimagine the space.

Space Planning: A Blank Canvas for Lifestyle

We approached this project with the mindset that the house is a blank canvas, ready to be reworked to suit the current needs of the family. By flipping the living and dining areas to face the garden, we could maximize the beautiful outdoor views and make the space feel much more open. The existing brick walls that blocked the garden were replaced with full sliding glass doors, letting in natural light and providing a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

We even added an alfresco patio, perfect for those occasional family barbecues and gatherings with friends. Now, the garden is no longer just a patch of greenery—it's an integral part of the home’s living space.

A Kitchen That Faces the Garden

The kitchen itself was relocated to the side of the house, allowing it to face the garden as well. With plenty of natural sunlight flooding in, the kitchen now feels like the heart of the home, a place where the family can cook, eat, and spend time together while enjoying the view. This new layout also provides better flow, with easy access to both the dining area and the outdoor patio.

Expanding the Private Spaces

We didn’t just stop with the communal areas. The family needed more functional and modern spaces to accommodate their growing needs. The bathrooms were expanded and updated with sleek, modern finishes, turning them into tranquil retreats. We also added walk-in wardrobes and ample storage solutions, making sure that each member of the family had the space they needed.

For the little ones, we created cozy, inviting bedrooms that could grow with them as they get older. These small but impactful changes make a world of difference when it comes to living comfortably in a family home.

### The Importance of Space Planning

At the heart of this transformation is space planning. By carefully considering how the family lives, entertains, and relaxes, we were able to create a home that reflects their lifestyle now, and that will continue to work for them as their family grows. From flipping the layout to make the most of the garden views to modernizing the bathrooms and adding in practical storage, every decision was made with their future in mind.

This project is a reminder of how important it is to start with the basics—understanding how a space functions and how it can be reimagined to suit the people living in it. And for this growing family, the result is a home that not only feels bigger but is better suited to their needs and full of warmth, light, and connection.