HOMEDEC|Vol 9|No 1|2016|PKNS Hijauan Enklaf by Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd

Vol. 09 No. 1 / 2016 WM RM10.60 / EM RM12.70

HOME DEsign & DECOR TREnDs

Hijauan Enklaf

PKNS presents exclusive hill-side bungalows exuding contemporary style and luxury

i n

T H i s

i s s U E

yEaR Of THE fiRE MOnkEy Refresh your home with all things gold, red & yellow

TypOgRapHy Words & visual medium, elements in interior design & decoration

PAM-HOMEDEC AwArDs 2015 fOr rEsiDEntiAl rEnOvAtiOn

spotlight on award winning abodes

2016 DEsign trEnDs

There are five key design elements to keep an eye on

naTURal BEaUTy Organic elements can bring a space to life in the most natural way

Editor's Choice BIRDS'S FEET Temple & Ivy's interior lighting collection combines traditional sculpture with modern materials and the rich textures and flamboyance of the natural world. Their range of Bird Leg Lamp Bases have been brought to life by the sculptor as each set of legs is detailed and life-like.

W Pop of Colour Curvaceous and entrancing, the Chain Ring Vase and Double Ring Vase can both add a gorgeous pop of colour to a neutral room or blend with a number of bright hues.

Star Bright Reminiscent of cosmological craters, the Mapa Bowl shines as bright as the stars and makes a great centrepiece for any table. Telling Time Linear and contemporary, the Istante Wall Clock, in metallic gold, is ideal for a home that has a minimalist look.

from the editor ith careful planning and thoughtful design, renovations and additions can improve the liveability and sustainability of any living space. It is said that the global home improvement retail industry is expected to reach an estimated value of US$2,291.6 billion by 2019. Playing a crucial role in this industry are the professional associations that represent the architects, architectural technologists, interior designers that provide specialised services to homeowners to help them take their living space a notch up. One of the highlights of this issue is the PAM–HOMEDEC Awards 2015 for Residential Renovation. Under the capable hands of designers and architects, the award-winning terrace, bungalow and semi-detached houses, took on a whole new dimension. Also in this issue, we have several feature stories on a range of subjects, including an article on the design trends for 2016. There are five key design elements to keep an eye on and there are tips on how to effortlessly incorporate modern takes on these looks into your existing interiors. You can also stock your kitchen with some essential products to give a smart start in 2016 – how about a fridge that dispenses coffee at the touch of a button, or a Wi-Fi-enabled coffeemaker which runs via your smartphone or tablet while you’re still in bed? There is also a food prep pad which works with your iPad or iPhone, and is not only a digital scale, but also a nutritional guide. It has a “food library” of more than 300,000 items, and gives you the breakdown of calories, fat, protein and carbs. Meanwhile, typography is fast becoming a part of interior design. The combination of words and a visual medium can be a powerful way of communicating which explains why more interior designers and decorators, as well as artists and architects look for inspiration using typography for their own designs. Turn to page 14 to see how you too can use typography as an element in decorating your own home. Have a pleasant read.

Vimala Seneviratne EDITOR

Aurora Borealis The Aurora Borealis Decorative Flower from Miho, features a large striking bloom in hues of cerise pink and jade green – enough to cheer up any living space.

Stackable & Striking Hokan Bowls are an exciting new premium kitchenware product designed to look great, save food and deliver a one-stop solution for storing, preparing, freezing, cooking and serving food. Stackable, striking, made in stoneware and finished in a deep cobalt blue glaze, Hokan (Japanese for safekeeping) Bowls are safe for use in the oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher.

contents

50 Cover Story 8

Hijauan Enklaf – An Intriguing Experience of Luxury And Style

PKNS presents exclusive hill-side bungalows exuding contemporary style and luxury.

Features 14

A combinations of words and a visual medium can be a powerful way of communicating. We look at how typography has become an element in interior design and decoration.

2016 Design Trends You Need to Know

The cover Hijauan Enklaf Photo Mazlan Mohamad

Typography as Part of Interior Design

There are five key design elements to keep an eye on as the year unfolds, and tips on how to incorporate modern takes on these looks into your existing interiors.

Smart Kitchen Products

Stock your kitchen with some of the products highlighted to give you a smart start in 2016.

Make Room for Storage

Awkward spaces? Specific requirements? Or just a creative and playful approach to storage? Check out Konnect’s flexible modular solution with endless storage options.

A Love of Layering

Check out ALSO Home’s SS16 lifestyle collection inspired by a love of layering with both colour, texture and fabric finishes.

Arranging Furniture in a Small Living Room

There are many different layouts you can try in a small space. All the different configurations shown have a focal point around which everything else is organised.

Transformation of a Small & Narrow Bedroom

A small, narrow room is redesigned for sleeping, workspace and storage.

HOMEDEC Parts 1 & 2 Raising the Stakes Even Higher

Held over two weekends, the eight-day exhibition not only ends on a high note but continues to impress visitors with innovative ideas, excellent design sense, and blending modern creations with functional ideas.

ADVERTORIAL

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earning for a swimming pool that’s designed to last? The Magiline Swimming Pools, one of the most trusted leaders in the European swimming pool market, are built with 10 years warranty to offer you and your family many years of enjoyment as well as a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day. Magiline Swimming Pools have a host of features that go beyond conventional swimming pools. With more than 40,000 pools installed worldwide since 1994, Magiline allows you to customise the swimming pool your heart desires, as no shape is impossible. Thanks to the Magiline filtration system which is three times as powerful as a conventional filtration system, you’ll be able to save up to 30 per cent on your electricity bill. As the quality of water is just as important, the filtration system of the swimming pool incorporates a revolutionary hydraulic concept-the flow multiplier. With this innovation, the volume of water regenerated by your filtration system is many times that of a conventional system of the same power: the system filters up to 20m3 of water per hour using a pump delivering a flow of less than 5m3 per hour. Apart from the unique filtration system, the innovative monobloc construction method of

reinforced concrete and polypropylene wall panels provides extremely high strength, guaranteeing a swimming pool that is built to last. This also ensures pristine pool conditions all year round. Conventional filtration systems require a separate equipment room to house the pump which often results in ungainly aesthetic compromises, especially when working within a limited area. Magiline’s unique pool filtration system is entirely built-in, including the booster and robot/broom connection. The compact and built-in form provides more flexibility in designing the pool and is aesthetically appealing in appearance. Magiline’s pools come with Lightis halogen floodlights. However, if you want to change the ambience in the pool you can opt for Lucie lights which allows you to programme up to 14 coloured ambiences in your swimming pool. It is available as an option on all MAGILINE swimming pools. Magiline Swimming Pools are also built to cater to the warm tropical environment in Malaysia. With over 86 international patents, low energy consumption, minimal water wastage and low maintenance, Magiline Swimming Pools, will, without a doubt, offer you and your family many years of enjoyment.

Inteli Pool & Spa Sdn Bhd Lot 1919, Jalan KPB 9, Off Jalan Balakong, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Tel: 1-800-22-POOL(7665) www.magiline.com

contents 60

HOME Design & DECOR TRENDS

C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd Publisher Vincent Lim

HOMEDEC’s Good Design Award ’15 & Innovative Product Awards ’15 winners

Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd Director N. Premala Consultant V.S. Ganesan

Spotlight

Senior Editor Vimala Seneviratne

Creative Designer Goh Wei Lee

Writer Sean Low

Natural Beauty

Organic elements can bring a space to life in the most natural way.

Eco-friendly Find

Advertising Consultant Faridah Ismail A joint publication of

Interesting eco-friendly products for the house to help reduce your carbon footprint.

HMS Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd

Architecture 59 60

Stonescape & Naturespace

Regular 2

Editor’s Note

feature 26

For your Garden

Take your green space a notch up with some funky watering cans and whimsical indoor planters.

Connecting with Nature

A terrace house in Sungei Buloh celebrates nature through a clever use of natural materials, live trees and plants.

13 42

Distinctive Look

DDay House

With some extension and refurbishment, the RW House not only perks up with a distinctive architectural language and form.

An old house is redesigned to create wide open spaces for a young growing family.

Deck House

The addition of open transitional spaces and decks for activities, instead of rooms, halls and boxed up spaces, takes a bungalow to a whole new level.

NZ House

An 8-year-old bungalow gets a complete facelift, transforming it into a spacious abode complete with a pool and gymnasium.

Radical Rejuvenation

A single-storey terrace house of the 80s in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur undergoes a stunning transformation into a contemporary double-storey house.

C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd (287961W) 9-1-6, Jalan 3/109F, Danau Business Centre, Danau Desa, Jalan Klang Lama, 58100 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 603-7982 1648 www.homedec.com.my Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd (609031-W) W-9-12, Menara Melawangi, Amcorp Trade Centre, 18, Persiaran Barat, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 603-7932 3259 Email: harini.mservices@gmail.com Printer United Mission Press Sdn Bhd (755329-X) No. 25 & 27, Jalan PBS 14/14, Taman Perindustrian Bukit Serdang, Seri Kembangan, 43300 Selangor. Tel: 603-8941 6618 Fax: 603-8945 5168 DISTRIBUTOR MPH DISTRIBUTORS SDN BHD (MALAYSIA) (5048-A) Ground Floor, Bangunan TH, No. 5, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Tel: 603-7958 1688 Fax: 603-7956 5995 Email: distributors@mph.com.my All articles featured in homedec magazine represent the personal views of contributors and are not necessarily those of c.i.s network sdn bhd & Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. All writers automatically agree to indemnify c.i.s network sdn bhd and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd against any loss, costs, expenses (including legal fees), damages and liabilities that might arise from their own incapacity, negligence, breach of contract or other civil misdeeds. We reserve the right to edit all articles. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2016 by c.i.s network sdn bhd and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of c.i.s network sdn bhd and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. c.i.s network sdn bhd and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography, illustration and other editorial materials.

HOME DESIGN & DECOR TRENDS

VOL. 08 NO. 4 / 2015 WM RM10.60 / EM RM12.70 (Inclusive of GST)

VOL. 08 NO. 4 2015 RM10.60

HOME DESIGN & DECOR TRENDS I N

ARTISTRY OF MODERN LIVING Sprawling bungalow, The Apex @ Putra Hill Residency, exudes feeling of being on top of the world

T H I S

I S S U E

BEAUTY, STYLE & LUXURY IN BATHROOM A fresh & inspired approach to luxury in bathroom

KITCHEN COUNTERTOP IDEAS Design choices & finishes to take your kitchen a notch up

ISSN:1985-5052 KDN NO: PP15826/03/2013(031986)

HOMEDEC SHOWHOMES AGED CARE LIVING & DESIGN

VIVID HUES FOR 2016

BOLD, BRIGHT & FUN Colour & texture add to character of apartment

• Unit 1: ‘Awakening’ • Unit 2: ‘Style without Borders’ • Unit 3: ‘Calm Realisation’

Colours to Brighten your Living Space 00_Homedec cover 8-4.indd 1

HOMEDEC (Home Décor Trends) Magazine is a quarterly magazine jointly published by C.I.S Networks Sdn Bhd, the organiser of HOMEDEC, Malaysia’s renowned home décor exhibition, and Harini Management Services Sdn Bhd. Now in its 8th year of publication, the magazine continues to provide readers with the latest home design solutions, decoration, renovations, current styles, tips and ideas for good living. HOMEDEC also provides an optimum branding platform for advertisers to reach out to homeowners. An official publication of HOMEDEC, the magazine is a big hit at the exhibitions held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. This award-winning magazine is available at all leading bookshops nationwide.

FREQUENCY Quarterly

For the HOMEDEC exhibitions in KLCC, a special HOMEDEC LANGUAGE PREVIEW 16-page Booklet is English published twice a year in May BOOKING DEADLINE and October. The PREVIEW 7 weeks before publication date complements and promotes PUBLICATION DATES the main HOMEDEC magazine. FOR 2016 10,000 copies of HOMEDEC March, June, September PREVIEW are distributed free of & December charge to visitors of the exhibition.

19/10/15 1:20 PM

HOMEDEC Magazine (4 issues per year) / HOMEDEC PREVIEW (2 issues per year) Advertisement Rates

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FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES HARINI MANAGEMENT SERVICES SDN BHD (609031-W) W-9-12, Menara Melawangi, Amcorp Trade Centre, 18, Jalan Persiaran Barat, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel: (603) 79323259 Email: harini.mservices@gmail.com / ganesanvs.03@gmail.com Mobile: Ganesan: 012 3739422 / Faridah: 013 3455107

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Hijauan Enklaf â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

An Intriguing Experience of Luxury And Style

PKNS presents exclusive hill-side bungalows exuding contemporary style and luxury, writes CHRISTINA THOMAS PHOTOS BY Mazlan Mohamad

An expansive openspace design promotes air flow and optimal ambient lighting.

et against a quiet and picturesque residential community, Hijauan Enklaf commands a breath-taking faĂ§ade that oozes luxury and style. The 4-storey bungalow in Setia Alam, Selangor, features a modern exterior in shades of grey, and linear design lines speaking volumes about contemporary design and functionality. Comprising 5+1 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and a powder room, the bungalow is a beautiful rendition of modern architecture. Beginning from its exterior, the bungalow does a wonderful job in building up expectations. Stepping into the bungalow, one is greeted by a spacious car porch which is big enough to accommodate four cars, and a simple yet impressive garden that spreads to the back of the house dotted with border plants and flowers as well as a lush bamboo trees. The whispers of flowing water can be heard in one corner where a koi pond boasting numerous koi fish is situated. The bungalow greets its guests with two unique entrances to the home. One needs to decide what one wants to see first. The main entrance leads into a grand hall that oozes contemporary charm combined with a rustic wood-themed ambience, whilst the second entrance takes one into a quiet and simple foyer. The spacious living room on the ground floor is adorned with subtle earthy tones featuring terracotta-coloured settees complemented by a wooden coffee table against a backdrop of artistic wood-themed ornaments and green plants. A side door opens out to the exotic view of the koi pond, whilst large foldable glass doors offer access to

A tastefully furnished family room on the first floor.

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the side garden. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide ample natural sunlight and excellent ventilation shielded by white roman blinds. A powder room is tucked away in the corner. The grand dining room next to the living room presents double-volume ceiling and a regal feature wall that is decorated with creative symmetrical lines and abstract colour combinations. The large 10-seater dining table is a pleasant sight complemented by two bonsai plants adding a touch of nature’s magic. Tripletiered overhanging lights portray a picture-perfect setting, whilst small and cute cube-shaped windows offer a peek into the garden. Testament to the luxury of the home is a lift sitting discreetly beside the dry kitchen with wooden doors – almost dismissed as a bedroom. Tucked away at the side of the house is a wet and dry kitchen. The minimalist-themed dry kitchen boasts a breakfast bar with high chairs, and cabinets lining a side wall, whilst cage-themed overhanging lights illuminate the space. The dry kitchen extends into the cosy and compact wet kitchen, presenting wall-to-wall cabinets and kitchen appliances cleverly fitted into their respective spaces. A maid’s room, utility yard and bathroom are tucked away behind the wet kitchen, which overlooks the side garden. The bungalow is not without its intrigues – there are two sets of staircases leading up to the upper floors – one from the main living room and the other hidden away next to the quiet foyer. A walk up the glass encased stairs overlooking the external garden leads to a spacious and elegant bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Through a second entrance from the bedroom, one is able to access a cosy and chic family hall featuring arm chairs, a coffee table and stylish shelves, opening out to a private upper garden through glass sliding doors. The second floor unravels a resort-like setting with a family hall leading out to a balcony presenting a mini swimming pool and a pool deck overlooking the neighbourhood. Pool

1. The open-spaced living hall conveniently connects various parts of the house. 2. Well-appointed family area on the first floor with wall cabinets, art-patterned screens and armchairs, among others. 3. The dining (left) and breakfast (right) spaces are illuminated by cage-inspired lamps, while retaining their individual styles. 4. The mini pool on the second floor balcony, is perfect to unwind.

chairs, shaded resting areas and rattan chairs add character to this mini-resort, with cool breezes blowing into the family hall. There are two bedrooms on this level â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one bedroom fronts the swimming pool with glass sliding doors whilst the other is tucked into the corner for more privacy. The third floor comprises a small foyer flanked by two bedrooms. One bedroom offers a spectacular view of the surroundings through glass sliding doors whilst the other is an adorable picture of a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s den. The highlights of this bungalow include subtle earthy tones woven into the earth-toned furnishing and interior design of the home, with splashes of colour presented by ornaments, decorative pieces, paintings and wall colours. Wood has been used generously across the home with the entire upper floors of the 11

Moti vation

Motivation

Get some vinyl lettering and stamp your favourite quotes on the wall or any space for your daily motivation at the start of the day.

Edu cate Educate

Typography can be used in a very creative way to educate as can be seen in this picture.

Branding

A simple statement attached to a brand is enough to strengthen if used in the right context. Explore this side of typography along with a decorative element to really impress your clients.

Decoration

Typography can come in beautiful fonts and shapes, it has an intrinsic decorative element to itself that you can explore into interior design.

Wine Preserver

While some of us finish a bottle of wine in one sitting, others prefer to sip more slowly. The EuroCave Wine Art stores one or two open bottles of wine at the ideal serving temperature for up to 10 days, keeping it as fresh and fragrant as the day you opened it.

Latte Art Pen

The CinniBird spice pen allows you to add personalised art to your home-brewed latte.

Smart Egg Tray

Fill the tray with eggs (it holds up to 14), pop it in your refrigerator and connect it to your smartphone, and the Wink app will let you know when you’re low on eggs and whether they’re going bad.

Food Prep Pad

A new year often brings resolutions; for many, those include eating more healthfully. Whether you are looking to lose weight or simply improve your overall health, keeping track of what you eat plays an important role. The Orange Chef Prep Pad, which works with your iPad or iPhone, is not only a digital scale, but also a nutritional guide. It has a “food library” of more than 300,000 items, and gives you the breakdown of calories, fat, protein and carbs.

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Air-‘Fried’ Cooker

Now you can enjoy “fried” food without breaking your New Year’s resolution of eating healthy food. The Philips Airfryer gives you that crispy, crunchy texture you love without all the fat – only a spritz of oil is required.

Charging Station

If you plan to change up your kitchen in 2016, consider adding a charging station. iPort’s LaunchPort serves as a docking and charging station for your iPad. The base station fits on your kitchen counter giving you easy access to your tablet while you cook. It’s handy for those who use their tablets as recipe cards.

Kitchen Tablet

Sony Xperia Tablet Z Kitchen Edition is designed to hold up to spills and greasy hands. In fact, Sony says it can be submerged for up to 30 minutes without being damaged. The tablet is preloaded with food and cooking apps as well as recipes from Saveur magazine. It also comes with a wireless Bluetooth meat thermometer, so your iGrill app will let you know when your roast is ready.

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Connecting with Nature

A terrace house in Sungei Buloh celebrates nature through a clever use of natural materials, live trees and plants. The house won the Silver in the PAM-HOMEDEC Awards 2015, terrace house category PHOTOS courtesy of 02 Design Atelier

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esigned by 02 Design Atelier Sdn Bhd, the two-storey family home was designed to not only connect with nature but also to bring together a modern, minimalistic design in a wonderful manner. Designer Edric Choo says that the design of the house is to connect all the rooms and spaces with nature and using single material to enhance light and shadow. From the outside, the abode looks like any regular terrace house in the neighbourhood – a porch and a small garden with green plants such as bamboo. Step inside the house and the true scale of the abode unfolds – open plan design with double volume space at the centre with live trees and green plants to connect with nature. The design of the house clearly indicates that the owners are comfortable living with nature rather than attempting to control it. The abode has a minimalist touch with lots of concrete finishes for floor and wall, and contemporary design. The interior is also warmed by skilfully selected artworks and wooden furniture. Neutral palette lends a cosy ambience to the entire space with natural elements such as wood, featuring prominently in the form of décor items, furniture, side tables, kitchen cabinets and bookshelves. A rich rust-coloured carpet and coffee table in a similar hue sit pretty on the smooth concrete floor in the living area. Coupled with the ash grey coloured sofa and wooden chairs, the ensemble provides a sense of balance and harmony to this space. Across the living area is the bright, cheerful and airy dining place with its double volume space. Choo used clear polycarbonate roof tiles to create a pattern of natural light and shadow in this space. The neutral palette is also echoed here where the dining table, made from a tree trunk complete with its natural grains, and the wooden chairs, rest comfortably on an ash coloured textured carpet on the concrete floor. With plenty of natural light flooding the area, the owners have planted trees and a variety of lush leafy plants along one wall. The kitchen too sports a minimal look – floorto-ceiling wooden kitchen cabinets on one wall blend harmoniously with the smooth concrete walls and floor. Floor-to-ceiling clear glass sliding doors, an island made of concrete, and selected paintings on the walls, complete the picture. A flight of concrete stairs leads to the upper floor which houses the bedrooms. The minimal theme is also evident in the spacious, clutterfree and open-concept master bedroom and bathroom. The bathroom has a long bath as well as a shower area enclosed in clear-glass screen. Shower curtains have been added to provide privacy. u

The design of the house clearly indicates that the owners are comfortable living with nature rather than attempting to control it.

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Deck House

The addition of open transitional spaces and decks for activities, instead of rooms, halls and boxed up spaces, takes the abode to a whole new level. This house won the Gold in the PAM-HOMEDEC Awards 2015, Bungalow/Semi-D category PHOTOS courtesy of KKNg Architects

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esting by the edge of a slope which commands an excellent panorama of the KLCC skyline from the Ukay Heights range, the Deck House, where the portion is three metres below street level, holds fond memories for the owner who grew up in this abode. The owners' brief to KK Ng Architects was simple – they wanted some new spaces added while maintaining what’s already been working well within their boundaries and comfort. According to KK Ng, the design had to be done around the original single storey block which is sentimental to the owner, hence the erection of steel frames as structures to envelope that block. “Understandably, our mutual aspiration to create an open multipurpose space deck on top of this block, exploiting the KLCC skyline, binds everything together, bringing in light, breeze and view,” says KK Ng. Furthermore, the neighbours were concerned about the remodelling plans as they believed it might block their view of the KLCC skyline. “We had already taken that into account earlier, with the introduction of the deck as a means to enable transparency and connectivity, hence breaking the mass while creating volume. It was a win-win situation for both parties from day one.” He adds that this is a conscious attempt to enrich and transform, through volume addition of open transitional spaces and decks for activities, instead of rooms, halls and boxed up spaces. The introduction of such spaces enhances various environmental desires to fulfill and optimise various comfort levels. This approach indirectly pays tribute to the lost appreciation for a pure space which doesn’t submit to the ever-precious “built-up” definitions concocted by the real-estate-related temptations which is often translated to dollar and cents. “This conscious endeavour transforms a house to one which has a meaningful space, without the bulkiness and extreme mass by marrying the surroundings to form and frame a whole new envelope; addressing what are already there in existence but were never realised.” u

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NZ-House

An 8-year-old bungalow gets a complete facelift, transforming it into a spacious abode complete with a pool and gymnasium. It bagged the Silver in the PAM-HOMEDEC Awards 2015, Bungalow/Semi-D category

he project is an 8 year old bungalow that was in need of a refresh. Undertaken by Essential Design Integrated Sdn Bhd in association with Design Collective Architect, the brief from the client was that they wanted additional rooms to accommodate the needs of the new family. “They needed the house to be redesigned to cater to their own personal needs,” said Chan Mun Inn, Director of Essential Design Integrated. “Rooms had to be reconfigured with additional spaces for a rumpus room and a study area. The additions to the house included an attic extension for a study and a gym, a family rumpus room on the ground floor, a new living area and a pool. 35

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The house was given a complete facelift with a new facade and roof profile while circulation and spatial programmes were also redesigned. “Careful planning of the living spaces and circulation allows for multi-functions to happen at the same time and to provide privacy for the young family from the guests, when needed,” said Chan. He added that the small windows and doors were replaced with floor-to-ceiling folding, clear glass doors to draw in more natural daylight and allow for cross ventilation into the internal spaces. Warm, earthy and neutral colours and wood are

used extensively throughout the house, giving a perfect balance of modern decoration and comfortable living. The new living area which extends into the dining area, is elegantly decorated in neutral and white hues – brown and white coloured sofas and chairs sit comfortably on plush beige and brown carpet, all exuding a cheerful vibe to the entire space. The rumpus room, a comfortable space for the family members to watch television or engage in activities, has white coloured paneling on the feature wall where the television sits. The white coloured sofa and the beige carpet with red, grey and white designs, complete this warm yet very elegant look. Floor-to-ceiling clear glass windows allow natural lighting inside, harmoniously blending the overall design composition. The windows in the living, dining and rumpus areas provide a clear view of the pool and garden that surrounds these spaces. Beside the dining area is the spacious and neatly laid out kitchen that has a contemporary look. The focal point here is the granite island. The mirrors on the cupboards above the countertop, make the area look even larger. The upper floors houses the bedrooms, the private space of the family, and on the third floor or the attic, is the gym. The children’s bedroom has wooden bedframes (with storage space beneath) and wall bookshelves, as well as study tables and cupboards. The bright orange coloured cupboards on the wall add a cheerful note to this room. All the functional areas throughout the house are cleverly and subtly emphasised without disrupting the unity of the place. u

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Radical Rejuvenation Single-storey terrace house of the 80s in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur undergoes a stunning transformation into a contemporary double-storey house

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1. An open concept Living/ Dining/Dry Kitchen that visually and physically expands a space. 2. View of the Living/ Dining/Dry Kitchen from the main entrance.

he house won the Gold in the PAMHOMEDEC 2015 Awards, Terrace House category. It was also the Bronze award winner of the MIID Nippon Paint REKA Awards 2015 for Design Excellence. The exterior and the interior of the house, which is located in Taman Dr Ismail, is radically redesigned under the capable hands of the team at Dr Tan LM Architect, to give the home a contemporary industrial feel. Dr Tan explains that it is a “simple design exercise of form following function where the needs of the occupants takes precedence”. On the ground floor, Dr Tan employs the open concept plan where the living, dining and kitchen converge into a large area giving it a very spacious feel. The exposed bricks (retained from the original house) on the feature wall in the living room and the unplastered concrete ceiling coupled with modern light fixtures and furniture, all lend a stylish, modern and industrial feel to this living space.

A flexible guest/music room with an attached bathroom is accessible via two large panels of folding-sliding doors. The dry and wet kitchens are connected by a long stretch of marble counter tops and stainless steel cabinets. The centerpiece of the dining/living is the bespoke dining table carved out of a slab of suar timber cross section. A suspended split staircase made of steel which occupies a minimal part of the living space, adds to the stylish décor of the living room. The staircase leads to the newly constructed first floor where the bedrooms and terrace roof garden are housed. On the first floor, the split staircase branches out into the terrace roof garden on one side and the private sanctum on the other on the first floor. This arrangement allows guests to access the open space without compromising the privacy of the master bedroom and other rooms. The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom set within glass enclosure, which visually amplifies the space. The interior décor of the bedroom is

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1. Dining table customised from a large cross section of Suar timber. 2. The utilitarian Dry Kitchen counter continues to the back to form the Wet Kitchen. 3. A built-in air vent that connects to wind turbines attached to a steel framed glazed pyramid that provides stack effect ventilation. 4. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom.

elegant and has refined finishes to create a classy space. Timber flooring, combined with burgundy and warm earthy coloured curtains, set the overall mood within the bedroom. The el fresco space on the balcony is designed to celebrate the tropical weather, with two-thirds cement-rendered floor, and a strip of grass just before the frameless glass balustrade. Ten feet high walls flank the entire length of the terrace, with open-faced brick walls bordering the grass strip for privacy and acoustic reasons. To optimise indoor air exchange, there are two customised wind turbines combined with a steel framed glazed pyramid attached to built-in vents, that provide the house with “stack effect” ventilation. A 3-degree differential is enough to spin the turbines by convection. “It is a baby step towards the greening of the neighbourhood, an attempt to educate the community about the importance of green retrofitting,” states Dr Tan. u

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Distinctive Look

With some extension and refurbishment, the RW House not only perks up with a distinctive architectural language and form but wins the Bronze in the PAM-HOMEDEC Awards 2015, Bungalow/Semi-D category

he owners of the old bungalow wanted an extension at the rear of the house as well as refurbishment of all existing spaces and structures. These add-ons, according to the team at Essential Design Integrated Sdn Bhd, in association with Design Collective Architect, were designed with consideration and sensitivities to the original architectural language of the house. The distinctive gable roof is repeated over the new extension of the house while new roof coverings were installed over the old and the new areas. Internal spaces were designed to maximise the use of the space created under the sloping roof and to provide skylights and openings to improve natural daylighting and ventilation. White is the dominant colour throughout the interior spaces which not only makes the house look more spacious but gives it a clean, classy and rich look. In place of regular windows and sliding doors, tall white coloured plantation shutters are used extensively on exterior walls which provide views of the garden. In addition, these shutters which can be opened accordion-style, also give the house a more open look. Elegant furnishings and accents add personality and pops of colour throughout this cozy house. u

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DDay House T An old house is redesigned to create wide open spaces for a young growing family. The house bags the Bronze in the PAM-HOMDEC Awards 2015, Terrace House category

he design brief by the house owner to Essential Design Integrated Sdn Bhd called for wide open spaces for the family’s two young boys to run around. As the client wanted the house to be energy efficient as well as sustainable, Essential Design Integrated, in association with Design Collective Architect, was tasked with ensuring that the 22’ x 75’ abode is well ventilated as well as naturally bright without having to use artificial lighting or air conditioning. The design intent, says Chan Mun Inn, Director of Essential Design Integrated, is to create an interconnected and permeable space within the small terrace house unit. Rooms and floors are to be porous and open without having to compromise on privacy and security. Semi-open steel mesh is used throughout the house to allow air to flow freely between inside and out, and between rooms and floors. The semi open steel mesh allows natural light and wind to filter into the spaces while a ventilated louvered screen over the existing western wall provides additional insulation to the internal spaces – features that make this house energy efficient. The designers also used upcycled unwanted materials and construction debris as part of the interior fittings throughout the house. u

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Make Room for Storage

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Conversation Area

Another option is to emphasise the conversation area. This means the furniture needs to be arranged in such a way to allow people to walk around and to face each other when sitting down. You can group sofas and chairs together to make interaction easier.

Visually Balanced

If you want the living room to be visually balanced and to feel harmonious, then take a different approach. When arranging the furniture, think of how it will impact the dĂŠcor and what the relationship will be with the other pieces. For example, if you place a sofa on one side of the room, you can put chairs across it to establish balance.

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Establish Boundaries

Families with kids find it difficult to establish boundaries between their play area and the adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space, especially if the room is small. This is a type of layout that allows you to use simple partitions to delineate these areas. You can use a coffee table or a sofa for that. Carpets can also be used to establish boundaries.

Lighting

A small living room can seem even smaller if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dark and gloomy. So try to make it bright. If there are large windows, use them to let in natural light. You can also work with colours to get the desired feeling.

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Transformation of A Small & Narrow Bedroom

mall bedrooms are always a challenge but a very narrow room has particular design obstacles to overcome. This bedroom is only 5'7" wide. The solution? A lofted space for sleeping, leaving ample room for a workspace and storage for the occupant. Casa Kids placed all the custom-built furniture flush to one wall to create an easy flow and maximise open floor space. The under-bed workspace can accommodate two chairs if a friend is visiting and has plenty of shelves for storage. Stairs offer a safe option for ascent and incorporate storage drawers. A matching wardrobe in the corner stores clothing and shoes and utilises the height of the room. u

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Parts 1 & 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Held over two weekends in October 2015, the eight-day exhibition not only ends on a high note but continues to impress visitors with innovative ideas, excellent design sense, and blending modern creations with functional ideas

Raising the Stakes Even Higher

he annual HOMEDEC Part 1 and Part 2 exhibitions offering homeowners innovative ideas on interior decoration and renovations, more than lived up to visitors’ expectations in providing them with design ideas and product varieties. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and themed “Furnish and Decorate”, it featured a slew of attractive cost-savings Jimat deals for astute shoppers. The Jimat deals covered hundreds of home products and brands of the finest quality – from the 550 exhibitors who occupied 1,600 booths. Besides the impressive savings, it also brought together homeowners from all walks of life keen on dressing up their homes with the latest in interior design.

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“There are lots of suppliers at HOMEDEC. I am quite impressed with the presence of so many Malaysian exhibitors who have all gathered here for this exhibition. This is a great avenue for interior designers like myself and the public to learn about the latest home technology,” said Muhammad Jamari Mohd Hafiz, one of the many visitors at HOMEDEC Part 1. Another visitor at HOMEDEC, Lim Hern Gene, was amazed to see big names present at the exhibition. “They seem to have lots of great stuff and unique ideas. I find this to be a really convenient way for me to shop for home deco ideas and to browse through the numerous varieties of accessories.” There were also several lucky visitors who went home with fabulous prizes worth more than RM500,000 in total, won at the lucky draws. The biggest prizes – an ISUZU D-Max V-Cross 3.0L and an ISUZU MU-X2.5L – were won by two lucky visitors. An ecstatic Steve Joseph from Sabah, winner of the HOMEDEC Contest 2015 Special Grand Prize, the ISUZU MU-X, said, “This is the biggest prize that I have ever received in my life. I’m very happy and feel blessed.” Yong Pao Chui from Penang, won the HOMEDEC Contest 2015 Special Grand Prize, 56

the ISUZU D-Max V-Cross. “I feel excited, thankful, overwhelmed and grateful. HOMEDEC is the only exhibition that offers good quality home furniture and decorative items,” said Yong. The vehicles were sponsored by Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The two winners spent a minimum of RM1,000 in a single purchase receipt to participate in the contest. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore life-size show homes that depicted innovative and unique interior decoration, inspiring visitors with ideas, furnishings, colour combinations and various accessories. Taking centrestage at the exhibition was a special section themed Aged Care Living & Design, featuring three show houses designed by three well-known Malaysian interior designers. Each unit was designed in accordance with the three stages related to aged care living – non-assisted aged care living, semi-assisted aged care living and fully-assisted aged care living. Each of these rooms provided ideas on how homeowners and potential home owners could incorporate some of the features – furnishing, colours, product details and design tips – into their own home to create a safe and accessible living environment. The three show homes will also be featured in the HOMEDEC exhibitions

in Penang and Johor Baru in 2016. As pointed out by Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, organiser of HOMEDEC exhibitions, the Aged Care Living & Design showhomes are not only to create awareness but to alert society to plan their home designs to be aged care living friendly. HOMEDEC, a signature exhibition of C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, the recipient of the rAWr 2015 – Exhibition Organiser Award for Excellence, has been dazzling the interior design and renovation scene since 2003. It has since evolved into an immensely popular and muchawaited exhibition in Malaysia. HOMEDEC has also bagged several awards including the rAWr Awards 2013 and 2015 for Best Consumer Exhibition as well as the 2013 rAWr Industry Recognition Award organised by the Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS). HOMEDEC’s sensational success has much to do with its deep understanding of market needs and industry trends. Over the years, HOMEDEC has showcased the best and brightest in the industry and has provided a glimpse into the future blending innovation with creativity

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to feature functional yet stylish ideas for the home. With its primary objective of empowering homeowners to turn their houses into comfortable and functional spaces, HOMEDEC has since expanded from Kuala Lumpur to several of the nation’s major cities – Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

The HOMEDEC Benchmark HOMEDEC gives awards to spur creativity and continuous improvement amongst industry players. Among HOMEDEC’s many awards are those initiated to recognise outstanding homegrown designers and their works, the first of which was presented to recipients at the Residential Show Home category during the 2011 Malaysian Interior Design Awards (now known as the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers REKA Awards). Another prestigious award is the PAMHOMEDEC Award for Residential Renovations, in partnership with the Malaysian Institute of Architects (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia – PAM), to recognise the works of young architects and emerging architectural firms.

HOMEDEC also presents the highly competitive annual Innovative Product Award and the Good Design Award. Through these awards, winning exhibitors gain an edge over their competitors with increased consumer and user confidence. True to form, HOMEDEC continues to remain fresh and fun-filled, while providing designers, manufacturers, artists and especially the homeowners, the opportunity to go beyond conventional interior designs and have a deeper appreciation for design – all under one roof. With its expansion to Jakarta, Indonesia, the future is looking bright for HOMEDEC. u

PAM-HOMEDEC Awards 2015

KKNG Architects took home the gold award in the Bungalow/ Semi-Detached category while DRTAN LM Architect came out tops in the Terrace (House) category at the biennial PAMHOMEDEC Awards for Residential Renovation. Essential Design Integrated Sdn Bhd, in association with Design Collective Architect, and O2 Design Atelier Sdn Bhd took the silver in the Bungalow/Semi-Detached and Terrace (House) categories, respectively. The bronze went to Essential Design Integrated Sdn Bhd, in association with Design Collective Architect, for both categories. For the first time, PAM-HOMEDEC Award added a Student category to promote the works of future architects and Dzul Fadil Asraf Dzul-Kifli from Universiti Teknologi Mara won the Bronze in this category. Sixteen entries were selected for the various categories at the judging. The top winners won a complimentary air ticket each, sponsored by HOMEDEC, to attend the National Architecture Conference 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. The awards promote emerging architects and create awareness of their work in home renovation.

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Stonescape & Naturespace

sing natural elements such as water, stones, plants, gravel, and bamboo, Japanese architects Kengo Kuma & Associates created installations rendering their interpretation of a Japanese garden. Called Stonescape & Naturespace, the installations were done at the Bologna Water Design. Visitors were invited to experience the elegance, tranquility and wisdom of Zen simplicity evoked by the surrounding space. The fable-like set-up was realised in the form of a lytic landscape where natural and artificial elements coexisted perfectly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The clean and pure Pietra Serena stone is used to recreate a topography that, as in real landscapes, moulds the shape of water, guides our walking and gives a context to the objects to better admire them,â&#x20AC;? explains the architects at Kengo Kuma & Associates. u 59

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Teka Induction IRS 943 Designed for modern cooking with extra cooking space to do multiple cooking

he strong performers in this year's HOMEDEC Innovative Product Award 2015 largely mark how state-of-the-art technology has advanced in fulfilling homemakers’ needs. Teka from Germany, has been recognised on a global scale for its product quality, design and reliability; its products have garnered numerous international design and functionality awards. Throughout its history, Teka has maintained a constant investment in research and development enabling the company to create products ahead of the needs of the customers. Among them are the Hydroclean oven which is equipped with a cleaning system that uses only a glass of water, and the iHood, a hood which is the first-ever kitchen appliance adapted to an Apple product. It’s no surprise that Teka won this year's HOMEDEC Innovative Product Award for its IRS 943 induction cooker. “Its cutting edge design, and technology were the award-winning attributes,” says Teka Kuchentechnik Malaysia's Marketing Executive, Vincent Han. “It is designed for modern cooking with extra cooking space to do multiple cooking.” Since most people live a busy life, time has become an essential factor. “That’s why we made the Teka Induction, which allows for simultaneous cooking for six or seven pans, depending on the size of the pans.” In fact, the Teka Induction’s game is quantity at quality – faster and efficient cooking. When compared to a gas cooker, Teka cooks faster due to its high temperature capability –

reaching a maximum nominal power of 7400W across 4 cooking zones. Teka also uses in its technology patent designs: the touch bar, iQuick boiling, cooking programmer (for controlling temperature, time length, stop and go functions, among others), and energy optimisation system (heat and power distribution). Other features include, pan optimisation system and residual heat indicator, all for the sake of efficient cooking. “We wanted to make cooking easy, efficient and fast,” says Vincent. Understanding the need for safe kitchen appliances, Teka has built-in safety features suitable for the family-at-home. “It (Teka Induction IRS 943) gets hot the moment it detects the pan and we have also looked into the security features whereby it can be locked when not in use, mainly because there usually are kids in the house.” “Another safety feature of the cooker is, it has flexi zone where the heat is only below the pan, so you don't get burnt accidently while cooking,” adds Vincent. Teka products are also about maximum flexibility, as it has a broad range of about 20 hob models (also available in 60cm and 90cm variants) to choose from; a slider touch control panel and bevelled glass that makes it look modern, sleek, and for fulfilling all individual preferences. The Teka Induction IRS 943 has a design that ensures pots, and cookware of any other shape, are no obstacles to your cooking. www.teka.com.my

Houm Super Dryer A revolutionary product that gives you the best alternative to drying your clothes

here are currently two common methods for drying our laundries: one is the conventional drying method, under the sun; the other is with an electrical dryer, which is becoming more popular even in tropical countries. Weather condition plays a huge role in our choice of drying methods. The conventional way of drying clothes with the sun’s heat, and doing it efficiently, is dependent on the direction of the sun and drying yard positions, among others. With all these complexities in mind, people, especially those living in high-rise residences, prefer to look into electrical dryers, leading to a growing trend of using electrical dryers. However, due to high power consumptions, lack of physical space, the wear and tear of delicate materials in their laundry, and small load capacities, many people also have second thoughts about using them. The HOUM Super Dryer SD-230E is a revolutionary product that gives you the best alternative to drying your clothes. It won the HOMEDEC Innovative Product Award 2015. “The HOUM Super Dryer comes with amazing functions, and is highly reliable whereby the clothes get dried without much creases,” says Gard Inc. Marketing Manager, Gary Teng. The greatest advantage of all are the space and cost one gets to save. Gary explains, “The super dryer

is installed into an unused ceiling space, eliminating the wastage of your precious yard or balcony space.” In addition to low energy consumption, one even has the option not to turn on the heater (to further reduce electricity cost) if there is enough sunlight or natural wind to dry your clothes. “It's uniquely designed to save energy in comparison with conventional dryers,” he adds. The dryer is also safe to use as it is versatile and flexible. It has a remote-controlled hanging rod 9.2m in length, allowing you dry your bed sheets, without having to stretch yourself to hang them. The HOUM Super Dryer has also lived up to its name by being the largest, as far as residential dryers are concerned; with a total load factor of 35 kgs. It is gentle with all types of fabric and material types, be it wool, linen or delicate cotton. The dryer does not damage your clothes, as only warm air and blowing air are applied to dry. It doesn't spin-dry like the normal dryers in the market whereby your clothes gets crumpled. “It’s not just another dryer, it's the drying experience evolved,” says Gary. The HOUM Super Dryer is tailored for any home environment and made of only the best materials. Hence, this smart drying companion should provide you a hassle-free laundry experience, any time of the day. www.houm.asia/superdryer/

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Tessa The world’s first remote controlled, motorised track fixture with universal socket

otorised track lighting was first introduced in the theatrical industry. Installed at high-ceiling, the lighting device uses a remote control or a transmitter to adjust the focus of the light. Megaman Electronic & Lighting recently unveiled Tessa, a motorised track head that can be adjusted with a hand-held transmitter; Megaman also happens to be the creator of the world's first remote controlled motorised track fixture with a universal socket. Recognising this innovation, HOMEDEC awarded Megaman the Innovative Product Award’15 for creating this exceptional product. “We were fortunate enough to collaborate with Forma Lighting to design a unit that is architectural in design, economical, sturdy, and meets the general needs of the residential and commercial market,” says Megaman's Sales and Marketing Director, Elsa Chung, on the conception of Tessa. Tessa's accent track fixture was engineered to be the smallest possible motorised lamp holder for MR16 lamps; and so custom gear motors had to be specially created to fit in the slim armature – the motors are quite powerful, designed to smoothly lift the heaviest lamps. The result? A high performance, discrete light source. High performance means the agile Tessa can rotate 340 degrees in the vertical axis, and 200 degrees horizontally, covering any corner possible. Most of Tessa’s features are built of constructiongrade die cast aluminium, and finished with powder

coat. Tessa is compatible with popular track systems and line voltage; it can also be fixed in a GU10 Par 16 Megaman lamp base, and fitted with Megaman light bulbs. On the motive of design, Elsa says, “The idea was to design something which also visually complements the LED Par lamps while allowing maximum air flow for cooling.” The process of adjusting the fixture is simplified with a remote control; one remote is necessary to control any number of track heads. “Tessa remotes use patented infrared laser technology. Like a pointer, the remote identifies which track head will be adjusted; a clear lens at the bottom of the track fixture turns green to indicate it has been activated,” says Elsa. Nevertheless, the fixture is also controlled by radio waves, so the remote does not really have to be aimed to make adjustments, allowing users to focus more on the object being lit. Four directional arrows on the remote are used to make changes to the focus of the track head’s light. “It also has clutch backed gears for hand adjustment without using the transmitter,” added Elsa. In short, it's ideally designed to be adjusted with remote controls instead of ladders. Tessa is commonly used in the retail industry for front window and seasonal display; in residential areas, it's vaulted up in the ceiling of the room or hall. Hospitals and commercial buildings also use Tessa in their meeting rooms, lobby and wherever else they see fit. www.megaman.cc

Lightair Purifier Efficiency, design, functionality and air quality for a healthier life were the features that won the Lightair Ionflow 50 Style the HOMEDEC Innovative Product Award ’15.

ightair, an air purifier from the Swedish manufacturer, Exon Capital, improves people’s health and comfort by offering the best indoor air quality environment. “We want to help people live a healthier life; and living a healthier life means breathing clean, indoor air,” says Exon Capital's Marketing Manager, Jimmy Khaw. “Health problems are growing, resulting from an increase in air pollution,” says Jimmy, who believes that the declining quality of air from combustion – traffic pollution, coal plants and industrial activities – is seriously putting those breathing the air at risk, and should be dealt with urgently. “These health problems include severe heart and vascular disease, cancer, low birth weight, asthma, and allergies, as well as fatigue, headache and concentration difficulties.” “That’s why we were determined to come up with a solution for healthier air for all of us,” says Jimmy. “Lightair is an air purifier that combines efficiency, design and functionality to provide cleaner indoor air quality for a healthier life.” “The best part of our product is that it is, in a sense, hassle-free,” he states. The IonFlow 50 Style doesn't need an expensive filter replacement. Instead, it has a reusable collector that can be easily washed clean with water and cleansing agents. While most air purifiers in the market have a noise level of 35-80 dB, the Lightair is so quiet that you hardly know it's there (less than 5 dB). It’s also cost efficient. “IonFlow 50 Style uses

less than 7W per hour, much less than most other air purifiers,” says Jimmy. The indoor air is full of particles that come from yourself, your surroundings and your daily activities. Therefore energy consumption is highly relevant, as air purifiers should be turned on at all times to efficiently keep the particle concentration down. On the IonFlow 50 Style’s cleaning capacity, Jimmy explains that, “the purifier generates billions of electrons per second that transforms into negative ions, which charge the particles in the air negatively. Once the particles have been negatively charged, they are attracted by the positively charged collector, the Lightair IonFlow 50 Style, which acts like a magnet for airborne dirt and dust.” When necessary, the collector can be easily removed, rinsed in water and then reused. This air purifier effectively removes dust, smoke, pollen, bacteria, virus, mould, pet allergens and many other airborne particles. It is especially efficient at removing the smallest particles – below the size of 2.5 micron (PM2.5) and even, 1 micron, which is potentially hazardous to our health. According to Jimmy, microscopic, harmful particles can also be considered among the world’s greatest cause of death, responsible notably for thousands of premature mortalities each year. “Knowing the risks that pollution poses, countries and industries must take action to improve air quality, and everyone should play a part in eliminating this crisis. Lightair is proud to be a part of the solution to this alarming problem.” www.exoncapital.com

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N2 Lounge Chair Good workmanship and modern style furniture-design were the features that won the eco-friendly N2 Lounge Chair the HOMEDEC Good Design Award ’15

thnicraft offers mainly eco-friendly, sturdy furniture of contemporary design, mostly made from quality teak. Wood, being the Ethnicraft collection’s core material, is sourced from sustainable plantations in Java, Indonesia, a place where the company fabricates its furniture too. Its modern designs are attributed not only to its primary design team in Europe, but also international designers, who craft exclusive collections for the company. The winning design, N2 Lounge Chair, is durable, beautiful as it is simple, and has an ingeniously designed low seat – easy to climb on to and wide enough to sit cross-legged in. The person behind the N2 Lounge Chair, Nathan Yong, is an influential Singapore-based innovator who started designing the successful N chairs for Ethnicraft a few years ago, hitherto contributing six versions to the N-Chair collection. “The chair is one of our signature pieces. It is very comfortable to sit on because of its ‘zero-gravity’ design,” says Ethnicraft's Manager, Parham Mansor Safaian, referring to how astronauts align themselves

in space, which happens to be a very pleasant sitting position. Pivotal to the N2 Lounge Chair winning the HOMEDEC Good Design Award is a mix of expert woodworking and practicality – key emphases at Ethnicraft. “Our Lounge Chair is unique as it is made without nails, and basically requires no maintenance.” The use of teak in this very special lounge chair makes it perfect for modern and transitional environments, as it is not only “sleek, simple, and functional”, but also does not “retain heat”. “The teak showcases the raw beauty of natural wood. All Ethnicraft teak furniture have been thoughtfully crafted to match our design philosophy,” says Parham. Regarding its strength, knotty grain and colour, the qualities which Parham describes as an “exalting experience with teak”, crafters at Ethnicraft have unlocked these remarkable attributes by drying and sanding the wood with extreme care; thus exfoliating its natural oils, adding protection and a rich patina. As a bonus, Parham assures that Ethnicraft provides lifelong guarantee for this product. www.ethnicraft-online.com.my

LED Filament Lamp Resembling the classic beauty of traditional incandescent lamps, the LED Filament lamp is not only designed for modern living but cuts your energy bills as well

beautiful, classic semblance of a traditional incandescent lamp, as far as ambience and feel are concerned, Megaman's LED Filament Lamp was awarded the HOMEDEC Good Design Award ’15. “The LED Filament Lamp not only resembles the traditional incandescent lamps but also has other excellent benefits, such as saving energy factor,” says Megaman's Sales and Marketing Director, Elsa Chung. “It is designed for modern living.” “LED filament bulbs look just like their traditional incandescent counterparts, thanks to a new and unique LED technology that allows for very small LED emitters to be arranged in a linear filament style package. The emitters, powered using a traditional glass insulated circuit similar to that found in a traditional incandescent bulb, are the reasons why LED filament bulbs function and look virtually identical to their incandescent predecessors. The energy-saving LED Filament Lamps are now part of Megaman’s popular Economy series. Elsa says, “Our LED Filament lamps have been designed for use in decorative light fittings to produce eye-catching and stunning visual effects. They are ideal for any kind of environment,” added Elsa. Megaman’s LED Filament Lamp series come in 2700k colour temperature (soft white), and are available in candle (< 250 lumens) and classic (< 470

lumens) shapes, both of which include a dimming variant. The dimming candles can be used with Megaman’s new silver or gold ‘snap-on cap’ accessory that enables the white dimming technology base to be covered, allowing the lamp to blend in with the existing fittings. Their exciting new filament lamp range offers choices of Edison or Bayonet bases. Megaman’s LED Filament Lamps also emit an evenly distributed golden light, creating a mellow ambience in an interior environment. The effect echoes the elegance of incandescent lamps. This series also allows customers to choose their lamps from oval and sphere shapes, and is made up of two distinct variants: the 2200K option has a tinted, semi-transparent glass cover for extra warmth and dramatic ambience; the 2700K lamp provides higher luminous efficacy up to 98lm/W, delivering a brighter and slightly cooler illumination. Both options have a 10 to 100 per cent linear dimming version, and generate less heat than incandescent lamps. With an average rated life of 15,000 hours, the LED Filament Lamps are also very durable and easy to install. The accessories for both options include an external housing in gold, silver and brass. All the lamps come with Megaman’s two year warranty. www.megaman.cc

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Light Tunnel Designed to draw ample natural light to every part of a house, even to rooms which cannot be fitted with roof windows or vertical windows

ronte Attic won the HOMEDEC Good Design Award 2015 for its innovative idea of using natural light to brighten up the house. Called the ‘Light Tunnel’, it is becoming increasingly popular among Malaysians. The SLT Light Tunnel is designed to draw ample natural light to every part of a house, even to rooms which cannot be fitted with roof windows or vertical windows. Dimly lit interiors such as bathrooms, dressing rooms, corridors, and staircases, can make anyone feel slightly uncomfortable. Thanks to the Light Tunnel, natural light can now be harnessed to illuminate pockets of darkness throughout a building, thereby enhancing the user’s comfort and most importantly, saving electricity! Ivan Lee, Sales & Marketing Executive of Bronte Attic, agrees with the economic benefits of this amazing technology, “You will see a big drop in your electricity bills as most of the time you won't need to switch on your lights; the whole house will be brightly lit by using the Light Tunnel!” According to Ivan, this effect is achieved by the SLT Light Tunnel channelling daylight through a light transmitting tube, which is connected to a dome mounted onto the roof. A flexible tube reflects the sun’s rays off its walls and on to a light diffuser – fitted into an internal ceiling – which then spreads the light evenly, lighting the whole interior of the room. “The more light illuminates the dome of the light tunnel,

the more light is conveyed to the building interior.” “The amount of daylight which enters the room thorough the light tunnels depends on the month and cloudiness measured at the Light Tunnel dome.” For the SLT Light Tunnel, light intensity outside the building may not be a problem. When weather conditions do not permit sufficient natural light, or when the sun has set, the light tunnel can still function normally as would a regular light fixture; all that is needed would be the installation of a light kit. “The amount of light entering the room is also dependent on the placing of the dome,” adds Ivan. The Light Tunnel comprises of five parts: the dome, a weather-resistant flashing, a light transmitting tube, a transparent, prismatic diffuser, and ceiling frame. Light Tunnels are generally easier put in place on flat roofs, for this reason, the SLS-10 Light Tunnel Flashing Kit is specially designed for reinforcing flat roofs with coverings (tiles, shingles, and slates) up to 10 mm (2 layers x 5 mm) thickness, guaranteeing tightness and ease of fitting. There are three types of flashings available – flat, profiled and high profiled roof coverings. Light Tunnels are also perfect with roofs with pitches between 15-60 degrees in angle. The SLT Light Tunnel’s flexible light transmitting tube allows easy fitting around any constructional obstacle, which reduces the cost and time of installation. It comes with a 7-year warranty. www.bronteattic.com.my

Dyson Fluffy Cord-free Vacuum Designed to tackle dust and debris on hard floors without leaving a scratch behind

yson calls it ‘Fluffy’, a cord-free vacuum cleaner that cleans all kinds of floor and carpet with a powerful suction motor, recently won the HOMEDEC Good Design Award ’15. ‘Fluffy’ is the brainchild of founder James Dyson, whose idea of using ‘cyclonic separation’ in his vacuum cleaners has revolutionised the entire industry. The Dyson Fluffy tackles hard-to-reach places; it also comes with a secondary brush head – which is better suited to clean carpets. Most vacuum cleaners suck dust or dirt – big or small – but leave floors and crevices full of dust or other larger particles such as rice or fruit loops. However, Dyson DC74, ‘Fluffy’, as it is affectionately called, tackles and removes 98 percent of dust and debris on hard floors without leaving a single scratch behind. Sitting at the core of Dyson Fluffy is a Dyson digital motor known as the ‘V6’. Spinning at 110,000 RPM – five times faster than a Formula One car engine – the Dyson digital motor V6 gives this vacuum cleaner the most extraordinary suction power, easily besting all other cord-free vacuum cleaners in the market. “Suction starts strong and stays consistent due to the fade-free nickel manganese cobalt battery technology and patented cyclone technology, offering twenty minutes of constant suction,” says Visionary Solutions Executive Director, Pei Yan Lim. “Dyson engineers have radically redesigned the traditional cleaner head so that the Dyson Fluffy

vacuum cleaner tackles all kinds of dust. With new patented cleaner head technology, this machine picks up more dust than any other vacuum.” The ‘Fluffy’ head is part of a revamp of the British manufacturer’s cord-free vacuum line. “Rather than strips of hard bristles, DC74 has a full width roller, covered with a soft nylon material and rows of carbon fibre filaments. Large dust is enveloped by the soft material and flung inside the cleaner head, while the carbon fibre filaments remove fine dust,” says Pei Yan, who also explains that the front edge of the brush is raised – to avoid pushing debris around. With an additional 8 tools at your fingertips, the Dyson Fluffy is superb at tackling hard to reach places, among those adaptations are a motorised turbine head which ‘glides’ up stairs, a flexible crevice tool to reach narrow spaces behind furniture, soft dusting brush sweeps up dust on blinds, and a stubborn dirt brush that tackles the hardest of grime. The brushes and extensions to the DC74 are also removable and washable. Dyson’s patented 2 Tier Radial™ cyclone technology – which flings dust out of the air and into the bin, separating out even microscopic particles – supercharges the Dyson Fluffy to offer you the power of a full-sized vacuum cleaner in a small, light package – and without the hassle of wrangling a power cord around furniture. Docked on the wall, the Dyson Fluffy is always ready to go for easy floor cleaning, and with a flick of the wrist switch. www.dyson.my

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Bungee bird feeder.

Swing time ceramic bird feeder.

Eva solo hanging bird feeder.

Couture garden parasol which blocks out 97% of UV rays.

Planter bots. Mini green house.

For Your Garden From funky watering cans and whimsical indoor planters to garden chairs, these items are great to take your green space a notch up.

Alessi diva watering can.

Rainy pots.

Tribal-inspired iscpalli garden chairs.

Thoughtful gardener indoor watering can.