Heart of Multigenerational Living

Situated in Pekan Serdang, a ‘New Village’ in Malaysia, this project centres on the core themes of family, garden and harmony, which is reflected in the name of this house, Family Circle, or ‘Jiā Yuán 家圆’ in Chinese. In the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, the word ‘Yuán 圆‘ – Circle, carries profound significance, symbolising harmony and togetherness. Notably, it shares a similar pronunciation of the word, ‘Yuán 园‘ – Garden, the focal point of this project.

This project seeks to transform family living by adopting a more inclusive and interconnected approach. By redefining and erasing the boundary between two houses – the new and the old ancestral home – we create an activity garden that fosters joy and interaction for both sides, both generations, without compromising individual autonomy. At the heart of this garden lies the ‘Family Circle’, a knot of shared experiences that will be passed down for generations to come. The transparent side elevation of the new house highlights the significance of connection and interaction – both between the inside and outside spaces, and between the old and new homes.