Nosteelgic Narration | Diana Yap’s Residence by Ooi Design & Associates Sdn Bhd

A steel-centred love story that merges design languages and unconventional touches, this enrapturing abode is an emotionally resonant but functionally secure homage to a thriving family legacy

Images courtesy of Ooi Design & Associates Sdn Bhd

Conceived by Ooi Design & Associates Sdn Bhd for a couple of parents who are deeply entrenched in the steel industry is the Diana Yap Residence. Revolving around an intricate yet daring showcase of the pair’s expertise, one-of-a-kind metal design features were incorporated all throughout this child-friendly architectural masterpiece, in conjunction with Nordic design principles, Hong Kong cultural influences and Feng Shui elements to infuse functional simplicity across a canvas of nostalgia.

The Contemporary Nordic approach pervades the ground floor spaces for a strong sense of modern simplicity and unfettered warmth. Upon entry, one’s eyes are drawn towards the feature ceiling that’s adorned with lines of disc-shaped metal decor. Adjacently speaking, this dramatic corridor opens up to the grand double volume height of the living area, swathed in white, save for a few pops of eclectic hues like the castleton green feature wall, salmon pink armchairs and coral orange accent pillows.

Moving towards the dry kitchen-cum-breakfast corner, white marble and green tones are repeated while black walls and dark wood are introduced for a mark of contrast. Directly opposing it is the dining area, opting for greys and bulk-free furniture as an elegant medium between the previous two spaces; what could have been too simple of a design is made otherwise thanks to the sensible decision to employ the serene garden and clear pool as an organic backdrop which also grants peace and privacy to the occupants.

Before continuing the tour to the next floor, let’s circle back to the corridor. Its timber panelling camouflages two doorways, leading to either the liquor lounge or powder room; Both taking a dark [navy blue] turn, the former not only features dark wood to coordinate with its traditionally masculine purpose but also aligns with the innovative metalwork theme using a metal display shelf to store liquor bottles. A similar case for the latter, the brass metal mirror, basin, faucet and pendant in resplendent gold shine bright against its background, like twinkling stars in the midnight sky.

Shifting cultural influences, the first-floor family area not only blurs the boundaries between spaces but honours Diana’s Hong Kong heritage in all its glory. Nostalgia of childhood memories fills the air, starting with the monochromatic double volume bookshelf, enhanced by a suspended glass bridge. Optimising spatial usage through a transparent display of its owners’ autobiography, each shelf finds its textured wallpaper backing etched with significant dates, family celebrations and meaningful quotes.

Bringing the essence of Canton to the tropics of Malaysia are the delicate lantern pendant lights, complex window screens and folding glass doors; this third component seamlessly connects the indoor family area to the outdoor balcony, aided by Oriental floor tiles to conjure the illusion of an extended living space.

Another stellar illustration of functional space planning is the master bedroom, housing a balcony-turned-platform nook that includes a new wall-sized window for ample sunlight and outdoor views. Swept in a calming shade of dusty turquoise, this ingenious concept makes a clear delineation between rest and work. Flexible in design, it can be used as a cosy reading corner on one end and a home office on the other. A couple of clear plastic chairs gives it a modern touch and even tricks the eye into believing this area is more spacious than it is.

Reducing the demand for new materials, the main door was recycled from the previous house and reclad with a refreshingly dynamic herringbone pattern on both sides. Special detailing in the avant-garde entrance metal screen of the exterior facade serves both aesthetic and symbolic functions. Matter of fact, the charitable use of this material throughout the home allowed the designers to fully showcase its unbridled versatility, pushing the boundaries of shapes, forms, shadows and lighting to compose a sui generis environment that’s tailored to the family’s identity.

Paying homage to the family business, merging divergent design languages and redefining bespoke living through unorthodox means, Diana Yap’s Residence is an emotionally resonant, functionally secure and visually captivating piece of work.

For more information, please visit:

OOI DESIGN & ASSOCIATES SDN BHD | www.odainteriordesign.com