DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design (Gold): Zues ID Sdn Bhd – Rimbun New Chinese

This high-rise showhouse in Kuala Lumpur designed by Zues ID Sdn Bhd was first featured in Designer Concept Issue 91.

CULTURAL TRIBUTE

Inspired by the Song Dynasty, this condominium layers heritage and modernity to express a new kind of timeless elegance.

A contemporary interpretation of cultural memory, Rimbun New Chinese is where the grace of the past finds expression in modern form. Designed as a condominium show unit, the project embraces a Modern Chinese concept deeply rooted in the artistry and philosophies of the Song Dynasty. Through refined proportions, thoughtful layering and an intimate dialogue with light, the home honours ancestral wisdom while offering a lifestyle attuned to present-day living.

The influence of classical Chinese aesthetics is felt immediately upon entry. A sculptural bowl feature ceiling, framed in black, draws the eye upward, recalling the silhouettes of ancient ceremonial vessels. The foyer cabinetry features CNC-cut doors, creating a subtle play of visual interest that sets the tone for the journey inward. Other functional elements that have been elevated into design statements include the ventilation louvered doors and frosted aluminium sliding doors with circular windows that echo traditional moon gates, bridging heritage and modern craftsmanship.

Curves flow throughout the home, shaping walls, doorways, windows and furniture with a sense of continuity and softness. This deliberate avoidance of harsh edges reflects the Chinese philosophy of harmony, where spaces are meant to guide rather than confine. Dark wood permeates the interiors, grounding the design with warmth, sophistication and timeless appeal. Its rich tone creates a high-contrast backdrop that enhances both contemporary detailing and traditional references, resulting in an atmosphere that feels dramatic yet deeply comforting.

A U-shaped sofa anchors the living area, inviting conversation and repose. In front of it, a section of the television panel backing becomes a focal point, namely the section featuring a traditional Chinese artwork design which is gently emphasised through LED lighting. The interplay of texture and illumination transforms functional furniture into a narrative element, weaving culture into everyday life. A compact outdoor seating area with an upholstered bench creates a moment of retreat at the balcony, extending the living space outward while maintaining intimacy.

The dining area continues this dialogue between past and present. A circular eight-seater dining table, a classic piece of furniture in traditional Chinese homes, is chosen not only for its cultural significance but also for its ability to maximise space, improve flow and foster conversation. Upholstered dining chairs offer comfort, while the table faces an LED-lit display case that functions as both storage space and feature wall.

The dry kitchen expresses modern refinement through material variance. Fluted wooden panels wrap the cabinetry and island base, introducing texture and movement that elevate otherwise flat surfaces. These warm details stand in striking contrast against the Crema Marfil porcelain slab employed for the splashbacks and countertops for an ancient feel and for durability and low maintenance, as well as the light neutral tones of the adjacent living and dining areas.

In the master bedroom, the narrative softens with a feminine touch. A feature wall adorned with pink cherry blossom wallpaper evokes renewal and romance, while lantern-inspired task lighting casts a gentle glow, setting the mood for rest and relaxation. Among all the spaces in the home, this is arguably where heritage becomes most personal and poetic.

Overall, Rimbun New Chinese is a home where tradition is neither frozen nor forgotten, but thoughtfully reinterpreted with respect and sensibility. By blending classical symbolism with a contemporary outlook, the design achieves a timeless balance between memory and reality. It stands as a quiet celebration of cultural continuity, one that honours the past while shaping an elegant, harmonious way of living for the present.

About the Designer of the Year Awards and Best Showhouse Design

The Designer of the Year Award (DOTY) aspires to discover and honour the exceptional works of talented designers from Malaysia and beyond. It sets the benchmark of excellence in design and is committed to championing them in architecture and interior.

The theme of DOTY 2026, “Celebrating Design Intelligence”, highlights how design has evolved beyond mere aesthetics to encompass functionality and sustainability, where user experience, environmentally-friendly materials and technology integration are essential to well-being and efficiency.

Best Showhouse Design is presented to designers who have conceived the most compelling and well-thought-out designs, giving potential homeowners a visualisation of the finished space, and an experience of the layout and construction quality. Their exceptional projects are featured in Designer Concept.

Visit doty.com.my for more information.