DOTY 2026 Best Residential Design (Landed – Gold): Nevermore Sdn Bhd – Denai Villa

This modern wabi-sabi home in Penang designed by Nevermore Sdn Bhd was first featured in Designer Concept Issue 89.

PARADISIACAL RICHES

Timeless and organic, this Modern Wabi-Sabi retreat illustrates luxury with soul and simplicity with substance.

Revived as a sanctuary that encapsulates balance and beauty, Denai Villa is a three-storey bungalow where leisure, play and the quality of life flow together in perfect harmony. Drawing inspiration from the elegant serenity exuded by the famous Aman resorts, this private haven channels the philosophy of Modern Wabi-Sabi, celebrating understated elegance, quiet luxury and soulful bliss. Before being able to indulge in the results, the designers first had to navigate restricted access and working hours within the strict parameters of a gated community and a four-month timeline for completion by Chinese New Year; in order to overcome these challenges, careful planning and coordination were practiced.

The centrepiece of the whole property is undoubtedly the 30-foot arch-shaped swimming pool adorned with custom beige mosaic tiles, inviting moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. It runs alongside a double volume or 25-foot feature wall clad in imported German Solnhofen limestone in varying sizes. As a result, the pool area becomes a sumptuous escape that invites the outdoors into a meaningful dialogue with modern design. Moreover, locally-sourced landscaping enhances the waterfront setting, inclusive of an outdoor dining area, by establishing a stronger connection to nature and providing privacy while preserving the site’s openness—a mindful response to both the tropical climate and the family’s desire for a private retreat.

Speaking of shared and private spaces, the kitchen that’s been completely reimagined for the wife functions as a chic gathering hub to accommodate her love for entertaining guests. On the other hand, the husband’s bespoke man cave is tailored to his own personal passions; it’s an immersive leisure zone housing a golf simulator, ideal for solo or group sessions. In here, luxury meets individuality, blending state-of-the-art features with a grounded design palette that echoes the rest of the home’s serene character.

Beyond this, the living room features curved modular seating, bespoke wooden shelving, circular LED light fixture and a textured white accent wall. The dining and kitchen area also follows an open-plan layout, complete with a limestone island and table, fabric pendant lights, artisanal ceramic vessels and oak cabinetry with Japanese-inspired slatted detailing. Upstairs in the bedroom, the following are found to further amplify the resort-feel: bespoke wood panelling, integrated storage and sheer drapery. Meanwhile, the home office has been fitted with floating shelves, a bleached wooden desk and a contemporary dome lamp. In all these spaces, natural light becomes an indisputable primary player that takes each setting to the next level.

Throughout the villa, materiality plays a crucial role in shaping its Modern Wabi-Sabi essence. While imported marble flooring anchors the main level, premium veneers arranged in an artistic random pattern transform otherwise ordinary walls into visually intriguing statement pieces by injecting unique dimensions. Complementing this are travertine-like sintered stone as well as premium engineered wood flooring which come together to create a warm, tactile environment that exudes sophistication without excess. In terms of the colour palette, the designers opted for neutral beige and cream which not only creates a timeless appeal but instils a sense of calm, spaciousness and brightness.

Despite its modern luxury, Denai Villa maintains an atmosphere of paradisiacal simplicity. Curated with restraint and intentionality, every detail reflects a belief in quality over quantity. In essence, it is a carefully curated lifestyle capturing the best of contemporary design, blending refinement with relaxation, luxury with authenticity and form with function. With its artful mix of modern features, organic materials and serene energy, this haven offers an uplifting perspective on living well.

About the Designer of the Year Awards and Best Residential 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.

Designers who have transformed mere houses into ultimate dream homes through their ingenuity and attention to detail are awarded Best Residential Design. Their projects, which are either landed or high-rise, are featured in Designer Concept.

Visit doty.com.my for more information.