DOTY 2026 Best Showhouse Design (Gold): Morph Design Sdn Bhd – Bachang Villa

This villa showhouse in Melaka designed by Morph Design Sdn Bhd was first featured in Designer Concept Issue 90.

BALANCED EQUILIBRIUM

Finely curated and family-orientated, this three-storey refuge demonstrates a new interpretation of Zen-inspired modern living guaranteed to evoke stability, calm and harmony.

Exploring a new kind of family living through the tranquil yet orderly lens of Zen philosophy, Bachang Villa has solidified itself as a timeless sanctuary for its residents. Blending the best of two contrasting worlds, it incorporates traditional Eastern aesthetics with modern minimalism to create a home that is sleek and elegant on one hand but also warm and grounding on the other. At the heart of the design is the desire to cultivate a peaceful, enduring environment that supports both individual well-being and family connection.

One of the most distinctive features is the bowed display cabinet-slash-wall divider located just past the main entrance, serving not only as a bold visual focal point but also as a functional transition into the tranquil interior. Symbolically speaking, it immediately sets the tone for the journey inward, like a passage from the cluttered outside world into a cocoon of calm and clarity. Nestled within it, the open-plan layout of the living and dining areas reflects the Zen ideal of unobstructed flow. The absence of physical partitions encourages fluid and spacious movement as well as easy interaction among family members.

While warm wood dominates the space, a marble coffee table and a curved dining table attached to a rectangular island table with an acrylic base support as well as clear glass blocks that introduce soft lighting into the laundry room are particularly eye-catching elements found, exemplifying the designers’ intention of mixing natural textures with refined modern finishes. Furthermore, a sleek panelled wall conceals a door to the kitchen, which keeps itself elementary and efficient for the sake of cohesion and practicality.

The layout for the master bedroom takes an unpredictable yet pleasant route. Beginning with the bed, its almost cornered yet definite window-facing position grants ample space for a vanity table set and extra storage space to be installed directly behind it; its curved headboard acts as an appealing partition to instil a sense of organisation without sacrificing the room’s open appearance. While this room reinforces a grounded, calming mood through earthy rattan finishes, the remaining bedrooms rely on flexible details like intricate artwork, display shelves and patterned furnishings to inject visual interest.

While sticking to the home’s preferred palette of beiges and browns, the child’s bedroom defies expectations by exuding plenty of verve, personality and whimsy—all necessities to satisfy the younglings. The secret ingredient is to experiment with shades, shapes and patterns. Notable examples include the mouse-inspired wooden bench, polka-dotted rug and funky linear vanity chair. From an architectural standpoint, the rounded arch motif in the ceiling introduces more organic shapes that further elevate the playfulness of the design.

Out of all the spaces in Bachang Villa, the most unique is undoubtedly the third-floor space that has been converted into a multifunctional parent-child retreat where play, relaxation and connection among the family coexist. Designed as a minimalist family hub, this multifunctional entertainment area combines the joy of shared activities with the serenity of a nature-infused environment. Whether it’s quiet reading, playground-like games, watching television or simple rest, this floor adapts effortlessly to the dynamic rhythms of familial life.

Ultimately, Bachang Villa has outdone itself as a finely curated, family-centred rendition of Zen-inspired modern living intended to evoke balance, calm and harmonious sentiments. Through its organic forms, fluid spaces, natural materials and lively details, it cultivates a refuge where peaceful bliss, clean beauty and loving connections are prioritised above all else.

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.