Clay RooF House by DRTAN LM Architect
The house in question is situated on a small lot in the older suburbs of Petaling Jaya and has been transformed into a stunning and functional family home.
The owners had purchased an old, dilapidated property with the intention of rebuilding it from scratch.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the original house had high-quality Indian clay roof tiles that were still in good condition.
Due to the property’s west-facing orientation, the clay roof tiles provided an ideal solution for vertically screening the facade from the morning and afternoon sun.
The existing roof tiles were carefully removed, stored, and then reused during the rebuilding process. Vertical steel rods were specifically designed to hold the clay tiles in place, while still allowing for free movement to swivel and turn.
This innovative approach significantly reduced solar gain through the house’s fenestration of windows and glass doors.
Moreover, it lends a soft, tremulous lighting effect when viewed from the outside at night with internal lights switched on. In the sun, the terracotta glows with a warm orange hue.
The end result is a beautifully insulated and well-ventilated cube comprising various volumes of spaces, all enclosed within a unique facade of roof tile and lattice brickwork screens that shield the inside from the outside.
The home exudes a touch of purism, with raw walls and natural building materials, and a breath of minimalism with simple lines, unornamented motifs, and open spaces.
The floor plan is highly functional, with “green” systems and outer skins designed to maximize sustainability.
The reuse of the original terracotta roof tiles from the demolished old house as a lattice screen of animated clay that swivels with the undulating wind is a testament to the homeowner’s commitment to both innovation and sustainability.
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