DOTY 2022 BTRA Profile – Steph Low

Dive a little deeper into the sensational designs that were honoured with DOTY 2022’s prestigious Building Transformation Recognition Award, courtesy of the ingenious minds responsible for their captivating beauty and renewed sense of purpose.

The Building Transformation Recognition Award (BTRA) recognises the dedicated initiatives taken in building restoration and transformation of an existing building as an effort towards sustainability, respecting the unique challenges tackled in doing so. It encourages the restoration of old buildings, preservation of heritage as well as the creative use of space and function. Receiving this invaluable accolade under the Designer of the Year (DOTY) Awards 2022, an illustrious event organised by ACG Media, are six of the following designers and architects who have made their mark across the Malaysian landscape with their uniquely spectacular designs which pay homage to the past, and at the same time, move boldly towards the future.

Steph Low

Founder & Art Director

Yong Studio Sdn Bhd | www.yongstudio.com.my

Project: The Pool House

When Steph Low first encountered the split-level layout of The Pool House, she instantly saw the chance to unlock its potential as a big, open living area. As one can tell by its name, the overall design is revolved around the man-made body of water to serve as a visual centrepiece and as a seamless extension of the living space. It’s an enthralling concept inspired by the desire to create an environment that invokes a sense of calm but with a mighty dose of elegant, resort-like luxury — what better way to do so than to go down the path of minimalism.

“Minimalism is not the lack of something. It is simply the perfect amount of something,” says the fervent supporter of the ‘less is more’ style which designates a place and purpose for every item. Believing that simplicity can be incredibly powerful when executed with a keen attention to detail, design elements were pared down to essential components to allow their inherent beauty to shine through. As exemplified here, her interpretation of minimalism is kept fresh and exciting through innovative loose furniture and decor choices; efficient space planning by optimising the layout; and the integration of outdoor greenery into the interior spaces.

Speaking of which, the original facade and outdoor area were preserved while the interior required modernisation to meet the needs and preferences of the homeowners. A total overhaul wasn’t exactly necessary though as Yong Studio restored and reused as much of the materials and structural elements as possible, like the existing solid wood flooring, which not only reduced waste but also preserved the unique character of the original materials.