- Project: The Helical Pearl House
- Architect: A3 Projects
- Location: Malaysia, Ipoh
- Year: 2022
- Area: 802 m2
- Photography: David Yeow
A Sculptural Family Home in the Heart of Meru Valley
Set within the scenic Meru Valley golf resort in Ipoh, The Helical Pearl House by A3 Projects is a striking contemporary bungalow that rises from a sloped terrain framed by lush tropical forest. The residence redefines the concept of family living through a thoughtful interplay of geometry, light, and landscape—where bold architectural forms meet serene natural surroundings.
Designed for a multi-generational family, the house integrates accessibility, sustainability, and expressive form, creating a timeless retreat that is both visually dynamic and environmentally responsible.
A Composition of Volumes and Levels
The architecture of The Helical Pearl House is defined by juxtaposed cuboid volumes, each strategically staggered to follow the site’s natural slope. A split-level configuration ensures that every space maintains a strong visual and spatial relationship with the surrounding valley, while deep recesses at the ground level anchor the home to its topography.
From the street, the house appears elevated and sculptural, yet within, the spaces unfold fluidly across multiple levels. The design balances openness and intimacy, with ramps and a lift ensuring seamless circulation for all generations.
The Atrium: Light, Air, and Movement
At the heart of the residence lies a dramatic atrium—a luminous void that connects all levels while serving as the family’s social and spiritual core. This central volume is animated by a sculptural helical staircase, a spiraling architectural centerpiece that ascends toward a circular skylight suspended above a reflective pond.
This striking composition creates an ever-changing play of light, shadow, and reflection, where natural illumination transforms the atmosphere throughout the day. Large recessed windows, skylights, and ventilation slits ensure a constant flow of fresh air, while perforated aluminum screens maintain privacy from the exterior.
Private Courtyards and Personalized Spaces
Each private suite within the house is designed to provide a distinct sensory experience. On the upper level, individual courtyards bring nature into the bedrooms, ensuring cross-ventilation and abundant daylight.
The main suite, designed for the owner’s parents, features a garden terrace with vertical greenery and ribbed glass partitions that softly diffuse light into the bathroom. Across the atrium, a bridge leads to the family wing, where the owners’ and their daughter’s bedrooms are complemented by a music hobby room finished in warm timber to enhance acoustics and comfort.
The residence culminates in a rooftop garden, an intimate green retreat that captures panoramic views of the surrounding valley—perfect for quiet reflection or family gatherings.
Material Simplicity and Sustainable Strategies
Material selection reinforces the home’s tactile elegance and environmental awareness. In-situ terrazzo flooring enhances spatial continuity, reflecting natural light while providing a seamless surface throughout the interiors.
Sustainability is embedded in the project’s DNA. The home incorporates a rainwater harvesting system and photovoltaic panels, reducing its reliance on external utilities and aligning with the architects’ vision of responsible, low-impact design.
A House that Breathes with the Landscape
The Helical Pearl House is more than a family residence—it is a living sculpture that harmonizes architecture and environment. Through the interplay of geometry, light, and natural ventilation, A3 Projects has created a space that fosters togetherness, mindfulness, and a profound connection to nature.
The result is an elegant synthesis of form and function, where every curve, courtyard, and beam of sunlight tells a story of balance and beauty.
