Manzil: A Luxurious Arabian Home in Malaysia

A Fusion of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Modern Styles

When an Arabic couple decided to make Malaysia their permanent home, they longed for a space that would remind them of their home country. The Manzil project was born out of this desire, creating a familiar and comforting environment that captures the essence of Arabian culture.

One of the key challenges in this project was finding the right balance between the different living cultures. While Malaysia is an Islamic country, every country's culture and beliefs can differ. The designers successfully integrated the warm hospitality and love for hosting guests that is characteristic of Arabian culture into the space. The result is a home that exudes luxury and elegance, with a touch of Arabian charm.

The use of Islamic patterns is a prominent feature in the design, adding a unique touch to the space. The designers employed laser cutting methods to create intricate geometric patterns on the walls, ceramic tiles, vessel sinks, and glassware. These patterns, with their symmetrical and repetitive forms, pay homage to the rich tradition of Islamic art and design.

Another notable element in the design is the use of arches or mashrabiya, which are latticework screens commonly found in Arabic architecture. These screens provide privacy while adding a sense of aesthetics to the space. Craftsmanship played a crucial role in the realization of these intricate details, with a master craftsman being hired to create the bed head and ensure its flawless execution.

The Manzil project spans a total area of approximately 800 square meters, with an additional 80 square meters of landscape surrounding the house. The careful selection of colors, patterns, and materials helps strike a balance between simplicity and luxuriousness, creating a space that is both visually stunning and comfortable for the homeowners and their guests.

Completed in March 2017, the Manzil project is a testament to the successful marriage of different cultures and design styles. By fusing Moroccan and Mediterranean influences with modern elements, Siu Cheng Gouk and Yee Ping Ling have created a truly unique and captivating home that reflects the owners' heritage while embracing their new life in Malaysia.

The Manzil project has been recognized for its outstanding design and has been awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2018. This prestigious award is given to designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements while contributing to a better world.