Skylight House was overhauled by Eleena Jamil Architect, modernising a disrepaired end-of-terrace building, which had been rented out for years. Completed in 2024, the structure’s design prioritises daylight and airflow improvement, while incorporating sustainable materials.
Located in Taman SEA, one of the oldest housing suburbs in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, this two-storey home utilises natural materials to transform the exterior and rejuvenates interior spaces with warm, open, and bright living areas.

Completed in 2024, Skylight House is a 1970s family home located in Taman SEA, Petaling Jaya. After being rented out for an extended period, the client’s family decided to move back in and enlisted local studio Eleena Jamil Architect to remodel it.
“Years of renting have left the house in a state of disrepair, and a significant upgrade was required,” said the studio.
“Rudimentary additions and modifications over the years left the existing house cramped and gloomy,” it continued. “The challenge was to modernise spaces by working within the tolerance of the existing structure.”
Externally, the remodelling exercise references traditional Malay construction through its use of local materials while also providing renewed external spaces.

A side garden and rear extension, created from terracotta-coloured compressed earth bricks, area now houses a shaded terrace, en-suite guest bedroom and utility rooms.
The terrace is directly ac...