Formzero describes itself as an architectural research unit that’s deeply rooted in multidisciplinary sustainable design and re-engaging architecture with the tropical landscape in an urban context. Could you share more about how this research function operates practically within your practice? How does it shape your projects on a day-to-day basis?

In our practice, research begins with understanding the lifestyle and behaviour of the end user, as well as the specific conditions of the site. This forms the foundation for exploring new spatial typologies that integrate landscape as an essential part of the architecture – not just visually, but experientially. We are also deeply interested in rethinking the norms of everyday life. That behaviour often leads us to question conventional building logic or domestic rituals and find alternative design responses. This continuous process of inquiry and experimentation is embedded in our workflow, allowing us to test ideas – structurally, environmentally, and socially – throughout each stage of design.

Planter Box House is one of your best-known projects. What was the most unexpected challenge you faced when integrating edible plants and a fully self-sustaining irrigation system in a home?

From the outset, our intention was for the house to function as a rainwater retention system. One of the most rewarding aspects was the owner’s active involvement in the design process, which allowed us to integrate the planter system and water tanks into a single, cohesive strategy. Another challenge came from balancing structural simplicity with spatial flexibility. The planter boxes were heavy and required structural solutions that wouldn’t compromise the open plan. We eventually turned to the BubbleDeck slab system, which allowed for larger spans and heavier loads, giving us the freedom to shape the internal space more fluidly while supporting the integrated planter.

Beyond green walls and planters, what are the most underutilised strategies in making tropical homes genuinely sustainable?

The roof. In tropical architecture, the roof is more than just shelter; it’s a powerful tool to shape how we live. In Malaysia, roofs are often treated purely functionally, but they have the potential to define ventilation patterns, create shaded social spaces, harvest rainwater, and improve thermal comfort. When thoughtfully designed, the roof becomes an active architectural element that responds to both climate and lifestyle, rather than being just an overhead surface.

Which three designers, past or present, have most influenced your work?

Geoffrey Bawa – Visiting his residence was a turning point for me. I was fascinated by how seamlessly architecture and landscape were woven together through courtyards and gardens. His work made me realise how nature can become an architectural material in itself.
Rem Koolhaas (OMA) – Koolhaas’s ability to question boundaries and programmatic definitions resonates deeply with our practice. His projects provoke thought about how we live, especially in dense urban contexts, by blurring spatial and social lines in unexpected ways.
Boonserm Premthada (Bangkok Project Studio) – His sensitivity in using local materials and traditional techniques to reimagine vernacular forms is very inspiring. His architecture feels grounded and poetic, often blending seamlessly into the landscape and local culture.

Which are three of your favourite buildings in SE Asia?

Apple Central World, Bangkok – Foster + Partners
A beautifully executed example of how advanced technology can coexist with refined simplicity. The structural clarity and the transparency of the space create a strong urban presence while remaining highly functional.

PJ Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur – Kevin Mark Low
An exemplary project for tropical urbanism. Its extensive brickwork, passive ventilation strategies, and spatial generosity make it a rare example of large-scale commercial architecture that responds thoughtfully to climate and context.

Borderless House, Kuala Lumpur – Formzero
This project is deeply personal. Inspired by the form of the Barcelona Pavilion and the fluidity of traditional Chinese gardens, the house redefines circulation and enclosure. It’s a hybrid of house and garden—where boundaries blur and daily life flows through layers of nature and space. It is a house of garden, or a garden of house.