Formzero

Founded in Kuala Lumpur in 2012, formzero is an architectural research studio established upon the ideology of incorporating multi-disciplinary sustainable design and re-engaging the architecture with tropical landscape in the urban context. Led by Lee Cherng Yih and Caleb Ong, the practice’s design approach challenges typologies, technologies and methodologies to address issues as diverse as technical details or programmatic intervention. From within the practice, talented designers work together to develop fully integrated design solutions that lead to unique design concept. Every project is ensured to be tailor-made to site and driven by user experience.

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Q&A with Lee Cherng Yih, Formzero: the roof is more than just shelter; it’s a powerful tool to shape how we live

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…

A Formzero domicile of edible planting leaves its indelible mark in a Kuala Lumpur terraced suburb

Within its placid setting of ‘80s terrace housing, Planter Box House stands as a piece of revisionist architecture that since 2018 has gained widespread attention. Blanketed in vegetation, it is rooted in agriculture – in motive and as leitmotif – which informs its everyday use. ADDRESS revisits the house in full bloom, now in its seventh year, to explore life and living among all things reclaimed and homegrown. A Passion for Planting Jade Chow and Seamus Hyland’s house search began in 2014 after their return to Malaysia. By late 2015, having scoured the local housing market, the couple eventually decided on a rebuild of Jade’s family home in Bangsar. Seamus, a geologist and former furniture designer, speaks about his inspirations for their house. “I’m really interested in Brutalism and the architects of the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, throughout Southeast Asia,” he says. “I photographed quite a few lovely details in these modern houses that weren’t just there for décor. Each had a purpose, like keeping rain off windows. An internal courtyard, like the old shophouses in Penang, was something we…

Formzero

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