The New Malaysian House is a collection of 25 contemporary houses that demonstrate a remarkable flowering of Malaysian design talent that has been germinating since the mid- 1980s. The houses range from luxury detached bungalows set in extensive tropical gardens to weekend retreats in the forest, from the gated communities springing up throughout Malaysia to extended family homes. All are distinguished by a singular quality of innovative design as the architects sought to explore new approaches for designing with the climate and in the cultural context of Malaysia.

Tropical Style showcases thirty-five contemporary Malaysian homes and resorts that feature the use of indigenous cultural forms and cross-cultural influences in new and exciting ways. The elegant and often breathtaking houses, apartments and resorts presented here evoke the essence of the modern tropical architecture, Malaysian style--a combination of indigenous cultural forms, organic building materials, exquisite local craftsmanship and adaptations to the sun-drenched tropical climate. Echoing trends in green architecture, Malaysian homes historically evolved to integrate environmental factors into traditional building techniques and designs that are harmonious with outdoor living. All the spaces included here have been selected for their stunning design, originality of concept and innovative fusion of age-old architectural patterns with a modern aesthetic sense. Minimalist homes in Kuala Lumpur, contemporary courtyard homes, wooden houses in lush garden settings, idyllic beach resorts and luxury homes modeled on traditional Chinese and Malay houses full of Asian decor are illuminated in this book celebrating the fascinating multicultural eclecticism of modern-day Malaysia. With over 350 stunning color photographs, Tropical Style: Contemporary Dream Houses in Malaysia will delight and inspire those who wish to apply these ideas to their own tropical homes, in any global setting.

25 Tropical Houses in Singapore and Malaysia features top architects and designers with ideas that are stylish, contemporary, and show twenty-first century savvy. The difference between a house and a home cannot easily be explained, but anyone walking into a building that is a home, rather than a house, can almost immediately feel the difference. While called 25 Tropical Houses in Singapore and Malaysia, this book is at its heart about buildings that share a common spirit: structures that are home to a diverse cross-section of families around Singapore and Malaysia. Positioned as a global city at the hub of South East Asia, Singapore has a thoroughly modern sensibility balanced by an inherited culture and sense of place. This new global consciousness is reflected in its architecture, which demonstrates a seamless marriage of vernacular and modernist forms. The luxury homes in this book illustrate how architects work with, rather than against, the singular landscape to generate beautiful tropical homes embellished with modern Asian decor. A new wave of highly distinctive architecture has seen Singapore recognized, for the first time, as one of the world's most dynamic architectural centers. Malaysian architecture retains a greater interest in vernacular forms, but the nation's strong economic growth has seen a push to recast the urban landscape. Architects are now working to accommodate the 'brave new world' of an affluent technocratic society within the Asian architecture vernacular currently found throughout most of the country. The most interesting new homes in Malaysia reflect a balance between traditional values and an optimistic global outlook. 25 Tropical Houses in Singapore and Malaysia is an amazing source of home inspiration and insights, whether one seeks to know more about Singapore architecture, Malaysian traditions or tropical architecture in general. Architects featured in this book include: SCDA WOHA Bedmar and Shi CSYA Kevin Low K2LD Seksan WOW Architects John Heah

The A to Z of Malaysia encapsulates the development of Malaysia from prehistory to the early years of the 21st century. It covers not only Malaysia's history but also its politics, economy, multiethnic society, multiculturalism, scientific and technological developments, and the state of its environment. A host of contemporary issues and challenges are featured, including ethnic polarization, economic equity, and polygamy; concepts like Ketuanan Melayu (Malay Dominance), "Malaysian Malaysia," "Malay," and Islam Hadhari (Civilizational Islam); and terms like "Ali Baba" business, kiasi, bejalai, and "Twenty Points." Over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries are contained in this reference, covering everything from ethno-historical entries to those on culinary favorites and personalities. A chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and a bibliography complement the dictionary entries, enhancing the authoritative and up-to-date information provided.

"Fully illustrated by full-colour photographs and three-demensional drawings, this book documents the architecture of the traditional Malay house, giving details of the various housetypes, the construction system, the climatic design and the adaptations to the social and cultural needs of the Malays".--BOOKJACKET.