Raffiné(e) Appartement @ TRX Residences by ORYZA DESIGN STUDIO
Set within the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s financial district, Raffiné(e) Appartement at TRX Residences by ORYZA DESIGN STUDIO reimagines an 800-square-foot high-rise apartment as a quiet retreat above the energy of the city.
The project unfolds as a study in French-inspired elegance balanced with contemporary minimalism, where subtle curves, nuanced materiality and a softened palette merge to create a refined yet intimate home.
The client, whose life is anchored in the city, envisioned the residence as a holiday home – a place to pause, unwind and enjoy the sweeping urban skyline. Compact in footprint yet ambitious in its aspirations, the design called for both practicality and a sense of understated luxury. The challenge lay in shaping a multi-functional interior that could accommodate leisure, gatherings, and storage, while maintaining a seamless visual harmony.
From the outset, the design language leaned into softness and refinement. Neutral tones of beige, brown and bronze form the foundation, chosen for their ability to bring warmth and continuity across the apartment. Walls, ceilings and carpentry were finished with a combination of veneer and textured paint, introducing depth without overwhelming the compact proportions. This approach was further enriched by accents of antique mirrors and custom metal coatings, materials that subtly amplify light and imbue the rooms with a subtle touch of luxury.
Texture played a defining role in shaping the apartment’s character. A curved ceiling lined with a minimal French-style cornice creates a sense of arrival at the entrance, while a hand-carved wave detail within the custom cabinetry introduces a layer of crafted intimacy. These interventions, though restrained in scale, carry a strong visual presence, demonstrating how details can elevate the everyday experience of living in a small home.
Functionality was addressed with equal care. As the client’s active lifestyle includes gym sessions, pickleball with friends, and occasional gatherings, bespoke storage solutions were introduced near the entrance to house sporting equipment discreetly. The dining area was anchored by a unique custom-made table – an enneadecagon form with nineteen sides, finished in marble and metal coating – offering both sculptural intrigue and practical versatility for hosting. In the bedroom, the focal point is a bespoke bedhead, crafted from birch and upholstered in golden yellow velvet. Its warmth and contrast reinforce the project’s central narrative of elegance softened by intimacy.
Beyond the materials and custom pieces, the project rests on a philosophy central to ORYZA Design Studio. Founded on the symbolic resonance of “oryza” – the Latin term for rice – the practice draws inspiration from the values associated with this essential grain: perseverance, progress, and the balance of patience with precision. For the studio, design is likened to cultivation – requiring toughness in navigating subjective aesthetics, timing in managing progress, and experience in anticipating challenges. This ethos is evident in Raffiné(e) Appartement, where every detail, from bespoke carpentry to nuanced finishes, was carefully considered to create a home that feels complete, balanced and enduring.
Though compact in size, the apartment embodies a larger ambition – to craft a living environment where Parisian charm and contemporary sensibility coexist. With its interplay of subtle curves, warm textures and thoughtful customisation, Raffiné(e) Appartement offers a vision of urban living that is at once personal, luxurious and quietly elegant.
