Architecture designed to harmonise with the natural surroundings has shaped the Eden Taman Duta project by BRDB Developments. Located just beyond the urban centre of Kuala Lumpur, the hilltop vantage point on a rare freehold site of more than 12-acres, offers both connection to nature and the city. It's one of Kuala Lumpur’s historic addresses within the Parliament precinct, an area where diplomatic missions and embassies thrived. Now a hidden gem, the architecture has been 20 years in the making. Since 1964, BRDB has ‘never simply built properties,’ remarks Yasmin Khan, Deputy CEO, BRDB Developments. 'We want to ensure that every villa embodies the personalities of those who will live there. From the quiet ritual of a morning coffee, to getting ready for work or where families gather. Every aspect is curated with intention.'
BRDB’s approach to residential environments is shaped by the rituals of life. Their latest project embodies all they have learned over the past six decades. Instead of placing the building on the site it’s designed to emerge from it, framed by the lush greenery of Taman Duta, where nature becomes part of the home and the design is guided by emotional comfort and timelessness. ‘We knew we needed partners who not only brought world-class design but understood that the interiors needed to reflect the same level of thoughtfulness and longevity as the master plan itself,’ Yasmin Khan continues. ‘Space embodies that. Their approach is deeply human which aligns with the vision of Eden Taman Duta. We believe that every home tells a story and Space complements that perfectly. Space Atelier is far more than a design service; this is a partnership full of intention and personalisation, they view your home as a part of you.’
Eden Taman Duta in Kuala Lumpur is the latest design collaboration for Space Atelier
'Space Atelier is far more than a design service; this is a partnership full of intention and personalisation... We sought a collaboration of refined aesthetics, international calibre craftsmanship and emotional intelligence in design, and Space’s approach brings that. ’
Yasmin Khan, Deputy CEO, BRDB Developments
More Space caught up with Yasmin Khan, Deputy CEO, BRDB Developments, and David Hartikainen, Head of Space Atelier, Space, Asia Pacific, to talk about collaboration and timelessness, and a relationship built on refined aesthetics, craftsmanship and the emotional intelligence of great design.
More Space: Thank you both for joining us. Yasmin, first of all could you tell us about how BRDB’s relationship developed with Space, and what the brand brings to the Eden Taman Duta project?
Yasmin Khan: Our relationship is grounded in both aligned values and the belief that design is able to influence the way people live, feel, and connect with their environment. Eden Taman Duta has been over 20 years in the making, so we knew we needed partners who not only brought world-class design, but also understood the interiors needed to reflect the same level of thoughtfulness and longevity as the master plan. Space embodies that thinking. Their approach is thoughtful, intentional and deeply human. So, we see Space Atelier as far more than a design service, it is a partnership full of intention and personalisation and they view your home as a part of you. This aligns perfectly with the vision of Eden Taman Duta. We want to ensure that every villa embodies the personalities of those who will live there. From the quiet ritual of a morning coffee, to getting ready for work or where families gather. Every aspect is curated with intention. We sought a collaboration of refined aesthetics, international calibre craftsmanship and emotional intelligence in design, and Space’s approach brings that.
'We didn’t want to build a structure that merely sat on the land, we wanted one that emerged from it. The architecture is a resort living concept, designed to frame the lush greenery of Taman Duta so that nature is part of the home, a sanctuary where spaces sit within the tree canopy.'
Yasmin Khan, Deputy CEO, BRDB Developments
What has been your approach to the design of Eden?
YK: We didn’t want to build a structure that merely sat on the land, we wanted one that emerged from it. The architecture is a resort living concept, designed to frame the lush greenery of Taman Duta so that nature is part of the home, a sanctuary where spaces sit within the tree canopy. The integration of nature and light was crucial, because it increases that feeling of being grounded and at peace. Our architects, designers and development team maximised this in the masterplan to achieve a wonderful interplay of nature and light, and then looked carefully at what it takes to live with multiple generations in the same home. We have facilities like the wellness pavilion, the garden pavilion, the active pavilion, along with the Eden club, all designed with multigenerational living in mind.
David, with Space Atelier as interior designer on the project, how has multigenerational living shaped the furniture selection?
David Hartikainen: Multi-generational living has been a consideration, particularly in the way spaces can adapt, accommodate different needs, and maintain comfort without compromising the overall design integrity. The furniture selection has been guided by flexibility, longevity and ease of living. Pieces are chosen to support a range of lifestyles, ensuring they remain relevant over time.
Is the Eden project different from Space Atelier’s other collaborations?
DH: It is a natural extension of our capabilities and demonstrates the depth and flexibility of our offering. Rather than applying a fixed design methodology, we have shaped our approach around the specific needs of BRDB and the project itself. It reflects a more agile, responsive service that evolves alongside market expectations. For us, the brief centred on introducing a more international perspective into a mature market, creating a clear point of difference while remaining grounded in the local context. Key considerations included the integration of landscape, the framing of city views, and the exploration of materiality both in application and detail. The objective was to deliver an interior language that feels current yet enduring, with a level of refinement that supports long-term value.
'The furniture selection has been guided by flexibility, longevity and ease of living. Pieces are chosen to support a range of lifestyles, ensuring they remain relevant over time.'
David Hartikainen, Head of Space Atelier, Space, Asia Pacific
‘The Eden Taman Duta project has allowed us to broaden how we engage with our markets and explore new ways of supporting both client outcomes and project positioning. Importantly, it also opens the door to deeper collaboration with architectural and interior design studios, something we see as a valuable direction for future growth.’
David Hartikainen, Head of Space Atelier, Space, Asia Pacific
Yasmin, what has been the overall approach to the interiors?
YK: Our approach is guided by timeless design and longevity, consistent with BRDB’s approach to interiors designed for multi-generational living. These are not fast-fashion interiors. They are built for life, beautiful today, elegant tomorrow, and still loved for years and beyond. Space has curated furniture pieces that feel human, crafted and deeply intentional. Every piece supports Eden Taman Duta’s philosophy of curated refinement, multi-generational adaptability and enduring value.
Timelessness for us means generational, integrity and craftsmanship. We work with global masters in materials from exquisite Italian finishes to precision German home technologies ensuring every choice is enduring, not trend driven. We also prioritise sustainability, so that Eden isn’t only beautiful today but also responsible for tomorrow. The goal us to remain relevant and cherished across decades.
David, what are some of your favourite details and experiences?
DH: The design focuses on restraint and clarity. One of the key gestures is the use of stone panelling, where subtle detailing in the joinery and the repetition of patterns creates continuity throughout the spaces. These elements are understated, but collectively establish a strong and identifiable interior language for Eden.
As a final question Yasmin, what are the most important aspects of Eden that really sum up the experience BRDB brings to the project?
YK: One of the elements I’m personally very proud of is Eden’s approach to wellness. We never want fitness to feel like an after thought, or simply a room with exercise equipment, it needs to be a sanctuary where you enjoy your time there. For us, those spaces are designed to restore balance, clarity and focus. Something that is exclusive to our penthouse customers is the partnership with Space Atelier which adds a very personal dimension. It allows homes to be curated around the lives and personalities of those who will live there, reinforcing Eden’s vision of thoughtful design to be lived in, loved and passed on as a family heirloom to the next generation.
Congratulations on the project and thank you both for joining us.