ODE | Sustainable Architecture | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Beyond Surface

About Us

The Office for Design Evolution (ODE) is a multi-disciplinary architecture firm that was founded by Dr. Kody Kato in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The company name refers to a design approach called Creative Engineering, which combines architecture, material science, evolutionary biology, engineering, and the environment to enhance the way we live, work and experience space.

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The front view of ODE's reciprocal frame structure is made almost entirely from 100% recycled materials. In collaboration with Ramboll, this green building stands as a testament to sustainable architecture in Malaysia. ODE, a sustainable architecture firm based in Malaysia, envisioned this project as a light weight zero-carbon structure using eco-friendly recycled materials. This project symbolizes more than just a structure, but also a significant step towards a sustainable and imaginative future. It embodies ODE's commitment to environmental stewardship, community values, and engineering excellence, showcasing the boundless potential of ODE's philosophy, called Creative Engineering.

Projects

ODE's Floating House is a green building nestled in the jungle of Malaysia. This bungalow is a zero energy green building that prioritizes environmental conservation by preserving the existing flora throughout the entire site. In collaboration with local farmers, hundreds of different plant species were either donated or carefully relocated to nearby areas, preventing need for land clearing. Post-construction, these plants were transplanted back onto the site. According to the United Nations, forests cover nearly 31 percent of the earth's surface and support over 80 percent of biodiversity. From 2015 to 2019, human activity led to the degradation of 100 million hectares of land worldwide. ODE's commitment to preserving local biodiversity through projects like their bungalow house design addresses this critical issue. By preserving the existing vegetation and promoting healthy ecosystems, ODE strives to counteract the loss of biodiversity caused by human impact worldwide.

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Interior view of Beyond Surface, an award-winning green building by the Office for Design Evolution (ODE). Beyond Surface exemplifies a zero carbon building, crafted entirely from locally sourced recycled materials. Following ODE's Creative Engineering design philosophy, the recycled materials underwent a rigorous analysis including electron microscopy, stress tests, folding endurance tests, and fiber tests, resulting in the creation of a zero gravity structure.

News

07 July ODE was interviewed by a Malaysia TV news anchor about their Creative Engineering philosophy

07 June ODE's design philosophy, 'Creative Engineering' for Architecture and their story was featured in AM Magazine, Volume 36 issue 2

20 May ODE's founder Dr. Kody Kato and their design philosophy, 'Creative Engineering' for Architecture was selected to be in the British Encyclopedia

01 Mar ODE was invited to teach "Coding Nature" at Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur

18 Jan Firstclasse Magazine sat down with Dr. Kody Kato in an interview on Creative Engineering

17 Jan ODE credited with pioneering the 'Creative Engineering' design philosophy and approach

15 Dec ODE presented "Creative Engineering" at the 2023 Atap conference, held in Kuala Lumpur

18 Nov ODE presented "Creative Engineering" at the 2023 Rix conference, in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center

01 Sept ODE's recycled bamboo omakase selected as top 20 award-winning projects (2022-2023) on ArchDaily

08 Aug ODE was selected as a jury member for the 2023 Atap Design Awards. More info can be found here: Jury Panel | ADA 2023

Testimonials

“The way they took flooring, sun and the movement of residents into consideration while arranging the columns is diverse, exquisite, and precise. And their execution through the light and movement is so beautiful that it closely resembles poetry..”

Byoungsoo Cho, AIA, Founder of BCho Architects

“ODE's Japanese Omakase is beautiful and interesting. ODE is comprised of a collective of talented designers.”

Dr. Ken Yeang, Founder of T. R Hamzah & Yeang

“..we embarked on a long, interesting, work intensive journey to make his idea become reality. It was a journey full of joy, reflection, problem solving and excellent team work and the end result was stunning and justifiably won several prizes.”

Jutta Birkenhauer, G. F Smith, London

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