8 Elements for a 'Crazy Rich Asians'-worthy Home
There's more than just the movie's Tyersall Park where Singapore's rich and cloistered live it up
Chiquit Brammall
3 August 2019
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
By now you’ll have seen Kevin Kwan’s book-turned-film and possibly ticked off the iconic sights at our doorstep: Marina Bay Sands, Sentosa, CHIJMES and more. You may have even wondered which ivy-covered gate on Tyersall Road bordering the Singapore Botanic Gardens the Young estate was based on. And whether or not you agree that there are Singaporeans who are crazy-rich like the characters played by Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding and Gemma Chan, you’re curious if possibly some do live like that.
They do. When Crazy Rich Asians, the first of Kevin Kwan’s trilogy, came out, I was an editor at SPH Magazines, and incidentally worked with The Peak magazine’s Domain special issues. I have been in some of those crazy-rich homes, and interviewed some of the most down-to-earth yet incredibly cultured and travelled homeowners. Here are the elements those homes have in common – not only with each other, but with the movie’s Tyersall Park:
They do. When Crazy Rich Asians, the first of Kevin Kwan’s trilogy, came out, I was an editor at SPH Magazines, and incidentally worked with The Peak magazine’s Domain special issues. I have been in some of those crazy-rich homes, and interviewed some of the most down-to-earth yet incredibly cultured and travelled homeowners. Here are the elements those homes have in common – not only with each other, but with the movie’s Tyersall Park:
1. Location
As tiny as our little red dot is – Singapore’s only about 720 square kilometres – we still have some pockets of lush green residential estates where good class bungalows or conservation homes like Tyersall Park stand. This contemporary home (above) by Aamer Architects hugs its hilly topography somewhere in the vicinity of Dempsey Hill.
As tiny as our little red dot is – Singapore’s only about 720 square kilometres – we still have some pockets of lush green residential estates where good class bungalows or conservation homes like Tyersall Park stand. This contemporary home (above) by Aamer Architects hugs its hilly topography somewhere in the vicinity of Dempsey Hill.
Sentosa Cove home by Greg Shand Architects
Other similarly posh addresses include Bukit Timah within the Namly Avenue and Holland Village boundaries, Tanglin Village and Sentosa Cove.
Houzz Tour: This House Celebrates its Coastal Location With More Water
Other similarly posh addresses include Bukit Timah within the Namly Avenue and Holland Village boundaries, Tanglin Village and Sentosa Cove.
Houzz Tour: This House Celebrates its Coastal Location With More Water
2. Water features
Swimming pools and koi ponds are not only considered luxurious; water features are also good for feng shui (if you’re into that) or creating a resort ambience.
Swimming pools and koi ponds are not only considered luxurious; water features are also good for feng shui (if you’re into that) or creating a resort ambience.
3. A grand staircase
Whether it’s indoor or outdoors, a sweeping staircase creates the opportunity for grand entrances at lavish parties.
Whether it’s indoor or outdoors, a sweeping staircase creates the opportunity for grand entrances at lavish parties.
4. Plenty of space for entertaining
Speaking of parties, a generously sized table for ten may be more than your family needs, but it won’t be enough for celebrations such as those seen in Crazy Rich Asians. A house like this by Timur Designs has a dining room that opens up to a courtyard where more tables and chairs can easily be set up for a really big party.
Speaking of parties, a generously sized table for ten may be more than your family needs, but it won’t be enough for celebrations such as those seen in Crazy Rich Asians. A house like this by Timur Designs has a dining room that opens up to a courtyard where more tables and chairs can easily be set up for a really big party.
5. A garage for your vintage car collection
You need space for those rich boy’s toys!
You need space for those rich boy’s toys!
6. Wings
A house that sprawls wide so that you can choose not to see other family members for days … at least that’s what glass-half-empty people think of houses with different wings. But wings also serve a positive, uniquely Asian purpose: multiple generations with different style preferences can dwell harmoniously in one place while enjoying their personal spaces.
Houzz Tour: A New Multi-Family Home Preserves Old Memories
A house that sprawls wide so that you can choose not to see other family members for days … at least that’s what glass-half-empty people think of houses with different wings. But wings also serve a positive, uniquely Asian purpose: multiple generations with different style preferences can dwell harmoniously in one place while enjoying their personal spaces.
Houzz Tour: A New Multi-Family Home Preserves Old Memories
7. Asian art
Nothing says ‘cultured’ like a treasure trove of Asian art. Architect TK Quek is renowned in the region for his extensive art collection; he collaborated with son Jonathan and business partner Rene Tan – both of RT+Q Architects – to design a home that showcases the art for everyone’s enjoyment.
Inside a Father and Son’s Multi-Generational Masterpiece
Nothing says ‘cultured’ like a treasure trove of Asian art. Architect TK Quek is renowned in the region for his extensive art collection; he collaborated with son Jonathan and business partner Rene Tan – both of RT+Q Architects – to design a home that showcases the art for everyone’s enjoyment.
Inside a Father and Son’s Multi-Generational Masterpiece
8. Your grandmother’s antiques
Family heirlooms from various dynasties, tastefully mixed with contemporary selections, are proof of old money (like the Youngs), rather than the noveau riche’s all-new, all-designer-labelled furniture.
Houzz Tour: East Meets West in this Award-Winning Renovation
TELL US
Which Singapore location did you most enjoy from Crazy Rich Asians? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Family heirlooms from various dynasties, tastefully mixed with contemporary selections, are proof of old money (like the Youngs), rather than the noveau riche’s all-new, all-designer-labelled furniture.
Houzz Tour: East Meets West in this Award-Winning Renovation
TELL US
Which Singapore location did you most enjoy from Crazy Rich Asians? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
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Loved the article. Cant wait to see the film.
wonderful!!