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Houzz Tour: A Family Home Takes on a Raw and Rustic Revamp
An old two-storey apartment is given an edgy feel through an industrial design theme
Verlaine Marquez
16 February 2017
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five years, and now a full-time freelance writer for various online and print publications for the past decade and counting. Part-time crafter, wannabe gardener, and breast cancer thriver.
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five... More
Executive maisonettes are sought-after by couples and small families because of the larger space and the penthouse-like feel they offer. However, one major drawback of HDB maisonettes is their age, which most often equates to extensive renovations for the new owners.
This particular maisonette was built almost three decades ago, and was pretty much run-down and dim. “Although it does not have major historical value, it does contribute to the urban landscape in the local context. This aspect constitutes our industrial approach. We hope that the intended exposed concrete and metal profile blend into the setting,” says Roystern Goh, design director of 0932 Design Consultants.
The owners gave the team full control of the design direction and had few must-haves. One of the owners is a professional photographer and needed the home to offer studio space as well as cosy places for entertaining guests.
This particular maisonette was built almost three decades ago, and was pretty much run-down and dim. “Although it does not have major historical value, it does contribute to the urban landscape in the local context. This aspect constitutes our industrial approach. We hope that the intended exposed concrete and metal profile blend into the setting,” says Roystern Goh, design director of 0932 Design Consultants.
The owners gave the team full control of the design direction and had few must-haves. One of the owners is a professional photographer and needed the home to offer studio space as well as cosy places for entertaining guests.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Young family of three
Location: Ubi
Size: 1,570 square feet (146 square metres)
Project duration: 10 weeks
The team’s main objective was to brighten up the home. “We strongly felt that having an abundant supply of natural daylight was the key design strategy to add vibrancy and warmth into the cool and white setting,” says Goh.
Who lives here: Young family of three
Location: Ubi
Size: 1,570 square feet (146 square metres)
Project duration: 10 weeks
The team’s main objective was to brighten up the home. “We strongly felt that having an abundant supply of natural daylight was the key design strategy to add vibrancy and warmth into the cool and white setting,” says Goh.
To create the light and airy feel, the sliding doors at the balcony were replaced by pivot doors. This way, the natural cross and stack ventilation effect is maximised, and a sleek profile is maintained. “The space was kept as simple as possible to allow the interior architecture features and beautiful furniture to stand out,” says Goh.
Mezzo sofa: BoConcept
Mezzo sofa: BoConcept
Warm lighting adds to the natural illumination from the balcony and extends to the dining area. Sleek metals and warm woods against an immaculate white backdrop highlight the open-plan layout and the clean-lined yet versatile industrial style.
It is a clean and streamlined affair in the kitchen. The doors were replaced with the same metal-framed glass used in the balcony. To help bounce light and maintain an uncluttered look, the prep and cooking space was fitted with glossy white solid surface countertops and a stainless steel backsplash. Laminate cabinetry with a pronounced woodgrain finish and cement-finished walls create a raw, textured aesthetic.
The original structure of the staircase was retained. “We added the metal balustrade and solid timber handrail to address safety and structural stability concerns. The solid timber stair treads are new additions as well,” says Goh.
Diffused light from the rooms upstairs renders a play of light and shadow in the stairwell. To further enliven the once-dim area, the colourful Pinocchio rug – made from hand-rolled felt balls strung together – is placed under the stairs.
While the rooms on the second storey were kept in their original positions, the closed-off design didn’t suit the team’s intention to bring in more light into the spaces. And so they decided to take down the wall separating the master bedroom and the study from the stairwell. The wall was replaced with a half-height parapet wall with fixed glass windows. “This allows natural light into the stairwell, as well as maximum cross ventilation when the windows are opened,” says Goh.
Solid timber flooring adds warmth to the minimally-furnished master bedroom.
Solid timber flooring adds warmth to the minimally-furnished master bedroom.
The owners requested for a bathtub in the master bathroom, but the compact floor area and the existing position of sanitary works which could not be moved, proved to be a challenge. To fulfil the owners’ requirement, the team reduced the oversized corridor to give additional footprint to the bathroom.
The extended space behind the water closet was then converted into storage shelves. Cement screed wall finish, grey tiles, and painted, exposed pipes add to the overall industrial style.
For this successful endeavour, this home won the Silver for Residential Design – Best Apartment Above 1,000 square feet and Below 2,000 square feet category in Singapore in the Interior Design Excellence Awards (I-DEA) 2016, the annual event organised by the Interior Design Confederation Singapore (IDCS).
TELL US
What do you think is this home’s best feature? Share in the Comments below.
The extended space behind the water closet was then converted into storage shelves. Cement screed wall finish, grey tiles, and painted, exposed pipes add to the overall industrial style.
For this successful endeavour, this home won the Silver for Residential Design – Best Apartment Above 1,000 square feet and Below 2,000 square feet category in Singapore in the Interior Design Excellence Awards (I-DEA) 2016, the annual event organised by the Interior Design Confederation Singapore (IDCS).
TELL US
What do you think is this home’s best feature? Share in the Comments below.
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