Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Japanese Ryokan Recreated With Precision
The homeowner so admires the Japanese aesthetic that he set out to replicate a traditional Japanese inn in his flat
The first indication of the Japanese theme is the main gate which has a cut-out of the anime character Doraemon, which leans towards the kawaii (cute). Upon entry, visitors see the kitchen counter, which takes its inspiration from the design of a sushi bar.
Wood-look homogeneous tiles laid diagonally work with the flat’s existing diagonal walls. The display on the right is of the many Starbucks coffee mugs the homeowner has amassed on his travels.
Transforming the space into a traditional Japanese home required an understanding of the elements of Japanese design and culture; and a central feature of traditional Japanese architecture is the washitsu or ‘Japanese room’. Raised on a platform, this open room takes the place of the living room and is lined with tatami mats that were made in Japan and shipped over to Singapore.
Washitsu in Japan are multipurpose rooms and here, it is no different. This space can be used as a guest bedroom with the addition of a futon, but the homeowner uses this more frequently as a gathering space for sake enjoyment or dining.
The table in the centre is motorised and can be raised to a low dining height or retracted to be flushed with the floor. Around it are zaisu chairs (legless or floor chairs), a Japanese invention designed to provide users seated on the floor with proper back support.
Washitsu in Japan are multipurpose rooms and here, it is no different. This space can be used as a guest bedroom with the addition of a futon, but the homeowner uses this more frequently as a gathering space for sake enjoyment or dining.
The table in the centre is motorised and can be raised to a low dining height or retracted to be flushed with the floor. Around it are zaisu chairs (legless or floor chairs), a Japanese invention designed to provide users seated on the floor with proper back support.
The staircase balustrade is minimalist and modern in style, in contrast to the traditional aesthetics.
The dining room carries a modern Japanese look showing the same reverence for wood with a tokonoma or alcove used to display works of art or flowers.
In a corner of the dining room, Veuve Clicquot 2017 Limited Edition Yellow Label Connected Arrow Tins add another nod to the homeowner’s many travels.
Sliding shoji doors enclose the dining room for privacy.
The homeowner sourced many items from Japan, like these kazaridaru (decorative sake barrels) and noren (Japanese shop curtain).
“A potted bamboo [plant] provides the link between the lower floor and upper floor and brings in the feeling of the outdoors,” says Chua.
No shortcuts were taken with the bedroom screens or shoji, which are made from veneer ply finish and Japanese rice paper.
The mum’s bedroom is another tatami room with hidden storage in the platform.
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12 Elements of the Traditional Japanese Home
What did you find most striking about this home? 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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12 Elements of the Traditional Japanese Home
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Location: Tampines
Type of property: HDB maisonette
Size: 1,080 square feet (100 square metres)
Project duration: 2.5 months
This three-bedroom home stays true and constant to the Japanese aesthetic due to the passion and dedication of its homeowner and his interior designer, Eric Chua of Sync Interior.
“I spent lot of time studying the Japanese concept; not only reading about it in magazines but also visiting Japan to get more inspiration,” says Chua. While there, he understood the draw it had for his client who previously worked in Japan.