Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Breezy Terrace House Brings the Outdoors In
This industrial-inspired terrace house is a warm and bold revelation bathed in natural light
“The design eschews the typical compartmentation found in terrace houses for a fluid spatial arrangement,” say Lim Eng Kwee and Bu Shukun of A_Collective Architects, the team behind this multi-level home. The house sits on a high platform level, where the entire ground floor opens out to a view of the natural reserve in the distance.
Interiors-wise, the designers chose a “raw contemporary” style that is edgy and homely at the same time. Such refined rawness is achieved through a mix of woods, glass, cement, and bricks – typically characteristic of industrial-inspired spaces – and warmed up with touches of vibrant colours and a lush feature in the heart of the home.
Interiors-wise, the designers chose a “raw contemporary” style that is edgy and homely at the same time. Such refined rawness is achieved through a mix of woods, glass, cement, and bricks – typically characteristic of industrial-inspired spaces – and warmed up with touches of vibrant colours and a lush feature in the heart of the home.
Once inside, a sprawling, open-plan space welcomes owners and guests. The open layout is clearly designed for family bonding. Even though the living area, the dry kitchen, and the dining area are seamlessly connected, multiple sets of seatings create zones in the expansive space.
Generous daylight fills the whole stretch of space, courtesy of the light well at the heart of the house (above the staircase) and the full-height glass doors at the main entrance.
An array of colours creates a cosy contrast against the rawness of the smooth concrete flooring by Pandomo. Conversation-starters in the form of large vivid portraits of prominent figures such as Lee Kuan Yew and Mao Zedong also make a dramatic statement against the white brick wall.
Generous daylight fills the whole stretch of space, courtesy of the light well at the heart of the house (above the staircase) and the full-height glass doors at the main entrance.
An array of colours creates a cosy contrast against the rawness of the smooth concrete flooring by Pandomo. Conversation-starters in the form of large vivid portraits of prominent figures such as Lee Kuan Yew and Mao Zedong also make a dramatic statement against the white brick wall.
To connect the living with the open kitchen and dining space, the designers built a continuous row of full-height cabinets, with front panels in white laminate and side strips in walnut veneer. Open shelves in a reverse colour scheme – walnut brown insides with white divisions – subtly demarcate the living area from the kitchen.
In the dry kitchen, the ovens and refrigerator are integrated within the full-height cabinets, while all necessary storage – from tall larder units to soft-closing drawers to bar racks – are concealed for a clean, streamlined look. “They were (intended) to be out of sight but easy to reach,” Bu says.
Clearly the centrepiece here is the kitchen island. Its black forest marble-top and mirror-clad sides adds a modern glam look to the open space. The built-in grill, induction cooktop, and slide-out downdraft vent make for an impressive show cooking session.
Clearly the centrepiece here is the kitchen island. Its black forest marble-top and mirror-clad sides adds a modern glam look to the open space. The built-in grill, induction cooktop, and slide-out downdraft vent make for an impressive show cooking session.
Providing a refreshing view in the elongated floor plan is the vertical garden that flanks the dining area. It is bathed in daylight from the skylight above. The all-wood ensemble also adds warmth to the industrial theme, and highlights the homely, casual ambience.
The upper floors are staggered – split-level, if you will – and connected by a wraparound stairway built within the light well. “The daylight coming through the light well also provides much ‘breathing’ relief in an otherwise long terrace house, which is often dimly lit in the middle,” says Bu.
Guests are in for a gallery-like experience with the numerous artworks found along the walkways.
The master suite occupies a large proportion of the second level. As with the lower level, openness and visual transparency give this space a sun-kissed glow. The only difference is, the master suite leans toward minimal, clean lines, with emphasis on warm and woody tones.
A sunken bathtub is another striking feature in the master suite. Enclosed by glass panels on three sides, it creates a glass box of sorts in the centre of the room for a luxurious boutique hotel effect. The shower area and toilet are neatly tucked away.
Glass-doored wardrobes and cabinets on both sides reflect light all around, further enhancing the sense of space.
Glass-doored wardrobes and cabinets on both sides reflect light all around, further enhancing the sense of space.
A hallway on the attic level is lined with more interesting artworks.
TELL US
What is your favourite feature in this home? Share in the Comments below.
TELL US
What is your favourite feature in this home? Share in the Comments below.
Who lives here: Originally built for a family of five (the house has just been sold)
Location: Jalan Chempedak
Size: 337 square metres (3,627 square feet)
Project duration: 12 months
The architecture focused on the use of simple materials and keen attention to detailing. As described by the designers, “the house’s simple exterior is rendered in bold raw screed finish that contrasts the dark tinted glass fenestrations (openings) and a large overhanging canopy. This simple form and bold design gesture allows the house to express a quiet presence in the neighbourhood.”