Kitchen Tour: Origami Unfolds in a Maisonette's Kitchen-Dining
Paper-fold-inspired elements give this open-concept kitchen an edge, or two
Origami, or the Japanese art of paper folding, was the inspiration for this HDB maisonette’s centrepiece: its matching kitchen island and staircase. Its designer, Kelvin Teo of Space Sense Studio is known for putting a Singapore twist – pun intended – on the traditional Japanese art form. His Paper Fold Chair, designed in 2007 (the following year, it debuted at the Milan Fair, and in 2009 it won a President’s Design Award) resembles a sinuous paper loop. In contrast to his Mobius Strip-looking rocking chair, Teo went for angles and geometric planes this time.
A storeroom under the staircase was removed to create this open sitting area. The even, symmetry of the stairs contrast against Teo’s askew bookshelf. His award-winning Paper Fold chair and a Smeg bar fridge bring a zing of colour to the black-and-white palette.
The staircase, like the kitchen island, features asymmetrical surfaces that resemble folded paper. Unlike in the kitchen where laminate was used, the planes of the staircase are made of solid wood that Teo says were assembled in situ. Tumbling down from the second floor, the stairs lead directly to the kitchen.
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Browse Singapore kitchen designs
Who lives here: A couple with the wife’s parents
Location: Hougang
Designer: Kelvin Teo of Space Sense Studio
The owners are simply smitten by Teo’s out-of-the-box concept for their kitchen island and staircase. The bulk of the dry kitchen (there is a wet kitchen beyond which you can see through the door) is an L-shape configuration of cabinets but the island takes centre stage.
The monolithic island, where the sink is located, is conceptualised as an origami folding, with its bulk visually diminished by sculptural, asymmetrical sides. This feature doesn’t just makes a statement, it also conceals under-counter storage.
Removing a fourth bedroom gave the space needed for the open-concept kitchen and dining area.
The folded planes of Real Good chairs by Blu Dot reinforce the origami concept.