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Project posted by Lam Jun Nan

Vignettes

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Location
Singapore, Singapore
Year
2019
For a touch of hospitality, the foyer is covered entirely in pebble wash and paired with a vintage gate rendered in a fresh turquoise colour.
For a touch of hospitality, the foyer is covered entirely in pebble wash and paired with a vintage gate rendered in a fresh turquoise colour.
Frameless accordion windows at the balcony allow for unblocked views, bringing the outdoors in.
Frameless accordion windows at the balcony allow for unblocked views, bringing the outdoors in.
The balcony is an extension of the living room, only demarcated subtly through the change in floor finish. A bar height ledge was added at the accordion window to fully capitalise on the panoramic views out — a space perfect for a contemplative afternoon.
The balcony is an extension of the living room, only demarcated subtly through the change in floor finish. A bar height ledge was added at the accordion window to fully capitalise on the panoramic views out — a space perfect for a contemplative afternoon.
The perception of the apartment size 'contracts' when the balcony is shut off from the living room and forms a passageway between the master bedroom and the study.
The perception of the apartment size 'contracts' when the balcony is shut off from the living room and forms a passageway between the master bedroom and the study.
Dark timber and rattan furniture were selected to warm up the cool tones of the home.
Dark timber and rattan furniture were selected to warm up the cool tones of the home.
Anchoring the living and kitchen space is a 5-metre long island counter where myriad of activities happen. Architectural elements like the arch cornice at the junction of the existing columns and beams were layered into the space to add a soft charm and character to the apartment.
Anchoring the living and kitchen space is a 5-metre long island counter where myriad of activities happen. Architectural elements like the arch cornice at the junction of the existing columns and beams were layered into the space to add a soft charm and character to the apartment.
While the overall palette is green, grey, and moody, decorative lighting are markedly modern and playful to balance against the sombre cinematographic mood.
While the overall palette is green, grey, and moody, decorative lighting are markedly modern and playful to balance against the sombre cinematographic mood.
Terracotta tiles and matching coloured grout on white tiles were used in the bathrooms for a stronger pop of colour, adding a youthful dimension to the apartment.
Terracotta tiles and matching coloured grout on white tiles were used in the bathrooms for a stronger pop of colour, adding a youthful dimension to the apartment.
The vanity, originally inside the master bath, is position next to the wardrobe area and orientated to face the window. This allows the morning to sink in, as the couple kick starts their day at the sink.
The vanity, originally inside the master bath, is position next to the wardrobe area and orientated to face the window. This allows the morning to sink in, as the couple kick starts their day at the sink.
The threshold between the master bath and master vanity.
The threshold between the master bath and master vanity.
The previous layout of the apartment when the couple purchased the property
The previous layout of the apartment when the couple purchased the property
The current layout after the overhaul
The current layout after the overhaul

Details

Square Feet
1250

Credits

Posted by
Interior Design
Open Studio
Photographer
Khoo Guo Jie

From Lam Jun Nan

In recent years, market trend has leaned toward open plan designs for apartment units, making them feel bigger and brighter to evoke a more spacious feeling. However, Shyan and Joy, the new owners of this charming 40-year old resale flat located within the quaint precinct of Ang Mo Kio, had other ideas. The couple were clear on what they wanted — intimate spatial pockets for every domestic moment in their daily lives; while having sufficient space for social gatherings when desired.

To achieve this, the balcony adjacent to the living room that was previously lost when the preceding owner expanded the living room, was re-instated. This time, however, the balcony is considered as a fully utilised space with an accordion sliding door that can be closed off from the living room as a separate space unto its own. When fully closed, the balcony is an isolated space from the living room, and also serves as a passageway between the master bedroom and the study. This enclosure creates an additional layer of protection, preserving the home as an even more private enclave. When opened up, the balcony integrates back into the living room, forming a larger living room that offers an extended area to have one’s tea while taking in the surrounding views. With the ability to calibrate the privacy of the living area, the spatial perception of the apartment ‘expands and contracts’ according to the couple’s desires.

Anchoring the look of the apartment is a green-stained ply-cladded volume concealing the master bedroom while forming the backdrop to domestic activities such as preparing a meal at the 5-metre long kitchen island or chilling by the television.

These gathering spaces are kept deliberately moody and muted, a cool palette of dark green and greys. This sombre cinematographic mood is manifested in the stormy cement flooring, green timber, cool green marble top on a sleek shiny stainless-steel island. Further, the mood is softened by curved arches introduced at junctions of existing beams and columns, and the tone warmed through the combining of dark timber furniture pieces.

Contrasting to the hosting spaces, the private areas such as the bedroom and bathrooms introduce stronger pops of colours for a playful touch. These vignettes hint at the duality of the couple’s personality traits that is truly embedded into the soul of their home, at once muted and private, at another colourful and social.