A Singapore house with a minimalist interior that keeps clutter at bay
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A Singapore house with a minimalist interior that keeps clutter at bay
In this semi-discrete residence, Singaporean architect Ko Shiou Hee uses light timber tones and smart storage design to create a minimalist domicile.
"It's all nigh neatness, purity and neutral colours," said builder Ko Shiou Hee on his design strategy. (Photograph: Khoo Guo Jie)
xiii Jun 2022 06:30AM (Updated: 05 Jul 2022 02:10AM)
For many years, this semi-detached firm – which has a garden and iii bedrooms – was rented out. There was zippo unpleasant about it: The facade with its quaint domed apertures, coffee-coloured glazing, also every bit terra cotta roof tiles could be considered quaint. Simply information technology could also appear dated, and the interior functions were inadequate for the possessor, who decided to reclaim the business firm for her own family unit.
"While it was rented out, the tenant had article of furniture and other property everywhere. I had no idea how information technology would look even when information technology was emptied. After he moved out, I barely had time to go and encounter the firm, every bit I was preoccupied with work during concluding year's excursion breaker. But at that place was no doubt that a complete makeover was necessary. I wanted a home of repose, a sanctuary to get away from the bustle of a stressful twenty-four hour period," she said in the brief to the architect.
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The architect turned out to be her second cousin Ko Shiou Hee, who heads K2LD Architects. The Singapore- and Melbourne-based firm has built a strong reputation for its inventive house designs. They include an home with greenish copper walls that synthesises the edifice to its verdant backdrop and another with a triangulated roof that reaches skyward sheltering a patio.
There are also boxy constructs that utilize his modernist architectural preparation to the dictates of the tropical climate – think long eaves, screens, courtyards and open up plans.
This project, however, is more than pocket-size in comparison. The renovation was to be kept inside its existing 3,500 sq ft beat out while keeping in heed the family unit'due south needs. Of course, anile mechanical and electrical services, also as plumbing, had to exist improved.
"We love to cook, and have friends and family over. My extended family lives mostly in the same neighbourhood, within walking distance. The kitchen has to be functional too equally [impressive]. Moving from a larger dwelling house, I have quite a lot of property accumulated over the years. Hence, [sufficient] storage was important to prevent clutter, and Shiou Hee knows best how to do that," she spoke appreciatively of Ko'southward smart design ideas.
American builder Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's "less is more" philosophy was a governing ethos. "The design is about direct lines, smooth curves, simple shapes and flat planes – although it is likewise about texture," said Ko. A minimalist approach does not equate to dullness; a variety of textures applied in a singular colour can create involvement in a harmonious way, he added.
"The challenge was to retain the existing structure of the house but give it a fresh and timeless look. We replaced the terracotta roof with a new aluminium roof. The curves from the sometime firm were rationalised and erased. Windows and doorways were squared for a more mod expect," Ko highlighted.
He framed the original windows at the front facade with a rectangular aluminium portal, and filled the spaces between glazing panels with vertical aluminium slats so that the overall composition reads equally ane element. This now slick facade with a black-grey palette turns a reticent face to the street merely ane can also translate information technology as a protective beat for the private happenings of domestic life.
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Information technology belies the warm interior that Ko has created, with enough of light-toned wood for both the architectural features and cabinetry. The client, who was inspired past the quiet of Japanese homes, leaned toward this palette. A screened wall using oak laminate with rhythmic vertical articulations concealing the main door opens to a living room floored with large, ashen-coloured ceramic flooring tiles.
"They were chosen for their neutral colour and vein," said Ko. This flooring continues up two steps to a dining area where bulbous, skeletal pendant lamps from Foscarini bladder above a long timber table. Sculpted, classic Carl Hansen CH20 timber dining chairs adhere to the harmonious apply of timber while lending a soft touch.
Similar the facade, the use of minimal elements is restful on the middle. Sunlight from aplenty flooring-to-ceiling windows further brightens – and lightens – the space. "It also shows the true colours of the walls, floors and furniture, retaining the true essence of the minimalist style," said Ko.
Above the living room, he inserted another angular feature. "Since it is an sometime firm, the ceiling was quite low to outset with. We redesigned the ceiling to conform piping for a new air-conditioning system but pushed the centre of the living room upwardly 150mm, which was all nosotros had. In lodge to create the illusion of a college infinite, a black rim was added," Ko highlighted.
Instead of adding cove lights, as many are wont to do in such situations, he clad the surface with oak laminate panels that lucifer the walls. A graphic issue is created with blackness, recessed low-cal fixtures and a black ceiling fan.
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The staircase walls and flooring employ the same palette of light oak timber laminate cladding and black metal handrails. The vertical slat detail continues on one side for visual consistency, cartoon the eye upwards and inward, also as bringing the sense of calm from the kickoff storey to the more private zones upstairs.
Equally the staircase turns ninety degrees, Ko cutting an opening in the wall between information technology and the dining area, and screened the interface to give clue to the comings and goings of the occupants. In front end of it is the aforementioned bar counter.
"A deconstructed cage of vertical timber and horizontal metal elements integrate the back of the bar, while allowing light from the top of the staircase to filter through. The pattern satisfies the practical office of the shelving then that the bottles and other objects do not autumn out, as well as protectively enclose the staircase all the style upwardly to the landing," described Ko.
On the second storey, he discovered a high soffit afterwards removing the old ceiling. "In that location was potential in creating a more voluminous space in the study room under the sloping roof by using a slanted form, which we emphasised with upwards-lights," he said. Exposed timber rafters add to the event. In the adjacent space where the staircase is, he curved the high ceiling to reflect more than lite while eliminating shadow.
The deep, meticulous thought that went into the nips and tucks of this business firm's renovation is palpable, and the possessor is immensely satisfied with the results. "Information technology is inviting and vivid, and has sufficient storage. Artwork and furniture fit like a glove. The home now provides warmth and calm."
"Information technology is inviting and bright, and has sufficient storage. Artwork and furniture fit like a glove. The home now provides warmth and at-home." – The homeowner
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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/obsessions/singapore-house-with-minimalist-interior-keeps-clutter-at-bay-248086
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