Walk past this intermediate-terrace along Grove Drive and you’ll likely do a double take. Unlike conventional terrace houses, this double-storey residence has a striking white cladding with an eye-catching pattern.
“The owners wanted a screen that could offer privacy from the roadside. The goal was to design a facade that is unique yet functional. It also acts as an interplay between the vertical windows and the horizontal glass canopy of the car porch,” says architect Edmund Ng of Edmund Ng Architects, which was tasked with overhauling the property.
The design, which draws on patterns commonly found in Asian arts and crafts, delivers on function, too. Crafted using Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) by Dryvit for its lightweight properties, it allows for cross ventilation and daylight into the house.
Vertical greenery is another highlight of the home. With limited space in the front yard, Edmund conceptualised a double-volume verdant green wall that spans from the ground storey to the basement, balancing the urban, contemporary vibe of the home with a natural, casual aesthetic.
The lofty courtyard also doubles as an air well to let natural light reach the basement, where the living room is located.
With a fondness for cooking and hosting large parties for their friends and family, the owners’ brief was for a contemporary and luxurious abode outfitted with a spacious kitchen as well as dining area.
For the concept to work in the relatively intimate space of 1,991 sq ft, and with a width of 6.7m, the ground storey was dedicated solely to the kitchen and dining area.
Here, wood accents and brass tones combine to exude an ambience that’s both welcoming and sophisticated. A splash of bright colour, thanks an eye-catching art piece, enlivens the space.
Beige terrazzo, matte black metal accents, light timber flooring and dark timber veneers are also used widely throughout the house.
Perfect for entertaining: A beverage bar that sets the scene for mingling, and where guests can easily help themselves to drinks or bites.
A mix of grey shades, thanks to fair-face concrete surfaces and a stone floor, contribute to a calm and soothing vibe in the living room.
Having the living room in the basement, which was carved out during the renovation, came with its own set of challenges, too. As the abode was built upon the former existing house, and sandwiched between two other houses, care had to be taken when dealing with the foundation and groundwork. The team also had to avoid affecting the structures of its neighbours.
The master bedroom takes over the attic floor, allowing the owners to enjoy a luxurious and spacious bedroom that opens out to a rooftop balcony. Simplicity in design and a muted palette of white and dark timber hues work to create a restful environment.
The team also capitalised on the space to create a walk-in wardrobe with ample storage compartments that showcase clothing and accessories, and an island of drawers. Glass panels and dark wood panels add to the sleek contemporary vibe.
The roomy bathroom is furnished with his and hers vanity tops, a separate dresser, and a classical cast iron long bath along with a TV. Marble wall slabs and counter tops lend to a sense of refined elegance.
The family moved in at the end of Christmas last year.
This article was originally published in Home & Decor.
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