Cover Celebrating life’s special moments, one dish at a time: homeowner Chen Ming Zhe with his wife
Celebrating life’s special moments, one dish at a time: homeowner Chen Ming Zhe with his wife
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In this home, serene minimalism meets Swiss precision as homeowner Chen Ming Zhe transforms everyday cooking into celebrated moments with V-ZUG’s top-of-the-line appliances
In the heart of Singapore, where the city hums with constant motion, an unexpected escape lies discreetly behind the gates of a sprawling Joan Road residence. Here, glass, light, and space converge to create a home designed for serenity—and for homeowner Chen Ming Zhe, it forms the perfect canvas for family, food, and moments that matter.
First purchased in 2006 and newly renovated earlier this year, the house has been reimagined with a consistent colour palette, clean architectural lines, and a Zen-inspired minimalism that reflects the family’s desire for harmony. Today, it is where Chen lives with his wife, building new memories together in an idyllic marital home that balances calm elegance with the rhythms of daily life.
Above Watch: How homeowner Chen Ming Zhe transforms everyday cooking into celebrated moments with V-ZUG’s top-of-the-line appliances
Stepping inside, one is immediately taken in by the vastness and calmness of the space. At its heart lies an open quadrangle, its skylight flooding the interiors with natural illumination. Polished stone floors and timber accents frame the courtyard, while sliding glass doors blur the boundaries between indoors and out. A four-metre-long dry kitchen and bar anchors one end of the living space, while a dramatic wall fountain feature stretches across another side—its cascading water completing the sense of retreat.
The architecture encourages flow: living and dining areas open seamlessly into one another, while the play of daylight adds a meditative air. Every element, from the choice of neutral tones to the subtle material palette, has been carefully considered to create a home that feels both expansive and intimate—an urban retreat designed for both quiet reflection and warm hospitality.
Above Ming Zhe’s kitchen features a comprehensive line-up of V-ZUG appliances
Ming Zhe’s kitchen features a comprehensive line-up of V-ZUG appliances
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Swiss precision meets a minimalist aesthetic
At the heart of the home’s transformation lies the kitchen, a space that embodies the home’s design philosophy. The kitchen, Chen explains, was designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, and serving not only as a culinary workspace but also a stage for cherished family moments. “I’m a rather simple person, so what I’d expect in a dream kitchen is already here.
Choosing V-ZUG’s suite of Swiss-made appliances was an intuitive decision for Chen and his wife. The brand carries a personal resonance; his parents were early adopters, and he remembers their praise not only for the products but also for the after-sales service. “[My family] have always used V-ZUG’s ovens and loved them because the heat distribution is so even,” he recalls.
The FullFlex induction cooktop is perfect for cooking beginners and experts alike
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Today, the Joan Road kitchen features a comprehensive lineup of appliances along with the durable classic line Combi-Steam XSL oven which Chen retained from the previous kitchen. Flanking it is the Excellence Line Combair V6000 oven, complemented by a vacuum drawer to complete the seamless and streamlined look. Further to the right of the cabinetry, a Gas Hob Domino, a Gas Wok Hob, and a FullFlex induction cooktop, all complemented by two DFPQSL slide-out hoods designed for effective fume extraction.
Discreetly integrated into the right-angled wall cabinetry joinery are the V4000 CombiCooler Fridge and Freezer, as well as the Supreme Cooler V6000 and Freezer V6000. This thoughtful layout fosters effortless transitions between food preparation, cooking, and hosting, making it a highly functioning hub for culinary endeavors. Chen admits he doesn’t cook every day, but V-ZUG appliances have elevated his cooking routine. These days, he relishes stepping into the kitchen for special occasions, and on a recent afternoon, he orchestrated a special surprise: a birthday lunch for his wife.
A kitchen for everyday living
For this special occasion, Chen dreamt up a delectable menu of roasted sea bass with peas, bacon, and a tomato concassé, followed by a delicate mille-feuille layered with strawberries.
He put the full range of V-ZUG appliances to work. Ever versatile, the FullFlex induction cooktop is perfect for cooking beginners and experts alike to manage multiple pans and pots at once. Chen executed each step with precision, perfectly searing the fish while simultaneously whipping up silky, flavourful sauce. “The induction cooktop gives me the freedom to try different things and still keep the process efficient.”
Even heat distribution and customisable settings make the Combair V6000 a go-to for flawless roasts
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Meanwhile, the Combair V6000 oven roasted the potatoes to golden perfection, thanks to its even heat distribution and multiple customisable functions. And for the dessert, the vacuum drawer came into play, gently preparing a strawberry compote that would be layered into the mille-feuille.
To help bring his wife’s birthday lunch to life, Chen turned to V-ZUG’s Gourmet Academy chef for help
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“The appliances make it easy to bring ideas to life,” notes Chen. “Even technical dishes feel achievable, and everything comes together seamlessly.” To carry out his wife’s birthday surprise with confidence, and to ensure every detail was just right, he also made use of the V-ZUG Gourmet Academy concierge service and consulted with a professional chef in real-time for recipes, tips, and guidance. “It is a thoughtful gesture that made the occasion all the more special,” he says.
“The kitchen now feels like a hub,” he reflects. “It’s a reminder it isn’t just about utility; it’s a space for connection, celebration, and shared experiences.” In a home defined by calm and clarity, his beautiful kitchen stands out as a space that is both functional and inviting, a testament to thoughtful design and Swiss craftsmanship. With V-ZUG, Chen’s culinary experiments—be they simple everyday food or elaborate surprises—are always elevated, making cooking an experience to savour rather than a task to complete.
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Credits
Content Direction: Jettana Tang and Shairah Thoufeekh
Creative Direction: Nicola Ng
Videography: Joey Tay
Camera Crew: Timothy Koh and Jufri Husne
Grooming: Eunice Wong
Video Editor: Nicola Ng
Topics
Shairah Thoufeekh is the branded content director of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all creative editorial and branded storytelling projects across Tatler’s print and digital platforms—covering luxury, lifestyle, wealth, travel, and beyond.
