Cover The bungalow’s many curved surfaces lend themselves to soft display shelves that amplify visual flow, as apparent in the bar area
The bungalow’s many curved surfaces lend themselves to soft display shelves that amplify visual flow, as apparent in the bar area
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Sculptural interiors infused with auspicious meaning by SCKD bring renewed vigour to this bungalow in Opera Estate
In District 15’s Opera Estate, a two-decade-old bungalow has been transformed into a stylish family sanctuary shaped by movement, meaning, and a sense of flow. Designed by interior design consultancy SCKD for a multigenerational Chinese expat family, the project marks the second collaboration between the owners and studio founder Keat Ong, who had previously worked on their Singapore penthouse.
That trust enabled a bold approach for their new 9,688 sq ft property, where the brief called for preserving the existing structure while completely renewing the interiors with the use of abstract forms inspired by pop art and cultural symbolism.
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Above The bungalow’s spacious basement level is brightened by natural light entering from the planted courtyard
The bungalow’s spacious basement level is brightened by natural light entering from the planted courtyard
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Above This spiral staircase links all four levels of the home, its centre ingeniously designed as the Tower, a rotating display for Bearbricks
Above The Tower transforms the space at the heart of the spiral staircase into the bungalow’s crown jewel for Bearbrick display
This spiral staircase links all four levels of the home, its centre ingeniously designed as the Tower, a rotating display for Bearbricks
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The owners’ passion for collectible Bearbricks figures offered both a creative cue and a design challenge. Rather than treating the collection as decorations, Ong sought to give the home an identity in which art, heritage and daily living would feel interconnected.
The concept of “flow” guided the design from the start. “Flow was the key word. The smooth lines encourage the movement of chi or good energy,” he says. The nine-month renovation process resulted in a home shaped by custom sculptural elements—each bears a distinct name—that anchor the spaces with visual impact and auspicious meaning.
Above The bungalow’s multipurpose family hall showcases the Cow Udder installation and a dramatic fish tank
The bungalow’s multipurpose family hall showcases the Cow Udder installation and a dramatic fish tank
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Sculptural Storytelling
The family’s Bearbricks informed the home’s subtle sci-fi undertone, giving the interiors a playful yet polished character. At the entrance, one encounters the Vault, a monumental shoe cabinet that symbolises safe travels. Above it, an aluminium leaf ceiling piece sets a tone of youthful vitality.
This sculptural approach continues in the living room with the Orange, a peeled form that conceals air outlets and lighting while representing health. Adjacent to it, the dining area is defined by the Pyramid, an aluminium installation that channels air and light, and speaks of stability and guiding principles. A cabinet lining the wall displays the family’s crystal tableware, illuminated to emphasise refinement.
Above The dining area is located beneath the Pyramid, which channels air and natural light
Above A tiger-shaped rug adds a playful note to the hallway linking different areas
The dining area is located beneath the Pyramid, which channels air and natural light
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Above Beneath the Orange, the living room is anchored by Stellarworks’ Infinity sofa, while Edra’s gold Scrigno cabinet houses more Bearbricks in a sun-drenched corner
Beneath the Orange, the living room is anchored by Stellarworks’ Infinity sofa, while Edra’s gold Scrigno cabinet houses more Bearbricks in a sun-drenched corner
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In the bar area, a circular counter sits under the Oil Funnel, a hovering aluminium piece that represents the freedom to enjoy life. Throughout these communal zones, the sculptural language interprets cultural motifs in abstract, contemporary ways.
Above The bungalow’s bar area, psorting Edra bar chairs, utilises the architectural shell’s curve beautifully
The bungalow’s bar area, psorting Edra bar chairs, utilises the architectural shell’s curve beautifully
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Each feature was fabricated by local carpenters and steel workshops, blending craftsmanship with technical precision. As Ong puts it: “Comfort and functionality always come before aesthetics. If it is just good-looking without function, that is either a piece of art or a terrible design.”
Above A dark material palette gives the kitchen a cocooning, intimate feel
A dark material palette gives the kitchen a cocooning, intimate feel
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Heart Below
Descending into the basement, the sculptural expression becomes more immersive. The abstract Bread hovers above the stair landing, concealing cove lighting and also acting as a symbol for appetite.
In the family hall, the very aptly named Cow Udder dominates the ceiling as the largest and most complex piece in the house. It houses lighting and air distribution, its curving volume representing fertility and abundance.
“The Cow Udder was the toughest piece, both in design and construction. It tested every bit of coordination with the fabricators,” Ong shares. A dramatic fish tank anchors this zone, visually linking the basement to the swimming pool beyond.
Above Beneath the Cow Udder, the basement’s multifunctional family room is layered with precious collectibles and installations
Beneath the Cow Udder, the basement’s multifunctional family room is layered with precious collectibles and installations
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Above The bungalow’s original architecture, with its curves and courtyard, lends itself to playful interior articulation
Above Located beside the spiral staircase, the elevator ensures easy access across all levels
The bungalow’s original architecture, with its curves and courtyard, lends itself to playful interior articulation
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The surrounding spaces continue the narrative. The liquor room is lined in warm timber and showcases an expansive collection of both Eastern and Western spirits.
Above The liquor room showcases an impressive collection of both Eastern and Western spirits
Above It also, of course, displays the owner’s Bearbrick collection
The liquor room showcases an impressive collection of both Eastern and Western spirits
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The bungalow’s entertainment room houses the Coffee Funnel, another sculptural feature symbolising lifestyle and leisure. Folding sliding doors and acoustic curtains give this level invaluable flexibility for various gatherings.
Above An Edra On the Rocks sofa and the Coffee Funnel sculpture anchor this circular corner of the bungalow’s entertainment room
Above Another view of the entertainment room and its striking blue glass-block wall that offers a glimpse of the Bearbrick collection outside
An Edra On the Rocks sofa and the Coffee Funnel sculpture anchor this circular corner of the bungalow’s entertainment room
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The Fortress is a display area cleverly articulated to conceal the household shelter and the helpers’ quarters while offering more space to showcase Bearbricks. Natural daylight enters through a central courtyard, softening the atmosphere and bringing a sense of openness to the underground level.
Above The bungalow’s household shelter is cleverly articulated as a Bearbricks display dubbed The Fortress
The bungalow’s household shelter is cleverly articulated as a Bearbricks display dubbed The Fortress
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Above At night, the rotating Bearbrick display boxes are carefully lit, adding a sense of drama
Above Encircling the staircase, blue glass block walls amplify the home’s pop art-inspired mood
At night, the rotating Bearbrick display boxes are carefully lit, adding a sense of drama
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Living Above
The bungalow’s private spaces occupy the upper levels, where the home’s sense of flow continues. On the second floor are four bedrooms, including the master suite, which is bathed in natural light from three sides. A custom platform bed merges two queen mattresses to form a large communal sleeping space for family nights.
Above The bungalow’s master bedroom is wrapped in warm timber tones
The bungalow’s master bedroom is wrapped in warm timber tones
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Above Expansive mirrored panels in the master bathroom amplify light and the feeling of spaciousness
Above A dark glass wardrobe provides contrast against the bathroom’s lighter palette
Expansive mirrored panels in the master bathroom amplify light and the feeling of spaciousness
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The master bathroom features his-and-hers wardrobes and a central Jacuzzi under a skylight that frames the sky like a light well.The attic level houses a playroom and study, each with its own bathroom.
Above Beneath the Oil Funnel, a circular room clad in blue glass blocks serves as a stylish bar
Above The family’s shared study is located at the bungalow’s distinctively circular form
Beneath the Oil Funnel, a circular room clad in blue glass blocks serves as a stylish bar
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A spacious roof garden fronts the floor, offering an open-air retreat. For the photoshoot, most furnishings were loaned by Space Furniture, whose pieces complement the home’s sculptural forms and polished textures.
Above Lined with lush planters, the bungalow’s rooftop offers a verdant outdoor escape
Above Seen from below, the Tower rises through the bungalow, connecting multiple storeys
Lined with lush planters, the bungalow’s rooftop offers a verdant outdoor escape
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The family’s response to the completed abode has been warm and enthusiastic. This is the second luxury home SCKD crafted for them, and they appreciate the blend of personality, comfort and safety. “By conserving what was worth keeping, we could channel costs toward real improvements,” Ong notes, reflecting the project’s balance of sensibility and ambition.
Above The bungalow’s lush poolscape, with a family of Qeeboo Rabbit chairs hinting at the playful nature of the interior
The bungalow’s lush poolscape, with a family of Qeeboo Rabbit chairs hinting at the playful nature of the interior
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Credits
Photography: Andy Liew
Topics
Jakarta-born, Bandung-raised and Singapore-based, Asih Jenie trained in Visual Communication Design at Bandung Institute of Technology and Architecture at Parahyangan Catholic University. She brings both rigour and heart to design journalism, infused with a distinct Southeast Asian voice.
As a child, she doodled on the edges of her schoolbooks and never outgrew her fascination with all things well-made and well-told. Her 15-year career spans editorial roles and bylines in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia, across spatial design titles such as Dwell Asia, Cubes, Design Anthology, Habitus Living, and Home & Decor.
After a brief stint in public relations, she returned to publishing in 2023 to lead Tatler Homes Singapore, where she continues to tell stories about how we shape the spaces that shape us.
