One of the clients’ requests was for a resort style home where the outdoors merged almost seamlessly with the indoors, and this being a corner house meant that there was sufficient land for an outdoor lap pool and a semi outdoor pavilion. “Wendy and Darren are avid travellers and love entertaining so the interaction of the pool pavilion and the dry kitchen plus dining spaces serve their purpose well,” enthuses Seng Kheong.

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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

The pool’s edge was placed at the edge of both sides of the wall with fully collapsible doors to suggest a blurring of indoor and outdoor spaces. The original split level allows for the design of an ‘infinity’ pool edge at the end of the lap pool, with a cascading waterfall flowing into a trough at the lower level of the open space towards the driveway, giving a resort-like ambience with the sound of cascading water upon entering the compound of the house.

External glazing, doors and window openings were kept simple with a clear design intent, corresponding to the interior space. The clever deployment of glazing in strategic places make the most of the views while balancing it with the need for privacy. 

The living room has floor to length glazing which allows for a generous view of Taman Seputeh and beyond. The second storey glazing is layered by a specially designed external aluminium powder coated vertical screen.

Transparency is achieved when viewed directly from the front but when seen from any other angle, it appears opaque. This creates a softened outlook of a lighted screen ‘lantern’ effect when the space behind is lighted at night,” explains Leong.

A distinctive glass encased foyer entrance addresses the sense of arrival but it is on the upper levels where the glass has been used most effectively. “The master bath, complete with a Jacuzzi in the centre, on the fifth level features a high ceiling which creates a feeling of lightness. Ample daylight streams in from the two sides of high glass fixed panels while natural ventilation is offered from the front facing sliding windows."

"Privacy is maintained by a row of planter boxes with screening indoor plants plus a vertical aluminium screen that triples as an architectural piece, privacy protector and security feature,” adds Leong. “The master bedroom on the topmost floor faces the rear elevation and boasts a full glass view of an outdoor open sky terrace. Planters and cement vent blocks provide privacy but the full-height glazing facing the open-air terrace creates a visually spacious bedroom. Additionally, the master bedroom has a visual sightline of the master bath below via a horizontal fixed glass panel.”

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INSIDE OUT

While Loo took the lead on the interior design and provided built-ins in most of the areas, all the furniture, lighting and art were procured by Wendy and Darren from around the Asian region, as well as decorative objects from Melbourne. “Both of them are seasoned travellers with an eye for design, beautiful objects and the styling of their home so my role was more of a curator,” shares Loo.

Through this project, we notice the ease in which the architecture, interiors and personal objects coalesce effortlessly and beautifully; there’s no doubt that Loo and Leong’s first collaboration was an auspicious start.

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