Home tour: A Johor family home’s bold take on modern living

Supernormal responded to the site’s constraints with a striking visual gambit: a ‘skin’ concept for the front façade where white stripes are arrayed in dynamic asymmetric groupings. Wong explains the dovetailing of form and function: “the screen of the frontage serves as a porous divider that still ensures privacy.”

From certain angles, it is almost as if the solid screen has transformed into a curtain, thus evoking the softer textures of fabric. Confident diagonal lines and the monochrome palette establish the tasteful modernism of the aesthetic while also marking this house out with its own unique identity.

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The front façade’s screen was just one instance of how this project blurs rigid distinctions between inside and outside. Throughout the design, Supernormal explored different ways to reimagine those conventional binaries.

The porch, for instance, was extended to create more of an intermediary space. Wong explains that this “celebrated the boundary by defining it as a feature backdrop to be viewed from the interior.”

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Another recurring motif is that of the skylight. Natural light pours into interior spaces, including into the double-height volumes of the living room and dining room.

This sense of height works in tandem with the open-plan layout to create a sense of unimpeded freedom. Note the natural flow of movement from the living to the dining to the kitchen, since all three spaces share the same axis. 

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Since the underlying structure had to be left untouched, it is no surprise that the overarching concept was all about finding just the right design language.

The clients had requested unconventional and curvy motifs; and so it was up to Supernormal to integrate those ideas into a satisfying whole. Wong shares that “our intention was to create a balance between decorative interior elements and achieving a timeless and modern living environment”.

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Curves are apparent throughout. There are the dramatic ellipses of the large-format skylights of the front façade. Or else consider the elegant swoop of the ceiling above the living area.

The undulating waves of the kitchen ceiling contribute a sense of fun; while the expanding ripples of the main bedroom’s ceiling exude more of a tranquil mood.

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The rounding of straight edges often serves the function of softening the overall composition. Thus, at the entrance foyer, curved glass was employed to mitigate the narrowness of the tight walkway.

In one other instance, the curved motif inadvertently became a practical element: the broad sweep of the TV console and feature wall created a small space which was then repurposed as a storage space for wiring and a karaoke system.

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There were fewer practical constraints when it came to choosing the detailing and finishing for the residence; and Supernormal took full advantage of this freedom. One standout moment would have to be the dramatic marbling of the kitchen walls. The broad black slashes of the veins bring a high-spirited, pop-art vibe to this central space.

Reflective surfaces add their own touch of the theatrical. The water-ripple stainless-steel panel of the living room contrasts with the plush of the sofas and carpets; while the mirrored ceiling of the walk-in wardrobe is an unapologetic nod to luxury retail. 

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It was also of prime importance that there should be a seamless finish throughout. Dekton ‘Enzo’ engineered slabs from Cosentino were employed for the flooring across the entire ground floor so that there would be a sense of coherence throughout. These large-format slabs helped to minimise the need for unsightly grouting joints.

The quest for seamlessness was pursued down to the smallest details. The dining table had a built-in pop-up power socket and required a pre-drilled opening for its giant glass top. Ironmongery was imported and even brackets and sliding stone panels were specially designed and made to order. 

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