Home tour: A three-storey terrace house in Telok Kurau

Metaphor Studio gives this luxurious home a series of sophisticated spaces that reveal their design secrets like an unfolding tale

It is often said that effective interior design tells a story, whether it be communicating the personalities and values of a home’s occupants, or in encapsulating interactive settings that resonate with users and pique their interest. The latter is just like reading a good book or watching an intriguing play; you just want to keep going to discover the surprises and plot twists that lie ahead.

The owners of this three-storey terrace house in Singapore’s Telok Kurau district had desired a resort-style interior for their abode, along with open community spaces to accommodate large gatherings. They appointed the design team at Metaphor Studio, who recommended that their initial preferred style be reinterpreted as a minimalist, modern aesthetic instead, as the designers felt that
the former would be a bit too “heavy” for the home’s somewhat tight spaces.

Grounded by an undercurrent of subtle luxury—and more than a few design highlights—the home sports a minimalist vocabulary that celebrates the use of natural materials, resulting in a contemporary residence that is beautifully tactile and also eminently functional.

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Above The design elements are set in a linear arrangement to draw the eye into the home

Above This open shelving unit offers an intriguing peek at the fixtures beyond it

The design elements are set in a linear arrangement to draw the eye into the home

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Stephen Goh, creative director of Metaphor Studio, explains that the design team planned to create “experiential transitional space markers” on each floor of the 4,600 sq ft house. This would allow users to “interactively have a visual connection with the space before arriving at each floor”, he explains. “This experience would create a greater sense of mystery and curiosity among people approaching and leaving a space, and also define a unique identity for each landing.”

The basement level features the foyer and a powder room for guests to freshen up before making their way to the house proper. In the living room on the first floor, all the design elements are intentionally arranged in a linear composition to hold one’s visual and emotional interest. Notably, the staircase landing was also expanded to begin at one end of the living room.

“We extended the primary stairway landing, allowing it to present itself as a traversing ‘theatrical’ stage,” explains Goh. “It also provides the best views of the open-plan living and dining areas, where one can see and be seen.” Besides, this “defines a wider useable living space for larger gatherings” that incorporates part of the dining zone, he adds.

Above The clean-lined living and dining areas feature an understated sense of glamour

The clean-lined living and dining areas feature an understated sense of glamour

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This area essentially functions as the opening chapter of a tale to be uncovered within the house’s four walls; it is characterised by dark and pale wood, stone, champagne tones and burnished metal highlights. A TV console is also cleverly incorporated here, with the heady mix of materials acting as a rich backdrop to its jet-black, angular form.

Underfoot, Oceanic and Emperador Grey marble lend a cool, refreshing sensibility to the living area; marble also forms the backdrop to the TV itself.

Nearby, an arrangement of open shelves acts as a sculptural divider, largely shielding the staircase from view while offering a tantalising peek at the features located beyond its expanse. Tinted mirrors are also placed at strategic spots to create a shadowy impression of the unique materials used as well as the dimensions and depth of the space.

Above A beautifully tactile stone wall adds depth to this stairwell

Above Expansive glazing helps to visually enlarge this compact bedroom

A beautifully tactile stone wall adds depth to this stairwell

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Running parallel to the staircase landing is a remarkable feature wall made up of stacked slabs of lava stone. Stretching the height of the stairwell, this dramatic addition draws attention to the depth of the space and showcases the beauty of the natural material to stunning effect. “It acts as a canvas that wraps all the floors together,” says Goh.

Changes were also made on the second floor of the abode, which houses the master suite, incorporating a walk-in closet and study. The original doorway to the master bedroom was facing the stairway landing, which encroached on the privacy of the occupants. It also directly faced the pathway between the master bedroom and the walk-in closet.

In addition, the attached study was separated by a series of sliding glass door panels on which the homeowners could not mount a TV.

In case you missed it: Home tour: A four-storey inter-terrace house in Singapore’s charming Guillemard neighbourhood

Above The use of both pale and dark wood creates a harmonious, layered effect in this bedroom

Above The bedroom includes a stylish vanity furnished with an iconic Fritz Hansen Egg lounge chair

The use of both pale and dark wood creates a harmonious, layered effect in this bedroom

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Metaphor Studio repositioned the entryway to the opposite far end of the room to ensure visual and aural privacy. The sliding glass door panels were removed. A full-height laminated storage partition, along with a pocketed sliding door, were installed. “These also open up a panoramic view, through the window, of the neighbourhood, and amplify the amount of natural light and ventilation that enters the rooms,” says Goh.

The bedrooms themselves, including the junior master suites and guest bedroom on the third level, are relaxing sanctuaries cocooned in calming chocolate and toffee tones as well as smoky tinted mirrors, which continue the sense of intrigue started on the first floor by enticingly hinting at what lies beyond. Also on this floor are a rooftop terrace and the attic, featuring an entertainment room that enables invaluable family bonding opportunities.

The project was completed in under six months, culminating in a sophisticated, liveable abode that sports a series of engaging installations that grab one’s attention. Goh states that the homeowners found the results “beyond their expectations”, proudly adding that they also “referred our design service to several of their relatives and friends”.