Cover The coffered ceiling conceals existing beams beautifully (All photography: Studio Periphery)
The coffered ceiling conceals existing beams beautifully (All photography: Studio Periphery)
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The careful renovation of a Singapore house by JOW Architects maximises light and spaciousness, and minimises visual clutter with a neutral palette
Very often, renovations are much harder projects than newly-built houses due to the need to consider existing structure and elements while accommodating new layouts and decorative features. But if done well, the end result is both sustainable and enhances everyday living. This corner terrace house by JOW Architects provides a good case study.
The clients are a lawyer and marketing professional with two young children. “The aim was to create a house that is bright, airy, cosy, calm and visually soft. As per our design ethos, we approached the project to uncover the nuances and needs of the owners, and tailor the design solutions through attention to details,” shares Joseph Wong, who runs JOW Architects with his wife Zhenwei Lai.
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A colourful abstract work enlivens the look of the minimalist living room in lieu of a TV
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The first step was to improve the layout for better spatial connectivity, cross ventilation and daylight penetration. The main entrance was relocated to the side so that the sliding glass doors at the salon could be fully opened and pocketed for unbridled connection with the outdoors. The dining and kitchen were lined up behind this space for a thorough view of the rear garden, enhancing cross ventilation.
At the dining and kitchen, coffered ceilings camouflages existing beams. “This also creates greater visual texture and interest,” says Wong. The design team accentuated the existing split-level between the salon and kitchen using materials. “Savannah grey marble in honed finish was selected for the salon flooring to counterbalance the white oak timber flooring at the dining area, because we wanted the salon to be visually heavier,” he elaborates.
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A view of the open-plan dining room from the living area
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The salon is also a space intended for intimate conversations, with no distractions from a TV,” says Lai. Instead, an artwork of water lilies adorns a blank wall by the main door, adding to the genteel mood. “The careful selection of loose furniture and soft, flowing curtains seemingly encapsulate the salon space with walls of fabric, with soft light permeating the interiors,” describes Lai on the design of this calm space.
The artwork is highlighted in an oak timber portal. This material is generously deployed for other built-in joinery. “At the dining area, we have designed two cabinets—one contains coffee and tea beverages in the day, and the other, wine or alcohol for the night. They can be concealed or revealed, depending on the time of the day,” describes Wong.
Polished bookmatched Calacatta Vagli marble adorn the backsplash of these cabinets for a touch of elegance. Another feature that showcases the architects’ meticulous touch is a pair of mirrored pocket doors between the dining area and kitchen, which visually extend light and space at the dining area when closed.
Above The former master bedroom was converted into a study
Above A view of the entertainment area in the attic
The former master bedroom was converted into a study
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On the second floor, the former master bedroom was converted into a study. New floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as glass panels separating this space with the family room flush the room with daylight. The airiness is accentuated with a pitched ceiling.
“One of the requirements was to provide ample bookshelves as the owners are avid readers. We positioned a long study desk spanning the room under the expansive ceiling in front of the full-height windows, so that the owners can look out when taking a breather from work and feel connected to the outside while working,” Lai explains. This connection to the outdoors is also enhanced with the repositioning of the master bedroom next to an existing balcony.
Above The enfilade-style arrangement of the master bedroom
Above A view of the wardrobe area in the master bedroom
The enfilade-style arrangement of the master bedroom
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Above The freestanding bathtub is the focal point of the master bathroom
Above The shower area in the master bathroom
The freestanding bathtub is the focal point of the master bathroom
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The master bedroom, wardrobe and master bathroom were rearranged in enfilade-style, with the doorways in line with each other, such that the sequence culminates in the freestanding bathtub. “In the master bedroom, we chose stained teak veneer for a mellower [mood],” highlights Wong. Symmetry in the fabric headboard flanked by a pair of bronze wall scones that add a sense of calm. The dresser is positioned in front of the window for better lighting during make-up sessions, where wooden sliding windows regulate daylight.
The master bedroom
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The staircase was also remodelled for more daylight. Existing dated wrought-iron balustrades and timber handrails were replaced with glass balustrades. The treads and risers were clad in white oak timber to create a seamless feel with the first and second storey flooring. A new skylight washes light through the house’s section. At the attic’s entertainment room, the walls abutting the staircase were replaced with glass windows to borrow light from the skylight.
Like surgeons, Lai and Wong have worked around the bones of this house carefully, amending and inserting only what is necessary. But the layering of the tone-on-tone palette as well as choice furniture and lighting selection bring tranquillity and life into the new bones.
Above Glass balustrades imbues the staircase with a sense of lightness
Above A view of the sink in the master bathroom
Glass balustrades imbues the staircase with a sense of lightness
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Credits
Photography: Studio Periphery
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