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Soothing sea views set the scene for a family’s beautiful waterfront home in Singapore, designed by Akihaus as a stylish and soothing sanctuary that’s as remarkable as its environment
There is much to love about a waterfront home. From the ample sunlight and coastal breezes to the soothing oceanic sights and sounds, such a cherished abode invites one to revel in tranquil views and luxuriate in its prized proximity to the sea.
That much is true for this corner terrace house in Singapore’s Sentosa Cove, an exclusive residential enclave known for its spectacular sea views, yacht berths and relaxed, resort-style environment. When its owner acquired this property, the Chinese national had envisioned it as a holiday haven in which he could entertain friends and business associates. He tasked homegrown firm Akihaus Design Studio to create a stunning interior after hearing glowing recommendations from his friends.
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Above A view of the outdoor dining area, which connects to the yacht berth
Above An entrance to the home from the yacht berth
A view of the outdoor dining area, which connects to the yacht berth
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When design director Lawrence Puah first visited the original 3,702 sq ft site, he felt that the existing interior did not take full advantage of the property’s prime location. To give the home an interior makeover befitting its beautiful views, the studio naturally took inspiration from its idyllic tropical setting.
“One of the key drivers of our design was to engage the site: to be outward-looking, and to bring a sense of tropical flair and a resort vibe that one would come to expect in a home at Sentosa Cove,” shares Puah, commenting on the concept for the nine-month-long design and renovation of the home.
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The exclusive waterfront neighbourhood, Sentosa Cove, in Singapore
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That said, the relaxed holiday house had to look elegant, rather than veer towards typical rustic resort motifs. To convey the graceful look the owner desired, Puah sought to create what he dubs “green-scapes”: backdrops formed with a tasteful blend of natural materials such as dark timber, granite and other natural stone varieties. These are accompanied by vertical gardens and an understated, neutral-hued palette that amplifies the restful atmosphere with a balance of modern and rustic elements. “The intention is to create a tactile feel that engages the senses, just as one would [experience] when holidaying at a resort,” adds Puah.
The entrance foyer, which was the former kitchen, offers an inviting prelude—it sets the tone for the modern tropical design concept that continues throughout the home. Fluted walnut timber strips are paired with mirrored panels and black lacquered details; these elements continue into the garden-themed living room, which is anchored by a rough-cut granite feature wall. Lattice doors by the sides of this rugged detail slide away to reveal backlit display shelves that elevate the look of the home.
Above A row of SP01 Thomas bar stools from Space Furniture makes the dry kitchen a cosy space for casual meals and catch-ups
Above Clean-lined grey kitchen cabinetry trimmed with matte black details reinforces the modern design scheme of the home
A row of SP01 Thomas bar stools from Space Furniture makes the dry kitchen a cosy space for casual meals and catch-ups
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Above The timber ceiling and custom bench seating turn the foyer into an inviting zone
Above The sleek steps continue the material mix of metal and dark wood
The timber ceiling and custom bench seating turn the foyer into an inviting zone
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This transformable feature is among the designer’s personal highlights of this project. “I love the fact that there is an element of fun and surprise here. When the shelf lights are turned on, the lattice doors turn into a tropical lantern that lights up the space indirectly. And when the doors are hidden behind the stone wall, you could not tell that there were even doors there at all, if you had not seen them before they were concealed.”
A bridge was added next to the air well on the ground floor. This improves access to the swimming pool, which can now be entered via the powder room, a side terrace as well as from the open-plan living and dining room. The liminal space is also a viewing point where you can admire the various architectural elements of the house. A former guest room was also converted into a bar and kitchen where welcome drinks for guests can be easily prepared before they proceed to the main living room.
Above The lattice doors beside the rough-cut granite feature wall can be opened to reveal display shelves with an intriguing mix of decorative objects
Above Another view of the dining area
The lattice doors beside the rough-cut granite feature wall can be opened to reveal display shelves with an intriguing mix of decorative objects
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Above This vertical garden extends from the open-air shower area in the master bathroom up to the rooftop
Above The bright and cosy children’s room features backlit steps that lead up to a platform bed
This vertical garden extends from the open-air shower area in the master bathroom up to the rooftop
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Located directly beneath the living area is the basement den. The vertical garden from the courtyard continues into this subterranean floor, which features a moss wall for another verdant touch. Custom stainless-steel brackets built into the walls are designed to contain tea lights, continuing the garden theme from the living room and into the basement.
The home’s nature-influenced design is evident on the second storey, which boasts havens of calm and respite. These rooms take on a darker colour scheme, while continuing the use of dark wood and black trimmings found on the ground floor. Each room has its own unique design: the spacious master bedroom is elevated with black marble and polished gold details, while guest rooms feature brushed-metal accents as well as mirror and fabric panels in a gridwork design. The children’s bedroom is designed as a space for discovery, with backlit steps leading up to the platform bed and looking outwards to the lush greenery beyond.
The use of walnut veneer strips on the panels and screens adds to the serene atmosphere in the master bedroom
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The master bathroom is among the home’s most enviable spaces. Akihaus incorporated an external terrace into the interior by including an open-to-sky outdoor shower in the master bathroom—concealed behind the garden wall that anchors the vanity, this feature makes the bathing zone a bright and airy space that recalls the sense of being in a tropical resort. This vertical feature rises up the void and extends all the way up to the roof garden, creating visual continuity while bringing elements of nature indoors.
The attic is another noteworthy space—the pavilion-style zone features a stunning ceiling that takes advantage of the sloping form of the roof. This room leads to a rooftop terrace where the family and their guests can enjoy drinks and snacks while admiring the views.
Furnished with the Zaza sofa, Crescent coffee table and Cassia ottoman from King Living, this lounge area in the attic leads to the rooftop terrace
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While the property was first intended as a holiday home, the client’s family have since relocated to Singapore and turned the house into a more permanent residence; he now lives here with his parents, wife and two young children. The family enjoy spending time together on the ground floor the most as they love the seamless blend of the indoor and outdoor spaces.
“A good designer is not unlike an artist. The key difference is, unlike art, our role is essentially about serving the user and the space,” says Puah. “Ultimately, if a design
feels like it has always belonged, without any apparent intervention, then the act of design has faithfully fulfilled its purpose.” With its ample use and new sense of purpose, the house has truly become a home for this multigenerational family.
The entertainment room is furnished with a King Cloud V recliner sofa, Crescent coffee table and ottoman from King Living, as well as a B&B Italia Husk swivel armchair and ClassiCon Tadaima consoles from Space Furniture
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Credits
Photography: Wong Weiliang
