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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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