Cover The homeowner's artwork collection takes pride of place
The homeowner's artwork collection takes pride of place
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NuInfinity's annexe to a family's current home was designed to accommodate the evolution of its owners' lifestyle.
A home should ideally be able to evolve with its inhabitants lifestyle: this was the brief from the clear-minded owners of this plot of land in Subang. The owners, who are in their 50s, are retirees and wanted the designers to create a communal block next to the current home to accommodate their evolving lifestyle.
Both had clear ideas of what they wanted the space to look like. Being art collectors, they wanted the space look and feel tasteful rather than bland and generic. They also wanted a signature staircase that would only minimally block the full-height glass window behind it.
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The sculptural staircase against large windows
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Ultimately, they planned to turn this space their abode, so it needed to be slightly smaller compared to their current home door as well as personalised based on their lifestyle.
As such, there needed to be the allocation of a possible secondary kitchen and a spacious study area on the upper floor, which in time could be sealed off and turned into a generous-sized bedroom with an attached bathroom, large wardrobe, and a make-up table. This was where Nu Infinity came in.
Above The sculptural staircase
Above Veneer detailing
The sculptural staircase
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"The couple's daughter shortlisted the designers and ultimately invited us over to meet her parents. The major thing that drew us to this project was that they could accept ideas and leave it to us to interpret and advise them on the best possible solutions and ideas to bring their practical requirements to reality," states Nick Fong, founder and co-director of Nu Infinity.
"When we visited the site, which was in the midst of being constructed in its skeletal form, we could envision the changes that would ultimately bring value and give a better outcome. Hence, the element of surprise is important to us as a form of exceeding the clients' expectations."
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A view of the living from above
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The brief of wanting to create a calming retreat to serve all intents and purposes of a retired couple and as part of the extension of the house just right next door posed an interesting challenge. The thought of interchanging the areas based on how the designers envisioned a more functional and progressive space was also enticing.
Initially, the dining table was meant to be where the current kitchen is. The designers opted for a dining space overlooking the swimming pool and the generous folding door openings.
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Living areas seamlessly connect
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The kitchen is then moved to the centre to bridge the living and dining areas. "Whilst it is a kitchen, we designed the top part of the kitchen not to be the usual storage compartments but a preserved moss aquarium," states Fong.
The area behind this kitchen is planned so it can be sealed off one day and turned into a wet kitchen. "Every space was diligently and carefully carved out to ensure the proportions in terms of space, and hierarchy in terms of usage would make complete sense," explains Fong.
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Dining room in the day
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With regards to material and colour choices, the designers wanted to present depth to echo the firm's core design philosophy. The client selected a marble floor which the designers chose to accent with a classy brown veneer finish all around and contrast clean white marble with gentle grains in the kitchen.
"Making a memorable first impression is one of our firm’s core design approaches and strengths. The unorthodox use of preserved moss as part of the design, integrating different textures (such as the high ceiling wall versus the wood veneer versus the marble), is an integral part of our design philosophy," opines Fong.
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Above This space is currently used as a study
Above An alcove for the owner's artwork
This space is currently used as a study
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The clients are delighted with the results and look forward to growing old with the space, as it were.
And the designers are just as pleased: "It was a pleasant surprise and completely satisfying that the design came out looking fantastic and would suit literally almost any age group. We were happy that the owners could accept the versatility of the design be they practical solutions, design aesthetics, or styles."
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Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
