The interior designer saw the potential in the home’s other attributes, which include the pleasant cross- ventilation that can be enjoyed when the windows are opened on the second storey and in the attic. “I wanted to capitalise on the strength of the site through gestures of tropical architecture, articulated in a contemporary manner,” says the interior designer.

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The most challenging aspects of this project came from the details that were deliberately kept hidden from view. “With older houses that need extensive interior work, the challenges will always come with the structural elements that could limit or push the design boundaries,” says Wee. “These were resolved by studying the structural drawings carefully early on. Further improvements were made during the early stage of renovation, where some equipment could be relocated externally to keep the ceiling design clean.”

7 Interior Architecture then worked with Studiocube as its main contractor, Kawajun for ironmongery, Lightcraft and Light Basic studio for lighting, and W. Atelier and Econflo for the bathroom fittings. For the landscaping, Wee worked with Concept Brew Design to create an enviably lush and verdant setting in the terraced areas of the 5,822 sq ft house.

One of the home’s key architectural elements is the expansive metal roof at the entrance. Measuring over four metres in depth, this roof is supported by a series of steel columns painted white to match the existing structural elements; it now provides the necessary shelter from the sun and rain. The main door was repositioned to create “a more pronounced sense of arrival”, and the side door sealed to make room for a walk-in shoe closet. The expanded verandah also meant that there is more room for outdoor dining; Wee created alfresco dining areas and an outdoor bar to accommodate the family’s entertaining needs. “Since the clients regularly host guests over meals, I wanted to celebrate the dining experience where views should be available from the kitchen and dining area,” he says.

Wee repositioned the kitchen and placed it beside the dining room, which is located at the front of the house, allowing the home chef to interact with his guests whether they’re dining in or enjoying the outdoor breezes on the sheltered patio. The designer also created a passage that leads to a new powder room and back-of-house area that now receive better ventilation and daylight. These new spaces have taken the place of an underutilised guest room and the old living room, which did not receive much daylight. A set of furnishings in rounded forms was selected by Wee to amplify the cosy factor of the house.

“I wanted furniture that would evoke intimate emotions. This is carried through in the shapes and various colour tones used throughout the house.” The home is furnished with Cassina Sengu coffee tables by Patricia Urquiola, a Lema dining table and sofa, matched with curvaceous pieces such as Porada Lip dining chairs, and a Tacchini Julep sofa and armchair by Jonas Wagell and Five to Nine daybed by Studiopepe.

When it came to the personal spaces upstairs, Wee introduced elements that considered the home’s proximity to the nearby houses. “On the second storey, bathrooms were either set back for planters or had redundant balconies converted to planters, with privacy louvres included for natural ventilation,” says Wee.

For these spaces, he selected understated pieces and timeless classics from European brands including Arflex, Flou, Herman Miller, Rimadesio, Muuto, Poliform and Poltrona Frau. These are accompanied by Luceplan suspension and accent lights, and Artemide wall lights sourced from Million Lighting, along with a serene mix of laminates in natural finishes from EDL and Lamitak. 

Wee’s measured approach to interior design still incorporated some fun elements into the home’s unique look. In the master bedroom, a foliage-patterned wallcovering from Hello Circus echoes the verdant views outdoors while creating a fun trompe l’oeil effect with its window-grill design. The house also features a selection from the owner’s private art collection, which adds character to the elegant spaces. “Walls were set aside for accent pieces and artworks; the displayed pieces are from my client’s existing collection,” adds Wee.

It took about eight-and-a-half months to complete the renovation, and the result was met with much delight from both the homeowners and the designer. “I’m happy to see the clients enjoy the new indoor and alfresco dining area, both with garden views. The clients are certainly happy and making the most of the dining spaces,” says Wee.

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