Cover The porous facade of the home designed by Cube Associate Design
The porous facade of the home designed by Cube Associate Design
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With the enviable verdant views as the focus of this family’s inter-terrace house, Cube Associate Design creates a restful sanctuary that’s cosy and at one with nature
Living in a home with young children means a whole host of practical concerns for parents to think about. Unfussy, hardwearing materials are usually prioritised to help create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone in the household.
In their brief to Cube Associate Design, this Singaporean family indicated a preference for a cosy, relaxed atmosphere in their inter-terrace house, which has a built-up area of nearly 9,000 sq ft. The clients did not put in the typical requests for marble, solid wood and other materials associated with a luxurious abode; they wanted a home where they wouldn’t have to stress or worry about everyday spills or messes that would inadvertently result when raising their progeny. The sociable couple, who work in the real estate industry, knew they wanted an open-plan living room and kitchen areas in which they could easily entertain guests. They also wanted the interior design to maximise the views of the park next to their abode.
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Above The family’s existing furnishings were complemented with new sofas from King Living and a dining table from Italian brand Lema
The family’s existing furnishings were complemented with new sofas from King Living and a dining table from Italian brand Lema
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The team at Cube Associate Design take pride in developing creative and practical design solutions for their clients, sometimes pursuing unconventional options to cater to each site’s unique qualities. “It’s easy for a house to look nice, but whether it’s comfortable to live in is another question,” shares Sarah Tham, founder and design director of Cube Associate Design.
While the back-of-house area is typically allocated to utilitarian spaces like the laundry room, that part of this home has the best views of the nearby park. Tham proposed moving the utilitarian spaces to the attic so the first storey could be entirely devoted to the living and kitchen areas. These social spaces would benefit from the capacious footprint and the lush views.
Folding glass doors open up to magnificent views of the greenery beyond and ensure cross-ventilation on the first floor
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“The style is modern-contemporary with a minimalist touch. There are no fussy details; it is sleek and clean-lined, with earthy, neutral colour tones. The focus is on the greenery, which can be enjoyed from both the first and second levels of the house,” Tham elaborates.
The designer orchestrated a spatial journey that begins at the entryway, which leads to the open-plan living room. Visitors traversing this elongated corridor are treated to a view of the distant greenery. The timber veneer panels here conceal entrances to the shoe cupboard, powder room and lift. At night, cove lighting gives this zone a sense of drama.
Read more: Ask a designer: How to bring tropical style and nature-inspired details into your bedroom
Above The sleek corridor features wood and stone textures
The sleek corridor features wood and stone textures
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Upon arriving at the living room, the full impact of the verdant views is keenly felt; the full-length folding doors here not only look out onto soothing scenery but also amplify the amount of natural light and ventilation in the house. Next to it is a spacious 10-seater dining area and a dry kitchen. The adjacent wet kitchen can be enclosed with a sliding door when needed and includes ample storage to hold all the necessary tableware, culinary tools and prized bottles for a couple who love to entertain. It fits all the requirements needed for a household that cooks daily.
A midnight blue hue sets a relaxing mood in the movie room
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Much attention was lavished on the basement level, which houses a series of entertainment facilities including a gym, movie theatre and karaoke room. The family had previously lived in a condominium development and wanted the convenience and luxury of having similar amenities in their abode. These include sufficient space to house dumbbells, a treadmill and an area for yoga sessions.
The basement den is envisioned as a studio with an open-plan layout: the forward-thinking couple felt this configuration could be most easily tweaked to adapt to the children’s hobbies later on as they grow older.
A deep midnight-blue hue was selected for the walls in the movie area, while mirrored walls were installed in the gym zone so the couple could check on their posture while going through their respective workout routines.
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Above The wet and dry areas of the kitchen are partitioned yet visually connected to each other
The wet and dry areas of the kitchen are partitioned yet visually connected to each other
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“Cube Associate Design aims to make clients happier in the environments that we create. This is our biggest sense of accomplishment in every project,” declares Tham.
It’s a feat the firm has certainly achieved in this assignment, as the owners relish every moment of living in their home; even visitors remark on how comfortable they feel in the abode. “The homeowners are very happy with the result, which really fits their lifestyle,” the designer proudly shares.
Cube Associate Design
Above Sarah Tham, founder of Cube Associate Design
Sarah Tham, founder of Cube Associate Design
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Founded in 1998, the homegrown firm is managed by Sarah Tham, who has breezed through over 100 projects of various scales and complexities throughout her career as an interior designer. “I always believe that it is not about the scale, but the potential to explore creativity in a project,” says Tham, who draws design inspiration from art, culture, music and daily life. The studio offers a full suite of services that range from spatial planning and conceptualisation to design and project management.
Cube Associate Design
#09-10 Apex @ Henderson
201 Henderson Road
Tel: 6538 8918
cubeassociatedesign.com
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Cube Associate Design
