Change is the only constant; and 25 years would rightly equate to a large amount of change for this family of four, especially in their living habits and lifestyles. Working hand-in-hand with their clients, designers from Atelier Here were tasked to breathe new life into this 3,800 sq ft space — to meet the needs of a familiar, yet different family than the one from 25 years ago.
Home to a businessman, his retired wife and their two working children, the new house had to satisfy increased spatial requirements for the family — in both its shared and private areas. The lady of the house was a religious Catholic, and required a place to host frequent prayer sessions, neighbourhood rosaries cell group meetings.
Fulfilling their client’s requests, Atelier Here redesigned the living and dining rooms, as well as the dry kitchen and terrace areas to be merged as one unified space. This created a seamless expanse for mother to host regular gatherings, without having to stress too much over space constraints.
Mum also asked for a family altar, to which the designers responded with a peaceful prayer area that features a skylight and water feature — a tranquil oasis in a fast-paced society. Intentionally designed near the main door, the serene space is the first and last contact between any individual and the house.
For other social gatherings, the home was also given a third storey with a cozy roof lounge awaiting indoors. Separated only by folding panels, the space bleeds into a roof terrace on the same floor, offering a view over the rear hill and other neighbouring dwellings.
While existing structural columns — residual from the old house — posed a challenge to the Atelier Here team, it didn’t hinder them from delivering on their brief for more spaces. Apart from the third storey addition to the originally two-storey residence, new annex was set in the garden to house the master bedroom.
Precast concrete ventilation blocks make for an effective shade against the Singapore sun, while allowing soft, diffused light to filter in. The original staircase was also shifted to let natural light illumine the interiors during the day.
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