A tribute to the old house is present right from the outset, catching the eye as soon as one steps into the home. On the foyer’s wall is a design element comprising ceramic tiles taken from a water feature from the old home, with a striking wood carving salvaged from a door in the previous property installed in the centre. This earthy and rustic composition acts as a beautiful counterpoint to the sleek-lined elements around it. A textural, pebble-shaped seat subtly reinforces the allusion to nature in this zone.

The first floor of the 5,600 sq ft house is characterised by expansive spaces that blur the distinction between the outdoors and the indoors. Cool breezes and natural light flood into the living room and dining area through the large glass sliding doors that span the length of this common zone; just above it, expansive glazing installed at the mezzanine level also contributes to this end. The living and dining areas sit flush with the side corridor just outdoors for a seamless connection, enlarging the perception of the already spacious indoor zones even more and making the outdoor greenery almost part of the interior.

Underfoot, low-sheen Makonis Grey marble slabs with flowy veins that mimic running water evoke a calming air and cleverly channel nature. Other such elements are an indoor pond feature along the double-volume wall just beside the staircase, an indoor tree and a rabbit enclosure.

The wall is also finished with micro cement for a tactile feel that fortifies the natural theme. Colours were selected to harmonise with one another: the metal staircase, columns and façade all employ the same grey tone, which goes wonderfully with the off-white hues and pale wood tones. “With the main design intent of nature and simplicity in mind, we worked with textures that give a similar look and feel to what is used on the exterior,” says Lim. Rounding off the spaces on the first floor are the dry and wet kitchens, a study, and a powder room.

Interestingly, the home’s open layout, especially between the first floor and the mezzanine level, also facilitates communication of years past, being unhindered by a surfeit of walls. “The homeowner reminisces about his younger days when there weren’t any mobile phones and family members would shout across spaces or levels to communicate or pass messages on, like when their parents would ask them to come down for meals,” smiles Lim. “He would like to have this with his children, too.”

On the mezzanine level is a cosy reading corner and an entertainment room where the family enjoy movies and music together. A walkway that spans the length of this level also facilitates views of the garden and the neighbourhood beyond the home. Part of the floor here also comprises the ceiling beyond the sliding doors on the first level, blurring the demarcation between the indoors and the outdoors. A balcony garden on the car porch roof is also accessible via the mezzanine floor. The Star Wars and Gundam toys on display in the home also hark back to the husband’s younger days.

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The second level houses the master suite and the children’s rooms, and a “relax corner” with a suspended net where the family can hang out or exercise together. Here, a light well brings in copious sunlight, which gives the space a more voluminous feel. Outside the upper floors, adjustable “fins” are worked into the side façade to control the amount of light that enters the rooms; these had to be specially customised as there were no ready-made offerings of the required size and intent.

Dark walnut tones elicit a cosy vibe in the master bedroom, which also features a TV, massage chair and work table. The walk-in wardrobe includes a vanity with double sinks, while a freestanding bathtub is the bathroom’s centrepiece. Bianco Carara Extra marble walls and floor lend a pristine, quietly luxurious look. On their part, the children’s bedrooms are characterised by pastel hues, cheerful artworks and a plethora of soft textures; perfect for the youngsters to spend their own me-time in.

The junior master bedroom is located on the attic level, and functions as an alternative retreat for the parents. An outdoor jacuzzi and open terrace are also located at the front and rear of the common areas on this level, respectively. Across all the bedrooms, wardrobes, storage spaces, tables, and study areas facilitate convenience and contemporary living.

Surmounting numerous delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2.5-year project was finally completed in the latter part of 2023 and proved a fulfilling and educational experience. “A lot of work and trial and error went into the initial stages, especially at the layout-planning phase,” says Lim, voicing his satisfaction at the successful result. “This was also the first time we had embarked on such a design style, of bringing the outside in. This blurring of the lines between the exterior and the interior has certainly changed our perspective on future projects as we try to incorporate more of such details in upcoming ones.”

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