HOUSE / Living ASEAN - Inspiring Tropical Lifestyle

Eclectic Style with Blue Shade of Living

By livingasean
September 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

Eclectic style is the right definition of this blue-shade living space. The unique color attracts all eyes at first sight.

/// Thailand ///

Photo: Soopakorn Srisakul /// Interior Designer: Balance Interior & Contractor

The posh condominium room offers a generous 78-square meters space. Obviously, Pavis Simakulthorn, the homeowner’s favorite color is blue and his other passion are ceramic collections. As a result, these are among the first things he requested to Watana Kowatanabhorn, the designer.

“I wanted shelves, lots of them. They had to be in blue or indigo, which are my favorites.”

Pavis bought the room years ago, before meeting Watana and selected him to design the place. Recognizing the preferences of the homeowner, Watana designed an eye-catching European style pantry. The pantry’s function is to show off ceramic and glassware collections. Tray ceiling is enhanced by decorative trim molding.

A reading room next to the pantry is full of bookshelves. Shelves are filled with books in Thai and foreign languages. A priceless antique bead necklace collection is also shown on the shelf. Another interesting feature is a wallpaper, which Pavis discovered from a trip to Paris.

“While visiting a friend. I came across a wallpaper store that design wallpapers for Hermes and other world-class brands. I ordered custom-made one for the room. Three month later, the ocean blue wallpaper arrived. I just love it.”

*The eye-catching pantry offers a luxurious touch in shades of indigo.*

Outside, the balcony is adorned with a Cupid statue, which Pavis cherished, while the bedroom interior mainly use purple. “I’m very impressed by the designer’s choice. The color is warm and relaxing. Deep shades represents complexity and is the last color on usually sees before going to sleep at night.”

The bedroom features DM Home wrought iron bed. The headboard is designed by the homeowner to match with the pillows. A wooden built-in cabinet is used to store collectibles and photographs. Wooden strips overhead keeps the air-conditioning machine hidden. The décor scream out eclectic tones with fur, antique pieces and stuffed animals.

*A shelf is set flush with structural support posts in complementing hues.*

Little details go well with the whole design. Built-in accessories storages features trim molding similar to Roman pillars. The bathroom at the far end includes a subtle, luxurious elements. Floor tiles are custom-made to complement the elegant rug.

*Pastel purple shades make the bedroom peaceful and warm. Window treatments made of mesh wire protect the privacy of the intimate space while allowing natural light in.*

The bedroom features a wrought iron bed in black by DM Home. The homeowner designs headboard treatments herself by emulating pillow patterns. The bed cover is one of a kind. To the right stands a built-in wood cabinet used for storing collectibles and photographs. Over the head, decorative strips keep the air-conditioning unit hidden in plain sight. The walls are painted a light shade of pastel purple with whit accents. Decorating details speak to the Eclectic style including fur, antique collectibles, and stuffed animals.

*Purple walls with white accents add a welcome contrast to the interior living spaces.*

The homeowner’s personal eclectic style is clearly expressed in the place. Just as Pavis’s conclusion. “I believe the room was left in a good hand. The designer’s understanding and ideas are as expected. The chemistry is right, I guess.”

*“All of the items here are stylishly unique. No sprucing up is needed.”*

*The bathroom boasts simple design with a luxurious, updated look. Recessed lights built into the sink cabinet make the interior space seem large and well-lit.*

link: https://www.facebook.com/balanceinterior/

Baan Somjai: Where Time Seems to Stand Still on Pha-Ngan Island

By livingasean
September 26, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Surat Thani, Thailand /

/ Story: Wuthikorn Sut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Peacefully ensconced in a coconut grove by the sea, “Baan Somjai” is both a vacation destination and private residence located on beautiful Pha-Ngan Island. Everything goes by slowly on this side of the world, so slow it feels like time is standing still.

Pha-ngan Island — Nature’s A/C system at work. A water pond runs the entire stretch of the building, lowering indoor temperatures as winds carry water vapor into the room.

The seaside resort is the brainchild of Nattawut Piriyaprakob, of the architectural practice NPDA Studio. He’s both the designer and son of landowners Banjob and Somjai Piriyaprakob. The property on Pha-Ngan Island is an inheritance from Nattawut’s grandmother.

Back in the day, it was nothing but a family-owned coconut orchard. Nattawut could still recall traveling back and forth often to tend trees on the property. Nowadays travel to and from Pha-Ngan has become more convenient. That’s reason enough for the family to put in a home here.

As Nattawut put it: “Mom and Dad had worked in other provinces for a period of time. They returned home to Pha-Ngan after retirement and started out with a homestay called Coconut and Noom Resort.

“The hospitality business had welcomed all kinds of tourists, from backpackers attending the famous Full Moon Party, to well-to-do European families looking for peace and quiet on an island paradise. As luck would have it, Mom and Dad decided to put in a permanent home here, and the rest was history. They enjoyed meeting new people every day.”

Nattawut said that he designed the buildings on Pha-Ngan Island from experience, memories and knowledge of indigenous building materials. “The homes are built by local builders using local materials and wisdom. Together, they culminate in a unique design that stands out.

“Take for example eco-friendly bamboo items and paneling that are easy to find. The walls are crafted of red brick and flooring is made of polished concrete finishes.”

The designer intentionally added vivid colors into the work. He said: “As you can see, I chose bold colors for the building, such as the bright external envelope. The shadow cast by coconut trees makes the landscape even more interesting.”

The sundeck that is Banjob’s vantage point offers a 360-degree view of the coconut grove and the sea to the further side.

Benefiting from the sea breeze, the rooms are nice and cozy. Solid walls facing west shield them from the afternoon sun, while the cooling pond helps disperse the heat. Together, they go to work creating a light and airy atmosphere even when the weather is hot.

Remembered for its good design, warmth and southern hospitality, Baan Somjai Seaside Resort on Pha-Ngan is welcoming visitors to their home. It’s not only the home to the Piriyaprakob family. It’s also a dream destination for travelers from across the globe

Architect: NPDA Studio (www.npdastudio.com)

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3×9 House: A Compact Row House Renovation in Vietnam

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrith / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

A lot of work and research was invested in this row house renovation project. The big question is: how to make the compact house look wider?

Home renovation: The project is accomplished without any concrete construction. The new second floor rests on cylindrical steel posts instead of big cement pillars.

Like most urban residential buildings in Vietnam, “3×9 House” was formerly a shophouse built a long time ago. Only recently it was restored to a good state of repair. Looking back over the years, the old place lacking fresh air and ventilation had only a few windows and lots of solid brick walls, which made the building look dim.

A bold move was needed to rejuvenate it. The result is a modern living space that looks and feels fresher, younger and more lively, plus it helps to lift up the mood of the residents.

Renovated Row House vietnam — The 3-by-9-meter house has become a point of interest by integrating natural features in the design.

As land prices in Vietnam continued to rise rapidly and steeply every year, buying a new house seemed like a formidable task. So the owner thought it wise to invest in renovating his existing home.

He reached out to A21 Studio for their good reputations in the building industry, especially when it came to turning small, stuffy old houses into nice, uncluttered and environment-friendly homes.

Walk in the door, and the first thing that catches our eyes is a tree growing up through an opening in the footbridge set against the wall. It’s a sign of welcome warmly greeting visitors coming into the entryway. The overall effect is bright and airy, thanks in part to a rooftop skylight illuminating the interior living spaces and letting sunlight shine on the tree.

For indoor thermal comfort, openings in the walls let breezy wind enter through the front door and circulate inside the home. As a result of this, the entire interior feels fresh and full of life all the way to the rear section, the second floor and the room under translucent sliding panels on the rooftop.

Flanked by three-story row houses on both sides, “3×9 House” is exposed to direct sunlight only in the middle of the day. For the rest of the time, the home is full of nice cool shade, making it feel very comfortable, warm and cozy, so there’s no need for air-conditioning.

A modern kitchen setup gets rid of smoke and smell fast, as a result of a range hood blower and openings in the rooftop.

For a bigger, more open vibe in the interior, solid room dividers are avoided, with the exception of the bathroom. The ground floor consists of a living room, dining area and kitchen; all connected.

The bedroom and leisure areas are upstairs. Since the homeowner lives alone, solid room dividers are of no use. In a nutshell, it’s about integrating natural features, openings in the walls and a good ventilation system in the overall design. That’s what makes it a good place to live.

A colorful mix of tiles are reminiscent of vernacular architecture.

Architect: A21 Studio (www.a21studio.com.vn)

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A Designer Couple’s Eco-friendly Dream Home in Vietnam

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Ajchara Jeenkram / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Nantiya Busabong, Damrong Leewairoj /

A designer couple’s dream house stands amidst the idyllic farmlands of Vietnam countryside. Interior designer My An Pham Thi and her husband Michael Charrualt, who is also a 3D graphic designer, built their new home office using natural materials and creative building techniques. Basically, it’s a design that embraces the green building concept aimed at minimizing negative impacts on the environment. By mixing locally sourced materials with imagination and modern methods of construction, they were able to create an eclectic living space with a look that’s uniquely their own.

dream home — The designer couple’s home is built using a mix of real wood, concrete masonry, brickwork and palm-leaf roofing. The vertical pattern of bricklaying makes the fence wall look taller than it really is.

It’s a design choice that came at the right time as sustainable building was catching on in different parts of the country. Green construction provides many benefits, among them reduced waste, reduced cost and better air quality, and the list goes on.

This designer couple’s home out in the country conveys a great deal about that line of thought and the need to go green. They mixed local materials with imagination to create an environment-friendly home that’s cozy and warm without burning a hole in the pocket.

A large table with Windsor chairs and a vintage Chinoiserie daybed adorn the spacious, semi-outdoor dining room. Overhead, cement surfaces in the ceiling are brushed smooth for ease of maintenance and precautions against humidity damage.

Connecting with nature. A part of the house is left unroofed to bring the big blue sky and the sound of leaves rustling in the trees into the room.

The fence wall in front of the house boasts the simplicity of raw concrete finishes with beautiful bamboo detailing. There are two gates made of wood in dark reddish browns that blend with the rural environment, at the same time, protecting the home from the outside.

As a feature that’s a source of pride, the house’s external envelope is crafted of bare brickwork that adds visual interest to the overall design. Where appropriate, perforate brick walls are installed to allow fresh air and natural light into the home, making the interior feel nice and dry.

All of this is achieved by using simple materials readily available in the locality, such as wood, cement, bricks and palm-leaf roofing. Together they give the house in the fields a beautiful indigenous flair.

In essence, it’s the love of the outdoors that inspires My An Pham Thi and Michael Charrualt to build their home out in Vietnam countryside. It boils down to the healthy lifestyle they cherish in their heart, a yearning desire to seek reconnections with nature. And this rustic country house in the fields is made for that.

Take a look inside. The ground floor boasts a specious living room with Chinoiserie furniture that connects to the dining room with a large table and Windsor chairs. It has the view of a side yard garden.

Tall windows under vaulted ceilings fill the third-floor master bedroom with natural light.

The second floor works as a home office with a snug bedroom tucked away in a quiet, more secluded area.

The master bedroom lies on the third floor that’s characterized by simplicity and a handful of essential elements unique to Minimalist style.

Here, time goes by so slowly, and the designer couple isn’t in a hurry to go anywhere. Their dream home is, in fact, a live-in experiment, in which different materials and various building strategies are being evaluated to determine how they perform in real life.

Should any issue arise, it will be dealt with one by one to arrive at the best solution. But one thing for sure, it’s a home with love and care.

Owner/Architect: My An Pham Thi and Michael Charruault of MM++ Architects (www.mmarchitects.net)

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A Retro Loft with Distinctive Colonial Flair in Selangor, Malaysia

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Petaling Jaya, Malaysia /

/ Story: Supachart Boontag / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

Once an affordable choice among artists, lofts have grown to become one of the most popular house styles. The design that makes use of high ceilings to create an airy, cozy and comfortable place of residence appeals to a much wider demographic now than any time in the past.

This three-story retro loft house in the Malaysian state of Selangor is the brainchild of Ramesh Seshan, who has experience in loft design. Judging from the way things are going, it’s an architectural style that represents endless possibilities.

It all began with Lee Kok Choong wanting to renovate his old house as a retro loft style residence. Responding to his heart’s desire, architect Seshan explored and rethought all the materials and building strategies to create solutions that meet his preferences.

The result is a cozy and warm loft home showcasing the simplicity of unornamented concrete finishes. Uncovered brick walls become the center of attention, whereas rough textures are accentuated alongside of retro Chinese style detailing.

The center courtyard house plan features a serene carp fish pond. The mellifluous sound of water fits in well with the loft atmosphere.

For a lightweight look, concrete flooring on the footbridge is replaced by thick tempered glass panels.

As one would imagine, the newly renovated home is rich in the appeal and qualities that connect with history.

Take for example the second floor entryway that’s inspired by colonial architecture in old Hong Kong. The floor is covered in custom-made ceramic tiles in geometric shapes. Nearby, a footbridge is paved with thick tempered glass that blends well with wrought iron detailing on safety handrails.

From a distance, the rustic façade in brown conjures up memories of the Jawa spaceship Sandcrawler in sci-fi movies Star Wars. Step inside, and you find a spiral staircase made of bare concrete with its distinctive rough textures and the expanded metal infill balustrade that’s the hallmark of industrial loft style.

The kitchen is located near living spaces for convenience. The floor is covered in smooth marble, while exposed brick walls add visual interest to loft ideas.

Interestingly, each floor has its own character. The first floor is paved with green marble imported from India, while red marble, aka Rosa Levanto, adds a bold personality to the living room on the second floor. The third floor is an entirely different story as it unexpectedly switches to a combination of various concrete finishes.

Interior design showcases a fun twist, incorporating unique and unexpected elements. Take for instance a leisure area that uses a pair of vintage barber chairs for sitting on, instead of the regular bar stools at standard height. Behind the bar counter, an antique storage cabinet in subdued chili red and collectible décor items take pride of place on the wall.

The U-shaped house plan features a central courtyard that opens to natural light. The bright and airy atmosphere is further enhanced by large glass doors.

Even though the design is influenced by many styles and built using a variety of different materials, the architect has finally managed to keep all the retro loft qualities in perfect harmony.

More so than anything else, the overall effect is impressive; a home that’s stylishly fashionable, cozy and pleasant in its own special way. An experience like this is worth its weight in gold!

Rust-colored panels form the outer shell of double-wall construction that shelters the interior living spaces from too much sun and rain.

Different color marble floors mark the boundaries between the bedroom and the adjoining bath.

Owner: Lee Kok Choong

Architect: Seshan Design by Ramesh Seshan

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Desa House: The Renovated Artist House in Kuala Lumpur

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia /

/ Story: Panchat Changchan / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

The place called “Desa House” belongs to 49-year-old artist Leon Leong. Located in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, the artist house clearly stands out from the rest in a neighborhood characterized by ubiquitous townhomes.

*Newly added is the sky garden that extends outward from the second-floor façade.*

The most eye-catching feature is the lush sky garden that extends outward from the second floor. The structure also doubles as a carport roof. Green foliage adorns the front façade and functions as a privacy curtain.

The striking features remind us that we have reached our destination.

*The sky garden platform, which doubles as a carport roof, is accessible from the second floor.*

The bedroom and the studio are lit by natural light through a sliding glass that slides open to access the greenery. The same applies to the rear portion of the house, which opens to a backyard.

In the front and back, green foliage forms privacy curtains that effectively set the interior spaces apart from the hustle and bustle of city life.

artist house — *Roof beams are clearly visible after ceilings are removed to make way for the new add-on.*

The artist house’s aesthetic is achieved by putting in an add-on and other details to the existing structure.

Like other townhomes in the neighborhood, there is a central court that the occupants use for relaxation. But architect Wen Hsia of the WHBC Architects group has a better idea.

She transforms this centerpiece into something different. What used to be a seating area now becomes a lush landscape, where tall trees cast shadows on surrounding walls and much of the first floor.

It brings in the outdoor, and the atmosphere comes alive every time leaves blow in the wind. All day the light and sound show gives the artist homeowner the inspirations that he needs.

*The perfect match for timeworn kitchen countertops and minimal raw wood furniture.*

Leon needs plenty of light to create works of art, and he gets it all in the home studio.

To bring in natural light, the architect has tiled roofing replaced by lattice skylight, creating beautiful special effects. Concrete lattice casts striking shadow patterns everywhere.

It is cheaper, longer lasting, and easier to maintain than that made of wood. As night falls, the studio is aglow by electric light.

Interestingly the studio light alone is enough to illuminate the entire home.

*Tall trees provide a crisp, cool canopy to the backyard. Beach pebbles, concrete slabs, and a patch of* manicured grass fill up the garden floor.

Owner: Leon Leong

Architect: WHBC Architects

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M11 House: A Calm and Restful Minimalist Design in Ho Chi Minh City

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam /

/ Story: Skiixy / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

Located in a suburb of Ho Chi Minh City, this minimalist-style house has plenty of ample space for a family. It’s the brainchild of A21 Studio, a homegrown architectural firm renowned for its creative designs in residential, public, hospitality and cultural categories.

Minimalist House — Double-height space design makes the interior feel open and airy, allowing plenty of natural daylight and fresh outdoor air into the home

From a design perspective, the suburban residence codenamed “M11 House” boasts the simplicity of clean lines typical of a modern home, with many natural elements beautifully integrated into the plan.

The uncluttered ground-floor interior appears light and airy, thanks to glass partition walls that make a small space feel big. Nearby, a center courtyard offering an oasis of calm can be seen in full view from anywhere in the home. A work of outstanding design is the innermost section of the house that’s spacious and cozy, thoughtfully devised to promote soothing relaxation.

The bedroom on the ground floor is located in the cozy innermost section of the house, separated from the rest by outdoors privacy screens.

Double-height space design offers many benefits. Among others, it creates a connected home by providing visual continuity between the first and the second floor, not to mention there is flexibility in design, too.

Here, the kid’s study room and sitting room on the second floor can be connected or separated as needed. The third floor is a different story. It contains a home gym with a bathtub, and room offering seclusion for a good rest after a long day at work.

Sunlight streams through the windows turning the stairwell into well-lit place.

The second-floor living room is plain and uncluttered. A tree in the center courtyard blocks the sun’s rays from penetrating into the home.

Worthy of attention is the clean-cut edges between indoors and outdoors. The interior in general is an interesting amalgam of the bright shiny concrete floor, glass room dividers, and solid walls painted a cool-toned white, while streamlined furniture makes for comfortable living in a Minimalist style.

The bathroom is enclosed in clear glass for visual continuity with the rest of the private room.

Overall, well-thought-out design ensures there’s the least disruption of airflow making it possible to do without air conditioning. That translates into big savings on electricity and other energy-related expenses.

The center courtyard is visible from every point of view in the home.

A slat wood panel effectively separates the kitchen from the corridor without disrupting air circulation in the interior.

In the fewest possible words, it’s a well-made home tailored to answer the homeowner’s specific needs, one that bespeaks his passion for minimalist design and environmental awareness. At the end of the day, a good life can only be built with good relationships between man and nature.

An extra parking area under a shade tree is ready for future use.

Architect: A21 Studio

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A Home with Unique Rooftop Design in Singapore

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Singapore /

/ Story: Ronnapa Nit / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

In Singapore, people look for creative ways to make the most of limited space, and that includes the rooftop design. A multiple-floor renovation by Formwerkz Architects clearly illustrates this. The Singapore-based architectural practice has succeeded in creating a unique living space on the rooftop tailored specifically to the homeowner’s lifestyle needs.

From a distance, the place looks similar to other two-story homes in the neighborhood, except for the rooftop deck. The platform-like structure is unlike anything else, yet it fits right in the modern context that forms the setting of the area.

[Left] An open kitchenette connects with the dining room making the area look neat and uncluttered, while a warm shade of brown and burgundy on the wall contrasts with modern furniture. / [Right] A U-shaped sectional sofa is set against the wall to maximize space.

The designing process started out with the living room, dining room and kitchen before moving on to the upper floors that hold a sitting room, multipurpose area, bedrooms and a rooftop deck. It represents a line of thought that ensures all areas are easily accessed and connected.

The overall effect is very light and airy, thanks to natural light shining through a rooftop skylight and fixed windows in the sidewall.

Fundamentally, it’s about harnessing the power of nature to create good living conditions. This is evident in well-thought-out design that ensures no electric light is ever needed during the daytime, translating into big savings plus excellent indoor thermal comfort.

Earth-tone color adds a touch of warmth to the living room on the second floor.

Strictly speaking, the interior living space is an interesting amalgam of modern architecture and graphic design innovations. This is especially true of the living room, where Art Deco style meets modern materials, such as mosaic tiles, terrazzo walls, glass panels on wood, and metal frames.

[Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom. — [Left] A nook beside the wall offers seclusion in the son’s bedroom. Louvered windows with wood slats alternating with glass panels are used to aid air circulation. / [Right] The front facade bedecked with a vertical garden provides natural sunscreens protecting the master bedroom.

The stairwell connecting to the lower floor is illuminated by a rooftop skylight.

[Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness. — [Left] A bright and airy bathroom at the far end is visible from the stairway leading to the top deck. / [Right] The bathroom in white comes with a wall-mounted countertop. The mirror with a rounded corner paired with soft pink recessed lighting creates a sense of spaciousness.

Among other things, the most eye-catching feature is the rooftop design that extends from the penthouse roof resembling a continuation of the indoor living space. The al fresco area is a perfect place to relax and unwind on a lazy afternoon, or to host an outdoor party.

From a distance, the newly remodeled house is thoughtfully devised to blend with the surroundings. It’s a way that forms a pleasing whole, where traditional and modern values peacefully coexist in this residential neighborhood of Singapore.

The house’s four levels lie hidden from view, while its front facade fits right in with two-story homes in the neighborhood.

Owner: Dr Kelvin Lee

Architect: Formwerkz Architects (formwerkz.com)

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Airy Bamboo House with a Modern Flair in Malaysia

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia /

/ Story: Ekkarach Laksanasamrich / English version: Peter Montalbano /

/ Photographs: Soopakorn Srisakul /

With bamboo as its main material, the architect has integrated the modern Tropical design into nature. This well-ventilated house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is the brainchild of John G. N. Bulcock of Design Unit Architects Sdn. Bhd. Though the theme is modern Tropical, Bulcock preferred not to limit his idea only to the word. “Actually, I’m not interested in defining it. I’m more curious to look into the floor plan, the atmosphere, and the functions. And I like it the way it is,” said the architect.

Fung Kai Jin, the owner of this bamboo house in Malaysia, gave Bulcock freedom to design. The only request was to feature bamboo in the work, although the material has some flaws of its own.

“Bamboo is a gift from nature,” said Fung. “It is strong and durable to a certain extent. But it has some weaknesses. It doesn’t last as long as other kinds of wood, or steel and concrete masonry, and it requires more maintenance than other materials.

“But for those who have a penchant for bamboo, I think it’s worth the effort. After all, you get to spend time in the house that you love every day.”

Bulcock then decided the house has to be an integrated one. “The main idea is to make the house an integral part of the nature,” he recalled. “Meaning, it has to blend well with the land features and trees around it. So the plan calls for plenty of open spaces and undisturbed materials, such as plain concrete finishes, glass, and bamboo.”

The three-story house was set on a slope. So, Bullock placed a carport and a main entrance on the second floor for practical use. The floor consists of a dining room, kitchen, TV room and a wide balcony overlooking a swimming pool. The lower floor includes a home office, living room, storage room and a maid’s quarter. The private area is reserved on the third floor.

5-7 — The bedroom is adorned with simple decoration. Plain concrete walls and white ceilings spice up the atmosphere. The floorboard is made of hardwood for durability and a stress-free environment.

The house is kept small and uncluttered by dividing into rooms connecting through a roofed hallway that spans over 15 meters across the area. A small interval between the roof and the building is allowed for the rain and the sun shining in.

There are also gaps between the main roof and nearby rooms to promote good ventilation. Fresh air circulates throughout the day through passageways and gaps in the bamboo lattice. Courtesy of the Tropical weather, there is no need for an air-conditioning machine for this bamboo house in Malaysia.

5-9 — Fixed windows at the top edge of dining room walls allow light to shine through, while effectively keeping the heat out.

“As it rains, a fine spray of water descends upon bamboo lattice. When the owner chose this kind of material, he accepted that wet weather is normal,” Bulcock said

“Call it living close to nature. We need to plan which part can be exposed to the rain and vice versa to avoid damage to the structure over time.”

All things considered, this bamboo house in Malaysia is a good example of what living close to nature should look like.

5-11 — For maximum exposure to the natural surroundings, stair railings are crafted of glass panels.

Owner: Fung Kai Jin

Architect: John G. N. Bulcock of Design Unit Architects Sdn. Bhd.

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Wonderful Terraced House Renovation in Singapore

By livingasean
September 22, 2016
HOUSE,LIVING

/ Singapore /

/ Story: Warapsorn Akkhaneeyut / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Sitthisak Namkham /

Terraced houses are ubiquitous throughout Singapore, many of which are well preserved to showcase the country’s rich architectural heritage and history of British Colonial rule. Many of them have changed to better serve commercial and residential needs of the modern world. This handsome terraced house is no exception.

This terraced house belongs to Alan Barr and Phaswan Promphat, both of whom interior designers.

Alan has had experience living in big cities, such as New York, before the job sent him across the globe to settle in Singapore nine years ago. He didn’t arrive empty-handed, but with furniture and other prized possessions.

Over time Alan transformed the old townhouse into a trendy residential unit, incorporating a touch of New York in the prevailing climatic conditions of Singapore.

*Part of the living room is remodeled into a workplace. The table is custom-made from discarded materials.*

The home has a narrow front façade, but the narrow width is compensated by depth, a design feature typical of Sino-Portuguese architecture.

The front part has since been remade to accommodate lattice awnings from floor to ceilings. They serve as privacy curtains while shielding the interior from direct sunlight without limiting air circulation.

From the outside in, it looks like any two-story home. Step in, and you will find it is actually a three-story design.

The ground floor now serves as a carport and storage facility. A set of stairs takes us to the second floor, which is the living room and kitchen with a spacious dining area.

The home office is here, too. From the living room, there is another set of stairs leading to the bedroom on the third floor.

*An armchair and a round coffee table adorn the relaxed living room in chocolate and cream tones.*

*Antique-inspired décor items line the hallway leading to a relaxed living space in the rear of the building.*

*A room with a corner sofa and a large coffee table has enough space to entertain a circle of friends. The backsplash is covered in ceramic tiles made to look like bricks.*

*[left] The living room floor is covered in a patchwork of carpets crafted of donkey hide that is soft to the touch. [right] A niche under the staircase has enough room for a mini-bar.*

Alan said, “This home used to be a design studio. The interior was just about right. It looked like a home, but it was not.

“At the time, it was an office and it had no kitchen. So when we got it, we had to put in one. I like the layout of this home very much. I divide it into two simple zones – general, and privacy.

“The top floor is served by two separate sets of stairs. The attic has since become an office. Space is divided to store decorative works on one side and use as a workstation on the other.”

*Set in gray and black tones, the kitchen comes fully equipped with stainless steel fixtures. Dark colored backsplash adds a nostalgic vibe to the atmosphere.*

*The stairway leads to the snug bedroom on one side of the upper floor.*

*The staff’s office is located on the opposite side of the upper floor to ensure the residential area is not disturbed.*

“The second-floor dining room serves multiple purposes, from eating and entertaining customers, to meetings and project presentations,” he continued.

“Personally, I don’t like an office hemmed in by glass walls supported by steel or other metal frames. Offices in much of Singapore are like that.

“I want a different kind of workplace, in which to impress the customers with different experiences. Most of them like it here, whether it is furniture or decorative items that we have on hand.”

*The conference table and chairs are placed closer to the wall, lined with storage shelves.*

As a whole, the interior spaces are neatly designed and well-appointed.

Décor items from various places are placed in perfect harmony with one another. As he puts it, good furnishings don’t always have to be expensive if you know how.

Alan has given this old terraced house a chic modern makeover with a hint of interest and personality.

Owner/Interior Designer: Alan Barr and Phaswan Promphat (www.grey-matters.com)

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