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A Home with Unique Rooftop Design in Singapore

A Home with Unique Rooftop Design in Singapore

/ 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.

rooftop design
The rooftop deck is a vista point to capture amazing panoramic views.

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.
[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.
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.
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.
rooftop design
A ramp and a staircase provides access to the rooftop deck.

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.

rooftop design
A skylight beside the rooftop deck allows plenty of sunshine to reach all the way to the lower floor.
The house’s four levels lie hidden from view, while its front facade fits right in with two-story homes in the neighborhood.
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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Wonderful Terraced House Renovation in Singapore

Wonderful Terraced House Renovation in Singapore

/ 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.

Terraced House
Part of the top floor becomes a small sky garden.

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.

Terraced House
The spaces between Colonial-style arch windows are filled with bookshelves that stand tall from floor to ceiling.
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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.

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An armchair and a round coffee table adorn the relaxed living room in chocolate and cream tones.
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Antique-inspired décor items line the hallway leading to a relaxed living space in the rear of the building.
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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.
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[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.”

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

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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.

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


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Metal Chandelier Designs from The Ingenuity of ASEAN Designers

Metal Chandelier Designs from The Ingenuity of ASEAN Designers

Discover new designs and unique techniques of elegant chandeliers and pendant lights that are made of metal, steel and wire. LivingASEAN selected 4 design collections from Singaporean, Filipino and Thai designers to explore your artistic creativity of ASEAN décor.

 

ligne-roset

 

Parachute pendant lamp - Brand: Ligne Roset, Designer: Nathan Yong
Parachute pendant lamp – Brand: Ligne Roset, Designer: Nathan Yong

Let’s start with the honored designer from Singapore, Nathan Yong. He works for many leading furniture brands in Europe, for example, Living Divani, Opinion Ciatti and Ligne Roset. This specific design called the Parachute pendant lamp comprises of 3 shapes made from steel wire which are sold separately. Not only are they used on their own but also can be combined up to 6 shapes in various ways. Finally the result is a very elegant mixture of Asian artistic and European minimalist.

 

From left: Urban and Macarena pendant lights – Brand: Schema from the Philippines
From left: Urban and Macarena pendant lights – Brand: Schema from the Philippines
Zattelite – Brand: Schema, Designer: Anon Pairot
Zattelite – Brand: Schema, Designer: Anon Pairot
APDS-Lighting-Catalog-TH-2
Spaceship – Brand: Schema, Designer: Anon Pairot

No one can produce the sophisticated look of the metal pendant light shade quite like Schema do. The team of artisans at Schema weaves each galvanized iron wire carefully by hand. Celia Gamboa Jiao is the founder of the brand. She is a designer who has run her business since 1994. The design team consists of Antonio Layug from the Philippines, Anon Pairot from Thailand and Segolene Aebi-Faye from Switzerland.

 

pin01
Metal chandelier by PiN from Thailand

P11_Pin-024-copy  pin_chanderlier

From recycled sheets of metal. Thai designer, Pin Saruta revives this scrap metal and turns it into marvelous metal chandelier. This second generation family business and steel shop is located in Bangkok. That is the beginning of her inspiration to develop this eclectic design. Nowadays, she is one of the talented designers in Thailand who can combine the shape of Thai elements to interior design function.

 

JosephRastrullo

The design of Joseph Rastrullo, the talented designer from the Philippines has created a flexible design method using wire to dictate the hanging lamp size and shape. The shape is simple and clean which give an industrial look. You can use it as a small group of metal chandelier in the center of living room.

 

 

Link

https://www.ligne-roset.com/be/collection/lighting/ceiling-lighting

http://www.schemaproduct.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Pin.metal.life/

https://www.facebook.com/Rastrullo-Design-Studio-1410009629304383/

 

Story: Samutcha  Viraporn

Photos : Press

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