Structural fixtures can be a challenge to work with, but d’Phenomenal found a creative and space-efficient solution to carve out more storage and space in this BTO flat.
1 August 2024
Home Type: 5-room HDB flat
Floor Area: 1,227sqft
Low-lying beams and awkward columns in a home aren’t the prettiest sight to behold, and such was the case for this BTO flat belonging to a family of four. Creative Director Kef Tan and Art Director Chia Xueling from d’Phenomenal who took on the renovation, say: “There was a wall column and beam right smack in the middle of the kitchen and dining area.” The pair soon realised it would get in the way of a free-flowing floor plan for the communal zones.
They decided to downplay the look of these structures by masking them. A full-height curved cabinet in a neutral colour has been introduced and it integrates seamlessly with the beam.
They also designed a false ceiling feature with a smooth wave-like curvature to make the beam appear less conspicuous.
The rounded cabinet fixture solves much of the kitchen’s spatial issues, as the space is limited. Kef and Xueling say: “We needed to cater ample space for appliances like the dishwasher, countertop oven, and air fryer.” With the cabinet fitted with power points and a pull-out tray, the homeowners can easily utilise and stow the smaller appliances away without sacrificing countertop space.
More countertop space is welcome in a small kitchen like this, and additional worktop areas like the moveable island counter have been factored in. Castor wheels underneath the mobile island give the homeowners the flexibility to change the arrangement, especially when they entertain or need more space.
Kef and Xueling also looked into concealing the entrance to the household shelter and the DB box situated next to the front entrance. Their solution was to implement a custom-built fixture with storage spanning across the front entrance and living area. With that, it became possible to conceal the entrance to the household shelter and DB box seamlessly.
The curved design details of the full-height fixture are well-considered, ensuring a child-friendly environment for the homeowners’ two young children. So is the curved wave-like ceiling feature that runs downward to highlight the lime-plastered accent wall. Together with the cove lighting, it flatters the pleasing muted colour scheme to establish a relaxing living space for the family.
Working curved details into the master bedroom as well, Kef and Xueling presented it as a contoured L-shaped wardrobe with a matching bedframe. They selected a grey laminate finish bearing woven-look textures to soften the appearance of the full-height structure, and it does the job of bringing a cosy and contemporary touch to the bedroom.
After a two-month renovation done at $70,000, Kef and Xueling have overcome the flat’s structural challenges with a sensible spatial flow. The family, in turn, have a spacious and storage-friendly home, and it’s something they will appreciate for a long time to come.
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