Lightness and calm

Home Type: 3-bedroom condominium

Floor Area: 1,140sqft

Text by Disa Tan

Not being able to alter the layout of the condominium unit did not deter Associate Ean Chu from Happe Design Atelier from drawing out a free-flowing expanse of space and a relaxed quality. He says: “We needed to adapt to the existing conditions of the full-length windows in the home, and we layered materials to evoke a sense of calm and elegance.”

While the walls are clad with marble slabs from Hafary, the bay window seat is topped with Silestone. Ean explains the trickiest part in putting together this ensemble with veneer was to apportion it in a way that would look understated, yet impressive in a compact space. He says: “Our aim was to create a statement piece with natural materials that would not overpower.”

A peninsula counter clad in dark Dekton surfaces overlooks the living zone. The rich inky textures of the countertop evoke a moody and masculine aesthetic, which serves as a visual demarcation from the brighter finishes applied in the living area.

Functioning as a pantry, the peninsula counter is an extension of the wet kitchen which can be cordoned off with the bi-fold glass doors. This provides flexibility for the homeowners to use the space as a lounge-worthy spot to chill, or as extra countertop space for food prepping. Tinted wall mirrors add greatly to the illusion of space.

The bathroom showcases two different types of wall tiles – one dark and one light – and these contrasting finishes demarcate the shower stall from the vanity with good effect. It also highlights a calm and quiet elegance that is prevalent in the communal zones.

Customised built-in fixtures from the bedframe down to the bedside table bestow a posh hotel-style quality to the master bedroom. Matching veneer from KD Panel with metal-look laminates from Catalyste, Ean carried over the design continuity and the intimate warmth of wood into the bedroom as well.

The use of veneer is repeated through a wraparound cabinet lined across the windows. Understated in scale and simplicity, this custom-built design offers much-needed storage and an unfettered window view. Ean has done well in emphasising the daylight orientation in this bedroom, and the rest of the home.