This flat in Katong is a blend of heritage and modernity

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Text by Vanitha Pavapathi

Nestled in the vibrant enclave of Katong – surrounded by colourful Peranakan shophouses and colonial bungalows – lies this meticulously reimagined flat that seamlessly blends heritage elements with contemporary aesthetics. Influenced by this dichotomy of old and new, Mikael Teh, founder of MONOCOT, transformed the dated flat into a sophisticated yet cosy abode that embodies the elegance of Japandi aesthetics while preserving its architectural legacy.

From the outset, the homeowners – professionals in the luxury sector and avid design enthusiasts – wanted to preserve the flat’s original architectural features. Mikael recalls being captivated by the original marble flooring during his initial walkthrough. “The marble felt like the soul of the home,” he explains. “Although the homeowners were initially apprehensive about its potential to appear outdated, I was convinced it could anchor the entire design and enrich its narrative.”

Retaining the existing marble flooring posed one of the project’s greatest challenges but ultimately became a defining feature. Not stopping there, Mikael ingeniously recycled pieces of demolished marble into thresholds, reflecting MONOCOT’s commitment to sustainable design. Similarly, the original timber sliding doors on the balcony were preserved, integrating seamlessly with the modern Japandi style that blends Japanese simplicity with Scandinavian functionality.

Considering the homeowners’ hectic lifestyles, creating moments of respite throughout the flat was imperative to the transformation. A major highlight of the renovation was converting the hallway to the bedrooms into an extension of the master suite, creating an elegant flow that enhances daily living.

“The once underutilised space now serves as a yoga nook and doubles as an entrance to the master bedroom,” says Mikael. This thoughtful spatial transformation added practicality while maximising the use of natural light and ventilation.

In the master bedroom, a bespoke wardrobe was added to separate the sleeping area from the ensuite bathroom, addressing the homeowners’ differing work schedules with thoughtful planning. In the monochromatic ensuite, a custom stainless steel sink and imported tiles elevate the design, with Meir fittings adding a luxurious touch.

The dwelling’s spatial reconfiguration also included the expansion of both bathrooms, which ate into the dining area. To compensate for the loss of space, Mikael designed an inset dining area framed with a laminate architrave, incorporating a custom storage bench. This setup occupies a small portion of the floor area from the study-cum-pet room, reserved for the homeowners’ fur babies.

A semi-translucent glass block feature wall anchors the dining area, diffusing natural light while creating a sculptural visual element. “Incorporating humble building materials like glass and hollow blocks is a hallmark of our approach,” remarks Mikael, whose background in architecture informed his design direction. Complemented by Wishbone chairs and the homeowners’ dining table, the space exemplifies the interplay of simplicity and sophistication.

The spatial change created a new, more efficient passageway to the guest room and resized study located on either side. Here, walls and ceilings are painted in a deep shade of blue with raw exposed concrete blocks, signalling the realm into private quarters while adding visual interest.

It’s clear that every corner of the flat was carefully reconceptualised to serve functional utility without compromising aesthetics. A custom-operable spray-painted metal door adds industrial chic while delineating the wet and dry kitchen. The enlarged kitchen was integral to the inclusion of a peninsula counter, serving as a breakfast bar and additional prep space. This design manoeuvre also resulted in a dedicated entry foyer that enhances the home’s functionality.

Despite its smaller footprint due to the kitchen expansion, the living room is equally well-considered. A custom TV wall with adjustable shelving is composed of similar laminates used for the dining area and kitchen carpentry, ensuring design cohesion within an open layout of the communal spaces. Layered textures, such as a Kvadrat carpet and a repurposed Goyard trunk – a nod to the homeowners’ affinity for the luxury brand – lend a luxurious yet intimate atmosphere.

The homeowners trusted Mikael with creative freedom, allowing him to curate furniture and materials that complemented the flat’s original elements. “Their love for Japanese culture and open-mindedness made this project a dream to work on,” Mikael reflects. The result is a thoughtfully designed home that balances aesthetics, functionality, and the preservation of its storied past – a testament to the transformative potential of design when vision and craftsmanship align.

MONOCOT
www.monocotstudio.com
www.facebook.com/monocotstudio
www.instagram.com/themonocotstudio

Photography by Studio Periphery

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