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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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A modern cave-like home for quiet domestic moments
ApartmentsStephanie Peh

A modern cave-like home for quiet domestic moments

Singapore

Ascend Design transforms an executive apartment into an ‘urban cave’ with a delightful medley of earthy materials and textures.


Trust between homeowners and designers is one of the core ingredients when it comes to creating a beautiful home. For this 125-square-metre (1,350-square-foot) HDB executive apartment, the homeowners gave Ascend Design free rein, often asking them to “go ahead with what you think is the nicest” when it came down to materiality and colours. This resulted in a fashionable dwelling that is not only well-designed but cohesive and utilitarian – made for a couple who enjoy spending quiet moments together.

curved window

“The house is supposed to have a very earthy, natural feel to it, which is why we used materials like real terrazzo flooring and wood-inspired laminates that look a little raw. This is paired with limewash paint to create a more ‘cave-like’ interior,” says Jasper Goh, creative partner at Ascend Design. Throughout this executive apartment, a wide range of materials and textures have been employed to create a cosy atmosphere.

Adhering to the homeowners’ request to have interesting features around the house, Ascend Design has ensured that there are unique details at every corner: curved lines, sculptural furniture and small sections of tiled walls layer the space artistically, balanced with muted colours of creams and greys.

In the living room, a curved feature wall doubles as a television console, concealing unsightly wires and maintaining a clean aesthetic. The monolithic structure also carves out an entrance foyer, offering privacy and also a sense of anticipation as one enters the home.

For the flexibility of shifting things around to suit various settings, the dining room has been kept stylishly simple and casual with an assortment of chairs and a curved table from Gamar. A pendant lamp above makes a striking statement.

The kitchen features a warm red flooring, which is paired with a tapestry of four laminates. A cream-coloured stone-look backing defines the open shelves alongside a muted grey stone backsplash, softening the heavy wood-look laminates that make up the linear cabinets. Despite the playful approach on textures and materials, the kitchen came together seamlessly.

“It’s tough to really pinpoint the aesthetic of this home because quite a few elements of different concepts are found in the space,” says Jasper who added that this is especially apparent when one compares the two bathrooms. The common bathroom takes on a maximalist approach inspired by neoclassicism, while the main bathroom features a postmodern minimalist look with microcement finish.

minimalist bathroom

In the main bedroom, the bathroom entrance and air-conditioner ledge are concealed behind panels that blend in with the wardrobe design. Fluted panels form the bedhead with symmetrical bedside lighting and tables, creating a pleasing visual balance.

“In general, the house reflects the homeowners’ fashion sense and way of life whereby everything is tasteful yet functional,” says Jasper.

Project details

Interior design – Ascend Design
Photography – courtesy Ascend Design

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executive apartment
shelving
curved door
This executive apartment brings a modern cave-like feeling
executive apartment bedroom
view of master bathroom

About the Author

Stephanie Peh

Tags

apartmentapartment designArchitectureAscend DesignEarthyexecutive apartmentgamarHDB FlatHDB homeHome Architecture


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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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