In Singapore, as with everywhere, there is a growing desire for homes that integrate nature and with that, a rise in innovative solutions for high-rise garden living. Like many HDB flats, this modestly sized, four-room resale unit does not have a balcony that can be given to a garden. Yet, the designers from Right Angle Studio have resolved it a most beautiful way – one that sees a smooth assimilation of greenery within the home.
The young couple living here are nature and animal lovers. In their free time, they enjoy recreational diving to explore marine life and to reconnect with the outdoors. “The owners wanted a daring, open-plan design, with more space allocated to the communal areas where they intend to spend most of their time. They also requested a designated zone for plants and room for their rabbits to roam around,” shares Jay Liu, Account Director of Right Angle Studio.
By transforming a three-bedroom unit into a one bedder, the designers have managed to enlarge the communal spaces, and ensure that they are open and seamlessly interconnected. A light and neutral colour palette also heightens the home’s calm and airy atmosphere.
At the same time, this new configuration allows for the insertion of the home’s major feature – a ‘green corridor’ at the entrance comprising a row of louvre suncreens paired with planter boxes. “This design effectively ‘opens’ up the house and allows natural light to permeate the flat, as well as bring the dwellers closer to nature,” says Alex Liu, Right Angle Studio’s Design Director. In a duality of function, this feature also serves as a privacy screen, shielding off from view any activities that are going on beyond that point.
The central console in the living area is another key feature. This customised design consists of the sofa, planter box, work desk, and dining table, and has been designed with consideration to the couples’ day to day lifestyle.
Micro ‘garden elements’ have been added to this ‘green house’ in the form of bonsai plants. “After selecting several big planters for the clients, we realised that there was an opportunity to introduce small greenery in different pockets of the house as well. We therefore invited a local bonsai master (known as ‘根 gēn’) to curate a series of small trees for the project,” says Jay. “This has added depth to the home’s spatial quality as the couple can interact with the greenery on both a macro and micro level,” he adds.
As for the kitchenette, this has been “umbrella-ed” under Right Angle Studio’s bespoke portal frame design. “It creates a more focused and conducive environment for cooking. At the same time, this design detail retains an identity for itself, while sitting amongst other interesting sections of the house,” Alex explains.
The master bedroom has become a more indulgent inner sanctum with the merging of two rooms. To achieve a larger shower area, the vanity has been moved out of the bathroom where it also now functions as a subtle transition zone between the sleeping and bathing areas.
Everywhere in this home, the integration of nature is thoughtful and unique. This is not a cookie-cutter answer to a garden home. It’s one of a kind.
Right Angle Studio
rightanglestudio.com.sg
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