East Coast Residence

A private residence created for a creative couple on the East Coast of Singapore. The space explores the tension between form and function, while demonstrating restraint through a timeless, singular, utilitarian approach.

The design strategy centred around the removal of several existing partitions to increase access to natural light, and the integration of adaptive joinery to create flexible living zones. Transformable walls were used to create a study that could open up as an extension of the kitchen and living room, shelving and screening were used to create moments of intimacy while allowing spatial connection, and integrated carpentry was used to create consistency and clean lines while tying in seamlessly with the exposed building structure. To provide a layout that could facilitate entertaining and an expanding family, an existing room was sacrificed to allow for a larger kitchen, creating a multifunctional space which is centred around a communal island.

Warm timber portals, shelving, and columns create a layered series of intimate and interconnected zones throughout the home, while tying neatly into the building’s existing structure. Elevated joinery provides floating display and storage space allowing the tiled floor below to flow uninterrupted and seamlessly throughout the multiple areas of the apartment. 

A large island designed as a standalone furniture piece forms the focal point of the kitchen area. Taking the apartment’s low ceiling height into consideration, the island is elevated by four rectilinear feet, allowing natural light to pass under its mass and appear visually lighter than its volume. This simple gesture allows the carpentry to present as a piece of furniture placed within an open space, rather than feeling like a fixed, heavy mass. The feature island incorporates a seating nook, storage, and wine fridge, creating a central entertaining and gathering point within the home.

To allow more natural light into the open kitchen, two partitions were removed from the building’s original condition, creating a flexible office space that opens up to the kitchen and living areas. Translucent screens allow the office to be closed off from the public areas while allowing light to carry through into the multiple spaces. When open, the office is fully connected to the surrounding living zones. A column is used to create a resting place for the screens when closed, while acting as a visual anchor and spatial marker when fully opened. 

Discipline / Architecture
Status / Construction Completed
Photography / PerCapita
Year / 2023

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