Just a stepping into Brian and Jude’s latest creation at Maria Ave in Opera Estate throws one’s impression of a terrace house out of the window. Skillfully rebuilt by Brian Kow, Founder of Nic and Wes Builders Pte Ltd and gorgeously designed by his wonderful wife Jude, this 4100 square feet of living space is a work of art to be appreciated. Before we even stepped into the terrace, the house stood apart from its neighbours due to its suspended driveway that leads to the middle level of the house, unlike the neighbouring terraces which have the main entrance below ground. This modern black and white themed house exudes charm and elegance with its lush fabrics playfully interspersed with shiny details. Chandeliers watch over the living and dining area and strategically placed lush green plants soften the otherwise stark colour scheme. Serving the dining area is a dry kitchen with a built in oven and a breakfast counter area, perfect for those rushed morning breakfasts, hosting parties or evening parties whilst the wet kitchen situated behind sliding doors help separate the potentially greasy cooking area from the rest of the house.

Also located on the first floor is the Granny’s Room, ornately designed with yellow and golden tones in a Peranakan theme, complete with its own balcony. The room is also complete with a queen sized bed with a wardrobe. The thoughtful citing of this room allows for the older generation to avoid climbing up the stairs, facilitating accessibility. A large air well sits in the middle of the staircase. Both aesthetically pleasing and functional, the air-well hosts a large palm tree with a solid granite wall. The improvement in airflow is immediately evident when the automated air vent on the top of the air well is opened (when it senses rain, it automatically closes) as the air seems to get pulled in to the house and a gentle breeze permeates the whole terrace. This not only allows for natural cooling but also creates a very spacious feel, a rarity in the common terrace house which is more often than not, unduly congested.

IDEAS WE LOVE. LIGHT Glass cells on the roof allow natural light to flow in while the automated shutters with moisture sensitivity ensure that the airwell is functioning and yet removes the hassle of manually opening and closing the shutters. Soft light reflecting off the natural granite wall adds to the classiness of the whole house while diffuse energy saving lights are used to blunt the harshness of normal fluorescent lights.

	IDEAS WE LOVE. FINISHINGS As almost everything from construction to the finishing touches of the design is personally supervised by Brian and Jude, the workmanship and quality is impeccable. No stone is left unturned with their high level of attention to detail and with their pride in their work.

The highlight and perhaps everybody’s favourite part of the house must be the basement. One feels like he is transported to a resort within a home when you descend the stairs into the basement. An entertainment area richly decorated with Balinese style furniture sits adjacent to a rich turquoise dip pool with a cascading water feature and a shower area. An open bar area with a sink is present to serve drinks to guests fortunate enough to be invited to this little piece of heaven. Alongside the dip pool is a table for afternoon tea, decorated with English styled lamps and a mock up of a brick street wall.

IDEAS WE LOVE. SPACE From the use of smart bifold window panes to the large spacious airwell and multiple living spaces, the otherwise cramped feel that most terrace houses have is now a thing of the past. Smart management of space allows for a creative resort feel in the basement, like a personal oasis in the bustling city with a resort atmosphere, wherever the terrace is physically located.

The basement also features two rooms joined by an outdoor area that can hold a gym equipment or serve as a quiet meditation corner. The rooms are decked out consistent with the rest of the basement’s resort feel.

It can be said that Brian and Jude’s forte lies in the complete blend of the strengths of a builder and the fine touch of an interior designer, working together to craft a lifestyle home. Together, they have reinvented how a terrace should be looked upon and show that with a little creativity and partnership, a living space can be more than a place to return to at the end of the day.