Nestled amidst the eclectic hub of Joo Chiat, our current feature is a lovely gem of seclusion that incorporates the best of modern living with dramatic shades of old-world charm, with quaint furnishings sourced mostly from nearby Thailand liberally peppering the house. Designer Ching Yan Wen had collaborated heavily with the homeowner to make the most out of the predesigned living space that was allocated with the condominium unit - transforming a basic, cookie-cutter mould into something indelibly personalised, a home for friends and family alike.
Be prepared to have your senses assaulted by a tall, dramatic clear water screen in the living area that ensures a continous supply of cascading rivulets, posing as an eye-catching backdrop for the mounted plasma tv screen. We were told that this was an ingenious improvisation on Yan Wen's part as the condominium had come with the clear glass screen but all and sundry alike deemed it was too plain for the homeowner's purposes. After a little deliberation, this conversational piece of a water feature was borne. Doubling up as an opaque screen, the water feature hints at a delicious little shrubbery that is partially concealed from the inside. However, once you step outside onto the cosy balcony, the wall falls away to reveal a little garden of greenery that is the homeowner's mother's pride and joy. The self-sufficient, cosy little corner features a water tank lined with orchird petals, various assorted plants and even a patio table and matching chairs overlooking rows upon rows of quaintly refurbished shophouseswhich is perfect for an afternoon soiree or a late night cuppa. |
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Above-2nd from left: A tall, dramatic clear water screen in the living area that ensures a continous supply of cascading rivulets, posing as an eye-catching backdrop for the mounted plasma tv screen.
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Keeping with the theme of secluded, resort-like tranquility, custom-made furniture as well as partitions laminated in dark wood tones are artfully placed within the house. As the homeowner usually has guests over from time to time, this makes it easy for them to wander about the house to find their personal spot of privacy for maximum ease and comfort.
Lest one be lulled into thinking that this is all the lovely abode has to offer, the glass partitions slide away to reveal a lovely warm-hued wooden staircase accentuated with quaint knickknacks such as sleeping cats on the ceiling ledge and a display of wooded vases, which serve as focal points during your quick ascent to the upper level. Once you reach the top, the floorplan is partitioned into various areas, each one different and primed for ultimate relaxation purposes. |
  
Above: Made of the highest quality Chengai teak, this balcony on the rooftop provides a relaxing focal point for both communal
gatherings as well as a private getaway for the home owner.
Yet guests and residents alike are equally drawn to the inviting, open expanse of the balcony where an impressive Balinese structure resides. Brought piecemeal to the rooftop and constructed on the balcony itself, the structure, made of the highest quality Chengai teak, provides a relaxing focal point for both communal gatherings as well as a private getaway for the homeowner, who confesses she is not averse to spending the night out in the open when the weather holds up. Furnished simply with a few plants, mats and a low mattress, it's easy to imagine how one can feel like king (or queen) of the domain just quietly sitting there at any hour of the day, allowing the tinkle of the wind chimes and the continuous trickle of the water feature situated next to the structure just ebb all worldly worries away. Which brings us to the other water feature of the abode - this one with happy-looking fish residing, the homeowner and Yan Wen reveals that again, the homeowner's mum (obviously the green fingers of the family) had claimed this cosy nook for her own and taken charge of its landscaping and the tending of the plants and fish.
City dwellers places a high premium on seclusion and tranquility as these are prized possessions in dwelling areas fast losing all sense of privacy and individuality. Like a certain credit card commercial says with definitive authority, there are just some things money can't buy. Taking into consideration such weighty concerns, the brains behind this particular home have successfully managed to incorporate genuine homeliness and character into a neighbourhood that, despite its mindboggling array of diversity, has become increasingly commercialised over the years. And the results are breathtaking in every sense of the word.
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A completed project by
Chng Yan Wen
ID EMBOSS by ko hong
1 King George's Avenue
#01-00 Rehau Building S(208557)
Tel:6295 7096
Fax:6295 7097
sales@kohong.com |
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