Having shortlisted three properties for their matrimonial home, the Tans, who are both in the IT industry, got the advice from their interior designer before deciding on the property to buy. “They asked me to see and select the right property that would make a potentially good design concept,” Dess Chew, principal designer of Three-D Conceptwerke says.
Aside from its quiet surroundings in the Siglap area, the 1,189 sq ft single-storey corner terrace caught their eye because of the red bricks and arches framed by bricks. “The Malaccan bricks are an interesting feature that has a warm, structured look and gives it potential,” interior designer Dess says.
The homeowner, who prefers to go by his surname Tan, says, “Our intention was to tear it down and rebuild. The previous owner had stayed there for 51 years, so much of the interior was very old.”
Who Lives Here: The Tans, couple in IT industry
Home: Single-storey corner terrace house in Siglap
Size: 1,189 sq ft
Interior designer: Dess Chew of Three-D Conceptwerke
For more shade, the roof was extended. The zinc roof enhances the vintage feel of the exterior, adding to the beauty of the design concept.
The interior design team’s home makeover included the creation of an open-concept kitchen. This interior design choice was driven by the Tans’ desire for a home where they could move freely without obstruction.
The master bedroom, located at the back, can be closed off when privacy is needed. This thoughtful spatial layout allows natural light to permeate the space, a particularly beneficial feature in terrace houses that are often dimly lit.
Coming from a large family, the couple needed ample space to host up to 40 persons at a time. So, the interior design team tore down the wall between the living area and master bedroom to create a larger living area. The false ceiling was removed to expose the ceiling and roof trusses. A pillar that once stood at the sofa’s location was removed to make it more spacious, and the roof trusses were reinforced.
The interior design philosophy was centered around the use of natural colours. The Malaccan bricks, for instance, add warmth and create a cosy atmosphere in the dining area. The design team also installed bricks on the column to match the existing ones.
“We used colours from nature, like grey, red bricks, and blueish tones to represent the sea and land,” explains interior designer Dess. With the custom furnishings, roof trusses and arches, the home’s interior projects a loft feel.
Like the rest of the home, the master bedroom has blue and teal to match the warm wood tones. The furnishings are kept simple with a full wardrobe and bedside tables to go with the bed.
Another key feature of this home is the presence of skylights throughout, even the master bathroom. Throughout the home, Internet of Things (IoT) devices are installed for convenience.
