
- Project Type: Refurbishment, Renovation
- Designer: Asianurbanist
- Location: Singapore, Singapore
- Year: 2019
- Size: 110 sqm
- Photo Credits: Asianurbanist
Prior to embarking on the project, we brainstormed on the interior themes and styles that we like. We discussed our life goals and aspirations, how we live and wanted to live. We both come from a country where space is not a premium commodity. Thus, our vision for our new home naturally tended towards more open, brighter and visually connected spaces.
We wanted to maximise our living space, and make full use of the available day-lighting and ventilation. At the same time, we wanted to keep the flexibility to be able to quickly reconfigure the interior as our family changes. These requirements, while seemingly conflicting, informed our design decisions. To maximise day-lighting and ventilation, we freed up all the windows by removing the existing partition walls.
A sense of freedom
Removing all walls provided a high level of flexibility with a fluid circulation. The resulting free-flowing spatial configuration expands the entertainment capacity of the apartment, while providing ample flow of light and ventilation. The spatial experience of the apartment can be transformed for an open, bright and spacious layout, exuding a sense of freedom. The colour palette is subdued and warm, complimenting the light-filled spaces.
A closet-like core is positioned to structure and configure the flat, integrating precious corridor area into the living spaces. The closet, aside from providing ample storage, helps in concealing beams, electrical conduits and air-conditioning piping, so as not to compromise on ceiling height within the corridor. The cabinetry details are simple to facilitate maintenance. Appliances are integrated into the joinery only where necessary to allow for flexibility and ease of maintenance and replacement.
Adaptable Spaces
Operable acoustic walls, usually a familiar component of open-plan offices, provide the possibility for privacy when required. The operable walls are concealed in continuity with the rest of the joinery and furniture. A simple turnkey operation transforms the space within minutes. Provisions are also made within the study for future partitioning to reinstate the bedrooms should they be required in the future.
Empowering choice
The public housing landscape in Singapore is evolving, encouraging wall-free planning, breaking away from the generic, one-type-fits-all model. As lifestyle and family need change, there is an increased desire for flexibility. This new-found flexibility empowers residents with the freedom to uniquely curate their living spaces to adapt to their changing needs.