From the outside, the three-storey shophouse unit of multidisciplinary creative design studio Terre seems unassuming; step in, and you’ll notice that the space is a far cry from its grungy facade.
Helmed by founder and director Terence Chan in 2006, Terre has grown to become an all-encompassing firm that’s now complemented by Teapot & Giraffe, a product design arm that Terence started with two colleagues, Owen Lam and Rifdi Sng. Together, they work on architecture and interior projects, as well as bespoke furniture and home accessories like glassware and wooden trays to address the everyday needs of clients and homeowners.
This “house” structure was used as an exhibition set-up when Terre participated in Maison & Objet Asia 2016. Now, it is a cosy corner that accommodates more intimate discussions away from the work desk, as well as a display area for accessories and books.
As a collector of art and iconic furniture, Terence has every corner decked out with pieces that tell a story. “Everything is placed and designed deliberately. Nothing is left to chance,” he says.
“A product, without a story, is nothing. It is the authenticity and information behind that makes it a powerful tool.”
In place of a traditional long table, Terence decided on a kitchen counter instead, and created a functional kitchen space where he can host clients and guests over meals. There’s also an all-in-one Bulthaup kitchen system, which off ers plenty of storage space for cutlery, utensils, and even an oven within a movable wooden cabinet.
Unlike a regular mirror, the Beauty Mirror by Cyprus-born designer Michael Anastassiades is made of nickelplated stainless steel, and is part of Terence’s art collection. “I like artworks with refl ective surfaces, as they play with the idea of duality; it questions the relationship between subject and object, and that intrigues me,” he shares.
The dining area has a 20-seater concrete table that was precast and mounted on-site. Adding to Terence’s impressive furniture pieces are the Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs, as well as hanging lights by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The space doubles as an event venue where coff ee and sake appreciation classes, and even fl oral arrangement workshops, have been held.
The living room on the second floor has a selection of designer chairs that Terence collected over the years, like the Hans Wegner CH25 lounge chair and Vitra’s Eames DAW chair, among others. Having these home settings within a studio offer space for casual discussions.
Hidden away from the public eye on the first floor is a private showroom, which showcases Terre’s flair in putting together luxurious, understated spaces and furniture pieces. “We want to showcase our workmanship, and our ability to create things that fit perfectly with pieces from well-known brands like Cassina, Knoll, De La Espada, Louis Vuitton and Viabizzuno,” Terence explains.