A major reconfiguration of the walk-up apartment’s original floor plan eliminated a bedroom, took the balcony area indoor, and moved the bathroom all the way to the back to create an open social space comprising living, dining and kitchen areas.

Like a bonafide hospitality establishment, the new home has a tranquil mode for rest, relaxation and work, and a party mode for hosting and playing. It also has every colour in the spectrum, courtesy of the lighting, finishes and furniture.

Dressed like a quirky New York loft the living-dining area juxtaposes exposed brick with contemporary designer items like Moooi’s Meshmatics chandelier, Ligne Roset’s Ploum sofa, and Timothy Oulton’s Globetrekker coffee table.
Table floral arrangement is by Jade Zhou of Shade and Hue Flora.

Wei Lieh’s full-height neon installation of a dragon mid-flight inspired by W Hotel Shanghai’s presidential suite, presides over the living-dining area. A projector and retractable screen turn this area into a cosy theatre.

Decorative beams on the wall add an industrial flair; its angled placement is echoed by the base of the Timothy Oulton Iceberg dining table in the dining area.

Next to the entrance is the glossy black walkway fitted with colour-changing LED stripes that leads to a multifunctional space.

Formerly the balcony area, it hosts the gym, a carpeted sitting area that doubles as extra sleeping space, and the study, all demarcated from each other via different elevations that cleverly accommodate structural beams while serving as extra storage space.

The dichroic windows, metallic wall tiles, neon signs, and disco ball are on standby to turn on the room’s party mode.

The gym corner is elevated to provide extra storage space and display shelves for Chek Yong’s CD collection.

Stainless steel wall tiles custom-ordered from China pairs well with neo industrial switches from British brand Buster + Punch. Together they reflect the changing colours of the surroundings.

Chek Yong (right) and his Malaysia-based parents who stay with him during the pandemic.

Fitted with yellow glass block and the apartment’s original decorative grille, this wall next to the study is the only white surface in the house.

Open rack displaying Chek Yong’s knick knacks, memorabilia and book collection.

The only bedroom in the house has no direct access to the outside – being flanked by the LED walkway on one side and the walk-in wardrobe on the other – but it makes up for it with a huge one-way mirror overlooking the flexi-space and tranquil lighting.

Verpan’s VP Globe pendant light and Timothy Oulton’s Infinity Mirror add a visual interest.

It is a restful space finished with timber, exposed white bricks decked only with a few key items. The smart glass display case overlooks the walkway.

The adorable cushion is a gift from a former neighbour whose dog loves Chek Yong.

The walk-in wardrobe next to the bedroom has a green colour palette and neon green plastic curtain commonly used in cold storages.

The kitchen has an outer space theme, featuring a futuristic material palette dominated by dark blue and bronze shades.

The custom-made kitchen island features a Silestone top and sculptural brass base. “That’s the most challenging item to craft in this house. The base alone was welded from 30 different parts,” says Yi Yun.

It was designed as a tribute to Chek Yong’s father, who works as a mechanic.

The apartment’s original oversized chimney was painted blue and installed with LED lights to resemble a UFO.

The blue Smeg fridge was an out of stock limited edition that Chek Yong hunted for a time and found as an ex-display piece for an event at the Smeg office.

Chek Yong curated all the tableware to match the outerspace theme. His collection includes pieces from Diesel x Moroso and Seletti.

The curving cabinet, metallic wall and accessories lend a futuristic touch and reflect the colour and light beautifully.

The same outer space theme also applies in the bathroom, which juxtaposes futuristic shower fixture and blue light with red light and vintage grille that looks like it could be taken from a Wong Kar Wai movie set.

The six-month renovation cost $200,000, excluding the new furniture and accessories, most of which Chek Yong bought during the Black Friday sale in 2020.

He has no regrets for going above and beyond to realise his pad. He plans to live in Club Zion for at least 30 years.

After all, he says, we are less mobile these days, so he might as well create a home that can provide the excitement of the places he loves, and shares it with his loved ones.

Photography by Vee Chin, Art Direction by Kristy Quah.

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