Designed for a couple in their 40s, this semi-detached home took a year to construct. As the homeowners entertain frequently, they told the team at Renaissance Planners & Designers that they wanted the living, dining and kitchen areas to be connected, so that guests could mingle freely across the space. Their brief also called for a bright and cosy setting within the home.

For the kitchen, design director Kelvin Bing and his team opted for dark colours to lend a homely vibe. The planning and design addressed very practical considerations. An island was introduced to provide more countertop space, as well as improve the overall efficiency based on the work triangle principle. As the space is open, the island also serves as a perfect spatial divider.

The double volume dining area exudes a welcoming ambience. Complementing the vertical expanse of space are sliding glass doors that extend all the way up to the second floor. These full-height glass windows introduce plenty of natural light into the dining area. This way, the homeowners and their guests can also enjoy views out into the garden while dining. When left open, natural ventilation fills the home.

The staircase is among the features that showcase the firm’s expertise in innovative solutions. Kelvin replaced the conventional wall with a book tower instead; it extends upwards, with the staircase wrapped around it. Oak is used on both the shelves and the staircase to better marry the two fixtures, and it was chosen for its strength and durability, in order to avoid maintenance issues later on. This illustrates how a thorough understanding of materials and their properties can lead to better design solutions. A black oxide steel bar balustrade and shelf backing provide a nice contrast with the oak, while preserving the visual porosity of the shelf construction.

Full-height screens on the facade allow natural ventilation, while filtering out direct sunlight penetrating the interior.

As seen in the 2018 edition of Home & Decor Designer Showcase. Click here for a free copy.