It comes as no surprise that the homeowners’ brief to Yanika Gunawan, design director of Parenthesis, was to bring in and connect with the surrounding greenery as much as possible in this renovation costing approximately $200,000.

“We wanted a home that welcomes the outdoor greenery, something with a tropical theme that is laid back yet elegant. Also, bright and airy with an air of sophistication,” says the wife.

As the space closest to the forested area just beyond the condominium’s boundary wall, the balcony is an important element in bridging the interior to the outdoors. The addition of decking not only raises the level of the balcony but also gives it a more rustic feel.

This creates a more seamless transition from the living and bedroom spaces, which all have direct access to the balcony. The deck extends over an existing recessed planter so that the latter becomes part of the usable floor area within the balcony.

Another important consideration for Yanika was the fact that the family was moving from a larger, landed property. “The spatial layout had to accommodate their previous lifestyle. This being a smaller space made that quite a challenge,” she explains.

The kitchen was one area where different options were explored before finalising the layout. The wife is an avid baker and prefers not to be confined to an enclosed kitchen while baking or cooking.

A dry kitchen would have been the perfect solution but incorporating it would have meant doing away with the existing dining area. Yanika came up with a two-in-one proposal where the island in the dry kitchen is also a worktop for baking and a proper dining table.

For the teenagers’ bedrooms, the brief called for the inclusion of study areas since a proper study wasn’t possible. With some smart space planning, Yanika managed to fit in a bed, a study corner and a wardrobe, thereby maximising the efficiency of each one.

The major transformation in the master suite consisted of removing the existing bathtub adjacent to the shower compartment and converting it into a dressing area. The footprint may be modest but the design and layout have been carefully thought out to create a dressing area that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The colours of nature and botanical motifs can be found throughout the home. From the feature wall mosaics in the foyer and the marble of the dry kitchen island centrepiece to the kitchen cabinet doors and bathroom wall tiles, all were meticulously selected according to the homeowners’ preference in relation to the surrounding flora.

“We explored the use of unique materials and bold colours suited to the family’s taste,” comments Yanika.

Since moving in early in 2019, the family has comfortably transitioned into their new home and are now accustomed to co-existing with nature. The lady of the house particularly enjoys relaxing on the balcony. “This is where I listen to the chirping of the birds and contemplate the beauty of the forest outside.”

Art Direction: Kristy Quah
Photography: Vee Chin

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