With a background in architecture, akiHAUS approaches interior design from both stylistic and architectural perspectives. As a small but dedicated design outfit, the studio is highly-attuned to building meticulously crafted spaces that are well-defined for their clients while respecting site sensitivities. They recognise that their roles as designers is not just to design, but ultimately in service to the client, so it is important for the spaces to serve the needs of the users well. Nothing gives them greater joy than to be able to capture the aspirations of their clients and translate them into tangible built forms.

Helmed by design director, Lawrence Puah, the team regards design as an ever-evolving art form and keeps an open mind towards exploring new design frontiers and refining their craft. The result is that no two projects are alike even though they share the same DNA of spatial and functional sensibilities. They believe that a good designer should be able to work with any style and take great joy in collaborating with clients in exploring their aesthetic preferences to create a home that will be timeless and uniquely theirs rather than being confined to one particular style.

Year of establishment: 2010
Address: 10 Raeburn Park, Block A, #04-02
Singapore 088702
Tel: 6221-2808
www.akihaus.com
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Project 1: Corner terraced home at Figaro Street (3,640 sq ft)

The client had originally wanted to rebuild the house, but Lawrence recognised that a rebuild would not have offered the family as much value as compared to conserving the one-of-a-kind house that possessed solid bones.

Being more than half a century old, the existing home had ornamental iron grilles, mosaic walls, terrazzo floors and ventilation blocks, interesting features from that era. It was important that these details be preserved, while introducing modern, functional elements that would meet the family’s needs and make the home more conducive for today’s living.

Therein lies the biggest challenge for Lawrence and his team. The integration of old and new had to be carried out sensitively and elegantly. Newly introduced details, such as hexagonal tiles, curvatures, walnut timber carpentry and vintage electrical switches sit seamlessly alongside the original features of this conserved house.

The home also celebrates tropical living while mitigating its harsher elements. It is designed for natural ventilation, with plenty of natural light and airflow, but also catering for air-conditioning when the need arises. The air-conditioning pipes are concealed in new boxed-ups with rounded corners that are camouflaged with the original beams.

Project 2: Four-bedroom condo at Mandalay Road (1,850 sq ft)

Almost the entire perimeter of the home was surrounded by bay windows such that they became too much of a good thing. The lack of usable wall space was one of the key issues that Lawrence and team had to address in the design. This was done by incorporating interior elements, such as consoles, storage, counters, study desk and even a bed over the bay windows in order to reclaim precious real estate.

A bay window that runs the length of the living room has been turned into a feature wall that houses the television console, storage cabinets and display shelves. A bedroom next to the kitchen was converted into a private dining room. A booth seat constructed over the bay window gives it an American diner feel.

The original depth of the bay window was extended so that its proportions become more like those of a daybed, which comes in handy when the homeowners have guests staying over.

Project 3: Inter-terraced home at Highgate Crescent (3,500 sq ft)

The clients purchased the home in an old and dilapidated condition in need of serious repair. The lack of natural light and storage space, as well as its disconnected rooms did not suit the family’s lifestyle. The split level separating the living area from the study/family room was also not conducive for entertaining large groups, which the homeowners enjoy doing.

Instead of trying to force an open-plan entertainment space into the existing layout, Lawrence worked around the constraints by creating a large opening on the mezzanine level that connects the two spaces while introducing natural light into the study/family room.

The rooms in the basement, whilst remaining separate and each with their own unique character, are fluidly connected so that they flow spatially from one to the other. Lawrence likens the concept to that of a fine dining restaurant, where guests are served drinks at the bar over casual, pre-dinner conversation before being ushered into the private dining room for a formal dinner.