House Tour: A monochromatic semi-detached house inspired by black-and-white colonial houses
By Home & Decor Team -
Inspired by black-and white colonial houses, homeowners Ong Yu-en and Celine Ong wanted architect Wu Yen Yen of GAD Pte Ltd to incorporate elements such as a monochromatic colour scheme, pitched roof, high ceilings and louvre windows into this Additions and Alterations (A&A) two-storey, five-bedroom, semi-detached project. “We wanted to preserve the traditional architectural features of Singapore, which are slowly being eroded with time,” shares the couple, who are lawyers.
With this brief in mind, Yen Yen had the task of transforming the home into a modern, liveable space that not only has private spaces, such as three bedrooms for their children, but also areas in the home where everyone can gather and interact.
Replacing several walls with sliding doors and windows allows natural light to penetrate deep into the house, including where the dining room and kitchen are sited.
The home is designed to be bright and airy. Architect Wu Yen Yen took advantage of the void above the entryway and incorporated openable windows on the higher floors to allow heat to dissipate, keeping the interior environment comfortable for living.
One of the key features are the full-height display shelves where the homeowners showcase their book collection and mementoes such as family photographs and souvenirs.
Because the house is naturally ventilated thanks to clever passive design, private areas such as bedrooms are kept cool despite enjoying a generous amount of sunlight.
Taking advantage of the high ceiling on the top floor, Yen Yen highlighted details such structural beams by painting them black. This design language parallels the black framing details around the doors and windows.