Businessman Timothy Tay and his wife, Samantha Chew, the general manager of a voluntary welfare organisation, wanted a cosy tropical house filled with personal touches. They entrusted the project to Muzi Design Architects and Sujonohun.
For Molina Hun and Sujono Lim, creative directors of Sujonohun, being involved very early on in the project had its advantages, as well as challenges. “We had the opportunity to work with the architect in creating an efficient interior layout. We proposed the selection of sanitaryware and fittings, marble, tiles, timber flooring, light fixtures and ironmongery. We also assisted the architect in determining the facade colours, materials and textures,” says Molina.
The duo went about creating the tropical home with a sense of openness and connection that Timothy and Samantha wanted. The double volume void in the living and dining areas (deliberately clad in brick veneer to contrast with the rest of the home) and earth-toned palette and the pockets of green that have been woven into the fabric of the home were all designed with this concept in mind.
Over the years, the homeowners have amassed a collection of souvenirs from their travels, which they have always displayed in their homes - from their first HDB flat, to various condominium apartments and, now, this semidetached home. This was an important aspect of their brief.
It was indeed a challenge to come up with a holistic design language that would harmoniously bring together the contrast in styles between new furniture and pieces that were brought over from the homeowners’ previous homes, as well as fittingly display the varied overseas collectibles.
The bed and rug in the master bedroom are from the owners’ previous home. The open layout allows for the flexibility to rearrange furniture or make changes.
“We also had to juggle the budget and adjust the design accordingly without compromising our original intent,” shares Molina.
The storage cabinet and wall panelling in the gym have mirrored cladding to draw in the light and reflect the greenery in the adjacent patio.
Looking back on the project and its successful completion, Molina and Sujono are thankful for the chance to make new friends and understand the clients on a personal level. They both agree that this gives the design a convivial, harmonious and human touch.