For World Wushu Champion and three-time SEA Games gold medallist Vincent Ng, wushu is an expression of body movement through coordination and balance. “There is an emphasis on lines, flexibility, physical and mental strength, and it is rooted in values and tradition,” he says. Perhaps stemming from his martial arts background, Vincent’s approach towards design is a balance between tradition and the avant-garde to achieve something modern and homely.
Vincent shares the home with his wife and mother. As this is a family home, everyone’s needs were taken into consideration.
In 2017, he gave up his bachelor pad located in The Residences at W Singapore Sentosa Cove and purchased this landed home, in order to live with his parents, be near his two sisters, and spend more time with the extended family. That same year, Vincent found his soul mate and they tied the knot.
The layering effect of the stairwell design was inspired by the overlapping panels of the pendant light in the dry kitchen.
He is particular about alignment, order and organisation, both in wushu, as well as his home, and he found an interior designer who is equally, if not more, scrupulous about such details. OSC By Norman Yeo came highly recommended by Vincent’s close friend, veteran Singaporean model Celia Teh. Here, design is used to showcase craftsmanship and detailing, and not the other way round.
A central axis runs the length of the house, beginning from the porch, continuing through the living room and into the dry kitchen. Elements such as the main door, television console and kitchen island, right down to the tile line, are all aligned along this datum. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, with regard to the painstaking thoroughness that has gone into the design and construction of the interior.
Even washbasin drainage holes and shower floor traps are discreetly hidden from view. End walls are deftly terminated with a special stainless steel piece at the bottom junction.
The specially designed washbasin incorporates a sloping black granite insert that drains water efficiently, while concealing the drainage hole.
Norman sealed off the void at the top of the stairwell to create a master suite for Vincent, with a foyer and lounge area.
The walk-in wardrobe attached to the master bath was tailor-made for Vincent and his wife. Norman personally looked into each and every shelf and drawer, carefully detailing each compartment based on what it would accommodate. The corner space has been put to good use and the drawers even incorporate hidden locks. The porcelain floor tiles that resemble wood were specially treated to enable them to dry quickly.
The master bath has a soothing spa-like ambience. The lighting feature around the rain shower creates a halo effect.
The leather travertine feature wall behind the headboard has an interesting texture that is a contrast of smooth and rough. It has an iridescent, quartz-like eff ect against the light that creates a mesmerising visual spectacle.
The base of the television console feature is a black marble slab that was acid-treated to achieve a textured effect.
For Vincent, who is used to life in the public eye, home is a place where he can feel settled emotionally, physically and mentally. “It is where I can be myself, without any restraint or inhibition,” he confesses. Over the past few years, the self-professed workaholic has slowed down to spend more time with his family. “My family is what motivates me and makes me feel more focused,” he shares. And, now, he has the perfect home to share with the people that he loves.