During the site visit, the designer took note of the excellent ventilation and ample sunlight permeating the interior. She also liked that it featured luxurious black marble tile flooring and engineered wood flooring in all the rooms but was disappointed by the staircase that came with the duplex unit. 

However, not only did the clients request the removal of the wall between the units to create a new flow for their house, but they also wanted the designers to propose a solution to conceal the existing staircase to address its unappealing appearance.

With the family’s working background as the primary inspiration for the space transformation, keywords such as cloud, abstract form, flow, and infinity immediately came to mind.

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“Form follows function, leading emotion - this was a guiding principle in crafting the intentional abstract forms. These forms were designed to evoke a sense of peace and tranquillity, drawing inspiration from the natural shapes of clouds that grace our skies daily, muses Ee. “The aim was to preserve the authenticity of these natural shapes from our Earth and weave their narrative into space through shape and form.”

“Drawing from the psychology of form, it’s known that rounded or abstract forms can convey a welcoming, positive, and unifying message,” she continues.

“As a result, incorporating curved corners, such as in carpentry and ceiling works, became pivotal in transforming the space into a harmonious environment. These elements not only uplift the aesthetics but also enhance the spirituality and emotional well-being of the occupants.”

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Responding to the client’s request, the designers chose a white theme.

“The monochromatic colour palette draws inspiration from the transitional period between dawn and sunrise. The sun's ascent symbolises the promise of a new day and signifies a shift from darkness to light. This transition, ranging from subtle to dramatic, is associated with awakening, hope, and endless possibilities,” explains Ee.

To this end, several vital materials were chosen to bring this vision to life. Lining white laminate was employed for partitioning, while the fluted glass was utilised as a steel room partition. A marble-look sintered stone was applied to the dry kitchen countertop, serving as a central element throughout the house.

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These materials were intentionally selected to allow the chosen furniture, shapes, and forms to shine without overwhelming the overall presentation.

“We aimed for a soft and sleek feel in the material finishing, aiming to elevate the overall ambience. However, it’s important to note that the interplay of natural sunlight and shadows also plays a pivotal role in presenting and highlighting these materials,” stresses Ee.

The site itself features sizable sliding doors for both units. Consequently, the designer emphasised enhancing the overall brightness of the space through material selection.

This approach not only contributes to a well-lit atmosphere but also reduces the reliance on electricity during daylight hours. Indeed, the integration of green initiatives was minimal, with the primary goal being to harness natural light efficiently.

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An abstract form plywood partition, which forms the space's centrepiece, deserves particular note as it was a journey to achieve the desired effect and serves a multifaceted role beyond being just a partition or divider.

“In the duplex unit, we dismantled the existing railing and replaced it with this partition, transforming its purpose. Additionally, this plywood partition features two concealed doors, granting access to a storage room and an alternative entrance,” says Ee. “Adding to its functionality, LED lights integrated into the partition serve as a wayfinding feature, offering hallway illumination or a gentle night light to guide from one area to another.”

“Furthermore, the abstract form of the partition presents a diverse aesthetic from various angles, providing a distinct look and feel wherever one stands,” she continues.

“Most significantly, this form contributes to a harmonious emotional atmosphere while preserving spatial functionality. We firmly believe this design element enhances user experience” and establishes a cohesive design language across both units.”

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The furniture and light fixtures selected challenged the designers as the husband and wife both held strong attachments to specific pieces—a raw wooden dining table, a Chesterfield sofa, and a modern classic chandelier.

“Unfortunately, the styles of these items didn’t naturally complement each other, necessitating a creative approach to harmonise them through our design. However, I’m pleased that we addressed this by incorporating monochrome colours and materials into the carpentry work, resulting in an outcome that proved acceptable and cohesive,” reveals Ee.

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While the results look effortless, Ee confesses that the process presented a blend of challenges and intriguing situations: “A key challenge was balancing the practicality of space utilisation with the integration of abstract and curved forms. Throughout the design discussions, meticulous attention was required to ensure that every angle and degree of the abstract form wouldn’t compromise the functionality of the space. This necessitated a series of on-site experiments aimed at achieving an exceptional level of accuracy in the crafting of abstract forms.”

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