Operable, full-height windows can be fully opened to improve ventilation
Cover Operable, full-height windows can be fully opened to improve ventilation

Designed by Ming Architects and KGID, the sleek spaces in this home include a dream walk-in wardrobe and shoe cabinet that take cues from fashion boutiques

Dubbed the Eave House, this project by Ming Architects and KGID exudes quiet elegance. It comprises a white volume perched on a darkened plinth, accented with crisp roof and car porch canopies. Ming Architects founder Tan Cher Ming, inspired by the site’s unique shape, detailed these elements with a triangulated, chamfered form. It gives the house a graceful, floating disposition that also visually accentuates the site’s width.

The owners, who live here with their two young children, wanted the house to evoke qualities similar to their old apartment. It was paramount that the design fosters family bonding and amplifies good light and ventilation. 

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The living area features Poliform sofas, armchairs and tables from Space Furniture, a Porada console from Marquis QSquare and a JAB Anstoetz daybed from Royal Interiors
Above The living area features Poliform sofas, armchairs and tables from Space Furniture, a Porada console from Marquis QSquare and a JAB Anstoetz daybed from Royal Interiors

Several features add to this ventilating effect; these include screens that run the entire length of the master bedroom suite that filter light, air and views. On the first storey’s front elevation, dark-stained timber cladding reduces heat gain from the noon sun. Mesh panels prevent insects from entering and address water safety concerns. Fans in every room reduce air-conditioning usage.

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Tan Cher Ming, founder of Ming Architects
Above Tan Cher Ming, founder of Ming Architects
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The oak-clad stairway was positioned to bear the brunt of the midday sun while offering stunning views of the neighbourhood
Above The oak-clad stairway was positioned to bear the brunt of the midday sun while offering stunning views of the neighbourhood

With clever planning, the site’s unusual form becomes a boon. Tan positions rooms and living spaces in the regular areas, and inserts gardens and the staircase into leftover parts. The staircase corner is particularly delightful, privy to greenery aspects by triple-story glazing. “Natural light comes in during the day and we can see the planters, which is a pretty sight as we walk up and down the stairs,” says the wife. 

Tan orchestrates many encounters that promote this indoor-outdoor theme. When the living area’s glazing is pushed open, the 18-metre-long pool and surrounding plants provide pleasant vistas.

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Located next to the living area, the play room features a collection of dollhouses
Above Located next to the living area, the play room features a collection of dollhouses
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Bronze-tinted mirrored panels add a touch of glamour to the hallway while storage areas conceal the awkward corners of the site; the walk-in shoe cabinet frames the sight of the Japanese bonsai tree in the garden
Above Bronze-tinted mirrored panels add a touch of glamour to the hallway while storage areas conceal the awkward corners of the site; the walk-in shoe cabinet frames the sight of the Japanese bonsai tree in the garden

Another instance is the walk-in shoe cabinet located next to the entrance. This space and a few other areas in the house have been specially designed and styled by Karen and Kelvin Gan, the designer couple behind KGID, who had crafted the interiors of their former home.

“We wanted it to be stylish and practical for keeping all our shoes neatly upon entering the house. I especially love the look of it at night when the onyx is lit,” says the wife. Here, two rows of glass shelves frame a Japanese bonsai at the end window. It’s a very enjoyable space to be in, which elevates even the utilitarian act of choosing the day’s footwear.

Laminated glass doors with a 180-degree turning radius accord it a boutique feel—not surprising, as the wife is a fan of fashion brand Chanel and wanted to channel the vibe of its boutiques in her home.

Related: Home Tour: A Clifton Home Inspired By The Futuristic Aesthetic Of '60s And '70s L.A. Modernism

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 A painting by Turkish artist Coplu from Ode to Art was commissioned based on the concept of everlasting love
Photo 2 of 3 The Calligaris dining table is paired with Potocco chairs and a pair of kids’ steps for the family to dine together
Photo 3 of 3 The dry kitchen is fitted with a Liebherr refrigerator and wine cooler as well as a Bosch oven

In the open-plan living and dining area, Statuario marble flooring creates an expansive feel. Large sliding panels, detailed graphically by KGID with a stucco effect, Marquina marble and black powder-coated trims, conceal a playroom when closed. The flexibility and fluidity is very useful; this is how the adults can mingle and dine while keeping a close watch over the young ones.

Throughout, KGID helped with the furniture selection, injecting colour and texture to the neutral setting with choices such as as armchairs from Poliform and a daybed from JAB Anstoetz in the living room. Tan designed the dining room console and dry kitchen cabinetry warm walnut timber veneers and brush metal accents. Nero Marquina marble slabs clad the island counter sides, which is topped with Caesarstone for functionality.

 

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 The colourful wall mural depicting a world map is the centrepiece of the children’s bedroom
Photo 2 of 3 Sheer curtains create an air of whimsy in the daughter’s play area
Photo 3 of 3 A mobile comprising hot-air balloons celebrates the travel theme

Having lived in an apartment before moving into this house, the owners desired a similar connectivity. Hence, they requested for the master bedroom, children’s rooms and study to be jointly located on the second storey.

“A sense of togetherness is important to us. Having all our bedrooms on the same floor was so we could migrate up there after our meal,” shares the husband. KGID helped decorate the children’s bedrooms following a travel and princess theme respectively, and made the study room conducive for work with four large workstations.  

 

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The family room is furnished with the Eames lounge chair and ottoman from Herman Miller and a King Living sofa
Above The family room is furnished with the Eames lounge chair and ottoman from Herman Miller and a King Living sofa

Likewise, the owners enjoy relaxing at the outdoor deck while watching the children swim. The pool is heated to keep the kids from catching a chill. On the third storey, an entertainment room and gym combine television and exercise time. 

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Operable, full-height windows can be fully opened to improve ventilation
Above Operable, full-height windows can be fully opened to improve ventilation. Exterior photography by Edward Hendricks

The house is as considered for functionality as it is for the family’s interests—particularly the wife’s. Like the shoe cabinet, KGID models the master bedroom suite after Chanel boutiques.

The architect employs solid oak flooring for the dry areas, and white marble walls and anti-slip granite floors for the bathroom. KGID adds the finishing touch by accessorising the counter with mirrored trays and a floral arrangement.   

 

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Designed by KGID, the master bedroom features a custom-made headboard, mirrored panels, velvet upholstery and Barbara Barry wall lights
Above Designed by KGID, the master bedroom features a custom-made headboard, mirrored panels, velvet upholstery and Barbara Barry wall lights
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The master bathroom incorporates full-length glass doors while the walk-in wardrobe was inspired by the look of luxury fashion boutiques
Above The master bathroom incorporates full-length glass doors while the walk-in wardrobe was inspired by the look of luxury fashion boutiques

At the end of the suite is the elegant, monochromatic walk-in wardrobe detailed by Tan. “Our carpenter was extremely skilled and able to produce the desired effect we envisioned for the walk-in wardrobe, down to the dressing table light,” shares the architect. The carpenter even followed the wife to the boutiques to observe details like the sliding mirror.

Coco Chanel liberated women with her brand of functional elegance. Likewise, this home’s mix of practicality and good taste enhances domestic life.

 

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