Designing A Japanese Sanctuary In One Of Singapore’s Busiest Streets

The design idea behind this house is embodied by two Chinese words Dong and Jing, meaning movement and stillness. Every room serves multiple purposes, embodying the functions of both rest and activity. It's a three-room HDB flat located in the Bugis area and it's about 700 square feet. The dark wood paneling and the textured walls give a consistent design language for the entire house. The decision was made to go with mostly open shelves to maximize the space for displaying books and artwork. The louvered doors bring my neighbor's plants into my own house and the ability to adjust the louvers allow me to balance the openness and privacy as I see fit. The cantilevered table gives the effect of a floating workspace. It is made out of a metal frame reinforced with wooden planks and with concrete finishing. This is where I do my work. When I'm tired, I can look up and enjoy the views of my neighborhood. The living area is demarcated from the workspace through a difference in height as well as from the pantry area through a translucent northern screen. It is also visually connected to the study through a glass panel. The decision was to make use of the structure beam that naturally divides the workspace from the living by adding a bookshelf as well as hang boards for training finger strength for bouldering. The tatami area allows this space to be used for many flexible purposes. For example, in the day this is the area used for relaxing and entertaining friends. In the evening, it converts to a sleeping area. The living has been growing with new additions of art pieces and plants as well as new additions to my fish tank. I originally started with one or two plants in this space but over time has grown very addictive with the end result being the bringing of nature into my home. The calligraphy carving is done by the same calligrapher who did the calligraphy for my fusama screens. It translates to unfazed by praise and humiliation, look at the flowers blossoming and falling in the courtyard. Come and go without intention, see the clouds unfurling in the sky. I take this as a personal reminder to myself not to be caught up in the rat race. Separating and connecting the living space and the pantry is this northern screen with an ENSO sign on it. The ENSO sign is supposed to be a symbol of nothingness but at the same time it represents both perfection and imperfection. Perfection in that it is round symbol but imperfection because it's a broken circle. I don't cook so the kitchen has been converted into a pantry and a display gallery. I was clear that I did not want any tiles for the house so the decision was made to go with concrete for the floor as well as the countertop which gives us the opportunity to include a unique basin for the countertop. Initially the bar table was meant as a place for me to enjoy a cup of coffee while enjoying the hustle and bustle of boogies but it has gradually transformed into a platform to house many of my plants. The artificial moss wall serves to add an element of nature and texture to what might otherwise be an unsightly part of the house. The open concept idea was pushed to extremes in the case of the bathroom by deciding to knock down the bathroom doors and instead just have an onsen bathtub where I could be enjoying the views of the city while taking a shower. In the renovation process, a small piece of tile has been chipped off. I then decided to commission the caregiver who did the other art pieces in my house to do an art piece on this cheap piece. The only other part of my brief to the artist was to include the Chinese word Philosophically it means you're only able to gain something if you're willing to give out something in return. The fusama screen is used to create a flexible barrier between the office space and the workout area. Two artists have been commissioned to do the artwork for the fusama screen. The calligrapher Wu Shengping came down to write the words directly on the screen which translates to the peace that you enjoy in peaceful surroundings is not the true peace. The peace that you enjoy in chaotic surroundings is a true peace. The happiness that you experience in happy circumstances is not the true happiness. The happiness that you experience when you are in the doldrums is a true happiness. The fusama artist Kimata-san was commissioned to paint two motifs. On the side facing the office area is a painting of Walidama looking at the falling sakura petals. On the side facing the workout area is a painting of a whale. On one side of the workout area we have also installed a functional full-length mirror which serves to create the illusion of an expanded space. There is also additional storage at one end of the workout area which also contains the concealed door which leads to the study. The use of the glass panels and the mirrors also help to connect the various rooms of the house. This study then is the quiet core of the home and also where I go to to reconnect to myself. This is also my library. Behind these storage screens is my collection of books. The Japanese frog garden and the Shishi Odoshi, a water feature meaning deer scarer, helps to create a calming effect. Living in this home for one year has been very much a process of learning to live with its imperfections and constantly discovering new ways of moving through the space and making use of its various possibilities as well as to grow alongside it. Thanks for staying till the end. If you'd like to connect with the designer of this home, visit the link in the description below and find out how you can receive a complimentary $500 Dexto voucher.