From bare shell to luxury villa

 

AsiaOne
Wednesday, Jan 16, 2013

SINGAPORE - A stunning transformation of a bungalow from a bare shell into a luxury villa has caught the attention of netizens. They were captivated by how architects and interior designers transformed it from a concrete frame into a contemporary living space.

According to builders KNQ Architects, they incorporated a traditional look into the home while still enabling the owners to live comfortably and show who they are. They also wanted it to evoke a villa-like feeling.

From bare shell to luxury villa Click on thumbnail to view (Photos: KNQ Associates)

There was also alot of free play for the architects in terms of space planning and layout as there was a major additionals and alterations process already carried out by an appointed architect. They made sure to ensure a large usable area after taking account of the furniture, all the while leaving sufficient breathing space for the owner's prized possession of artwork.

Classical elements in the home balance with modern features

Walking past the sprawling garden that leads to the open dining room at the back of the house, one enters a spacious, lavish living room that is offset by a balance of modernity.

False timber beams created above the hallway draws one's eyes upwards and bring into focus an abstract painting by the late local artist Chua Ek Kay at the far end. Stucco walls envelope the living room TV area, exuding the charm of an Italian cottage.

The selection of the furniture in the living room completes a look that strays away from the conventional modern design of most homes and is reminiscent of an age long past.

Inside the quaint little library decorated with white paneled doors, one gets his or her own quiet time, indulging in the large collection of literary classics.

Of the five bedrooms in the house, the master suite was designed to retain the classical theme the most. Builders used decorative plaster moldings to create a headboard feature, and custom-built a TV cabinet which swivels around the room to allow viewing from both the lounge corner and on the bed.

Ample wardrobe space has been provided for the owner couple. In contrast, the remaining bedrooms have a simpler touch, relying on cheerful colors and functional furniture pieces to complete a sweeter look for the children.

The bathroom tiles are luxurious and tasteful, yet these spaces do not draw excessive attention to themselves. The builders wanted to provide a pleasant bathing experience which relaxes the mind and soothes the soul.