CREATING HOME
The project commenced as the pandemic did, so Steve and Urbane’ s design manager, Rob Santella, worked with the couple over Zoom to design a home large enough for guests but still intimate for two.
“ Initially, it was challenging as we didn’ t have that face-to-face contact we are accustomed to with our clients,” says Steve.“ You don’ t realise how important that contact is, especially during the design brief phase where we get to know them, but once we became comfortable with the process, it was seamless. The key is to focus on concise communication to ensure we listen and understand the client’ s needs and expectations.”
In summer, the space opens to the garden where Tim Davies from TDL has landscaped a tranquil garden of Bay trees, succulents and tropical species, as well as a meditation platform and pond.
A third cooking area inside supports both kitchens and is“ where the mess happens,” says Sam.“ We packed it with a lot of storage for their large pots, an open pantry, wash up area, and another fridge,” she says.“ There is even a concealed study nook here.”
On entering the home through a vast timber pivot door, a sense of space, height, and volume is apparent. Crisp white walls and a stunning timber herringbone floor define the area, with art by Linton and Kay Galleries adding dynamic colour and detail. A large void rises to the second level, and the generous entry hall lined with French doors discreetly leads to guest quarters, powder room, office, and lift entry.
Glass doors open to the couple’ s living spaces at the end of the hall. Open and airy, it is lined with sheer linen curtains that filter in light, creating a backdrop for furnishings curated from Loam. Feature wall lights from Alti provide a soft glow, and a gas fireplace imbues ambiance. Vertical nooks flank the large French doors as a place to showcase treasures, and a vast kitchen offers a stunning backdrop for the space. Lined in engineered stone and seamless cabinetry, it is packed with clever storage, integrated appliances and a hidden door that leads to a cellar. The island bench features endless storage and large drawers, including enclosures that separate pots from their lids for effortless organisation.
The entire living space is lined with glass sliding doors that lead to an equally impressive outdoor kitchen and the couple’ s primary dining space. Its materiality mimics the internal kitchen, except for its timber-lined ceiling that serves to zone the two areas.“ The owners love to cook, especially spicy Singaporean cuisine, and this kitchen with its gas stove, BBQ and oven accommodates this perfectly,” says Sam Tatulli, Principal Interior Designer at Urbane.“ We even included narrow pull-out cupboards to stow their oils and spices.”
Dualism
Photographed by DMax Photography