Making Memories
Architology Interiors designs a home filled with meaningful spaces that foster family bonding and quiet time
For a close-knit family of six, it was important that their home could be a place where they can enjoy quality time together. While their detached house had ample space, the owners felt that its layout was not fully optimised. The sociable couple enjoy entertaining guests in their six-bedroom abode and wanted the first f loor of their 4,550sqft residence to be a convivial place to gather with family and friends.
It was also paramount to have dynamic activity zones for the young children that were also visually connected, so the adults could watch over the kids as they play.
The couple have three boisterous young sons and a newborn daughter, so they wanted to design the sons’ shared room in ways that would encourage them to bond as they grow up together. At the same time, the owners wanted some privacy away from their kids at bedtime.
“The goal was to create more quality space for everyone to share; it was about having more space tailored to the family’s daily functions and interests,” says Bu Shukun, co-founder of Architology Interiors, who led the design of this home.
OPEN CONCEPT
The house is located on an elongated site, and features fulllength glass doors on the ground f loor. The design team strategically lined the terrace of the first storey with f lourishing foliage to provide more privacy. The firm also created distinct zones on each f loor. The first level is shared by the whole family, while the children’s rooms are located on the second storey, and the master suite takes up the entire attic.
Entering through a foyer clad in timber strips, an open-plan living area greets guests; it is f lanked by a green terrace on the left and a lap pool on the right. The living area leads to the dining room, which is located in the central void formerly occupied by the pool and was filled in to form the dining area. This space can fully enclosed by pivot doors if needed.
Beyond the dining room is the dry kitchen, which is furnished with an Arabescato marble island counter. Fitted with a long row of induction hobs and a large hood, the kitchen is designed for hosting large dinner parties; the island’s U-shaped design encourages the family and guests to gather around the culinary zone while the cooks are at work.
Volakas marble f looring and dark crown-cut walnut wall panels are applied throughout the first storey for visual continuity; the timber panels also screen the bridge on the second storey from view. The striking veins of the green forest marble feature walls create a sense of drama in the living area, while slit glass panels create a peek-a-boo effect that offers a glance at the greenery outdoors. For an elegant touch, the designers applied
Fior di Pesco marble to the external boundary wall that faces the living room.
COMFORT ZONE
The second storey adopts a playschool concept, planned in a way that encourages the children to spend time together. The three sons share a large room that was
formerly the master bedroom, fitted with three twin beds. Their baby sister has her own room furnished with a cot and a bed for the parents to rest in while watching over their newborn child. The second storey also incorporates a music area, study, reading lounge and a toy room with a climbing net that the boys love.
In the attic, the master suite is designed for relaxation and repose. It features a walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and bedroom as well as a lounge and outdoor rooftop terrace. Besides herringbone oak f looring and Palissandro Classico marble walls, the master bedroom features a headboard comprising upholstered panels lined with gold trimmings. This metallic detailing is emulated in the wardrobe area; in the marble-clad bathroom, a pair of brushed bronze-rimmed mirrors add a glamorous touch.
The renovation, which was completed in 14 months, received rave reviews from the clients. “The most enjoyable part was seeing the family members bonding, with their activities anchored to the exact spatial intentions of each zone,” says Bu.