The Layered House

Welcome to Sommerville! This semi-detached house started off as a renovation project but soon turned into a complete rebuild just weeks after work start. Sitting on a land area of 3,400 sq ft, it was re-designed into a modern 2.5 storey abode with a gross floor area of 5,600 sq ft with split levels.

The crux of the design intent revolves about being one with the nature especially at the common spaces in level 1. Large panels of glass sliding doors not only allow ample light and air flow into the house but also encourages a sense of openness to allow a bird’s eye view of the garden. To blur the line between the exterior and interior, the wood deck between the living/dining space and the side corridor was intentionally raised and flushed with a seamless track installed for the large glass sliding doors. The wood deck is sheltered by the side roof eaves which is also a part of the mezzanine floor. This not only creates a seamless transition to the garden but the raised ground also routes rainwater away during heavy rainfall.

To “bring the outside in”, finishes in this area were selected to suit this intent. Slabs of marble span across level 1 with natural flowy patterns resembling soothing water flow to bring about a sense of elegance. The same grey hues were employed on the columns, metal staircase and the building facade. The double volume wall beside the staircase is finished with micro cement giving it a smooth yet raw look to go with the theme. This is enhanced with the indoor pond, an indoor tree and a rabbit enclave to fill the atmosphere with natural elements, enhancing the experience of being in nature.

On the mezzanine, a reading corner sits quietly at beside the entertainment room where the family bond through a relaxing time of music, movie, games and fun. It also leads to the balcony garden atop the carporch roof at the front of the house.

 Level 2 - The Master Suite

The master bedroom is painted with a mid tone palette with credits given to the walnut veneer which was used all built-ins to bring about a sense of simplicity and subtle hints of luxury in this cosy space. A fully fitted space, this room is home to a massage chair which helps to relieve stress after a long day, a TV to offer in-room entertainment before calling it a day and a sizeable table for simple work, writing or simply placing items.

In the walk-in wardrobe, the vanity takes centerstage with a pair of His & Hers sink matched with a oversized mirror and wardrobes on each side as it faces the bathroom. A standalone bathtub aligns itself with the entrance to receive the homeowners as they step into the bathroom. The toilet and shower area are position on the left and right sides respectively. Slabs of Bianco Carara extra marble are cladded on the walls and floor, contributing to the sense of tranquility to the bathroom with its clean, whitish look. The patterns are slab-matched to showcase its natural beauty.

 Level 2 - The Relax Corner & Common Bedrooms

Level 2 is a little special.. Following the architecture of the building, both ends of this level are featured with a double volume ceiling which features the tapered corners. We took advantage of this feature to create a mezzanine, using it as a resting quarters for the two common bedrooms.

As such, each bedroom is comes with with an on-suite bathroom, a study area fitted with a lengthy study table and bookcase, display cabinets under the staircase and a queen sized bed. Ample natural lighting shines into the rooms brought in by the large window panels on the angled section of the roof. Consistent with the overall design, both rooms bear the same staircase design as the common areas from level 1 to attic.

In the common area, one end was transformed into a gym and the other, a relax corner for the family. In the relax corner, a part of the floor slab was cut to create a suspended net which looks into the living/dining room in level 1. The open space here allows for the family to enjoy communal activities, workouts or simply to hangout.

 Attic - The Junior Master

Aligned to the center of the attic is the Junior Master occupies the middle section. The two corners of the attic belongs to the mezzanine floor of the common bedrooms in level 2 which sits directly underneath the angled roof. At the common areas, an open terrace opens to the rear of this level and a open outdoor jacuzzi is placed at the front.

The Junior Master is fully fitted with a lengthy table, storage spaces, a walk-in wardrobe with a fully customised backlit round mirror at the vanity area and an on-suite bathroom. Slabs of Agora Beige marble fills the bathroom and is accented by the rose gold fittings giving the space a sense of simple elegance. This space comes with a pair of His & Hers sink in the middle with the toilet and shower area on the left and right sides respectively.