A serene retreat in Orchard Road, this light-filled apartment by akiHAUS Design Studio blends modern design with resort-inspired calm for a family escape.
14 November 2024
Home Type: 4-bedroom condominium unit
Floor Area: 1,567 sqft
Text by Janice Seow
Resort living often conjures images of wood textures and lush greenery, but for Lawrence Puah, founder and design director of akiHAUS Design Studio, the concept is reimagined with an ethereal, off-white palette and modern sensibilities. Situated in Orchard Road, this light-filled 1,567-square-foot Cairnhill Nine apartment is a tranquil escape designed as a haven for an Indonesian expatriate couple and their young son.
This holiday home is more than just a pied-à-terre – it’s a serene antidote to the city’s hustle and bustle. Lawrence’s vision turns urban living into a soothing retreat, with thoughtful spatial reconfiguration and an effortlessly elegant design scheme.
At first glance, the apartment showcased good spatial planning but lacked natural light. With enviable vantage views of the city and the Orchard Road shopping belt, the living area had potential that Lawrence was determined to amplify.
To begin with, the team transformed the ceiling height of the open-plan living and dining area by raising it nearly 50 centimetres, creating a pitched roof that imbues the space with a pavilion-like atmosphere. Vertical slats along the perimeter conceal air-conditioning ducts and wiring for the spotlights and ambient lighting, emphasising the newfound height while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
“We wanted to go beyond the rectilinear forms typical of modern apartments,” explains Lawrence. “The pitched ceiling transforms the space entirely, giving it an airy, resort-like quality.”
The transformation continues with pocket sliding doors that improve spatial efficiency and flow between spaces like the kitchen and dining area. Whitewashed walls and light-wood cabinetry, paired with marble-patterned tiles from Rice Fields, lend an understated elegance to the open-plan layout. At the same time, hidden storage solutions, seamlessly integrated into feature walls, maintain the home’s serene and uncluttered appearance.
Given that this was a family holiday home, materials and furnishings were also specifically selected for their hardwearing, fuss-free qualities to ensure easy maintenance.
In the living room, a curated selection of neutral-toned furnishings from BoConcept brings both texture and warmth to the space. A plush Ligne Roset Togo sofa from Grafunkt invites relaxation, while an L-shaped sofa with concealed storage seamlessly blends functionality with style. Subtle geometric patterns on fabrics and accessories further enhance the room’s tactile appeal.
Above the dining table, a row of pendant lights adds a sculptural element to the off-white backdrop, infusing the space with a sense of modern sophistication. These details, though understated, bring character to the home’s minimalist foundation.
Beyond the living area, each space has been tailored to balance utility and tranquillity. The walls of a former bedroom were removed to expand the balcony, creating a spacious outdoor area with city views. Furnished with bar furniture from Ohmm and softened with green turf, it’s a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening drinks.
The bedrooms shift to a darker palette, evoking the cosy luxury of a boutique hotel. The master bedroom combines taupe and grey hues with botanical-inspired wall decor from Soul & Tables, and continues the pavilion-inspired design with a pitched ceiling.
In another room, deep blue tones adorn a velvet headboard and blackout curtains, ensuring restful slumber. Each bed, sourced from King Living and paired with Heveya mattresses, underscores the focus on comfort.
The guest room doubles as a study, with a cleverly concealed Murphy bed that unfolds from within a sleek wall cabinet with an integrated desk. Suspended shelves echo the wall details, tying the design together in a cohesive yet subtle manner. A sliding double-leaf door opens up the room when not in use, flooding the corridor with natural light.
Throughout the six-month design and renovation process, meticulous attention was paid to concealing mechanisms, storage, and wiring. From the harmonious blend of materials to the seamless integration of functionality, the result is a home that feels as light and effortless as it looks.
For its owners, this is more than a retreat – it’s a sanctuary that beckons them back to Singapore, where every corner whispers calm and every detail speaks of thoughtful design.
akiHAUS Design Studio
www.akihaus.com
www.facebook.com/akiHAUS.Design.Studio
www.instagram.com/akihaus.sg
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