Brutalist meets wabi-sabi by LA Design Studio

Text by Vanitha Pavpathi

At Sengkang West, Adeline Lim of LA Design Studio has redefined what it means to live boldly, beautifully, and with intention. Tasked with transforming an HDB flat into a sanctuary that balanced both brutalist edge and wabi-sabi elegance, Adeline embraced every architectural challenge with a fearless, sculptural approach.

The homeowners – a dynamic, travel-loving couple, and highly creative souls — wanted more than a home. They craved a story told through texture, tone, and experience. “One partner leaned into neutral palettes, the other toward moody depth,” shares Adeline. “Despite their differing preferences, they united over a shared love for raw materials, organic imperfection, and statement luxury,” which Adeline applied sparingly but deliberately into the flat.

Turning limitations into design gold

The flat’s structural limitations became the foundation of its boldest feature. A central column, immovable and once deemed a flaw, was transformed into the heart of the home. Clad in concrete with a segment artfully hacked away to reveal a bronze-like core, the column is now a dramatic symbol of strength and value. Much like discovering gold encased in rock, the column now grounds the entire open-concept living room and pantry.

This motif of “unearthing” continues in the seamless material palette. Adeline and her team employed finely curated finishes, from Admira and Dekodur Distil laminates to Hafary tiles and smart lighting solutions by VLUX, ensuring cohesion throughout. Metal trimmings echo the bronze from the column, tying together the design narrative with elegant precision.

A layout reimagined for hosting

Entertaining was a must for the sociable couple, but space was tight. Rather than force an extension, Adeline reconfigured the original layout entirely. “A common bedroom wall came down, rebirthing the area into a sleek open bar and pantry zone that now flows effortlessly into the living room,” she explains.

Despite its minimalist appearance, the kitchen is storage-rich: hidden pocket doors reveal appliances, pantry units, and even a laundry zone — all concealed within floor-to-ceiling cabinetry clad in a single continuous laminate for a visually unbroken finish. “The cabinetry flows seamlessly from the kitchen to the master bedroom’s hidden entrance,” says Adeline, which is distinguished only by an artwork on the door.

Sensory storytelling in the private quarters

Beyond the public spaces lies an inventive master suite that merges functionality with emotion. Gone are traditional doors. Instead, spatial transitions are subtly guided by changes in floor level. A raised platform ushers the couple into the wardrobe zone, while the sleeping area is sunken — grounding the room in intimacy and calm. This was made possible by taking down the walls of the second common bedroom in favour of an enlarged master suite.

The sleeping area also features a faux fireplace, lending a warm and intimate atmosphere. But the jewel in the crown is a fully glass-enclosed planter that sits between the walk-in wardrobe and master bedroom. Half-height storage grounds the installation while an artificial skylight, powered by smart dimmable modes, casts hues from daylight to sunset. The result is a serene, staycation-inspired corner that delivers joy daily.

A home that embodies adventure and soul

Completed in five months for $150,000, this flat feels more like a luxury hospitality space. Adeline’s masterful blend of sculptural brutalism, quiet wabi-sabi charm, and unexpected luxury reveals how limitations can birth innovation.