Threehaus Works designs a home for work and life| Lookbox Living

Text by Aria Tan

Daryl and Ashley didn’t just want a home that looked and felt good – they needed one that worked hard behind the scenes. Daryl is a freelance assistant cameraman, and his job comes with a hefty line-up of equipment. Think cameras, lenses, rigs and trolleys. Not exactly things you can toss in a cupboard. So when the couple planned their renovation, the brief was clear. Create a calm, welcoming space that could also handle the demands of Daryl’s gear and the couple’s fast-paced lives.

The result is a home that feels quietly confident. Designed by Jax Ren and Joshua Wee of Threehaus Works, the flat uses raw finishes like cement screed and limewash to bring in texture without going over the top. There’s no single showpiece trying to steal attention. Instead, it’s the small decisions that carry weight.

A half-height cement wall topped with clear glass separates the living and dining/workspace while keeping things airy. The latter is housed in a room and sits on a slightly raised platform. It’s a subtle design move, but a smart one. The floor includes a gentle incline so Daryl can wheel in his camera trolley with no fuss, durable finishes have been selected to handle wear and tear, and there is space to store equipment.

The industrial material palette continues throughout the home, softened with plush textures and muted tones. The built-in cemented settee in the living room doubles as a seat for changing shoes and a console for the TV. In the kitchen, curved blue cabinets and limewashed walls create a space that feels both grounded and calm. There is plenty of countertop space for meal preparation, and even a pantry with a cosy seating area for a quick breakfast.

Two bedrooms were merged to form a generous master suite, and it now comfortably accommodates two full-length wardrobes and a bay window seat with hidden storage. The bed is placed on a raised platform facing the windows, backed by a half-height cement headboard. Just behind it, a slim work desk fits in without disrupting the layout. Ashley’s dressing area is also cleverly tucked in, with a one-way mirror that offers privacy while still maintaining a visual connection down the walkway toward the living area, preserving the home’s sense of openness and flow.

The master bathroom brings in moodier tones, with dark tiles and a custom cast-concrete basin that anchors the space. A ceiling-mounted rainshower and soft indirect lighting give it a spa-like atmosphere. The common bathroom on the other hand, was reworked to open into the yard, offering easier access for guests and adding a sense of openness to the service area.

And while the home is rich in tailored detail, it also makes space for change. Bedroom 3 has been designed as the child’s room, with frosted glass walls that let light in while maintaining privacy. There’s no fixed furniture, leaving the space open to evolve with the child’s needs – whether for play, study or rest.