Embracing nature in an apartment tailored for two

Home Type: 3-bedroom condominium

Floor Area: 872sqft

Text by Janice Seow

A young couple purchased this three-bedroom condo for its enviable location right next to MacRitchie Reservoir, and called on Happe Design Atelier to build a relaxed home for two that would embrace nature at their doorstep. The brief also entailed creating larger communal spaces in this modestly-sized unit, to make it possible to hang out comfortably and fully appreciate the view.

The designers have removed most of the non-structural walls and rebuild the space from scratch, with the primary intent to make the living area more spacious. The three bedrooms have been reduced to two (keeping the master suite and a common/guest room), while the formerly enclosed kitchen is now an open one that forms part of the larger communal space.

A long kitchen island greets one at the door and draws the eye straight out towards the balcony and the greenery beyond. The generous counter is not just for food prepping, but connects to a sturdy wooden dining table to become an extended dining space when company comes around.

The calming palette of off white, green, brown and grey mirror the elements of nature, and nurture a calming atmosphere throughout the home. The green laminated kitchen cabinets, in particular, reflect the landscape and refresh the interior with colour.

In the living area, a structural column that couldn’t be removed has been turned into a functional bookshelf and a memorable feature, with curved edges lending softness that’s in keeping with the vibe of the apartment.

Where it made sense, furniture have been tailored to fit the proportions of the apartment, with comfort and functionality as the end goal. For example, the living room sofa is a custom piece from Blafink. The designers have also created a bay window seat where the couple can fully stretch out and take in the greenery. It serves as added seating too when there are guests, thus fully utilising the space.

The entrance to the master bedroom is set on a raised platform and well concealed behind a panelled wall. This successfully creates a sense of separation between the private and public zones, despite the apartment’s modest size.

The room itself is a minimalist haven where the focus is to enjoy the view out the window. In this compact space, the designers have, in discussion with their clients, turned the master bathroom into an open one. Natural light is thus able to reach the deepest recesses of the room which now feels more spacious. The placement of the vanity outside the bathroom also gives more room to bathroom, and allows the amenities to be used by different users at a time.

Playing with the concept of raised levels once again, the bed sits on platform with hidden storage, and is yet another example of a space efficient solution that this apartment has in spades. All that’s left for the couple to do is sit back and enjoy their bright and breezy apartment and the restorative powers of nature.