From Japanese hotel to family home

For this family of four, moving into their renovated condominium was less about starting over and more about deepening a connection that already existed. Having previously rented another unit within the same development, they were already familiar with the rhythms of the neighbourhood, the quality of light throughout the day and the convenience of having their sons’ school directly across the road. Designed by Parenthesis, the home reflects that sense of continuity, transforming a familiar layout into a home tailored to the family’s evolving needs.

The homeowners, who frequently travel for both work and leisure, approached the renovation with a clear vision. Central to the brief was a memory from a trip to Japan, where they had stayed in hotels characterised by warm timber ceilings. That experience lingered after the trip ended and became the defining inspiration for the project.

“The timber ceiling was never in question,” elaborates designer Molina Hun. “The constraint was cost efficiency – finding a way to deliver that quality without excess. We arrived at a solution using KD eco-laminate panelling, which carried consistently from ceiling into the feature wall behind the sofa, giving the living space a coherence that made the room feel resolved rather than decorated.”

Rather than imposing dramatic structural changes, Parenthesis focused on a series of carefully considered interventions that would have the greatest impact on daily living. Existing finishes that remained in good condition were preserved wherever possible. The marble flooring in the living area was ground and repolished, while timber flooring in the bedrooms was sanded and refinished. In the bathrooms and kitchen, the original tiles were retained and refreshed through chemical cleaning, allowing resources to be directed towards elements that would more meaningfully improve the way the home functioned. New sanitary fittings, cabinetry and storage solutions brought the spaces up to date without unnecessary replacement.

The living room itself departs from conventional apartment planning. Because the family does not watch television, the focus shifted towards creating a space for conversation, relaxation and the appreciation of carefully selected furniture. Pieces from Cassina sit alongside existing furnishings brought from the family’s previous home, creating an environment that feels collected and lived-in.

One of the most significant planning moves occurred between the kitchen and living area. The original layout placed the refrigerator and appliance housing deep within the wet kitchen, limiting both efficiency and storage opportunities. By relocating and reorganising these elements, Molina was able to introduce a functional dry kitchen zone that now serves as an everyday hub. A drinks counter keeps the coffee machine and water dispenser within easy reach, while additional storage above and below ensures surfaces remain uncluttered. The inclusion of a combi-steam oven beneath the island further consolidates the family’s cooking routines into a streamlined workflow.

The material palette continues into the corridor, where timber panelling extends from the living room to create a sense of continuity. Concealed within the panelling are washer and dryer storage, ensuring that utility elements recede quietly into the background. Glazed ceramic tiles, a wall sconce and carefully placed artwork add subtle moments of visual interest.

In the master bedroom, an existing challenge became an opportunity. Two bay windows created awkward circulation zones along either side of the room. Rather than treating them as wasted space, the designer introduced a raised platform that aligns with the bay window sill. “The mattress now sits elevated, the view of Marina Bay Sands opens up naturally, and the space below the platform houses luggage and bulky storage that would otherwise be displaced elsewhere,” explains Molina. “A dresser table was added next to the platform opposite the new wardrobe. The room functions better for it.”

The children’s room is similarly shaped by practicality and flexibility. A platform bed incorporates a pull-out sleeping space for the younger son, leaving ample room for play, while the helper’s room includes a fold-down bed that allows it to double as a study space during the day.

Through a careful balance of preservation and intervention, Parenthesis has created a home that feels effortless rather than over-designed. It is a renovation grounded in familiarity, where thoughtful decisions and refined details allow spaces to evolve naturally over time.

Parenthesis
www.parenthesis.studio
www.facebook.com/parenthesisstudio
www.instagram.com/parenthesisstudio

Photography by Jovian Lim

We think you may also like Inside a Jadescape condo with a balcony zen garden