Tatler Post
S/LAB 10’s luminous residence in Johor Bahru strikes the perfect balance between elegance and whimsy
A real sense of individuality is apparent throughout the whole of this project. The backstory is that the client and his newlywed wife were moving into a semi-detached corner lot right next to an equivalent lot belonging to his parents.
There was a commitment to maintaining traditions, ensuring close ties with family, and respecting the tightly-knit community of the neighbourhood in Taman Impian Emas, Johor Bahru. At the same time, the client was keen to pursue a more inventive, modern approach.
Photo 1 The terrazzo light installation
Above The cosy living room
Photo 2 The terrazzo light installation
Breathing space
The project’s clarity of vision was an achievement in itself, given that there were constraints imposed by the original building. For one thing, the 1980s architecture had a conservative, standardised feel to it; for another, it was not possible to make major structural changes, since the semi-d was connected to its neighbour on the other side.
Jason Sim, co-founder and principal architect of S/LAB 10, explains that they left the exterior largely unchanged, but did not shy away from totally gutting out the interior.
ABOVE Honey coloured toned furniture add to the tableau
ABOVE Wall detailing adds textural detail
The spatial constraints actually ended up serving as a stimulus for creativity. Sim shares that the design team gladly took on the challenge to “experiment by opening up several spaces.”
This is particularly apparent with the ground floor, where each distinct area flows gracefully into the next, and where long, unimpeded sightlines predominate.
Photo 1 The staircase adds a beguiling sculptural accent
Photo 2 The staircase adds a beguiling sculptural accent
S/LAB 10 took full advantage of the fact that the client’s and the parents’ houses had adjoining outdoor areas. The intervening boundary wall was removed and the resulting shared space was then transformed into the key feature of the whole design: the courtyard.
This courtyard stretches out to 75 square feet and has established itself as a natural gathering place for the whole family. The shifting natural light, the free movement of air, and the nod to nature–all work together to create a calm, welcoming mood.
Material world
There was a clear evolution in terms of the choice of colours and materials for this project. At first, the design team suggested a more conventional palette, with bright sandy tones.
As they got to know the client better, though, they realised that it would be possible to push boundaries by employing darker shades and placing a greater emphasis on textures. The materials themselves would then be able to take centre stage.
Photo 1
Photo 2
As Sim explains, “The application is simple–there are no overly ornamented details, which means that the characteristics of the materials such as the wood grain reveal themselves through the reflection of the light”.
He goes on to draw our attention to “the expressiveness of the natural wood finishes around the house, from the joinery to the timber blinds”.
The juxtaposition allows for the various materials to interact in contrasting and complementary ways. The eye instantly registers the warm-hued Merbau wood of the floor, ceiling, and wall slats of the courtyard.
Beyond that, one finds the polka-dotted whimsicality of the terrazzo of the bathrooms and the staircase.
Photo 1 Neatly designed built ins conceal the powder room
Photo 2 Terrazzo and organic shapes were carried out throughout the home
Then in the dining room and on the walls of the stairwell, bronze mirrors introduce a sense of mystery thanks to the darker undertones that lie beneath their surface gleam.
The tesselations and reflections of the bronze and terrazzo combination in the stairwell make this area one of the highlights of the entire design.
The art of living
ABOVE Mirror walls creates a mesmerising effect
ABOVE An infinity effect
Furniture was carefully chosen to create different moods. The seating options, for instance, all have distinct personalities.
The Nicchris rattan lounge chairs in the living room exude a cool retro charm with their low-slung cuboid dimensions; while the custom-made rattan chairs in the courtyard are simpler and perched upright on slender legs.
Photo 1 The bedrooms feature custom designed headboards
Photo 2 The designers added detailed flourishes in the bedroom
Photo 3 The designers added detailed flourishes in the bedroom
At the bar island, the Tri-space bar stools from Case Furniture introduce a more spiky, futuristic silhouette.
A very different personality is conveyed upstairs by the demure suggestion of hourglass curves from Poltrona Frau’s Lepli ottoman.
Photo 1 The slatted wood details;
Photo 2 The slatted wood details;
Photo 3 Vibrant artwork add character
The balance between contrasting moods is sustained in the lighting. Another touch of whimsy is found in the living room’s Stellar floor lamp from Pulpo. Nestled in the corner of the room, the Stellar’s grape cluster of bulbs light up with a quirky, otherworldly glow.
In the dining room, the Glasgow 9 pendant light is more austere and precise, with its nine smoked-glass spheres in a confident starburst formation.
