Straight and Narrow
-
“Shophouses brought back memories of our childhoods, of open back doors and neighbors and relatives wandering in and out of the kitchen and cooking and eating and coming and going whether you liked it or not.”—Yang YeoPhoto by: Richard Powers -
Ian and Yeo’s house was uninhabitable when they purchased it in 2002. Three months later, the roof caved in. The translation of the sign above the door of the couple’s renovated house is “peace.”Photo by: Richard Powers -
Once inside, visitors are greeted by three ten-foot-tall hand-carved antique panel doors.Photo by: Richard Powers -
The dining table, made from a single piece of teak, is a little over 13 feet long and was custom made for the space. It can seat up to 24.Photo by: Richard Powers -
Because the house is narrow and long (16 by 68 feet), the design team decided to create a huge open-air space to light the interior naturally. Two retractable motor-driven canvas canopies shelter the space during Singapore’s frequent rains.Photo by: Richard Powers -
Yeo descends the spiral staircase that connects the public and private spaces while Ian relaxes on a pair of Cappellini Superlight 750 sofas designed by Barber Osgerby. The Gwapa lounge chair and ottoman in the corner were designed by Marcel Wanders.Photo by: Richard Powers -
The kitchen was custom made by a local carpenter due to its unconventional scale. The appliances consist of a De Dietrich oven, Amana refrigerator, and Imperial microwave.Photo by: Richard Powers -
The cooking/dining space is the heart of the house, and is open to the elements.Photo by: Richard Powers -
Yang Yeo and his girlfriend Ching Ian relax on the back stoop of their renovated and radically updated Singapore shophouse—an archetypal building type in this busy port city. “Shophouses brought back memories of our childhood,” says Yeo.Photo by: Richard Powers
Categories:
More
International Style
Our intrepid writers and editors have crossed oceans, traversed rugged terrain, and trekked around the globe in search of design-forward homes.
5 Creative Renovations We Love
Updated, transformed: These five creative renovations, from a bustling neighborhood in Singapore to a Wyoming suburb, propel the past into the present.
Six Stairs to Savor
When getting from here to there, the journey is just as important as the destination.
Modern on the Inside Counts, Too
Calling all residents of Edwardians, ranch houses, and those challenging Victorians: If your heart beats for modern, don't miss these inspiring examples of seamlessly integrated modern updates to an…
Add comment