A Ryokan Retreat
Hougang Street | 5- room HDB
Location | Hougang Street
Size | 110m²
Type | 5-Room HDB
Year | 2021
This 5-room HDB is Japanese Ryokan-inspired. The house is mainly made up of a combination of neutral light wood tones, styled with different green plants to give the space a sense of simplicity, tranquillity, and a strong connection to nature.
The house was built for the maximisation of light. The living and study area is separated by a half-wall that allows for more light within the area. The sliding wardrobe in the master bedroom is designed to be made of glass for light to be able to travel into the dressing area.
There are quite a few designs that have been inspired by Japanese elements in this house. The doors are inspired by traditional Japanese “Shoji”. Additionally, the wooden beams on the ceiling of the living and study areas were built to imitate beams that hang the “Shoji” doors.
A tatami room was created as a place for the homeowners to entertain guests. A window bay platform was created in the living area, which allows a resting area with full view of the scenery. The space can be a place to drink tea, creating peace and healing.
In the kitchen, Japanese motifs are present. The backsplash is inspired by “Seigaiha” meaning ‘sea waves’ in Japanese. The design has been engraved into the kitchen backsplash. An emphasis was also created, with turquoise, scale ceramic tiles designed to mimic falling leaves from the tree. It gives the space a splash of colour and creates an aesthetic focal point and artwork.
An island, dining table and a bar table was also built to satisfy the homeowner’s interest and requirement. The result of the design is a harmonious, light-filled home for the homeowners who have strong interests in Japanese culture, bringing their experience from their yearly trips to Japan back into their own homes.
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