Singapore based Design Intervention have been Shortlisted at the 2015 International Design & Architecture Awards, with their project ‘The Black & White House’ taking a spot in the Residential £10 million + (Property Value) category.
The home is in the style of colonial era bungalows that were built in Singapore in the 1920’s and 30’s. The client brief was to re-create the grandeur and romance of life in Colonial Singapore, but at the same time bring it up to date for 21st century living; reinterpreting it in a fresh and contemporary way.
Typically these grand colonial homes boasted with volume ceilings. They were resplendent in interior architecture detailing. As we were re-creating a classic style, our initial concept meetings were relatively straight forward. Being a Singapore based firm, we are very familiar with the “Black and White” style. We looked at historic images to gain an understanding of what the key elements of the style were, that appealed most. Our initial concept discussion concentrated on how much of a modern interpretation of this style the clients felt comfortable with.
The format living spaces were to be glamourous yet elegant. Grand enough for entertaining business contacts and clients, without being too serious and stuffy, a place to enjoy. The entrance hall, sets the tone of the house. This space offers an important glimpse into the home. It was here that we wanted to portray a sense of grandeur and glamour as well as a sense of strength and performance – as if this house has stood for decades and would be there for decades to come. Working with the architect, we proposed a striking triple volume space to give a magnificent entrance. This design has captured a perfect blend of colonial style and 21st century living.
