Inspired by the bucolic surroundings, Te-El reworks an apartment as a quiet haven where precise craftsmanship meets subtle textures and natural materials
“A home should have a strong sense of comfort and a calming quality to it,” says Ethan Lin, principal of Singapore interior design studio Te-El. These qualities are certainly present in his residential projects. How to go about creating such spaces takes a sensitive eye, as well as attention to not just the practical parts but also the visceral aspects affected by proportion, materiality, framing, light and shadow.
For Lin, a reductive approach is important in making a space inviting and peaceful. “We generally avoid overdesigning spaces. This helps to prevent over-stimulating the senses. Natural materials also play a key role in our work as we believe they enhance the well-being of the inhabitants,” he remarks. This apartment in the central part of Singapore is a good case study. The palette is genteel, gestures are intentional, and the furniture prioritises timelessness and comfort.
“The owners relocated to Singapore from the United States. They like what we have done so far and referred to New York lofts as inspiration. They also mentioned that they would like the home to be timeless and cosy,” shares Lin on the brief. The views outside the window are picturesque, that of the treetops of Goodwood Hill, a 20-hectare tree conservation area housing several black-and-white bungalows constructed during the colonial days.
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“The uninterrupted greenery provides the adjacent buildings with a sense of quietness and privacy that is [uncommon] in many other parts of Singapore. Building upon this serenity, we pared down the interior spaces to create a calm refuge for the couple to retreat from their busy work life,” says Lin.
