Renaissance was established in 1994 as a design company specialising in architectural, interior, landscape and product design for landed houses in Singapore and the region. The company takes on projects in various developmental phases such as initial concept, design development and project management.
Renaissance was established in 1994 as a design company specialising in architectural, interior, landscape and product design for landed houses in Singapore and the region. The company takes on projects in various developmental phases such as initial concept, design development and project management.
Kelvin Bing, design director of Renaissance Planners and Designers, designed both the structure and interiors of this two-storey semi-detached house. The contemporary-style building with five bedrooms, each with an attached bathroom, is home to a couple in their 50s and their three pet dogs. On its facade, granite slab panels create a simple and clean design language, featuring electrically controlled aluminium louvres which wrap around one corner of the structure, where the windows are located. They shield the interiors from the westerly sun, while an overhanging steel and glass trellis at the car porch shelters vehicles. Inside the house, white walls and Italian white marble flooring brighten up the space. An oversized hanging Artemide lamp illuminates the dining area, acting as a visual point of interest. The wooden surfaces of the stair treads and cabinets create a warm and welcoming ambience. Kelvin also designed an indoor pond at the foot of the staircase using granite boulder slabs, inspired by a natural spring.
Located on the top floor of the house, the master bedroom features the beautiful woodgrains of American walnut veneer on one wall, and on the doors of the wardrobe. A Le Corbusier-designed armchair stands out as a feature in this cosy room. For more dramatic 3-D surfaces, the attached master bathroom is fitted with black granite boulder slabs on one of its walls.
A couple in their late 30s, their daughter, and two domestic helpers live in this two-storey semi-detached house. There are six rooms with six bathrooms, and Kelvin gave the space smart contemporarystyle interiors – he handled the design of the exteriors as well. The facade incorporates the use of slab-cut marble, while the car porch is finished with granite. On the left of the house, the lap pool is decked in Bisazza mosaic tiles, coupled with chengal wood decking at the rear. The ground floor is designed to maximise views of the outdoors, as well as to enjoy natural daylight and ventilation, with its wraparound full-height glass doors. The living, dining and dry kitchen areas showcase white Thasso marble flooring, while the cabinetry is clad with birch wood veneer. To fit the generously sized spaces of the lounging areas on the ground floor and up in the attic, Kelvin and his team customised the sofas, coffee tables, and side tables there.
The staircase is elegantly designed, with cantilevered solid teak stair threads that seem to float in space; the illusion is helped by glass railings. Accompanying this dramatic design is the double-volume wall of the stairwell, which features white laminate panels in a graphic design. All bedrooms, including the master bedroom, sport solid teak wood flooring, which brings warmth to the spaces. A more clubby feel is present in the attic, with its black spray-painted display cabinets with LED lights that showcase the homeowners’ wine and alcohol collection. Even the adjoining bathroom has floor and wall surfaces clad with dark grey Serpeggiante marble for a luxurious look.
