TERENCE CHAN

AT HOME IN THE OFFICE WITH.

AT HOME IN THE OFFICE WITH.

COLLECT AND CURATE

“My art collection is consistent — the pieces are all about faces,” shares Terence, about the paintings and sculptures that dot his studio. On the third floor, material samples, architectural drawings and models are displayed alongside iconic furniture and fixtures, including the Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke.

From the outside, the three-storey shophouse unit of multidisciplinary creative design studio Terre seems unassuming; step in, and you’ll notice that the space is a far cry from its grungy facade.

Helmed by founder and director Terence Chan in 2006, Terre has grown to become an all-encompassing firm that’s now complemented by Teapot & Giraffe, a product design arm that Terence started with two colleagues, Owen Lam and RifdiSng. Together, they work on architecture and interior projects, as well as bespoke furniture and home accessories like glassware and wooden trays to address the everyday needs of clients and homeowners.

Carefully and stylishly designed, the studio mimics a show gallery within a home-like setting that lends a cosy ambience and lots of character. When we arrived, Terence had just concluded a meeting with a client. As they chatted over coffee at the long dining table in the second storey, it was unlike conventional business meetings one would expect, thanks to the overall laid-back and welcoming ambience.

As a collector of art and iconic furniture, Terence has every corner decked out with pieces that tell a story. “Everything is placed and designed deliberately. Nothing is left to chance,” he says.

“A product, without a story, is nothing. It is the authenticity and information behind that makes it a powerful tool.”

HOUSE IN A HOUSE

This “house” structure was used as an exhibition set-up when Terre participated in Maison & Objet Asia 2016. Now, it is a cosy corner that accommodates more intimate discussions away from the work desk, as well as a display area for accessories and books.

“I like artworks with refiective surfaces, as they play with the idea of duality.”

HEART OF THE HOME

In place of a traditional long table, Terence decided on a kitchen counter instead, and created a functional kitchen space where he can host clients and guests over meals. There’s also an all-in-one Bulthaup kitchen system, which offers plenty of storage space for cutlery, utensils, and even an oven within a movable wooden cabinet.

SEATS ALL AROUND

The living room on the second floor has a selection of designer chairs that Terence collected over the years, like the Hans Wegner CH25 lounge chair and Vitra’s Eames DAW chair, among others. Having these home settings within a studio offer space for casual discussions.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Unlike a regular mirror, the Beauty Mirror by Cyprus-born designer Michael Anastassiades is made of nickel plated stainless steel, and is part of Terence’s art collection. “I like artworks with reflective surfaces, as they play with the idea of duality; it questions the relationship between subject and object, and that intrigues me,” he shares.

GATHER AROUND

The dining area has a 20-seater concrete table that was precast and mounted on-site. Adding to Terence’s impressive furniture pieces are the Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs, as well as hanging lights by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The space doubles as an event venue where coffee and sake appreciation classes, and even floral arrangement workshops, have been held.

UNDERSTATED LUXURY

Hidden away from the public eye on the first floor is a private showroom, which showcases Terre’s flair in putting together luxurious, understated spaces and furniture pieces. “We want to showcase our workmanship, and our ability to create things that fit perfectly with pieces from well-known brands like Cassina, Knoll, De La Espada, Louis Vuitton and Viabizzuno,” Terence explains.

WHERE TO GO

66B Niven Road www.studioterre.com www.teapotandgiraffe.com

A host of styles are showcased in a subtle and cohesive manner throughout the three floors, as Terre is versatile in handling various project types, from retail, commercial to residential.

text DOMENICA TAN photography FRENCHESCAR LIM & DARREN CHENG art direction NONIE CHEN & KAFFY TAN

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