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Design Story:
KANSO
Right off the bat, this was an interesting and challenging project to undertake as the pioneer location of Meikyoushisui’s vacation homes. Located in a charming enclave of terrace homes just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant Mount Austin core, this inter-terrace had largely retained all of its original fixtures from development, and we were determined to elevate it with strategic design choices that were both cost-effective and distinctly representative of Meikyoushisui.
Part I : KANSO
Kanso (簡素), which means simplicity, is one of 7 zen principles identified by Hisamatsu (1971) that commonly informs Japanese interior design. It is characterised by decluttering, minimalism, the flow of energy in the space and a quintessentially zen attitude. This became the anchor of our design choices as we sought to imbue this principle throughout the house.
The first move that drastically shifted the flow of energy in the ground floor space was the hacking of the walls that originally enclosed the dry kitchen as well as the ground floor utility room, which is now opened up and converted into a foosball entertainment zone. An L-shaped window seater provides a peek into the foosball area, making sure it is not entirely segregated from the rest of the entertainment space. To restrain the direct flow of energy from the main door all the way through to the back window, the hanging bar counter and built-in bar island forms a partial barrier to signify a subtle division. The result is an open and inviting space with a gentle and winding energy that encourages mingling and relaxation.
Another core feature of Kanso is tatami platforms. While they originally refer to woven tatami (畳) mats in Japan, designers and contractors in our region colloquially refer to these wooden platforms as ‘tatami’. Adding to the concept of simplicity, their construction allows for the elimination of certain chunky furniture pieces such as bed frames and sofas, and brings the energy of the space down to a lower height, creating a sense of peace and zen.
Part II : WARM
& COOL
Central to Japanese philosophy is the principle of nagomi (和み), meaning balance. We find there is a magic in juxtaposition, in the balance of yin and yang, in warm and cool elements that produce a blended and harmonious result. This manifested majorly in our colour choices throughout the unit.
To contrast and balance against the cool light and dark grays on the walls, we chose a warm walnut wood colour: the tatami platforms decked with vinyl tiles of walnut wood grain and the custom kitchen cabinets covered in a luxurious walnut wood laminate. In particular, the 2.1-meter-long dining table by local furniture store Ruma Home is made from high-quality Malaysian rubber wood in a beautiful walnut finish and forms a striking centrepiece for the dining zone.
We chose the industrial concept to interplay against the warmth of Japanese style as a way to infuse some cool yang energy into the design. This is visible in the vinyl tiles of grey cement texture, black metal finishes on the dining table furniture and hanging bar counter.
In the bathroom, warm light is juxtaposed by industrial style cement walls and sink counters, as well as matte black toilet accessories that give a subtle dramatic touch to a small space.
Part III : Ambient Lighting
To us, the lighting choices are of paramount importance as they contribute overtly to the “vibe” of the space. This is especially so as terrace houses without large central skylights tend to be lower on natural lighting, underscoring the need to create an ambient atmosphere with smart lighting choices.
We strategically selected track lights and spotlights to bring a sense of understated hotel luxury to the design. These were supplemented with ambient lighting such as Japanese-style wall, table and standing lights to really elevate the sense of cosiness, particularly in the bedrooms. The ambient lighting continues into the bathrooms, with LED-lit mirrors providing soft light that sets the mood for winding down.
We especially love the LED tube lighting affixed beneath the tatami platforms. This element of Japanese interior design, called kansetsu shōme (間接照明) or indirect lighting, contributes greatly to the zen vibe.
