Raw Appeal

Herbin and Sharon Chia have been telling friends that their 10-year-old flat has just been renovated, but when eager friends come over to visit, they find themselves in a bit of a diplomatic quandary. Did they hear correctly? Why are they being invited to a home that appears to be still under renovation?

The floor is bare concrete, while plywood boards line the walls. There is a kitchen, a dining table, and a sofa by the window. But where's the bedroom? Do they even have one?

Yes, they do and yes, the home is definitely all complete and ready for habitation. The bedroom is hidden behind a galvanised steel door, says interior designer William Chan…