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House of Hobbies

From cycling and fishing to koi and collectibles, this detached house is tailor-made for its owner’s many hobbies

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    • A play of materials and form in the facade.
    • Breaking up the architectural form gives a sense of scale to the building.
    • A highlight in the living area is a steel-painted bronze spiral staircase.
    • The study shows off some bicycles and arrangement of everyday bags.
    • The couple use the large gym almost daily.
    • A koi pond in the side garden.
    • The architecture’s staggered "boxes" create canopies that provide shade.
    • A terraced garden in the rear to mitigate the steep rise to the neighbour’s land.
    • The main staircase looks out to the side garden.
    • A fish tank above the living area showcases rare fish.
    • A play of materials and form in the facade. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • Breaking up the architectural form gives a sense of scale to the building. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • A highlight in the living area is a steel-painted bronze spiral staircase. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • The study shows off some bicycles and arrangement of everyday bags. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • The couple use the large gym almost daily. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • A koi pond in the side garden. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • The architecture’s staggered "boxes" create canopies that provide shade. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • A terraced garden in the rear to mitigate the steep rise to the neighbour’s land. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • The main staircase looks out to the side garden. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA
    • A fish tank above the living area showcases rare fish. PHOTO: MASANO KAWANA

    Luo Jingmei

    Published Thu, Jun 13, 2024 · 06:00 PM

    IN MOST homes, bicycles are kept away in storage or outside the home. But for this 528-square-metre detached house designed by RT+Q Architects, they are the first thing one sees after stepping through the front door.

    In the double-storey living area, a spiral staircase curves up to a mezzanine where six Brompton foldable bikes colour the cubicles of custom shelving, showcased like precious ceramics or art.   

    This heralds a passion of the couple who live here with their two children. “Biking is something my wife and I do together. We have gone on many cycling trips as well,” says the husband, who wishes not to be named. They also have eight road bicycles, including a pair of Firefly titanium and ti-carbon blend road bicycles. Handmade in Boston, USA, each can cost up to five-figure amounts. “I had them made for our 10th wedding anniversary and they have our children’s names inscribed on them,” the husband shares. 

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