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A ‘terrace’ flat shows off flexible open-plan living

Architect Melvin Keng’s renovation of his flat is inspired by his childhood home with sustainability in mind

    • Architect Melvin Keng in his patio just behind his front door.
    • The 'dining island' features a large potted plant at one end of the 3m dining table.
    • The terrcotta front door is fitted with a quaint porthole.
    • A full-height cabinet is the central organising core of the flat.
    • The small kitchen is fully equipped with oven, dishwasher, gas hob and hood.
    • The central cabinet conceals the bed to provide some privacy despite there being no separate bedroom.
    • The quirky entrance to the guest bathroom.
    • Keng's sneaker collection takes pride of place against one wall.
    • Architect Melvin Keng in his patio just behind his front door. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE
    • The 'dining island' features a large potted plant at one end of the 3m dining table. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE
    • The terrcotta front door is fitted with a quaint porthole. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE
    • A full-height cabinet is the central organising core of the flat. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE
    • The small kitchen is fully equipped with oven, dishwasher, gas hob and hood. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE
    • The central cabinet conceals the bed to provide some privacy despite there being no separate bedroom. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE
    • The quirky entrance to the guest bathroom. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE
    • Keng's sneaker collection takes pride of place against one wall. PHOTO: KAIZEN ARCHITECTURE

    Amy Van

    Published Thu, Jan 26, 2023 · 05:00 PM

    AS you walk towards this HDB corner unit, you’re greeted by a reddish-brown door, with a quaint porthole. It’s your first clue that this won’t be your cookie-cutter flat, as you open the door to find an unexpected “patio” setting.

    Owner Melvin Keng, 39, principal architect of Kaizen Architecture, says that the entry sequence into the flat was inspired by his childhood home. “During the design process, I asked myself if I could recreate the experience of living in a terrace house – where one walks through a front garden and past sliding glass doors before entering the home.” 

    This concept led Keng to carve out some space in the original living room for a wedge-shaped terrace area, which is dedicated to his collection of lush plants. The indoor garden balcony also overlooks serene views of an undulating landscaped slope.

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