Given Singapore’s hot, humid, and sometimes unpredictable weather, most homeowners prefer to retreat into the air-conditioned confines of their abodes instead of fully utilising their balconies or patios.
Mindful of this issue, former interior designer Ong Shu Hwai and founder of Durablinds decided to help her clients to “reclaim the use of semi-outdoor spaces”. Ong, who helmed her own design practice in the early 2000s, felt much could be done with these underutilized areas; she sourced for quality systems that would shelter homeowners from the elements. “I love helping my clients transform their space through the use of durable and elegant products and smart designs,” says Ong.
In 2013, she introduced Glass Curtains, a frameless glass system from Europe, to the Singapore market. Four years later, she launched Ziptrak, a track-guided blinds system from Australia, in Singapore and Malaysia.
“The usage of a balcony or semi outdoor spaces is often considered as an afterthought. Just a few years ago, the balcony was seen as the best space for drying laundry as it was typically warm and noisy,” says Ong.
It’s a perception that’s now changing. The importance of enhancing our homes has never been more obvious than during the circuit breaker period of the Covid-19 pandemic when many people found themselves in an indefinite telecommuting arrangement.
Denne historien er fra December - January 2021-utgaven av Tatler Homes Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December - January 2021-utgaven av Tatler Homes Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Weaving Sweetness
Florence Lafarge, creative director of home textiles and the children's universe at Hermès, discusses meaningful objects, essential elegance, and the brand's timeless vocabulary of luxury
Coastal Dream
In Sentosa Cove's exclusive Seascape, lies a bespoke duplex designed by Architology Interiors that offers all the coveted spatial qualities of a bungalow in a convenient condominium development with world-class amenities
Crafting Harmony
Ethereall transforms a serene ground-floor Bukit Timah condominium into a textural sanctuary that balances bold contrasts with timeless sophistication
Switch to Perfection
Discover the art of sophisticated living with Schneider Electric's Unica X collection-a fusion of ultra-slim elegance, cutting-edge functionality and refined craftsmanship designed to elevate your spaces
Green and Serene
This corner terrace house in Yio Chu Kang, one of two projects by Create Architecture in our Selections this issue, embraces its history and verdant surroundings with a beautifully resolved hanging-garden concept
Calm Reflections
At 3 Orchard By-The-Park, Superfat Designs presents soothing retreat that subtly celebrates refined living
MELTING POT
Embodying an impactful blend of Eastern and Western influences, this cosy, liveable apartment is replete with character and soul
DAZZLING HEIGHTS
This stunning 56th-floor penthouse by Prestige Global Designs marries cinematic vistas with striking interiors and an effortless air of sophistication
MYKONOS MASTERPIECE
A31 Architecture and Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio collaborate on a breathtaking villa that makes the most of the sunkissed Greek island setting so beloved by the jet-set crowd
CANVAS OF CREATIVITY
Completed in two and a half years, this Good Class Bungalow by Peter Tay merges art, architecture and function with seamless grace