Artful Sanctuary

Home to a close-knit family, this modern abode celebrates their beloved art collection and their way of life.

- Hong Xinying

In embarking on a search for their new home, Bob and Fern Yap had one key criterion—it had to be in the same neighbourhood as their previous abode, where they lived next door to Bob’s parents. “Our family is really close to my parents-in-law—we have dinner with them at their home every night,” says the wife. “So our new home had to be located close to theirs, ideally within the same neighbourhood.”

Together with their two children, Brennan and Claudia, the couple was won over by a three-storey house in the northeastern part of Singapore with its location and its striking interior architecture. Built as part of a row of four semi-detached houses, it featured a dramatic double-volume hall that the family absolutely loved.

“We found the house very airy, bright and spacious because of that particular detail,” explains Mrs Yap. “We entertain our friends and family quite often, so we wanted this communal area to be spacious enough to accommodate our frequent gatherings.”

CREATIVE AFFINITY 

To turn the house into a home, the family sought the help of Design Rebirth, the same firm that worked on their previous residence. The local practice, co-founded by Victor Loh and Yap Khoon Wah, had given the old terrace house the facelift that they desired, so the couple had full confidence that they would be able to do the same for their new home.

“Victor did a very good job with our previous home and we have kept in touch with him since,” shares Mrs Yap. “It was a no-brainer to work with him again for our new home. He knows and understands our lifestyle and personal preferences—plus Victor and his team share the same taste as us.”