161C Jalan Teck Whye

Melvyn Teo

KEY VISUAL STYLE
Authentic Japandi Zen

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE
Dissolving rigid apartment layout boundaries by introducing traditional flexible screens, integrated hobby showcases, and multi-functional tatami platforms that optimize light and floor space.

THE BRIEF & COLLABORATION
Adapting traditional Japanese design principles into contemporary Singaporean high-rise living requires a deep understanding of spatial scale. Rather than relying on heavy permanent walls that choke natural illumination, Vitas Design SG co-created a fluid, modular blueprint defined by light wood grain, shoji-style sliding tracks, and elevated flooring. The project demonstrates that small-footprint living can achieve a highly meditative, uncluttered atmosphere when storage is treated as an architectural element.

SEQUENTIAL SPATIAL WALKTHROUGH: A Sequential Flow of Light and Timber
1.THE LIVING LOUNGE & ENTRYWAY
The home opens into a bright, airy communal space that immediately feels calm and open.
• The Tailored Partition Wall: A light oak custom screen separates the entrance corridor from the main seating area, acting as a functional boundary without blocking traffic flow.
• The Hobby Showcase: Positioned along the walkway is a floor-to-ceiling glass-doored display cabinet with warm internal LED spotlights. This unit houses an extensive collection of figurines, turning a high-traffic hallway into a personal gallery space.

2. THE DINING MIRROR & KITCHEN GALLEY
The culinary zone optimises a compact footprint through parallel layouts and clever reflective surfaces.
• The Mirror Trick: A full-height mirror wall fronts the dining table axis. This reflects the parallel kitchen workspace, instantly doubling the perceived depth of the corridor.
• The Breakfast Peninsula: A compact timber bar counter paired with high stools stands at the kitchen entryway, providing a quick morning dining spot next to white minimalist handleless cabinetry.

3. THE AUTHENTIC TATAMI TEA ROOM
The hallmark custom feature of the home is a fully realised Japanese tea room built on an elevated platform.
• The Traditional Layout: Clad entirely in authentic tatami mat flooring, this room features a low-slung wooden tea table and floor cushions. It functions flexibly as a meditation zone, a guest room, or a tea lounge.
• The Storage Platform: The entire wooden base is elevated to incorporate deep, hidden storage drawers underneath, maximising utility while keeping the floor surface clean.

4. THE SHOJI BEDROOM CHAMBERS
The private sleeping suites continue the clean, minimalist lines of the communal areas.
• The Shoji Wardrobe Doors: Standard closet doors are replaced with custom sliding screens that mimic traditional Japanese shoji panels. This choice saves swing space and adds a soft, architectural texture to the bedroom perimeter.
• The Scenic Frame: A low-profile bed platform faces a wide window featuring a beautifully integrated mount landscape mural, bringing a touch of nature indoors.

5. THE MINIMALIST WOOD-GRAIN BATHROOMS
The bathrooms mimic the aesthetics of a clean, premium day spa.
• The Floating Vanities: Custom floating vanities wrapped in rich, water-resistant wood laminate keep the floor tiles completely clear.
• The Clear Shower Corridor: A frameless glass screen separates the wet shower zone from the utilities, ensuring that light from the internal window travels freely across the space.

MATERIALS & ACCENTS SPOTLIGHT
The incredible visual harmony of this apartment relies on a highly disciplined, natural material palette:
• Light Oak & Shoji Laminates: Applied continuously across the wardrobes, partitions, and tea rooms to unify the home with organic warmth.
• Authentic Tatami Woven Mats: Used structurally across the leisure platform to introduce distinct texture and a subtle aroma.
• Full-Height Clear Mirror & Glass: Integrated across the dining and display zones to continuously catch light and extend long sightlines.

THE VITAS DIFFERENCE
This flat demonstrates that specialised cultural aesthetics like Japandi design look their best when your built-in storage elements are treated as seamless architectural extensions. By incorporating custom tatami storage platforms, hidden shoji wardrobe tracks, and mirrored dining corridors, Vitas Design SG delivered a highly organised home tailored perfectly to the owners' daily habits, timeline, and budget.

Ready to introduces authentic tatami platforms, shoji sliding wardrobe tracking, or custom hobby showcases into your property? Come down to our One Commonwealth showroom to explore our material textures and talk with our design team. Let us know:
• What is your property type and approximate floor size?
• Which specific design choice from this house tour fits your daily routine best (e.g., the elevated tatami tea platform, the shoji-style wardrobe doors, or the backlit glass showcase)?

We can explore how to translate these clever custom carpentry details directly into your floor plan.