196 Pasir Ris Street 12

Melvyn Teo

KEY VISUAL STYLE
Minimalist Zen Japandi

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE
Transforming a standard Singapore apartment layout into a fluid, multi-functional home that balancing open communal areas with authentic, private cultural spaces.

THE BRIEF & COLLABORATION
When the homeowners approached Vitas Design SG, their goal was clear: escape the sterile feel of standard urban apartments and create a sanctuary grounded in Japanese design principles. Located in 196 Pasir Ris Street 12, this residential project required a deep dive into custom space planning. The design team worked closely with the clients to strip away visual clutter, opting instead for architectural harmony, seamless lines, and clever carpentry that maximises every square millimeter.

SEQUENTIAL SPATIAL WALKTHROUGH
1. THE ENTRYWAY GENKAN
The journey begins at the threshold, where traditional Japanese elements immediately set a tranquil tone. The entryway features a dedicated gravel garden accent paired with a classic paper-lantern style floor lamp. A built-in floor-to-ceiling shoe cabinet with flush handles keeps the corridor entirely clear. This setup acts as a psychological buffer, separating the bustling outside world from the calm within.

2. THE COMMUNAL DINING & LIVING SPACE
Moving past the entry, the apartment opens into a combined dining and living hall defined by a soft, flowing wave-ceiling feature. Hidden LED strip lights trace this organic curve, washing the room in warm, ambient illumination.

A custom-built platforms runs along the window wall, functioning as a traditional engawa (veranda). Instead of heavy curtains, sliding Shoji screens filter the harsh Singapore sunlight into a soft, textured glow. The dining area is framed by an elegant circular wall niche showcasing a solitary bonsai arrangement, creating a focal point that anchors the entire family zone.

3. THE SEAMLESS KITCHEN & DRY BAR
The kitchen layout transitions smoothly from a functional wet area to an open dry bar island. The main kitchen features slab-front overhead cabinets in matte white, paired with light oak lower drawers. A dramatic marble-veined quartz backsplash adds subtle texture without breaking the minimalist colour palette. Directly adjacent, the built-in appliance wall houses the oven and refrigerator behind dark tinted glass panels, integrating heavy machinery into the architecture seamlessly. The extended island counter serves as both a breakfast bar and a transition zone to the main living area.

4. THE PRIVATE TATAMI ROOM
The private quarters feature a dedicated tatami room that doubles as a bedroom. The floor is lined with traditional woven rush mats, set against a raised platform that incorporates concealed under-floor storage.
A full-height wardrobe with grid-patterned sliding doors replicates Fusuma screens, providing extensive clothing storage without the visual bulk of standard closet doors. A low-profile wood panel headboard integrates flush electrical outlets and warm uplighting, keeping the sleeping area serene and uncluttered.

MATERIALS & ACCENTS SPOTLIGHT
The design hinges on a tightly curated palette of materials that connects each room to the next:
• Light White Oak Laminates: Used across all vertical surfaces, cabinetry, and structural wall panels to maintain colour continuity.
• Textured Rice Paper Panels: Integrated into the window screens and wardrobe doors to soften natural daylight.
• Matte Floor Tiles: Large-format sand-coloured tiles underfoot provide a cool, durable surface suitable for the tropical climate while mimicking natural stone.

THE VITAS DIFFERENCE
This project highlights what can be achieved when tailored execution meets a clear design direction. Rather than relying on off-the-shelf furniture that disrupts the flow of a home, Vitas Design SG engineered custom carpentry that serves dual purposes—offering immense storage capacity while remaining completely invisible to the eye. The result is a home tailored precisely to the owners' daily routines, budget, and aesthetic values.

Ready to transform your floor plan into a custom-tailored living space?

Visit our designers at the One Commonwealth showroom to discuss your vision.