THE ‘CLASSICAL’ HOUSE @ RIPLEY CRESCENT

Architecture + Interior Design

Reconstruction of Detached House

6 400 sq ft Bungalow

Front Elevation showing the overlapping horizontal balconies with lush rows of verdant planting

Located within an established landed residential neighbourhood in Singapore, this 6,400-square-foot detached house is a comprehensive reconstruction and extension of an existing 2.5-storey residence. The project reconfigures the entire home to improve spatial efficiency, while expanding the attic level to maximise usable floor area and accommodate contemporary family living.

Key architectural elements of the original house, including the ornamental Art Deco staircase, were carefully retained and integrated into the renewed design. A new lift was introduced to improve accessibility across all levels, while the façade and external fenestration were comprehensively redesigned to establish a more cohesive architectural expression.

The front elevation is defined by strong horizontal planes expressed through projecting balconies, deep overhangs and the car porch structure. Above, a lightweight glass-and-metal gable feature crowns the attic level, providing visual balance while reinforcing the residence’s distinctive identity.

Developed in close collaboration with the homeowners, the interior design reinterprets classical influences through a contemporary lens. A restrained palette of light-toned materials forms the foundation of the interior, complemented by carefully selected mouldings, heritage-inspired detailing and curated industrial accents. The result is a refined living environment that balances timeless elegance with modern functionality.

A CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION OF CLASSICAL LIVING

The interior design reinterprets classical residential elegance through a contemporary black-and-white palette. Drawing inspiration from colonial architecture, the living spaces combine refined proportions, decorative mouldings and carefully curated furnishings to create an atmosphere that is both timeless and welcoming.

Large openings and full-height windows allow natural daylight to fill the interior throughout the day, enhancing the sense of openness while strengthening the visual connection between the home and its surrounding landscape. Soft neutral tones, layered textures and carefully selected materials contribute to a calm and sophisticated living environment.

Ariston white marble flooring forms the foundation of the interior palette, complemented by classical cornices, detailed wall mouldings and bespoke furnishings. The restrained composition balances traditional architectural character with contemporary comfort, creating a residence that feels elegant, bright and enduring.

**Formal Living Room-**Full-height openings and abundant natural daylight create a bright and welcoming living environment that connects seamlessly to the exterior landscape.

**Contemporary Classical Interior-** Ariston white marble flooring, decorative mouldings and carefully curated furnishings create a timeless interpretation of contemporary classical living.

DINING WITHIN A CONTEMPORARY CLASSICAL INTERIOR

The dining room continues the project's reinterpretation of black-and-white colonial living through a carefully balanced composition of classical detailing and contemporary furnishings. Positioned adjacent to the main living spaces, the room is conceived as a central gathering place for family meals and social occasions.

Natural daylight filters through full-height glazed openings, illuminating the white marble flooring and enhancing the sense of openness throughout the interior. A solid timber dining table introduces warmth and natural texture, while brass-finished pendant lighting provides a subtle layer of elegance and visual focus.

Together, these elements create a dining environment that feels timeless, comfortable and refined, reflecting the project's commitment to combining traditional architectural character with modern family living.

**Dining Space-**The dining area combines classical proportions, natural daylight and carefully selected materials, creating a warm and elegant setting for family gatherings and entertaining.

**Kitchen Entrance**
A custom sliding barn door introduces the kitchen, blending farmhouse-inspired detailing with the refined elegance of the contemporary classical interior.

CONTEMPORARY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

The kitchen reinterprets traditional farmhouse and colonial influences through a refined contemporary lens. Conceived as both a functional workspace and a social gathering area, the space is organised around a generous marble-topped island that encourages everyday interaction while supporting the practical demands of family life.

A carefully curated palette of pale grey cabinetry, brass detailing and black-and-white patterned flooring establishes a timeless character that complements the broader architectural language of the residence. The use of natural materials introduces warmth and texture, while the restrained colour palette reinforces a sense of elegance and visual clarity.

Natural daylight enters through large framed openings, illuminating the interior and enhancing the material richness of the marble surfaces and brass accents. Together, these elements create a kitchen environment that balances heritage references with contemporary functionality, reflecting the project's commitment to enduring design and craftsmanship.

**Contemporary Farmhouse Kitchen**
Pale grey cabinetry, brass accents and black-and-white patterned flooring reinterpret traditional colonial influences within a bright and functional contemporary kitchen.

**Art Deco Stair Hall & Bar**
The original Art Deco staircase is preserved as a defining architectural feature, complemented by a custom brass-finished display bar that celebrates the home's heritage character.

PRESERVING THE ART DECO LEGACY

A defining feature of the reconstruction is the preservation of the original Art Deco staircase, retained as a tribute to the character and craftsmanship of the existing house. Rather than removing this historic element, the design embraces its elegant curved geometry and decorative wrought-iron balustrades, allowing it to remain the architectural heart of the residence.

Rising through a naturally illuminated stair hall, the staircase establishes a strong sense of vertical connection between the different levels of the home. Large arched windows introduce abundant daylight, accentuating the sculptural quality of the sweeping form and creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.

The introduction of contemporary interventions is intentionally restrained, allowing the restored staircase to remain the primary visual focus. New materials, finishes and spatial planning are carefully integrated to complement the heritage character while supporting the requirements of modern family living.

Together, the preserved staircase and renewed interior demonstrate how architectural heritage can be thoughtfully adapted, creating a home that honours its past while embracing the future.

**Original Art Deco Staircase**
The restored curved staircase remains the architectural centrepiece of the home, connecting multiple levels through its elegant proportions and timeless craftsmanship.

**Private Study & Library**
A custom-built floor-to-ceiling bookcase with integrated ladder transforms the study into a personalised reading and work environment rich in character and functionality.

PERSONALISED SPACES WITH DISTINCT CHARACTER

Beyond the main living areas, the residence incorporates a series of carefully tailored spaces that reflect the individual lifestyles and preferences of its occupants. Each room is designed with its own identity while remaining connected to the project's broader architectural language of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort.

The study is conceived as a quiet retreat for reading, work and personal reflection. A custom-built library wall with integrated ladder maximises vertical storage while creating a strong visual focal point within the room. Rich navy cabinetry introduces depth and character, contrasting with the light-toned finishes and natural daylight that filter through the black-framed windows.

The guest bathroom adopts a bolder material palette, combining deep blue handcrafted-style tiles, warm brass fittings and textured stone-inspired surfaces. Natural light from the skylight enhances the richness of the materials, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere despite the compact footprint.

Together, these spaces demonstrate how carefully considered detailing, material selection and craftsmanship can transform everyday functional rooms into memorable architectural experiences.

**Skylit Guest Bathroom**
Deep blue wall tiles, brass detailing and natural daylight create a sophisticated guest bathroom that balances bold character with everyday comfort.

**Master Suite-**Classical detailing, warm walnut flooring and abundant natural daylight create a calm and elegant retreat designed for rest and relaxation.

A PRIVATE RETREAT OF CALM AND COMFORT

The master bedroom is conceived as a tranquil sanctuary within the home, offering a calm and restorative environment away from the activity of the shared living spaces. Continuing the project's contemporary interpretation of classical residential design, the room balances elegant detailing with understated comfort.

Natural daylight filters through full-height glazed openings, creating a bright and airy atmosphere while establishing a visual connection to the surrounding greenery. A restrained palette of white walls, classical mouldings and rich walnut flooring introduces warmth, texture and timeless sophistication.

Carefully proportioned volumes and refined material selections contribute to a sense of quiet luxury, allowing the space to feel both generous and intimate. Soft furnishings, natural finishes and unobtrusive detailing work together to promote rest, relaxation and everyday wellbeing.

As the most private space within the residence, the master bedroom reflects the project's overall commitment to creating a home that is elegant, comfortable and enduring in character.

WALK-IN WARDROBE

Designed as a luxurious extension of the master suite, the walk-in wardrobe combines bespoke craftsmanship with everyday functionality. Full-height cabinetry lines the perimeter of the room, creating generous storage while maintaining a clean and orderly architectural composition.

At the centre of the space, a custom mint-green ribbed island introduces a subtle focal point, complemented by brass hardware and carefully curated lighting. Classical wall panelling and rich walnut flooring provide warmth and refinement, reinforcing the home's contemporary interpretation of traditional residential elegance.

The result is a sophisticated dressing environment that balances practicality, organisation and timeless design, offering a seamless transition between private living and daily ritual.

**Walk-in Wardrobe-**Custom-designed cabinetry, brass detailing and a central dressing island create a refined and highly functional private dressing suite.

MASTER BATHROOM

The master bathroom is conceived as a bright and tranquil wellness retreat, continuing the home's contemporary classical design language through a refined palette of light-toned materials and carefully crafted detailing.

White narrow-format wall tiles, pale grey terrazzo flooring and elegant brass fittings create a timeless composition that feels both sophisticated and understated. Natural daylight enters through generously proportioned windows, enhancing the sense of openness while providing a calm and uplifting atmosphere throughout the day.

A bespoke double vanity anchors the space, combining practicality with refined craftsmanship. Frameless glass shower enclosures, integrated storage solutions and thoughtfully selected fixtures contribute to a seamless and uncluttered environment designed for everyday comfort.

The restrained material palette allows light, texture and proportion to become the defining architectural elements. Together, these features transform the bathroom into a serene private sanctuary where functionality, elegance and relaxation coexist in harmony.

ATTIC ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

Occupying the reconfigured attic level, the entertainment lounge is conceived as a versatile gathering space that celebrates light, openness and panoramic views. Positioned beneath the newly introduced gable roof structure, the room benefits from generous ceiling heights and expansive glazing that frame the surrounding neighbourhood skyline.

The exposed roof geometry establishes a strong architectural character while creating a spacious and relaxed environment for family activities, entertaining and everyday leisure. Natural daylight floods the interior throughout the day, enhancing the warmth of the timber finishes and creating an uplifting atmosphere within the uppermost level of the home.

Large sliding glass doors provide a seamless transition between the indoor lounge and the adjoining roof terrace. When fully opened, the two spaces merge into a single entertaining environment where indoor comfort and outdoor living coexist effortlessly.

Custom-built cabinetry, integrated bar facilities and carefully curated furnishings support a contemporary lifestyle centred around social interaction and relaxation. The result is a vibrant yet refined retreat that transforms the attic into one of the most distinctive and enjoyable spaces within the residence.