Modern Meets Rustic: A Unique Residential Loft Apartment

A Seamless Blend of Industrial and Contemporary Design

Inspired by the concept of "old souls in the modern world," designer Edwin Chong has created a stunning residential loft apartment that seamlessly blends modern and rustic elements. Located in Singapore, this unique space showcases the beauty of natural materials and innovative design techniques.

The main feature of this loft apartment is the five-meter-tall herringbone patterned wood and concrete textured wall, which emphasizes the double-volume space. The combination of wood and concrete creates a visually striking focal point that adds depth and character to the living area. The concrete floor finishing, with its seamless and textured effects, further enhances the visual interest of the space.

One of the key challenges faced during the design process was the unpredictable appearance of the cement screed wall in the kitchen. Despite being done on the same day using the same batch of screed, a small visible portion of the wall had a slight color variation and started to crack partially. To overcome this, the designer applied painting skills, mixing different paints to achieve the correct grey tone and mimic the natural pattern of the screed. A sealer was also applied to reveal the patterns and prevent future cracking.

The loft apartment's design prioritizes natural light and ventilation. The walls of the kitchen were removed to create an open-concept layout, allowing natural light to flood the space and maximizing the potential of the double-volume window. This not only resolved the issue of limited light in the kitchen but also created a more spacious and interactive environment. A transformable table integrated with the kitchen island provides flexibility, extending out for gatherings and stowing away when not in use.

Burmese teak stair treads were paired with the concrete structure to add a touch of rustic charm. Teak laminates were used for carpentry throughout the house, creating flow and cohesion. The kitchen, reflecting the couple's style, features a moss green color scheme. The concrete wall in the kitchen is in a darker hue with bolder patterns, adding contrast and depth to the space. Rattan furniture was introduced to elevate the space, adding a vintage and organic twist.

The thoughtfully designed space reflects the personality of the couple, who describe themselves as old souls in the modern world. The combination of industrial and contemporary elements, along with the use of natural materials, creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. With its seamless blend of modern and rustic design, this residential loft apartment is a true testament to Edwin Chong's creativity and innovation.

Edwin Chong's Modern Meets Rustic design was awarded the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2020. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The unique blend of industrial and contemporary design, along with the use of natural materials, sets this residential loft apartment apart from others in its category.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Edwin Chong
Image Credits: Edwin Chong
Project Team Members: Shalynn Toh
Project Name: Modern Meets Rustic
Project Client: Edwin Chong


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