YESTERDAY ONCE MORE

Nostalgia and modernity make happy bedfellows in this breezy house, which celebrates nature, family ties, and a simpler way of life.

- Ryan Reuben.

That oft-quoted adage, “home is where the heart is", resonates deeply with the owner of this semi-detached property in Singapore's District 13. Beneath the abode's monolithic structure and contemporary facade are interior spaces that recall vestiges of his past, which he holds dear, and mark a harmonious melding of the old and the new. At the same time, various practical updates ensure that his family members are well-equipped for the requirements of modern life.

The site had housed the husband-owner's original childhood home. With the property being unoccupied for many years, the decision was eventually made to renovate it prior to renting it out. The siren song of nostalgia proved too strong in the end, however; halfway through the renovation exercise, the family decided that they themselves would move there as they wanted their children to grow up in the same environment their father did.

As the kids were getting older and thus would require more room for their daily activities, the family agreed that a complete rebuild was necessary to carve out space for more comfortable living and to accommodate all the members of the household: the homeowners and their three children, their parents and a domestic helper, along with their pet dog and rabbits.

The family eschewed an overly luxurious aesthetic, preferring light tones, natural elements and clean-lined fixtures over glitz, glamour and opulence. "The homeowners value family bonding," reveals Larry Lim, managing partner of Summerhaus D'zign, the firm tasked with crafting the interiors.

"They also like being close to nature and having open spaces with lots of natural light and ventilation." A request was also made to re-use some features and items from the original house, wherever possible.

NO BOUNDARIES

A tribute to the old house is present right from the outset, catching the eye as soon as one steps into the home.