While the facade of the home has its charm, thanks to conservation requirements and the installation of new Peranakan floor tiles, the interiors needed major work. “Shophouses tend to be long, narrow and lacking in light and ventilation, so finding ways to make them brighter and more spacious are top priorities,” she says.

While the original courtyard provided some ventilation and light, Sarah and her clients felt the space could be improved. The courtyard was opened up by tearing down the concrete walls surrounding it and replacing them with glass sliding doors.

“There is now a seamless flow from the entrance of the home to the kitchen at the back,” says Sarah. The glass sliding doors also allow more natural light to enter the home, and when these doors are left open, there is more ventilation for the bedrooms on the second floors too.

To further enhance the courtyard, vertical greenery was added, together with some colourful seats. “We like chilling out after dinner in the courtyard,” says the owner. “And when we do have friends over, there are plenty of spaces where everyone can sit and chat on the first floor.”

Sarah had the entire house gutted out, save for the structural walls. She had the shophouse’s original 3.5m high ceiling reinstated and this immediately made the living and dining rooms feel less cramped.

While the courtyard is a distinctive heritage feature, the modern touches on this floor include the installation of a lift, a wine cellar, and the eye-catching Bocci 28 pendant lights above the dining table.

The one nearer the front of the house is for the owner’s parents, who have been living with them for many years.

To future-proof the home, the doors to the senior couple’s bedroom and bathroom are designed slightly wider than usual. The entrances can accommodate a wheelchair with ease if needed. “We like how Sarah has made these enhancements subtle such as making the larger doors part of the design,” says the owner.

The second bedroom that is at the end of the corridor belongs to the couple. Here the space has been divided into two large sections, the front of which is now a cosy study and sitting area, while the sleeping area and bathrooms are at the back.

Meanwhile, the couple’s two children have their bedrooms on the upper floors. The children had a hand in the design. For example, the son’s room is done in a tatami-style, as the boy prefers a Zen-like ambience.

The owners also liked how Sarah had designed lots of storage, which she cleverly hid behind feature walls. Each family member has their own personal space but yet there is still enough room for all three generations to come together.

This being the third time Sarah is designing for the family, she says: “There was a bit of pressure on myself, as I didn’t want to create the same look as before.”

She need not worry, having garnered the family’s vote of confidence. “If we move again, we will definitely ask Sarah to design our next home,” says the owner.

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Text By: Tay Suan Chaing/The Business Times