Open-plan master suite with freestanding tub, living wall, skylight

Just as family rooms have been opened up in recent years to provide spacious, flowing living areas, so are master suites becoming a lot more seamless.

The entire top floor of this traditional Singapore shophouse, which has been remodelled by Ong&Ong Architects, is given over to a new master suite. The bedroom, at one end, is open to the bathroom at the other, with a staircase between.

Architect Maria Arango says despite the fact that these two rooms are separated by what appears to be a communal space, they have a strong sense of connection.

"Both rooms have wide openings, soaring ceilings with timber beams, and a long limestone vanity top in the bathroom extends right along the wall to form a desk area beside the bedroom."

A long, low mirror, backlit by LED lighting, and additional lighting beneath the cantilevered cabinetry reinforce the connection between the spaces.

To provide privacy, the toilet room and shower next to the stairs are screened by a sandblasted glass wall. This also allows the natural light to pass through the space, from a skylight in a lantern roof directly above the stairs. High-gloss wardrobe doors lining one wall of the bedroom also help to reflect the light.

A sculptural freestanding tub takes centre stage in the bathroom. This sits on a replica shophouse-tile floor, and is positioned so the owners can enjoy an attractive garden outlook glass sliding doors open to a living wall of greenery. There is also a slatted timber screen on the balcony to provide privacy.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes