- Interior
- Architecture & development
In north-east Singapore, L Architects has completed a unique renovation project that subtly blurs the boundaries between interior and nature. In a Park is the reinterpretation of an original three-bedroom flat, designed for a passionate horticulturist. The initial request for more space for plants led to an innovative vision of living.
During the pandemic, many found solace in gardening, but whilst this interest faded for some afterwards, for others it became an essential part of their lifestyle. This project responds to that evolution. The existing layout of the flat offered few opportunities to show the plants to their best advantage. The resident’s remark that he did like plants, but didn’t wake up thinking about them, formed the seed for the design concept. 
L Architects, Lim Shing Hui’s Singapore-based studio, is known for its understated and people-centred designs with a strong focus on materiality. In this project, the studio translates that approach into an interior that feels like a park. A striking feature is the use of the rare double-bullnose brick, a material once typical of public parks in Singapore. Previously used in benches, edging and planters, this brick is given a new lease of life within the home.
The essence of the project can be summarised in three core ideas: integrating nature into daily life, revaluing forgotten materials, and creating a fluid spatial experience
The rounded shapes of the brick soften the interior and allow for gentle, organic lines. This creates a clear yet subtle spatial layout, where a freestanding wall separates the living area from the study, and a curved bench forms the transition between the dining and workspace. These elements function not only as architectural interventions but also as meeting places that invite tranquillity and interaction. 
With In a Park, L Architects demonstrates how simplicity and materiality can tell a powerful story. The essence of the project can be summarised in three core ideas: integrating nature into daily life, revaluing forgotten materials, and creating a fluid spatial experience. By re-evaluating an everyday material and placing it in a contemporary context, a home is created that radiates tranquillity, meaning and a sense of connection. The project proves that innovation does not always lie in the new, but often in the rediscovery of what already exists.
Photography by Jovian Lim
Text by Melissa Helsen