From Niseko to Eunos: How a snowboarding trip inspired this Singapore home

A snowboarding trip to Niseko, Japan, has profoundly influenced the design of a new four-bedroom apartment in Singapore owned by Joshua Choo and Marilyn Lim. The couple, both in their 30s and working in the shipping industry, were inspired by their stay at Suiboku, a collection of lofts in Upper Hirafu Village known for blending industrial aesthetics with traditional Japanese design elements. They sought to capture the essence of that experience in their new home in Eunos, prioritizing warmth, comfort, and understated luxury over direct replication of the original interiors. The couple's initial visit to Suiboku several years ago left a lasting impression. According to Choo, the contrast between the raw textures, such as bare concrete, steel, and timber, and the modern luxury of the space struck him as particularly compelling. He described the apartment as having a unique balance of rugged materials and clean, contemporary finishes. The cozy atmosphere during their winter stay further reinforced these memories, making the place feel inviting even after a day spent outdoors in the snow. Their previous residence, a one-bedroom unit at One Pearl Bank, was well-designed but ultimately insufficient for their growing needs. After the pandemic, they realized the need for more space, especially as they planned to start a family. This prompted them to seek a larger home, leading them to choose an apartment in Eunos, closer to both their families and their trusted interior designer, Sherman Chua. Chua, the founder of interior design firm Song & Opera, has been a close friend of Choo since their school days and national service. Together, they worked to reimagine the original layout of the apartment, which featured a cluster of functional spaces near the entrance, including the household shelter, powder room, and dual kitchens separated by a glass sliding door. The living and dining areas, though compact, benefited from a generous balcony that allowed ample natural light to enter. To achieve the desired ambiance, Chua focused on incorporating elements of Brutalist architecture, a style characterized by exposed materials like concrete and bold, monumental forms. However, rather than embracing the rawness directly, he interpreted the movement through a more intimate and softened lens. Rounded cabinet handles, curved ceiling and wall edges, and custom-made furniture with sculptural qualities were used to create a cohesive design language throughout the home. The interior features a consistent use of rounded edges and softened forms, which serve as a unifying element across different rooms. Built-in cabinetry functions both as storage and display space for personal items and memorabilia, reinforcing the connection between the past and present. Light wood-and-white carpentry, glossy white flooring, and light-grey kitchen cabinetry were retained from the developer’s finishes, while darker skirting, teak parquet flooring, and wardrobes with exposed metal tracks added depth and texture. The couple emphasized that their goal was not to replicate Suiboku exactly but to evoke the same sense of warmth and comfort that initially captivated them. This approach is evident in the open layout of the living and dining areas, which have been reconfigured to enhance visual connectivity. The reworked design allows for a seamless flow between spaces, maintaining functionality while fostering a welcoming environment. The project reflects a thoughtful synthesis of memory, personal history, and architectural inspiration. By drawing on their experiences in Niseko and integrating them with contemporary design principles, Choo and Lim have created a home that feels both familiar and innovative. The result is a space that honors their journey while providing a foundation for future growth and family life.