Yen House (2023) - A Tropical Oasis in Urban Splendor

Yen House is a manifestation of the fusion of aesthetics and practicality set within an urban residential complex. This slender yet enticing abode, spanning 5.5 meters in width and 18 meters in length, offers a glimpse into a tropical haven within the urban bustle. Its exterior showcases an understated elegance through a facade adorned with terracotta cladding, inviting exploration into spaces bathed in natural light, graced with well-ventilated comfort, and embellished with a stroke of artistic charm.

Stepping into the guest room, seamlessly connected to the carport, a tropical ambiance engulfing. Wooden furniture, black granite flooring, and an array of thriving plants create an inviting space. Ascending a couple steps of stairs into the terrace above, two comfortable seats next to a leafy tree-shaded planter box offer a tranquil retreat.

Entering the house, the kitchen and dining area, designed in a bar-style arrangement, extend a warm welcome. The kitchen's terrazzo-cut white and orange diagonal walls, wooden cabinetry, and a sleek black terrazzo tabletop lend a pleasing contrast. The dining area imparts serenity with its bulb lighting above the table, exuding the warm allure of tropical industrial design. 

Moving from the entrance, descending a couple step stairs leads to a path guiding you to the master bedroom. To the right, an alluring inner courtyard awaits, not overly expansive, while to the left, a sunken space beneath the stairs houses a utility room, equipped for ironing and laundry, and a well-appointed bathroom.

The inner courtyard, the focal point of the home's aesthetics, illumination, and ventilation, offers an open space with a transparent roof and overhead openings, ensuring a lively ambiance with natural light and fresh air. A tranquil garden, equipped with custom-built wooden deck furniture and a substantial planter box teeming with lush plants, is connected to comfortable seating, resting on a bed of white pebbles.

A small, calming koi pool in the inner courtyard complements the serene setting with its gentle rippling waters. A bonsai cypress tree bathes in the sunlight filtering through the transparent roof and void, creating a tropical, lush atmosphere within the home. Moving towards the master bedroom, a 60-centimeter ascent ushers you into the spacious 5.5-meter by 3-meter chamber. Large window frame views of the inner courtyard, the bonsai cypress tree, and the soothing pool.

Ascending to the second floor from the entrance via a staircase adorned with a hollow railing and glass, there are two bedrooms. The front bedroom features facades with recessed openings, enabling natural light to illuminate the space from the adjacent tree-dotted terrace. The front bedroom boasts a wooden parquet floor and an integrated planter graced with thriving Calathea Lutea, crafting a warm, verdant, tropical ambiance.

A bridge-like path, due to varying room elevations, links the void to a family room, with an adjoining glass partition dividing the space into a functional office area on the left.

The family room, awash in abundant natural light, offers built-in bookshelves above an inviting L-shaped sofa. It also includes a bar area with a counter overlooking the void and inner courtyard, serving as a delightful reading nook tailored to the residents' interests.