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Safari-Inspired Design for Spas and Homes

By Feily Sofian

/ E Three Five, The Edge Property |

January 26, 2016 12:00 PM SGT

The Balinese theme usually springs to mind at the mention of the word “spa”. Design consultancy firm E Three Five went a different route by creating a safari concept for the Masego Spa by Mary Chia.

This concept can be recreated for homes and is ideal for city dwellers looking for a respite that is close to nature, says Kaejer Cheo, founding partner of E Three Five. “It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas, even a reading corner,” he adds.

For Masego Spa, Cheo opted for tent structures in place of rooms. The natural landscape effect is weaved into the spa functions with the usage of raw concrete, wood and pebble-wash slabs for the flooring, rattan light fittings and a variety of indoor plants. He also used artificial grass in some areas for guests to sit on.

Use plants of different varieties and heights to create a layering effect

Flooring made of raw concrete, wood and pebblewash slabs adds a rustic touch

“The plants — such as Dracaena Fragrans, Yellow Palm, Rhapis Multifida and Iron Tree— are all suitable for the indoors,” says Cheo. He advises homeowners to use plants of different heights in order to create a layering effect, as well as a mixture of real and artificial plants for easy maintenance.

Cheo created a cozy and tranquil ambience through a variety of lighting effects. “We used bounced lights to illuminate the place. While pendant lights illuminate only specific areas, rattan light fittings create a soft glow and cast interesting shadows,” Cheo explains.

Separately, the Jacuzzi is clad in water-resistant balau timber and has thick brown ropes around it as a finishing touch. Other spa furniture was sourced from Bali and India, and made of bold wood veneer varieties. To complete the look, Cheo added details such as oil lamps, animal print draperies and photos, and pottery.

The Jacuzzi is clad in water-resistant balau timber

Details such as oil lamps, animal print draperies and pottery complete the look

Homeowners who wish to recreate this look might consider lining their walls with rustic materials such as tiles made from coconut husk, use wallpaper resembling rattan or hang decorations such as warrior shields or aboriginal art, suggests Cheo.

Kaejer Cheo is architect and founding partner of E Three Five, which provides design consultancy in interior planning, visualisation, graphic design and architecture. He can be reached at kaejer@ethree5.com.sg

This article appeared in The Edge Property Pullout, Issue 712 (January 25, 2016) of The Edge Singapore.

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