L Architects has meticulously renovated a Singaporean flat, aptly named 'In a Park', for a couple whose passion for gardening flourished during the Covid-19 pandemic. The design ingeniously weaves elements from Singapore's historic parks into a contemporary living space, predominantly utilizing distinctive double-bullnose bricks. This transformation merges the couple's expanding plant collection with their home environment, emphasizing natural light and ventilation while converting a multi-bedroom layout into a single, expansive living area that embraces their horticultural hobby.

The 98-square-meter residence, nestled in Singapore's Hougang neighborhood, underwent a significant overhaul to accommodate the homeowners' burgeoning botanical assortment. Principal architect Lim Shing Hui of L Architects highlighted the paramount importance of plant placement in the design process, ensuring that the green inhabitants thrived alongside their human counterparts. The studio's vision was to craft spaces that equally benefited both the residents and their leafy companions, fostering an environment where plants could flourish under optimal conditions.

A central design motif for the 'In a Park' project stems from the classic double-bullnose bricks found in Singapore's older parks, traditionally used for benches, pathways, and planters. Despite these bricks being out of production due to low demand, L Architects successfully procured the last available batch of 571 bricks from a local supplier, integrating this unique historical detail into the modern interior. This design choice not only adds a touch of heritage but also creates a cohesive aesthetic that harks back to the city's verdant past.

The architectural intervention involved demolishing walls from two original bedrooms to establish an open-plan layout encompassing living, study, dining, and kitchen areas. Within this fluid space, the double-bullnose bricks define the study area, forming a perforated partition wall that subtly delineates it from the living space. A striking two-way curved bench, also crafted from these distinctive bricks, marks the intersection of the study and dining zones, providing both seating and a visual anchor.

In the culinary space, the bricks serve as the sturdy base for a kitchen island, elegantly topped with a limestone counter. The flooring transitions from terracotta-toned tiles, reminiscent of a garden path extending from the entrance to the dining area, to dark grey textured tiles in other sections, creating a dynamic interplay of textures and tones. The interior palette, featuring muted furniture and wood-clad cabinetry, allows the vibrant greenery to take center stage, scattered artfully throughout the open-plan layout.

Further enhancing the park-like ambiance, a corrugated roof-inspired pendant lamp gracefully hangs above the limestone dining table. To optimize the apartment's airflow and daylight penetration, the walls of the sole remaining bedroom were replaced with glass doorways and louvered windows. This thoughtful modification ensures ample natural light and cross-ventilation, benefiting both the extensive plant collection and the residents, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and active cooling systems.

Founded by Hui in 2016, L Architects, a Singapore-based architecture and design firm, has seen its 'In a Park' project shortlisted in the residential interior (small) category for the Dezeen Awards 2025. This recognition underscores the studio's innovative approach to design, particularly its ability to create living spaces that are deeply personal and harmoniously integrated with nature. The project stands as a testament to thoughtful renovation, transforming an urban dwelling into a serene, plant-centric retreat.