Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 2/2)

IS IT A HOME OR AN OFFICE? (Part 2/2)
‘The office is not just a workplace, it’s a reflection of the company, the face of the firm’

By Alexis Pabasi | Photos by James Liang
Repinted with permission from Home Concepts Magazine

Click here to read Part 1 and more photos

THE DIRECTORS' OFFICE FEATURES A QUAINT LIBRARY.

“WE occasionally hold sit-down luncheons or dinners for guests and we will get chefs from different restaurants to prepare the food at our kitchen,” Khaiz shares.

At the end of the first floor is an exhibition gallery, which is used for hosting events such as property launches.

This space, together with the conference area, used to be the interior courtyards of the house. To retain the flavour and character of the place, Khaiz kept the original air wells and skylights, which also allow natural, light to flood the entire space.

“As the house is long and deep, we have to make sure the space is not dark and cramped, hence the use of a light colour palette for the walls and floors and lots of skylights.”

The second floor houses the company’s trading and management offices, which seat a total of 12 people comfortably; a side staircase allows staff to enter these offices without having to cut through the first floor.

The company’s three directors occupy a large, open-concept office in the front section. Brimming with personality, this space features authentic Peranakan furniture from Malacca which are sourced personally by Khaiz and Jerry, both of whom are avid antique collectors.

Inside also is an intimate living room to host private meetings with clients.

Taking a departure from the Asian design influences on the first two levels, the third floor and attic are inspired by New York loft apartments.

These light-filled spaces are the private lounge areas for the fortunate staff and the third floor even comes complete with shower facilities and a cutting-edge Vitalife massage chair, which was specially imported from Europe.

Originally intended as a private suite for the directors, Khaiz says that the space eventually became the staff’s chill out area for them to unwind, hold parties and even sleep in.

THE TOP FLOOR HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A STAFF LOUNGE.

Says Vincent Wee, personal assistant to the company’s directors: “This office ensures that we have a healthy work-life balance. Even though we work in an exciting, high-stress industry, the staff lounge gives us a quiet, warm, ‘family’ environment to relax in.”

Khaiz leaves one tip for people keen on transforming their office spaces: “The office is not just a workplace. It’s a reflection of the company, the face of the firm. I would like to think that when people think of Jerrytan Residential, images of our luxurious, residential-looking office space come to mind. To give your space a unique personal touch and show your clients your personality, include accent furnishings like antiques, carpets and even captivating artworks.”

Source: Is It A Home Or An Office? (Part 2/2)