What if the only place you can afford to live in, is on the rooftop of a rickety old shophouse?
That wasn’t an issue for this ingenious homeowner, who decided to save some money by building his own double-storey home at the top of an existing shophouse.
Duplex House
From a distance, the duplex apartment designed by Aaksen Responsible Aarchitecture pops out of the collection of old shophouses in the area like a shiny white bottlecap.
![88545-oldy-01-1024x576-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88545-oldy-01-1024x576-1.jpg)
Corrugated Zinc Sheet Walls
In order to keep building costs to a minimum, industrial corrugated zinc sheets were used as external wall and roofing material.
This gives the home an practical yet industrial-chic look.
![88546-oldy-02-1024x819-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88546-oldy-02-1024x819-1.jpg)
All White Interiors
Inside, the colour scheme is white, with concealed lighting giving the interiors a spacious and airy feel.
![88547-oldy-03-1024x819-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88547-oldy-03-1024x819-1.jpg)
Master Bedroom
Instead of a bedframe, the design team created the outline of a home structure to contain the bed in the master bedroom.
![88548-oldy-04-1024x684-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88548-oldy-04-1024x684-1.jpg)
Concrete Garden
The area around the house is transformed into an urban concrete garden with pebbles.
![88549-oldy-05-1024x684-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88549-oldy-05-1024x684-1.jpg)
Stairwell
The modern design language is used in the design of the stairs as well, bringing the various areas together harmoniously.
Small as the house may be, the kitchen is one the highlights as it also doubles as a spacious living room.
![88550-oldy-06-1024x819-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88550-oldy-06-1024x819-1.jpg)
Kitchen
Small as the house may be, the kitchen is one the highlights as it also doubles as a spacious living room.
![88551-oldy-07-1024x819-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88551-oldy-07-1024x819-1.jpg)
White Subway Tiles
White subway tiles line the bathroom, making the narrow space feel much larger.
![88552-oldy-08](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88552-oldy-08.jpg)
Light Wood Flooring
The light wood-coloured flooring is in keeping with the modern minimalist theme.
![88553-oldy-09](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88553-oldy-09.jpg)
MUJI Home Design
Upholstery in the home comes in a uniform shade of grey, reminiscent of the iconic Muji style.
![88554-oldy-10-1024x819-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88554-oldy-10-1024x819-1.jpg)
Prayer Room
As the homeowner is a Muslim, the design team even created a private nook in the home where he can retreat to for daily prayers.
Images courtesy of AOTA Architecture. This article was first published on Sona Decor in May 2018.
![88555-oldy-11](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/88555-oldy-11.jpg)