Blythe Hoahoa Roto Whare Noho by Berinda Soh

Blythe Hoahoa Roto Whare Noho by Berinda Soh is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Rino in Hoahoa Roto Whare me te Whakaaturanga Competition Category.

RinoRoto Whare· 2025

Blythe Hoahoa Roto Whare Noho

by Berinda Soh

Client: Jennifer and Kevin

A' Design Award Rino Winner in Roto Whare Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Blythe Hoahoa Roto Whare Noho

Ko Blythe he hoahoa roto whare noho mō tētahi whare 4,800 putu tapawhā i hangaia i ngā tau 1970. I pupuri tonutia te anga hanganga taketake, engari i whakaritea anōtia te whakatakotoranga kia toha ōrite ai ngā wāhi noho tahi me ngā rūma taketake mō tētahi whānau tokowhā. Ko ngā kūaha koki me ngā matapihi karaehe e kawe mai ana i te rama tuku iho ki roto i te whare. Nā te mahi kāpene ritenga motuhake i huri ngā kōkōwai o mua hei wāhi rokiroki taonga, tae atu ki tētahi kāpata pereki toia mō te kīhini. Ko ngā taipitopito kōhatu Corvidae, karaehe, me te parahi e hanga ana i tētahi āhua mahana, kore hoki e memeha, kia noho whai take ai mō ngā tau maha ka heke mai.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Rino

Ko Blythe Hoahoa Roto Whare Noho te toa o te A' Design Award Rino, he whakaaetanga whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa pai e whakatutuki ana i ngā hiahia ngaio me te ahumahi e tūmanakohia ana mai i ngā mahi kua hoahoatia pai. Ko ngā toa Rino e whakaatu ana i te pukenga nui, te tohungatanga teitei, te māramatanga mātanga me te kaha auaha o ō rātou kaihanga. E tūmanakohia ana ko Blythe Hoahoa Roto Whare Noho he mahi whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he whaihua, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Rino e whakakotahi ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa o te ahumahi, ā, he āhuatanga hangarau pūkenga tōna e hono ana ki te mōhio me te pūmanawa. E whakahonoretia ana a Blythe Hoahoa Roto Whare Noho mō tōna tōtika, ā, i hoahoatia hei whakapai ake i te kounga o te oranga me te āwhina i te ao kia pai ake.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Project Blythe is a 4,800 sqft landed home from the 1970s, redesigned to preserve its original charm while introducing a timeless, functional living space. Featuring arched doors and windows, the transformation enhances character while optimizing the layout to foster family interaction and personal retreats. Designed to accommodate the evolving needs of a growing household, the home ensures a seamless balance between shared spaces and private sanctuaries for the next 15 to 20 years.
Dimensions & Packaging: Project Blythe is a 4,800 sqft (approx. 446 sqm) landed residence from the 1970s, redesigned for long-term functionality. The renovation retained the original structural framework, requiring adjustments around existing IC chambers, hidden beams, and columns. Custom-built storage solutions with specific mechanisms, such as the pull-out KitchenAid tray cabinet, were integrated seamlessly. High-quality materials like Corvidae stone, glass and carpentry detailing enhance usability and aesthetics.
Tags: Classic, Timeless, Future Proof, Tastemakers, Beautiful and Functional
Production Technology: The design of Project Blythe combines contemporary techniques with meticulous construction methods to revitalize a 1970s structure. Through a collaborative, user-centered approach, we leveraged visual research tools like Pinterest and social media to align design solutions with the clients' lifestyle needs. Advanced space-planning methodologies optimized the existing layout, while durable, high-quality materials ensured both functionality and aesthetic longevity. This integration of thoughtful design and material selection resulted in a balanced, enduring home.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge was working within the constraints of a 1970s structure while meeting modern design and functional needs. The clients wished to retain the external structure, requiring a thorough site assessment. Issues such as asbestos removal and immovable IC chambers were hurdles to navigate. Unexpected hidden beams and columns during demolition forced design adjustments. Outdated elements like awkward window shapes were reworked, and niches were transformed into practical storage solutions.
Research: The research for Project Blythe was design-driven and user-centered, focusing on creating a home that remains functional and relevant for 15 to 20 years.

The objective was to balance aesthetics with everyday practicality, ensuring the space supports family connection, entertaining, and evolving needs.

The methodology involved visual research and collaborative ideation. Together with the clients, we explored design concepts and storage solutions through digital platforms.

Data collection relied on Pinterest, social media, and real-life case studies, gathering inspiration for both style and function. Special attention was given to space-saving ideas, such as a pull-out and stowaway KitchenAid tray cabinet for seamless baking and hosting.

The participants were the homeowners, who provided firsthand insights into their lifestyle and future needs. Their involvement ensured that the design aligned with their daily routines and long-term vision.

The results produced a future-proof home that enhances everyday interactions. Innovative storage solutions and thoughtful layouts improved usability without compromising aesthetics.

The insights gained emphasized the importance of adaptive spaces—designing for present needs while allowing flexibility for future changes.

The research directly impacted real-life design decisions, creating a home that enhances family life, social interactions, and functional efficiency, setting a precedent for thoughtful, user-focused residential transformations.
Inspiration: The inception of Project Blythe began with the desire to create a timeless residence that balances elegance with practicality for a family of four. The vision was not just to design a beautiful home but to create a sanctuary where every detail supports the family’s daily routines for years to come. The design concept was driven by the family’s long-term needs, as the client desired a home that would remain relevant and functional for at least the next 15 years.
Project Duration: Project Blythe started in January 2022 in Singapore in November 2023
Operation Flow: Project Blythe transforms a 1970s home into a warm, inviting space that adapts to a modern family's evolving needs. The redesign enhances daily living by balancing shared and private spaces, fostering both connection and comfort. A well-planned layout allows seamless transitions between entertaining and everyday activities, with a kitchen tailored for both baking and hosting. Thoughtful material choices and timeless design ensure the home remains functional and relevant for decades.
Image Credits: Photos by: Angela Guo