Blythe Galuega Autū: Mamanu Totonu o Fale Nofoaga by Berinda Soh

Blythe Galuega Autū: Mamanu Totonu o Fale Nofoaga by Berinda Soh is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Uʻamea in Mamanu Totonu Competition Category.

UʻameaTotonu· 2025

Blythe Galuega Autū: Mamanu Totonu o Fale Nofoaga

by Berinda Soh

Client: Jennifer and Kevin

A' Design Award Uʻamea Winner in Totonu Category

10,527

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #170202

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Blythe Galuega Autū: Mamanu Totonu o Fale Nofoaga

Tusitusiga o le Tusi: O Blythe o se mamanu totonu mo se fale e 4,800 futu falea na fausia i le vaitau o le 1970. Sa taofia le faavaa muamua o le fausaga, ae toe faatulagaina le fofoga o le fale ina ia paleni ai vaega faasoa ma potu tumaoti mo se aiga e toafa. O faitotoa punou (arched) ma matāaso tioata e aumaia ai le malamalama faalenatura i totonu o le fale. O galuega tofi faakonekarate ua liua ai avanoa muamua ua le aogaina i mea teu oloa, e aofia ai se pusa aati e mafai ona toso mai i totonu o le umukuka. O maa Corvidae, tioata ma mea teuteu paʻu apamemea e fatuina ai se uiga mafanafana ma e le fefiloi ma taimi, ma ua fuafuaina e tumau ai lona aogā mo le tele o tausaga i le lumanaʻi.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Uʻamea

O le A' Design Award Uʻamea na manumalo ai Blythe Galuega Autū: Mamanu Totonu o Fale Nofoaga, o se faamaoniga mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu lelei e faataunuu ai manaʻoga faapolofesa ma pisinisi e faamoemoeina mai galuega ua mamanuina lelei. O ē manumalo i le Uʻamea e faaalia ai le tomai tele, le faapitoa maualuga, le malamalama o tagata poto ma le mafai fatufatuaʻi o ē na faia. E faamoemoeina Blythe Galuega Autū: Mamanu Totonu o Fale Nofoaga e avea ma mea ua matuā vivii, mataʻina ma pelepelea e aogā ma fou. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Uʻamea e tuufaatasia ai faiga sili o le pisinisi ma e iai uiga faatekonolosi mafai ua fesoʻotaʻi ma le poto ma le taleni. Ona o lona faatuatuaina, e tatau ai Blythe Galuega Autū: Mamanu Totonu o Fale Nofoaga ona faaaloalogia ma ua mamanuina e tuuina mai ai faaleleiga o le olaga e fesoasoani e faia ai e le lalolagi se nofoaga e sili atu ona lelei.

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