粗獷主義下的極簡舞台：新加坡 Oblivion Lab 為 DJ 打造映照音樂人生活與性格的創想居所— Project JTK
Photo by Marcus L
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In architectural history, Brutalism is often regarded as the purest expression of post-war reconstruction and modernist ideals. Characterized by exposed materials and uncompromising structural honesty, it shaped social housing and public buildings across Britain, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia between the 1950s and 1970s. Its straightforward, unadorned spirit brought architecture back to the fundamentals of structure and use.
Today, as designers reconsider resource efficiency and seek to simplify the design process, Brutalism has regained attention as a source of inspiration. Its once austere concrete language is being reinterpreted into more intimate spaces that resonate with the scale and warmth of daily life.
Photo by Marcus L
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Distinct in character and charged with an artistic sensibility
Singapore-based interior design studio Oblivion Lab, known for its bold and experimental approach, brings a renewed interpretation of Brutalism to Project JTK—a shophouse residence designed for a DJ. Co-founder Royston Ho shares that the homeowner, who lives alone, wanted the space to reflect his personality while serving as an open setting for gatherings and creative exchange.
The existing shophouse layout presented both challenges and opportunities, prompting the team to rethink how the space could be experienced. Surrounded by detached houses and artisan cafés, the neighborhood carries a quiet sense of seclusion alongside a subtle undercurrent of creative energy. This tension inspired the designers to imagine a space that stands apart yet resonates with an artistic presence. Approaching the project through the lens of Brutalism, Oblivion Lab reinterpreted the once cold, industrial aesthetic into a cohesive expression of raw materiality and authentic, lived-in warmth.
Photo by Marcus L
Photo by Marcus L
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Stripping the space back to its essence
The design centers on a process of subtraction—removing unnecessary partitions and ornamentation to return the space to its most essential state. In doing so, the structural framework, material textures, and spatial proportions take the forefront, defining the visual and spatial identity of the home.
The team dismantled all small rooms on the upper floor and transformed it into a loft-like open living and entertainment area. The result is a space that accommodates the homeowner’s need for freedom and flexibility, allowing daily life to unfold naturally within it. Whether composing music, hosting friends, or enjoying moments of solitude, the space becomes a stage-like canvas on which the rhythms of personal and social life are freely expressed.
Photo by Marcus L
Photo by Marcus L
Photo by Marcus L
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Grey tones, steel accents, and sculptural walls
The simplified framework carries a consistent palette of raw and honest materials throughout the interior. The team first stripped away the existing plaster, then spray-painted the exposed brickwork in shades of grey. This neutralized the natural warmth of the red bricks, creating a concrete-like backdrop that aligns with the Brutalist appreciation for industrial rawness.
Against this tonal base, layers of steel, matte black details, and untreated surfaces add both depth and durability. Within this restrained composition, subtle variations in texture and finish introduce a quiet sense of tension and character, defining the space through material presence rather than ornament.
Photo by Marcus L
Photo by Marcus L
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One of the more subtle gestures lies in how the designers treated the walls, not as mere backdrops but as sculptural elements within the composition. The grey surfaces flow like a continuous canvas, setting the tone for the entire interior. Custom timber joinery was intentionally designed to blend into this background, understated and unobtrusive, preserving the focus on proportion, structure, and the quiet sculptural quality of the space.
Photo by Marcus L
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The homeowner’s DJ equipment is seamlessly integrated into the living area, becoming part of the architecture rather than a standalone feature. This approach reflects his lifestyle while reinforcing the idea of the home as a stage for both solitude and connection. When the music starts and friends gather, the quiet grey backdrop fades into the background as melody, light, and conversation come together in a spontaneous and captivating performance.
Photo by Marcus L
Photo by Marcus L
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A human-centered expression of Brutalism
“Brutalism is often misunderstood as harsh, but here it becomes liberating—offering openness, clarity, and honesty.”
From post-war social housing in the 1950s to the private home of a DJ in contemporary Singapore, Brutalism has evolved through time yet its core spirit remains unchanged, honest, unadorned, and rooted in structure and function. In Project JTK, Oblivion Lab shows that this return to essentials is not about coldness or detachment but about uncovering new possibilities that bring architecture closer to human life.
Photo by Marcus L
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They believe that “rawness can be deeply human, and minimalism can amplify life rather than mute it.” For them, good design lies in having a clear and confident intent. It does not need to appeal to everyone; it only needs to stay honest and aligned with the owner’s life and context.
Project JTK embodies this timeless yet personal quality—a home reduced to its architectural essence, yet generous enough to hold the weight of daily life and the freedom of imagination.
Photo by Marcus L
Photo by Marcus L