Within the home, you are greeted by its immaculate composition – its high ceilings and full length wood-frame windows let in natural light that bounces off its granite floors into an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. The space transfixes you towards contemplation, mirroring its measured and intentional design. Library House is true to its own bibliography, as the planning and materiality of the home equally pays homage to features of yesteryear while carrying it into modern form – from its unique shophouse features to its specifically sourced wooden rafters that run staccato across its ceiling, elongating the entire space. As you move through the first floor, you experience the vastness of the home as there are multiple perches and vantage points each offering a remarkable perspective of the home. For those who prefer smaller nooks, the bar counter at the atrium provides a picturesque perch as you sit overlooking a 30-year old bonsai plant that was crane-lifted into Library House. At the end of the first floor, a flight of magnificent dark wood stairs lead you down to a laundry area and a studio room, or up to four additional finely furnished studio rooms – including a spectacular attic studio.

In line with the current owner’s fascination with books, the studios in Library House are named after renowned authors. At the basement you will find Rushdie Studio, which has it’s own private access. Upstairs is Morrison, Hoffman, Murakami, and Marquez Studios, while sitting on the top floor with beautiful natural skylight ceilings is Calvino Studio. Each room has its own ensuite bathrooms and a kitchenette, offering privacy for each of its occupants – however each room is unique in its configuration and how it interplays with the context of the larger home and Emerald Hill.