The symmetrical composition of this penthouse in Singapore contributes to its elegance

This penthouse marries plenty of soft textures with a symmetrical composition to create a cosy and calming atmosphere

while this penthouse is located in the shopping district of Orchard Road, a restful, elegant interior by TDC & Associates leaves the bustle far behind.

The space serves as a vacation home for a couple and their two grown-up daughters when they visit Singapore. They love art and nature, and wanted their apartment to embody that. The family had also requested indoor and outdoor seating for various lounging options to complete their abode’s relaxed, holiday vibe. LH Chan, principal designer of the firm, made several spatial alterations to create a more fluid path through the 5,200sqft apartment, located in The Nassim condominium. In the private lift lobby, he replaced the existing double-panel swing door with a glass pocket sliding door.

This gives the foyer a brighter and more spacious feel, and enables a more direct connection to the living room and the view of greenery in the balcony beyond.

DARK AND LIGHT

The home’s understated palette is complemented with textures of wood and various fabrics. “A light-grey cypress veneer replaces an existing facade on the foyer wall. Paired with the existing Statuario marble floor, the space feels airier and fresher,” says Chan. Opposite the lift, a Marquina marble-topped console displays mementos, softly lit by a curtained window behind.

To highlight the transition from the foyer to the living area, Chan clad the threshold in stainless steel and bronze panels, and engraved the unit number here.

A backlit LED light is connected to a motion detector and coordinated with the ceiling light such that when the lift door opens, both are switched on. This subtle detail eradicates the need to reach for a switch when one returns home in the evening.

The living room’s many symmetrical elements give it the calm ambience the

owners sought. “Two panels of rough-cut paulownia wood veneer contrast against the white marble flooring to become a focal point in the living room,” says Chan. They are framed by light-coloured alabaster wall panels, within which two artworks with graceful lines hang.

SENSE OF BALANCE

The symmetrical nature of the living room is evident in the use of twin display shelves, the floor lamps by

Joan Gaspar that flank the Lema sofa, as well as the pair of poufs and artworks. The taupe geometric rug is the accent piece amid this neutral composition. A large silver-leaf panel in the dining room adds shine to the space.

“The clean lines of the dining table and its bronze-coated legs, paired with curved- back dining chairs, exhibit a play of opposites—hard and soft, straight and curved lines, and light and dark hues— that co-exist in harmony,” says Chan.

The living and dining areas are connected to a generous balcony lined with planter boxes. A sofa and dining set take the entertainment to the balcony when there are guests, or for a nightcap under the stars. Carpets underfoot continue the plush feel from the enclosed spaces to the balcony. In the lounge, Chan layered a handknotted Persian rug atop a pewter carpet. “The mirror panel enlarges the room visually and reflects some natural light from the other parts of the house as there is only a small window in the lounge,” says Chan.

THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES

The daughters’ bedrooms and a guest room are located behind this area. In each, the designer created cosy spaces using plenty of fabrics. He also made the bay windows more usable. In the daughters’ bedrooms, these serve as inviting alcoves for reading and family bonding. “In one of the daughter’s

The thoughtful mix of textures and symmetrical elements contributes to a calming ambience in this apartment

rooms, a study table and a platform for tea and snacks were incorporated into the bay window,” Chan highlights.

Upstairs, a handsome study provides a nook for reading and writing. “This serves as a home office for the husband when he is working from home. Visitors can access it directly through the private lift lobby without disturbing the other occupants in the apartment,” explains Chan.

A rattan chair and lightwood screen behind the bed are among the tropical accents in the master bedroom.

This space also feels loftier as Chan removed the existing false ceilings.

The resort feel is amplified by the view of a Japanese zen garden on the terrace, which is surrounded by an abundance of seating. Boulders and a tall bonsai tree rise from a sea of white pebbles as a miniature of the condominium’s landscaping, designed by renowned Japanese landscape master Shunmyo Masuno, offering the occupants tranquillity in yet another guise.

Left to right: The silver-leaf wall panels add a subtle shine to the dining room; to the left of the lift is a console with a Marquina marble top; a sculpture and framed photographs elevate the look of the lift lobby; a blue armchair adds a pop of colour to the handsome home office

Left to right: With its carpeted flooring, the balcony has the elegant look of a hotel-like lounge; the designer maximised the use of the bay window by incorporating a built-in desk and daybed in the daughter’s bedroom; an earthy palette contributes to the calming nature of this bedroom

This page: A rattan chair brings a tropical touch to this vanity area; mirrored panels in the walk-in wardrobe expand its sense of space