Lofty Goals
Sumisura creates a penthouse show unit at Nouvel 18 that is as luxurious as it is liveable
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, the Nouvel 18 condominium bears a simple form with a glistening glass facade and ample sky terraces. Atop the remarkable structure are several penthouses, with commanding views of downtown Singapore— one of which real estate company City Developments Limited (CDL) tasked Sumisura to dress.
“The client wanted a show unit that lets potential buyers envisage a luxurious lifestyle. The interior design should also befit the worldclass architecture,” says Angela Lim, principal designer of Sumisura.
SMART SOLUTIONS
The 6,000sqft apartment’s ample footprint may be enviable, but this also made it more challenging to fit out. “One of the main tasks we faced was utilising and making sense of the huge outdoor area, internal circulation spaces and long stretches of bay windows,” says Lim.
These spaces needed smart planning and thoughtful touches to evoke a cosy home. Addressing the functional aspects—what Lim terms “value adding”—was the first step to creating a showcase for luxury living that was as useful as it is inspiring. For instance, her team turned an unusually wide corridor into a family library and study. Mouldings take advantage of the wall’s expanse and add visual interest to the hallway.
The living room’s lengthy stretch of bay windows allows guests to admire the view, but it also restricted furniture placement. As such, the team added an illuminated feature wall constructed in polished Noir Marquina marble to house the TV, which became the living room’s focal point.
Display shelves were also positioned along the stretch of bay windows to define the dining area, which is f lanked by a balcony on one side and the dry kitchen on the other. Together with the living room, the interconnected common areas accommodate gatherings via its strategic furniture grouping.
The roof terrace is designed for entertaining, with a bar counter, twelve-seater outdoor dining set and plenty of plants. This helps potential clients imagine a glamorous evening set against views of the skyline.
PRIVATE REALMS
In the master bedroom, a glass wall between the bathroom and bed area makes the spaces feel larger; it also takes a cue from the design of hotel suites. Blush accents balance the palette of grey and brown tones, and an upholstered bench built into the bay window encourages lounging.
One bedroom was imagined for a daughter. The designers outfitted the room with a long study table at the bay window, which offers a wonderful view while she is doing her work. Ambient lighting built into the wall behind the bed illuminates the room, as in a hotel suite.
The other bedroom was envisioned for two younger children. It has a playful vibe, with a built-in timber bunk bed, patterned wallpaper, climbing bars and integrated storage. “It is a haven for two young children to play and grow up together while enjoying each other’s company,” says Lim. With its glamorous feel and liveability, it is not hard to imagine why this show unit’s design was nominated for the Best Residential Interior – Show Home (Singapore) category for the 2021-2022 Asia Pacific Property Awards.