Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2021 i Tatler Homes Singapore

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”, wrote the Romantic poet John Keats in the poem, Endymion. And indeed, the happiness that a cherished painting or vintage chair can bring certainly fuels the growth of our personal collections, with these beloved creations often taking pride of place in our homes. In this issue, we celebrate the intersection of art, architecture and interior design, and see how it informs and elevates our spaces. Our Style section features interviews with multi-hyphenates including Japanese architect Naoto Fukasawa, Vancouver-based talent Omer Arbel, as well as Belgian hotel designer Jean-Michel Gathy; we also offer practical tips on how to make art the focal point of your abode (page 76). One of my favourite stories in this issue discusses the built legacy of Singapore’s modern…

DECO DRAMA “Small entryways can look stylish, but keep them free of clutter,” says Boh. Ensure a chic yet neat foyer with cabinets such as the Quant sideboard. With a depth of 40cm and an art deco-influenced design on its doors, it makes a beautifully functional addition to compact spaces. “The textured geometric motifs make the overall look of the sideboard more interesting,” says Boh. PETITE WONDER A small side table is perfect for foyers with very tight corners. Crafted with electroplated stainless steel, the Zest table features a sculptural form and is available in various sizes and finishes. Choose from a gold, rose gold, silver or gunmetal finish to match the look of your interior scheme. BETWEEN THE LINES A sleek console such as the Davey is another top…

It’s hard to ignore the memorable times we’ve shared crowding around the living room television set with our families. Whether it was watching our favourite TV shows or catching a movie together, it was a time of bonding. And this was no different in the Huber household as Andre Huber was growing up. “Watching TV together really brought the family closer. I remember fondly how we would watch Wheel of Fortune, and try to solve the puzzles together. It was our nightly bonding session,” the executive director for Huber’s Butchery says. A CLOSE WATCH The benefits of watching TV as a family are well documented over the years. A recent study by Lancaster University in 2019 found that families who work together to choose which TV packages to have within…

A home is the sum of its parts, and cabinetry plays a fundamental role in its interior design. Beyond the functional purpose of providing storage, such bespoke joinery can also elevate the overall aesthetics of a space. “Think about cabinetry as a form of defining space,” says Rene Tan, co-founder of homegrown studio RT+Q Architects. “Cabinetry (can be like) little buildings, rather than little things that fit into corners.” Zurich-based interior designer Ina Rinderknecht agrees. “Cabinetry offers you a large creative playground,” she says. “Think outside the box to create a statement piece; there are so many decorative options and materials one could use, from wood and glass to wallpaper and metal mesh.” She also recommends incorporating ambient lighting in your display shelves to highlight the decorative pieces you’d like…

Few people understand luxury travellers like Jean-Michel Gathy does. In fact, fulfilling the needs of the world’s most discerning jet-setters has been this architect’s lifelong mission. Since he founded the Kuala Lumpur-based design firm Denniston in 1983, Gathy has helmed revolutionary developments for every five-star hotel brand worth mentioning. A quick look at his current and forthcoming projects demonstrates the esteem in which he is held. Highlights include Four Seasons hotels in Bangkok and Tokyo, Aman properties in New York and Miami, as well as One&Only resorts in Montenegro and Dubai. So it makes sense that Gathy has been appointed one of the two lead interior designers for M/Y Njord, a first-of-its-kind residential superyacht that will sail around the world, providing owners with a holiday experience at sea. The vessel…

DAKOTA CRESCENT Also known as the Old Airport Road Estate, this early example of public housing built in 1959 has been partially conserved, with its central blocks to be retained even as the rest of the estate is redeveloped. Innovative construction materials such as steel tubing and hollow cement blocks adapted from industrial use were employed to keep costs down. Decorative concrete screens give the estate a distinctively 1960s appearance. PANDAN VALLEY Designed by Tan Cheng Siong and Archynamics Architects and completed in 1978, this was one of Singapore’s very first condominium projects. The terraced structure gives many apartments large amounts of outdoor space, and the whole development embraces the local topography. Without conservation status, Docomomo considers it threatened by redevelopment. THE GREAT MADRAS The adaptive reuse of modern buildings…

Graphic elements and patterns are key tools in setting the mood and tone for any space. Used judiciously, they have the power to add character and depth to the home, create talking points when guests drop by, and jazz up neutral colour schemes and clean lines. Local design firm Mr Shopper Studio employed pattern to dramatic effect when tasked to do up this two-bedroom apartment in Marina One Residences. Set against a dusky scheme and bolstered by a mix of interesting materials, these playful motifs help to raise the boutique-inspired apartment to new levels of visual interest and make its spaces pop. Designers Eric Lim and Rachael See were given free rein with the interior concept, resulting in the successful realisation of a home that went beyond merely fulfilling the…

TAKE IT SLOW LVMH’s first urban hotel has opened in Paris, a homecoming for the French luxury group As the city with some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, you’d think Paris has seen it all. However, its newest arrival, Cheval Blanc Paris, promises a different perspective of the City of Light. Located by Pont Neuf, the much-anticipated hotel opened its doors in September. A joint project by architect Edouard François and interior designer Peter Marino, the duo transformed the art deco wing of La Samaritaine, an iconic building built in 1928 by French architect Henri Sauvage, in the mould of a contemporary Parisian residence. It has 72 rooms and suites that feature a classic black-and-cream palette, artisan-crafted furnishings, and expansive windows that frame fantastic views of the…

One of Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa’s most famous designs is a wall-mounted CD player—a cord-operated product launched by Muji in 1999 that is still available today, even as technology marches on. Its cult appeal attests not only to the brilliance of Fukasawa’s original concept, but also the simple idea that inspired it: the designer was motivated by how Asian homeowners would similarly tug a string attached to a wall-mounted fan to turn it on. This keen attention to human behaviour is a common thread in Fukasawa’s work; the renowned designer creates products that respond to our changing habits and lifestyles. His elegant, minimalist designs feature remarkably simple forms with intuitive features, be it a watch, tableware, sofa or even an elevator. To date, he has worked with dozens of…

The challenge with compact apartments is maximising the perception of space through the clever use of materials and colours, as well as natural light. Together with a little creative ingenuity, the effective execution of such tips and tricks can help owners live large in their new home. So it was with Topic Studio, which was tasked to imbue this 1,658sqft show unit in GuocoLand’s Wallich Residence with a sense of spaciousness and an elegant aesthetic that communicates its upscale credentials. The developer had sought to demonstrate the functionality and design possibilities of a four-bedroom apartment situated in Guoco Tower, the tallest building in Singapore. Led by a design approach geared towards functionality and form, lead designer Jason Loh crafted a contemporary, clean-lined abode that is understated yet peppered with plush…

It’s not often that designers get to meet their dream client—one with a clear brief and a shared understanding of what it takes to make a house a home. The Designworx Interior Consultant team met such a client when they were appointed to design the multigenerational abode of Jay and Jasmine Chiu. As the owner of Grandwork Interior, a local custom interior fittings firm, Jay was already intimately familiar with what was needed for a well-executed renovation. He tasked Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant, to create a holistic environment based on the unique requirements of each family member. UNDER ONE ROOF The family of six and their pet dog live in a semi-detached house with a recessed lap pool, which features modern interiors elevated with touches of…

Many people buy art to complement the design of their home. But for Jeffrey Soh and Selina Chong, it was the other way around. The couple envisioned a stylish abode that would showcase their collection of Chinese contemporary art in the most impactful way possible. “We wanted our art to create a grand and spectacular impression the moment our guests step into our home,” says Soh, who has been collecting art and sculptures for about 15 years. His favourite artists include Ren Zhe, Shen Jing Dong, Cai Zhi Song, Pan De Hai and the Luo Brothers. “I have always enjoyed decorating and wanted to spend time deciding on the placement of each piece to create a cohesive overall look,” he adds. DUAL NATURE To realise the contemporary yet cosy atmosphere…

A holiday home in the Hamptons: these words alone conjure up images of glamour and exclusivity. This stylish house by the beach creates the sense that nature is pouring into a warm family home—a place that has quickly become a refuge from frenetic Manhattan life. The light-filled, 17,000sqft abode features eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms; it is big enough to accommodate the family of five plus 20 of their friends over the summer, while being cosy enough for the parents to enjoy a romantic weekend for two. Achieving all this took some clever design on the part of architectural firm SBP Homes and interior designers Pembrooke & Ives. These two firms often pair up to create the kind of sunlit houses that are becoming increasingly popular on America’s east coast.…

The kitchen is the social heart of the home, linked inextricably with fond memories of culinary adventures, tasty meals, and family celebrations. A well-appointed kitchen can also be a nexus for get-togethers with relatives and friends, as the lines between traditional cooking areas and communal zones blur. Summerhaus D’Zign kept the role of the contemporary kitchen top of mind when tasked to craft a culinary zone incorporating the new Excellence Line of products from luxury Swiss appliance brand V-Zug. The local studio developed a stunning space that exudes luxury with its dark palette, and integrates the Swiss manufacturer’s streamlined fittings and appliances seamlessly. “The kitchen has become a space where the family spends time relaxing and bonding, learning traditional recipes from grandmothers, and exploring baking ideas with the kids,” says…

While some designers kickstart a project with a sketch, Omer Arbel prefers to begin his creative process by experimenting with materials. “Generally, we begin with a certain physical, mechanical or chemical property of whatever material we are working with,” explains the Vancouver-based designer and artist. “We try to invent new ways of working with these material properties such that they yield new, unpredictable forms. This process usually leads to what I call a ‘discovery’, a form that we find compelling, mysterious, and worthwhile. We are like prospectors sifting for new forms.” Arbel is also the co-founder and creative director of Canadian lighting brand Bocci, which was established in 2005. The firm debuted with 14, a collection of pendant lights with frosted glass spheres. These lamps instantly became a hit and…

American poet T.S. Eliot once wrote: “Home is where one starts from”. The Covid-19 outbreak has not just accentuated the importance of our homes, it has also encouraged us to explore every possibility in making it the sanctuary it is meant to be. This holds particularly true for Southeast Asia, as the region is still holding firm to its reputation as a magnet for safe-haven investments despite the pandemic. Christine Sun, senior vice-president of research and analytics at property agency OrangeTee & Tie, attributes the unexpected real estate boom to investors seeking such safe-haven investments, thereby pushing up property prices in the region. “There is still ample liquidity circulating in the system as investment funds have reallocated a large amount of capital from financial markets to real estate properties,” she…

Having a personalised haven to retreat to after a busy work day is certainly the goal of any homeowner embarking on a major renovation. Creating an interior tailored to your lifestyle and needs requires considerable skill and creative expertise—a feat that multi-award-winning practice Design Intervention has achieved time and time again. “A beautiful life begins at home,” says Nikki Hunt, principal of the firm. “We believe in the power of design to make people happy and improve their health. Just like nutrition and exercise, the right design can improve our well-being. And the most important place to start is in your own home!” Co-CEO Andrea Savage agrees. “The Design Intervention philosophy is that your home should be your ultimate energy source, your personal retreat, a place to recharge, restore and…

It was a playlist that started it all. To spark French architect Yann Follain’s design inspiration for a young homeowner’s abode, she shared with him a mix of her favourite retro pop tunes. Follain, who is the managing director and head of design of multidisciplinary studio WY-TO Singapore, was given the creative freedom to transform what was previously an “introverted” two-storey apartment into a generous and flexible space that would function as the owner’s work atelier, a space for hosting and entertaining as well as a peaceful retreat for rest and relaxation. The result is a 1,937sqft apartment bursting with colour, completed in seven months. Its vibrant features include a teal-hued display shelf that spans the entire open-concept first floor, a yellow concrete kitchen counter and a pink bathroom. Like…

Homes with a view are the ultimate antidote for the stressors of modern living. This apartment in eastern Singapore features unobstructed vistas of the surrounding greenery and nearby reservoir, which was a key reason its owners acquired it. Interior design firm SS+D aimed to capitalise on this feature when overseeing the makeover of the 1,150sqft unit. The owners also sought to alter their home’s existing four-bedroom layout, which did not suit their current lifestyle. “The challenge was to improve the overall spatial flow as well as enhance the apartment’s natural views,” says SS+D principal designer Sam Loh. Working with fellow principal Wu Zhen Phang, Loh gave the home a full overhaul, infusing its individual spaces with new character that complements the stunning panorama. A FRESH START To begin, the designers…