Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2024 i Tatler Homes Singapore

I have a confession to make: I am wary of the word “sustainability”. To dismiss it as a mere marketing buzzword these days would do it a disservice, of course, as sustainability remains a crucial issue, particularly in how we build, occupy and use our spaces. I blame it on the tidal wave of greenwashing in everything that can be marketed. However, uncovering and examining threads of sustainability in a designer’s work remains one of the key reasons I’ve plied my trade with interior design publications for 13 years. They always bring me pleasure (and relief, for these threads are a mark of thoughtful, responsible design). So, it is with great delight that I present our sustainability-focused April edition, which also features the unveiling of the much-anticipated Tatler Homes Design…

There’s always a reason to return to Venice. Beyond its labyrinthine streets and picturesque canals, it’s a city steeped in timeless elegance and artistic heritage. Home to artisans and designers alike, it’s also where you will find Barovier & Toso, a paragon of luxury lighting with over 700 years of exceptional glass-making history in Murano. The brand’s new flagship boutique is located along the illustrious Calle Larga XXII Marzo, a street that Giorgio Armani, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana also call home. A stone’s throw from Piazza San Marco, it’s an ideal pit stop on one’s tour of Venetian sights. More than just browsing decorative objects such as vases and table lamps, you’ll also be wowed by seasonal show-stopping, one-of-a-kind Venetian mouth-blown crystal installations. SECRET GARDEN You’re in good hands…

ASK THE EXPERT “My design philosophy revolves around creating sustainable and liveable spaces that go beyond mere aesthetics,” Ivy Koh tells us. “It encompasses a holistic approach that listens and responds to the environment, its users, the culture, and the natural world.” Over the years, the architect has refined a set of design principles that guide her approach to both new and existing projects. “My design revolves around being timeless, simple, elegant and stylistic. Simplicity is key—do not overdo it or reference passing trends.” Having said that, she tends to steer clear of preset themes. “I don’t believe in a fixed theme. Design is an expression of an individual’s personality. If I am designing a personal space, I will infuse and complement [the occupant’s] personality to bring out the authenticity…

How does one take an abode with already enviable qualities to an even higher level of sophistication and user satisfaction? For Ricky Tay, design partner at interiors firm Livspace, this involved adopting an “inside out” approach to truly understanding the client first before proposing any concepts, however creative or visually impressive they might be. Such a meticulous approach ultimately paid off in the form of a fulfilling home perfectly tailored to the client, and also a fitting representation of their story. This 2,500 sq ft apartment, located in the Cape Royale condominium in Singapore’s coveted District 4, boasts gorgeous views of the ocean, which Tay used as a starting point for the decor and aesthetics. The client, who works as a venture capitalist, also owns various prized artworks, which the…

The sculptural ceiling fan rotates languidly overhead, its eye-catching black blades beautifully matched by the elongated, dark-hued palm leaves depicted on the exotic wallpaper that graces the bedroom in which it is installed. On the bed are cushions sporting black geometric patterns on their plush forms, while ebony-hued night tables and lamps with dark bases help tie the whole look together. It is an eminently harmonious composition, pale and shot through with black highlights, that would fit any modern, stylish home perfectly. This opulent space is part of the new Crestar and Spin Fans Experiential Lab in Tampines North in Singapore. The bedroom and various other tableaux inspired by real-life settings were conceptualised by multi-award-winning interior practice Prestige Global Designs to showcase how the client’s fans would look in actual…

INTERVIEW It’s been a busy few years for Bocci. Known mainly as a designer lighting brand retailed by Space Furniture, it is, in reality, an entire design ecosystem built around co-founder Omer Arbel’s design principles. It is at once a multidisciplinary design studio with projects that span various creative disciplines, a research lab dedicated to exploring novel production methods and unveiling the hidden potential of materials such as glass, metal, concrete, fire and electricity, and much more. It has its own factory, too. Arbel and the Bocci team are building a new headquarters to house this design ecosystem under one roof. This is on top of a fresh new logo, branding and website, as well as a new Milan showroom, all of which debuted last year. We caught up with…

Against the backdrop of political change and economic transformation in 1970s Spain, designer Nani Marquina launched herself into the plush, colourful world of rugs. Inspired by her father, Rafael Marquina, an innovative man and the creator of the Marquina oil cruet, she dove headfirst into art and craftsmanship, dedicating her life to fibres and weaves. With the idea to “turn the classic rug into a contemporary design product”, Nanimarquina was established in 1987, captivating the senses in a changing world. The heart of the family business has always been a love of materials, an appreciation of design, and a careful balance of innovation and tradition. Both local and international designers bring their individual styles to Nanimarquina’s collections of rugs—a rich tapestry of colours, textures and finishes. The brand’s imaginative products…

FORM US WITH LOVE’S MULTIFUNCTIONAL LIGHT The Hood lamp by design collective Form Us With Love for Ateljé Lyktan is a light source and a sound absorber. It helps to create a more intimate space in the contemporary office landscape. Revealing a transformative embrace of hemp and wool, this acoustic lamp adds style and warmth while championing sustainability and underscoring a commitment to environmental responsibility. ENKEI’S NK COLLABORATION Swedish luxury department store Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) frequently collaborates with local creatives for its Made in Sweden collection, which celebrates Swedish design, sustainability, quality materials and local production. Enkei is one of its latest collaborators. A design brand specialising in products with minimal climate impact and high-quality design, it transforms waste material into timeless design objects, such as the Reminder lamp, which…

Situated in the leafy precinct of Taman Serasi, this 1970s apartment in Botanic Gardens Mansion caught the eye of a couple in their 30s. With a child and pet poodle in tow, they decided they wanted more space. The 1,800 sq ft unit, which is set on the ground floor, is surrounded by nature and located just a stone’s throw from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The peaceful site boasts a laid-back vibe all year round, with the Gardens’ close proximity also serving as a solid incentive to lead an active lifestyle. EARLY BEGINNINGS Given the verdant surroundings, it was only natural for the couple to desire a contemporary home with timber design elements. Joey Khu Interior Design popped up on the couple’s radar through social media, and was later boosted…

There are infinite ways in which designers can articulate a brief. Yet the principles of exemplary design have remained the same throughout the ages. Borrowing from Vitruvius’ principles— firmistas, utilitas, venustas—it must be durable, functional, and pleasing to the eye. It is always as simple, and conversely as complicated, as that. These days, durability also means being responsible for a design’s present and future environmental impact. Functionality has similarly broadened to address the need for flexibility and minimised waste. All these have coloured the lenses through which we see and consider design. The Tatler Homes Design Awards - Singapore returns this year to once again celebrate good design, this time with Green by Design as its 2024 theme. Now, in its eighth edition, the THDA programme has been expanded regionally,…

Archifest has always been a highlight on the Singapore creative industry’s calendar. Organised by the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) since 2007, the annual event celebrates architecture for professionals and the general public. Its staple features include the SIA Conference, the SIA Architectural Design Awards, the Archifest Pavilion and the always sold-out Architour programmes. Usually held in the second half of the year, the 2024 edition will be held earlier in May, with a revamped format and eight key events with new and expanded programmes, including regional outreach, an award for young architects, and the homecoming of the Singapore Pavilion exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2023. We chatted with SIA council members Melvin Keng, Adrian Lai and Wong Ker How at Sol Luminaire and The Lab2.1 to learn…

There’s no doubt that the heart of a home is the kitchen. As the ways families dine and entertain have evolved through the generations, it’s become a fluid, multifunctional social nexus in our homes. Today’s kitchens are where the household converges from sunrise to sundown, where rituals and routines begin and end, and where creativity strikes. These demands can only be met by a heritage brand that has witnessed the evolving nature of kitchens in the past 100 years. Arclinea, based in Vicenza, Italy, started in 1925 as a wood workshop before morphing into a high-end manufacturer of kitchen furniture, designing and building innovative culinary systems that have stood the test of time. Arclinea was the first manufacturer to debut domestic kitchens that incorporated features of professional kitchens; today, the…

Europe always has something to offer, whether you’re planning a winter getaway or a summer escape. With its diverse countries, cultures and traditions, every visit is a chance to be pleasantly surprised by the distinct and fascinating worlds it holds. If your next trip involves exploring the sleek design of Northern European countries, diving into the rich heritage of Portuguese ceramics, savouring the timeless beauty of Rome, or relishing the elegance of Paris, here’s a curated list of new places worthy of their respective locations. Each of these accommodations provides a comfortable environment in which you can unwind and appreciate the beauty of every detail, and be exposed to various styles and cultures. ALPIN PANORAMA HOTEL HUBERTUS OLANG, ITALY Embark on a journey that embraces the essence of boundless freedom…

Elegantly designed residences in a tranquil island setting meet Capella Singapore’s award-winning hospitality at Capella The Club Residences. Here, discerning sojourners seeking either a quick getaway or a semi-permanent stay on Singapore’s beautiful Sentosa Island can choose from various types of impeccably designed and furnished abodes, carefully crafted by some of the most prominent names in the fields of hospitality architecture and interior design. SUITES AND DUPLEXES Designed by award-winning British architectural firm Foster + Partners, the well-appointed apartments comprise one- to four-bedroom residences as well as three-bedroom duplexes. Spanning 893 sq ft, the newly refurbished one-bedroom residences are an intimate option, with elegant spaces decked out in sleek timber furnishings, and choices of breathtaking views of the South China Sea or the meticulously landscaped gardens. For those desiring more…

SINGAPORE Located in an upscale enclave between Clementi and Bukit Batok, this Sunset Square bungalow is enveloped by lush greenery on its 6,400 sq ft plot of land and exudes an almost palpable sense of tranquillity. The family of four inhabiting this idyllic property enjoy a quiet life, filling the hours of the day by cooking Peranakan meals and preparing delicious kueh, playing with their pet dog and two rabbits, gardening, and listening to music. When the family decided to embark on a renovation of their home, their close friend Chan Ee Mun, who is also a director at local architectural practice Woha, recommended Goy Architects based on its experience in reworking heritage buildings and its signature use of tailored material palettes. Led by Goy Zhenru, the team of architects…

Charles Eames once said: “The details are not the details. They make the design.” The renowned American architect and designer was referring to his belief that each component or detail, rather than merely fulfilling an ornamental purpose, also plays a vital role in contributing to the overall effect of a design. Eames, of course, should know, having been credited with conceptualising several iconic furniture pieces that have etched their status in the annals of design history. Eames’ words would certainly resonate with anyone who beholds this 1,647 sq ft apartment, which is located in the Jadescape condominium in Singapore’s District 20. The overall effect is that of a luxurious designer establishment, characterised by a moody palette, cocooning spaces, and a wealth of design details and practical elements that come together…

A Arclinea Unique Kitchen Fusion163 Penang Road#01-02 Winsland House IIarclinea.com B Barovier & Toso 1 Nassim Road#01-06Tel: 6735 0808barovier.com Binary Style 25 Keong Saik Road#02-01binarystyle.co C Carera Bathroom 12 Tai Seng Link#08-01Tel: 6261 6133carerabathroom.com Carl Hansen & Son 28 Ann Siang RoadTel: 8939 2381carlhansen.com Castilla 1 Kaki Bukit Road 1#01-07/08 Enterprise OneTel: 6513 2650castilla.com.sg Cosentino 5 Straits View#01-16/17 Marina OneWest TowerTel: 6713 9543cosentino.com Cult Design 48 Club StreetTel: 9776 9471cultdesign.asia D Danish Design Co 100E Pasir Panjang Road#06-03 Century WarehouseTel: 6270 8483danishdesignco.com.sg Da Vinci Lifestyle 100 Orchard Road#01-01 Concorde HotelTel: 6468 6333davincilifestyle.com De Dietrich 65 Ubi Road 1#02-70 Oxley Bizhub(By appointment only)Tel: 6508 4639asia.de-dietrich.com Devialet 10 Bayfront Avenue#01-07/08 The Shoppes at Marina Bay SandsTel: 8917 5205devialet.com Duravit 63 Tras StreetTel: 6223 2256duravit.com F Flaming Queen 333A Orchard Road#02-31/32 Mandarin GalleryTel:…

These days, more than ever, leisure travellers are having higher expectations of luxury accommodation. There is a greater emphasis on privacy, experiences and holistic health, encompassing the body, mind and soul, shares Carl Almeida, managing partner of P49 Deesign. With offices in Bangkok and Shanghai, and over 300 completed hotel and resort projects in more than 35 countries, the studio has gained keen insights into what post-pandemic luxury seekers desire. “Designing to the smallest detail is important in setting the desired mood for guest enjoyment and indulgence,” Almeida says. One prominent example of this is the guest bathroom, which has evolved into a wellness space designed to engage and awaken the senses: a personal spa, if you will. Fun fact: did you know that the word “spa” itself originated from…

Luxury Swiss kitchen appliances brand V-Zug takes pride in offering best-in-class products designed to inspire home cooks and professional chefs alike. But its commitment to quality extends beyond mere hardware to include equipping its customers with the skills and experiences needed to use its products to achieve culinary excellence. The brand does this via masterclasses and workshop programmes for its customers, conducted by professional chefs. In the process, it plays a pivotal role as a nurturer of the local community of professional chefs via initiatives such as brand ambassadorship, its own Gourmet Academy, and various sponsorships for international culinary competitions. PROUD PATRON V-Zug has been a proud advocate of the Singapore Chef Association’s national culinary team between 2018 and 2020, supporting local chefs in international culinary competitions and olympics. When…

PROPERTY Commenting on the need for sustainable housing, American architect Michael Reynolds famously proclaimed: “This is not a moral issue, it’s not a spiritual issue, it’s not a political issue, it is a logical issue.” Reynolds is credited with building the first fully sustainable modern homes in the 1970s; dubbed “Earthships”, these off-grid, passive solar houses are made of both natural and recycled materials. Sustainability in architecture is not a new concept, as creating functional, aesthetically pleasing and liveable spaces for individuals and communities that will stand the test of time is the very definition of good design. In recent years, this sentiment has also started to permeate consumer preferences, accelerating the integration of eco-friendly principles into mainstream architecture. One of the most significant reasons for this shift in buyer…

The bathroom may not be the first space we consider cosy and “good for the soul.” Where the living area and bedroom often represent the pinnacle of comfort and snugness in our homes, bathrooms are often tagged as utilitarian. Even when more attention is paid to bathroom design, this is often a purely aesthetic approach to evoke visual luxury and opulence. According to purveyor of fine sanitaryware Villeroy & Boch, this view is slowly shifting, with more homeowners and designers prioritising a sense of comfort in the bathroom, just as one would in the living room. As the brand observes, harmonious colours, soft shapes and biophilic elements have started to play a greater role in this space, with an emphasis on warm hues, organic silhouettes, sustainability, and the use of…

How does one improve upon something that’s already so luxurious? In the case of this Good Class Bungalow (GCB) located in the Hollad Road precinct, Ed Ong, founder and creative director of Dwell Interior Design, undertook a richly detailed overhaul of its interior spaces so they would suit their occupants’ lifestyles better. Occupying a 15,100 sq ft plot of land adjacent to the Green Corridor, the GCB is home to a neurosurgeon, his gynaecologist wife and their two young-adult daughters. Its interiors, which amount to a built-up area of 12,000 sq ft spread over two storeys and a basement level, had not been updated in over two decades. The husband had come across the interior design practice’s portfolio of residential projects online, and felt that the firm’s approach to luxury…

Perfection, as they say, takes time. That adage is embodied in this remarkable house in BSD City, within the Greater Jakarta area. Designed by renowned Indonesian architect Budi Lim, it is the result of a long-gestating idea carefully conceptualised, cleverly executed, and continuously improved. Lim first met the homeowner in 1994, when he designed the bank he worked for. The pair became fast friends, and the banker told Lim that he would like him to create his home one day. He called Lim in 2015 and said he had found the perfect site. The plot was one-third of a 1.5-hectare patch of land owned by a late prominent Indonesian politician and engineer, who had parcelled it into three parts for himself and his wife, and their two sons. His plan…

Teak is a durable timber commonly used in Southeast Asia. Whether for furniture or as a surface material, its golden hue boasts a certain warmth that is unique to the region. Lesser known is the beauty of the actual hardwood tree, which resonated with Indonesian architect Andra Matin when he visited a client’s teak plantation in Anyer, a coastal town located a two-and-a-half hour drive from Jakarta. Standing in neat rows, the teak trees in the plantation were 18 years old. They would be mature enough to harvest in seven years, but the client’s mother decided against it, and the family asked Matin to build a villa on the site instead. “I decided that my design must be humble, that it must not disturb the beauty of the teak forest,”…