How does a designer stay true to the essence of The Ritz-Carlton brand, while injecting an interior with a contemporary edge? In the redesign of this apartment at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Edmund Ng Architects’ creative interpretation offers plenty to please the eye.
“The apartment has to express the grandeur synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton brand, but the owners also wanted a wow factor,” says Edmund Ng, founder of the eponymous firm, which is also known as Metropolitan Office Experimental. In response, the award-winning practice has refurbished the apartment with a blend of classical and contemporary elements to create a relaxed yet sophisticated home.
Above
The art-inspired rug grounds the look of the master bedroom
At an impressive 6,000sqft, the apartment’s unusually large floor area was the outcome of combining two apartments—a context which presented Ng a set of unique challenges and opportunities. “I needed to reconfigure the space to work as a whole, instead of two separate apartments with ‘duplicated’ facilities—from dual master bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens to even powder rooms,” shares Ng.
No space exemplifies the apartment’s unique appeal like the living room. “We designed the living room almost like a hotel lobby lounge, with pockets of different spaces for people to move around,” Ng reveals.
At about 12m in length, the living room makes a striking welcome. Its minimal palette, dark-trimmed furnishings and elegant panelling set the tone for the entire apartment. Contrasting textures are added in flourishes, through the introduction of patterned rugs and artworks.
Above
The wall panelling complements the sophisticated look of the living room
Visitors to the living room are greeted by two distinct sections—a sofa area and an area anchored by a grand piano framed by a hanging chandelier. Completing the space is a geometric sculpture relief which adds a sense of dynamism to the living room.
These well-considered details continue to create a smooth journey throughout the different spaces. Head to the dining room, where the seamless connection between the indoor dining space and outdoor deck evoke an elegant yet unfussy ambience. A wooden screen shades the dining area from the surrounding buildings when needed.
“By linking the indoor and outdoor spaces, the feeling of spaciousness feeds into the abode’s grand design,” says Ng.
One kitchen was turned into a supporting pantry for a theatre room. A powder room is ingeniously used as a wine bar, while two bedrooms were combined to form a large master bedroom. “I didn’t feel like I was working on an apartment, but a bungalow unit,” admits Ng. “This apartment offers a luxury of space that can rival a piece of landed property.”
Above
A floral artwork is the focal point of this lounge area
Above
Eye-catching pieces in the master bedroom include the gold sculpture displayed on the bay window
The bedrooms are replete with curated decorative pieces, from gilded frames and Expressionist-style rugs to whitewashed colonial art pieces that add interest against the more classical furniture. Case-in-point: the master bedroom pairs its cool blue palette with a checkered pattern on the armchair, and a playful rug with a paint-splatter motif.
Ultimately, this apartment exemplifies a cosmopolitan vibe—from its generous spaces to the relaxed luxury of living in a The Ritz-Carlton branded suite.
Edmund Ng Architects
Founded by architect Edmund Ng, the eponymous practice specialises in both architecture and interior design projects. The studio has completed numerous residential and hospitality projects locally and in the region, such as the Montigo Resorts Nongsa in Batam, Indonesia, as well as the luxury condominium One Rosyth in Singapore.
Edmund Ng Architects | 22 Dunbar Walk, S(459302) | 9852 7750 / 6443 6602
This project has been nominated for the Best Luxury Concept accolade, as part of the Readers' Choice categories of Tatler Design Awards 2020. The winners will be announced in the February 2020 issue of Singapore Tatler Homes; online voting will close on November 11.
Vote for your favourite project in the form below:
powered by Typeform
