Meet the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2025 winners from Singapore

Rumah Bayu by RT+Q Architects

Nestled in a corner plot of an Upper Bukit Timah estate, this three-level house by RT+Q Architects paints a distinctive figure in the neighbourhood with its barn-like roof and modernist facade.

Its design vocabulary—striking moon gate, deep verandah, modest ratio between the indoor and outdoor spaces, and excellent passive cooling system—showcases a sophisticated understanding of how to harness all the glory of tropical living. The heart of the home is a negative space—an open-air courtyard, born from the concept of stacking three C-shaped blocks. 

“There are seamless connections between all that is internal, external, and interstitial,” shares global design director at Ramboll, Hossein Rezai.

“The concept element is definitive and singular through the spaces of the house,” adds DP Design’s director Mike Lim.

Read also: An elegant modern tropical home in Singapore’s Upper Bukit Timah estate

BEST GOOD CLASS BUNGALOW 

Presented by Hafary

Swettenham by Peter Tay Studio 

Peter Tay’s latest masterpiece is a home that transcends function to become a sanctuary for the senses. Commissioned by a celebrated food entrepreneur and his family of six, the interiors of this Good Class Bungalow were meticulously crafted over two and a half years to complement the new-built architectural shell by Kevin Tan of Akta-rchitects. The result is a residence that merges art, architecture and function with seamless grace.

Peter Tay distilled the client’s design brief into a single concept: modern luxury. This principle informed every element of the home, balancing contemporary elegance with opulence. 

Drawing inspiration from the abode’s outdoor spaces, he created a design that blurs the boundaries between the interiors and the surrounding greenery, establishing a seamless flow throughout the property. 

“[It’s an] elegant bungalow blending art and architecture, featuring sculptural elements, luxurious materials, and serene spaces tailored for refined living” says DesignSingapore Council’s director of partners Eugene Chin. “[There is a] seductive [and] sensual use of material and color,” adds founder of 7 Interior Architecture Howard Wee.

Don’t miss: An F&B magnate’s modern luxe Good Class Bungalow near the Singapore Botanic Gardens

BEST PENTHOUSE

Presented by Space Furniture

Oasis in the Sky by Studio If 

Oasis in the Sky is an apt name for this penthouse in Singapore designed by Studio If. Like a villa in a resort, away from the urban cacophony and bustle of people, it offers an exclusive view of Orchard Road and the city beyond, situated on the upper levels of the luxury condominium in the heart of town. The penthouse is one of several units that Studio If was commissioned to furnish for overseas buyers who were looking for a home in Singapore. 

“Studio If breaks down the scale of the super penthouse into a series of thoughtfully conceived and richly appointed spaces that evoke intimacy and luxury, punctuated with moments of spatial drama that highlights the quality of the property,” co-founder and design director at Wynk Collaborative Leong Hon Kit shares.

“Soft colours and textures integrate well with the large volume of the apartment. The use of sculptural decorative lighting emphasises well the double volumes. Choice of furniture, combined with curved wall detailing brings a cohesive elegance to all the areas,” continues co-founder of Takenouchi Webb Naoko Takenouchi.

In case you missed it: How Studio If merged two penthouses near Orchard Road into a super one

BEST TRANSFORMATION

Presented by Spin Fans

 A Sensory House by K2SD Group 

Ultimately revealing itself as the designer’s dream home, this corner terrace house in Singapore’s heritage-rich Katong neighbourhood wasn’t in an ideal condition when Kelly Kawahara Cheah, founder of K2SD Group, first stumbled upon it. With a land size of 4,000 sq ft and generously built-up interiors below a pitched roof, the home appeared aged, with spaces that were oddly compartmentalised.

Yet from the moment she stepped inside, Cheah saw immense potential, envisioning the transformation that could breathe fresh air into the property. Known for her ability to envision design beyond the surface, she could see the hidden beauty in the house that others may overlook.

 “The external form and parts of the interior have retained the rustic nature of the original house. The additions work well with the old to create a new that is greater than the sum of its parts,” founding partner of Laud Architects Melvin Tan shares. 

Cheah’s objective was to retain and restore the beauty of the existing house, albeit using contemporary materials as well as strategies to infuse the design with thoughtful personalisation. 

Read also: A refurbished 1970s house in Katong unveils its inherent beauty and spacious interiors

BEST BESPOKE CONCEPT 

Presented by Space Furniture

Kintsugi by Upstrs_

In this apartment designed by Upstrs_, kintsugi was the theme that directed a dark shell, lit by moments of gilt and shine. The Japanese craft that repairs ceramics by sealing fragmented pottery pieces with lacquer and then beautifying the cracks with gold or silver gives new emotional value to old objects.

“The designer skillfully transformed the client’s brief into bespoke objects, each thoughtfully crafted to shape and define the space. The result is a deeply personal and refined environment where every detail serves a purpose and tells a story,” design director at Park + Associates Christina Thean notes. 

The concept emerged when the homeowner showed his mood board with 80 per cent monochromatic tones to the firm’s founder, Dennis Cheok. Also in the images were dark, clay-like textures struck with slight gestures of light. Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s tome In Praise of Shadows became key to realising the key concept.

Known for creating spaces that impact through bold volumetric and spatial interventions, Cheok shares that this apartment’s design pushed him toward a more playful, narrative-based approach.

Don’t miss: A tantalisingly dark, Japanese-inspired apartment in Singapore’s District 15

BEST MODERN ASIAN CONCEPT

Presented by Coesa

Meyer Apartment by Goy Architects 

Inspired by Chinese calligraphy and the transience of lunar phases abstracted from a Song dynasty poem, Goy Architects elegantly articulates the interior of this Singapore apartment with soft colours, handcrafted textures and sophisticated details. 

“Love the simplicity, geometry and textures,” notes founder of Bensley Bill Bensley.

The apartment’s loose furniture plays a key role in defining the spacious open-plan living area, demarcating it into the sitting area, the dining zone, and the bar. Entering the premises, one is greeted by the sight of a majestic circular window articulation inspired by moon gates. The translucent paper panels around it gently diffuse the daylight. 

All in all, Goy Architects elegantly elevated the interior of this prestigious apartment unit using a clever mix of poetic materials and design details that harmonise with the existing architectural features, while expressing the client’s preferences and paying tribute to superlative regional craftsmanship.

In case you missed it: A soothing Singapore apartment inspired by Chinese calligraphy and the lunar phases

BEST MODERN MINIMALIST CONCEPT

Presented by Sol Luminaire 

Botanic Gardens Mansion by Joey Khu Interior Design 

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, 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.

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 by a number of credible recommendations from friends. They admired the firm’s extensive interior design works, mainly its timeless, modern spaces. An initial meeting took place in early 2023, leading them to share their vision and preferences with one of the firm’s designers, Jerry Tan.

“Minimalism best celebrated by expressing naturalistic qualities of timber, steel and thoughtful details, quiet yet sophisticated,” says head of business and executive director at RSP, Law Yoke Foong.

The apartment’s original space was in dire need of a transformation to cater to a modern young family. Tan was given carte blanche to redesign the home; the couple’s only requirement was to create a purposeful, functional abode enriched with tasteful furnishings and lighting that would stand the test of time.

The entire project took three-and-a-half months to complete, and the resulting aesthetic encompasses various spaces that lure you in to unwind and relax. 

Read also: A freehold Singapore apartment from the ’70s transformed into a serene family home

BEST USE OF ART

Presented by Luzerne

The Nassim Regency Collection by Krystina Lyon & Mark Budden 

Previously settled in a black-and-white house with their son, who has since left the nest, Krystina Lyon and Mark Budden have made themselves at home in a freehold apartment built in 1978. With a significantly smaller footprint than their previous home, the apartment couldn’t accommodate all the couple’s furniture.

Nonetheless, they found a way to incorporate some of their most treasured pieces, including vintage furnishings from the 1950s and, of course, their prized artworks. Joking that their home has no room for any more art, the couple still finds joy in any new piece added to the collection.

The first of their prized furnishings can be found upon entering the abode—a petite console, designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1958. As Budden talks us through its teak construction, he also directs our eyes to the chairs flanking the console. Crafted by the same designer, these are characterised by the signature angle of the teak arms, as well as a pivoting backrest and tapered legs that often signify mid-century furniture.

“I like how the many different pieces of art are being curated and well put together. its not easy to consolidated the many different styles of art but in this case it is pleasing to the eye,” notes partner of LTW Designworks, Teo Su Seam.

Dean of Faculty of Design at Lasalle College of the Arts Hidayah Abu Bakar adds: “The spatial narrative speaks of the unique and individual collections, and the layering of art pieces against the textures, colours, and shapes forms an incredible storyline of culture, history, and literature.”

In case you missed it: Krystina Lyon and Mark Budden’s inviting Singapore home filled with Southeast Asian art and mid-century furniture

BEST USE OF COLOUR

Presented by Roche Bobois

Miro Apartment by PI Architects 

Catalan artist Joan Miró (1893-1983) is known for his use of vivid colour and whimsical imagery in his work. Some associate his art with abstraction and surrealism, but Miró denied any affiliation with specific schools of thought, claiming that he simply aimed to let the subconscious take hold.

This playfulness, as well as the unbridled juxtaposition of colour and form, inspired PI Architects for the interior design of this Singapore apartment. “The inspiration of Joan Miro created a dynamic and visually inspiring environment,” shares professor and chief sustainability officer at SUTD, Erwin Viray.

This 40-year-old apartment features a capacious 3,800 sq ft floor plan typical of condominium apartments from the 1980s. It is noteworthy that much work went into creating a cohesive, enlivening backdrop for the home’s art collection, which was carefully integrated into the interior architecture like the cast of an ensemble.

Works such as Andy Warhol’s heartfelt Untitled (Cat), Yves Saint Laurent’s collage-like Tickets to Happiness, Damien Hirst’s screen-print of butterfly wings Kindness and Mel Ramos’ polished stainless steel sculpture Dita colour the home as much as Soh’s interior scheme.

Miró once famously said that in a painting, you should be able to discover new things each time you look at it. To him, a painting must give off sparks and dazzle like the beauty of a woman or a poem. This home certainly does.

Read also: An eclectic Singapore apartment with interiors inspired by artist Joan Miró

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPIONS: BEST CONSERVATION

Presented by V-Zug

Bukit Timah Railway Station by Kay Ngee Tan Architects 

The Rail Corridor, which is today a verdant green space running through the heart of Singapore, was once a working commuter railway line between the Malay peninsula and our city-state. In 2011, the Singapore government was able to acquire the land and sought to develop the stretch to suit their future plans for a green Singapore. Crucial to that plan is Kay Ngee Tan Architects’ restoration of the two existing structures: the Bukit Timah Railway Station and Staff Quarters. They sit nestled within the lush greenery of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, at the midway point of the 24km Rail Corridor. 

The architects have restored the two structures, retaining original elements such as track switching levers, a ticketing booth window and even a replica of a signals diagram in the rail traffic control room—these stand as vestiges of Singapore’s past and serve to educate the public on the country’s heritage. Replicas of railway station wagons, brightly painted, sit on the tracks for children to experience transportation of yore.  

Don’t miss: SIA Architectural Design Awards 2024: 6 standout projects to know

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPIONS: BEST CONSERVATION

Presented by V-Zug

10 Pender Road by Goy Architects

Located on the secluded slopes of Mount Faber, 10 Pender Road was designed by Mok Wee Tek in 1909 as the Golden Bell Mansion. Commissioned by philanthropist Tan Boo Liat, who named it in honour of his grandfather—Tan Kim Ching, whose name means “golden bell”—this architectural gem is an exemplary model of Edwardian-style architecture, with certain adaptations to the local climate and cultural influences.

The heritage building’s story now continues thanks to extensive restoration and conservation work by a team of expert consultants, which included Goy Architects. Their collective effort has breathed new life into the Pender Road mansion while preserving its historical integrity.

 “Today, this project stands not only as a living architectural artefact, but also as a successful case of leveraging both high and “low” technologies to sensitively preserve our heritage,” shares editor of Tatler Homes Singapore Asih Jenie.

In case you missed it: A thoughtfully restored heritage mansion in Singapore's Pender Road

READERS’ CHOICE: BEST SHOWROOM

Presented by Villeroy & Boch

Hafary House by Farm 

Nestled along a row of heritage shophouses in Singapore’s layered Jalan Besar district, a new design destination is about to open its doors. Hafary House promises to elevate your tile and stone-shopping experience to an immersive, tactile journey across multiple levels.

With interiors reimagined by local architecture and design practice Farm, Hafary House finds itself right at home in its vibrant locale, alongside a mix of up-and-coming residential developments and the eclectic F&B outlets on the first floor, which perfectly complement the multifaceted approach Hafary has adopted in showcasing the allure of its curated surface materials.

Creative director at Wimberly Interiors Paolo de Simone says: “Hafary House stands out as a showroom, it becomes an experience. The design team has created a space where materials are no longer just displayed, but felt. From the mosaic made of sandblasted tile backs to the strapping-tape ceiling installation, every gesture in the space celebrates raw materiality in unexpected ways. What I found most impressive was the seamless blend of tactile exploration with real-life applications on the third floor, allowing visitors to imagine how materials would look and feel in their own homes. It’s rare to find a showroom that balances heritage, innovation, and brand identity this well. Encouraging you to touch, to question, and to explore” 

Read also: Heritage and innovation converge seamlessly into an elevated retail experience at the new Hafary House

READERS’ CHOICE: BEST LUXURY CONCEPT 

Presented by Daum

Avenue South Residences by Prestige Global Design 

With panoramic views of Sentosa Island and the city skyline, this stunning 56th-floor penthouse is both a family sanctuary and an entertainer’s dream. Spanning 1,668 sq ft, the well-appointed apartment by Prestige Global Designs marries the home’s cinematic vistas of Sentosa with striking interiors and an effortless air of sophistication.

The four-bedroom apartment features high ceilings and an open-plan layout, with living and dining areas inspired by Sentosa’s golden sunsets. An ombre wallcovering and Moooi pendant lights mimic the sky and stars; natural materials, bespoke furniture from Roche Bobois and Commune, and nature-inspired accents add texture and warmth.

“The combination of dark timber cladding, white walls and soft graduated wallpaper harmonises well in the double height space, giving an understated sense of luxury,” shares co-founder of Takenouchi Webb Naoko Takenouchi. Completed in three months, this turnkey project balances grandeur with intimacy, creating a bespoke luxury home that fosters connection and celebration.

Don’t miss: A stunning Singapore penthouse with views of Sentosa from the 56th floor

READERS’ CHOICE: BEST SHOW UNIT

Presented by Surface Stone

3 Orchard-by-the-Park by Superfat Designs 

With architecture by Antonio Citterio, 3 Orchard By-The-Park is a luxurious residential development featuring just 77 units across three towers. Superfat Designs was tasked to craft a show unit emphasising refined comfort and natural beauty, aligning with Citterio’s vision of a balanced living experience. The design focuses on simplicity, seamless flow, and material quality, promoting a calm and comfortable atmosphere.

Inspired by nature, this property makes use of natural textures and muted tones, resulting in a serene urban retreat. The interiors feature timeless pieces, such as the Cassina Utrecht armchair, and a continuous feature wall connecting the balcony to the living areas. Each room is designed as an oasis, with the master suite resembling a spa. Tapestries and carefully curated lighting and art further enhance the ambience.

“The show unit demonstrates craftmanship, and use of natural materials and showcases to a prospective buyer the potential of creating a calm, elegant and comfortable retreat in the middle of the city,” director of Kerry Hill Architects Tanuj Goenka notes.

In case you missed it: A refined and tactile apartment in Singapore’s 3 Orchard By-The-Park

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