Cover The greenery in the condominium apartment's balcony melds with the verdant outdoors
The greenery in the condominium apartment's balcony melds with the verdant outdoors
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Pupil Office turns a soulless, cookie-cutter condominium apartment into a tranquil, tactual oasis
When the owners of this apartment engaged Amy Lim of Pupil Office to design its interiors, they wanted it to be a sanctuary not just for themselves but also suitable for their young son. “We wanted a home that was warm and inviting, but still minimal and subtle, with a clean and neutral palette, as well as [natural] textures and finishing like stone and wood elements in the design,” says the wife.
She also wanted her son to have a dedicated play space “where he could freely explore, be creative and have fun without his toys taking over the entire home”. The brief for timber and wood was ideal for Lim. “Working with earthy tones and materials like wood and stone has become somewhat second nature to me now, and with the clients being very trusting in the process, it was smooth sailing,” she shares.
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Above The living area showcases the melding of bespoke and tactfully chosen pieces to lend character to the space
The living area showcases the melding of bespoke and tactfully chosen pieces to lend character to the space
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The original plan featured an open living and dining area facing a dry kitchen, with the bedrooms accessed via a long corridor like in typical condominiums today. “It was important for the owners that the areas for play and rest were clearly defined,” she explained. The junior master bedroom is now the entertainment lounge. The doorway was widened and fitted with sliding doors, “so it wouldn’t feel like just a spare room with a television and toys.”
The former dry kitchen counter was changed into a freestanding piece. The space also incorporates a wine fridge. “The reworking of the kitchen opens the space up, so it is also an area now where the owners can quickly grab a drink at the end of the day,” says Lim. Walnut timber cabinetry and a greyish-brown Grigio Bllieml marble cladding for the counter give a sophisticated character to the space.
The dry kitchen incorporates alnut timber cabinetry, with a wine fridge tucked to the side
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These materials match the living and dining area furniture, reflecting Lim’s eye for timeless and well-made pieces. There is Børge Mogensen’s Spanish Chair from Fredericia—“we joke that it’s the toddler’s inheritance piece”, muses Lim—and a cream, poufy Marenco sofa from Arflex. “We absolutely adore this. It’s not a “sink into” sofa but has such a lovely silhouette, and I do prefer sofas, so we couldn’t say no to this piece,” Lim comments.
In the dining area, the sculptural Asterias dining table from Molteni & C is encircled by T Chairs from Carl Hansen & Søn. The owners saw the same table in Lim’s home and liked it so much that they wanted it for their apartment, too. Around the house, sideboards and chests of drawers from vintage store Noden add to the home’s timeless appeal.
Above Curvilinear coffee tables with timber balls for feet
Above These curves lend an organic quality to the space
Curvilinear coffee tables with timber balls for feet
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Above Timber finish and planters echo the nature outside
Timber finish and planters echo the nature outside
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The living and dining areas open up to an expansive balcony, fronted by a selection of shapely plants in pots, including a bonsai. Their leafy forms segue into the tops of trees just outside, creating a pleasant green curtain that enhances the home’s tranquil atmosphere. “The balcony is an extension of our living space. We love the landscaping and greenery. We enjoy outdoor dining and dine here most evenings. Our son also lays out here a lot,” shares the wife.
A custom set of timber lounge furniture with slim profiles and plush upholstery provides another space to enjoy the scenery. “The owners were totally on board with me designing quite a number of pieces, which was the most fun,” says Lim. Other bespoke pieces include curvilinear coffee tables with timber balls for feet, side tables, and display shelves in the dining area.
Read more: Ask a designer: How to turn your balcony into a resort-style haven
Above The master bedroom incorporates a row of timber-and-linen wardrobes in front of the bed
Above A custom Rosso Orobico marble washbasin counter, replacing a bathtub
The master bedroom incorporates a row of timber-and-linen wardrobes in front of the bed
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Bespoke shelves made of fumed oak timber
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These shelves, made of fumed oak timber stained in different tones, have a unique detail: their internal fins can change direction to accommodate different displays. “We weren’t able to crane it into the apartment, and it couldn’t fit into the lift or up the staircase, so the strips were a design intent to disguise the joint lines as the shelf had to come in three parts,” shares Lim on the design.
The master bedroom is an inviting and contemplative space, courtesy of a quiet row of timber-and-linen wardrobes across the bed. In the en-suite bathroom, a short walkway instead of a door separates the sleeping and cleansing zones. “You’re first greeted by a custom dresser table, followed by the custom Rosso Orobico marble washbasin counter that replaces a former bathtub,” Lim describes.
In case you missed it: Home Tour: How a couple transformed a former dance hall into a loft apartment
The dedicated play space for the couple's son
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Above A bay window turns this corner into a cosy nook
Above The nook provides a place to rest from the study next to it
A bay window turns this corner into a cosy nook
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Hotels she had stayed in, one being the Grand Hyatt Haitang Bay, inspired this seamless transition and the minimal walls. “It’s quite a feeling to walk into the bathroom without being immediately accosted by sanitary fittings and towel rails. Most apartments and homes in Singapore tend to have smaller bathrooms, so since we had that opportunity here, we wanted to capitalise on it,” Lim explains.
Contributing to the home’s artful feel is the curation of lighting pieces. Upon entry, one is greeted by a Viscontea lamp from Flos above the dining table from the owner’s previous apartment. “As for the other lighting pieces, I wanted to light the home with table and wall lamps where possible instead of depending on downlights unless warranted. I fell in love with Ingo Maurer’s lamps, so we have the Lampampe [in the living room] and the Yoruba Rose [one on a console]. I think I almost cried assembling the latter for fear I’d tear it; it’s so beautifully crafted,” Lim muses.
In case you missed it: Mood boosters: 5 minimalist lighting and candles from Sol Luminaire to improve your home decor
Above Open shelves allow kitchen users to access everything with ease
Open shelves allow kitchen users to access everything with ease
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Viabizzuno recessed lights pair well with the dry kitchen’s stainless steel backsplash and side panels. Light diffusers from Santa & Cole and wall scones from Marset, Astro, and Viso add to the mix, creating focal points on vertical surfaces. “Just beautifully designed lights with mostly indirect lighting really soften the home and give it quite a vibe in the evenings,” Lim affirms.
Credits
Photography: Studio Periphery
