Cover The master bedroom takes up a third of the penthouse’s footprint
The master bedroom takes up a third of the penthouse’s footprint
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Studio If merged two penthouse units in this condominium to create a 6,000 sq ft master villa, with a master bedroom that takes up a third of the footprint
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. “The developer reached out to us as we have a deep understanding of the target buyers—the HNWI (High Net-Worth Individuals)—through our [experience in designing many] super penthouses, holiday villas and mega home projects with overseas clients,” shares Gwen Tan, the founder of Studio If.
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Above The double-volume living space enjoys plenty of natural light
Above An bird’s eye view of the living room, which features a Saint Germain sofa from Poliform
The double-volume living space enjoys plenty of natural light
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She was initially asked to design two unit types in the same tower—the 3,500 sq ft and 2,500 sq ft‚—staggered in placement. “During the site show-around, we were briefed about the marketing challenges of the constraints in each type: the placement and design of the staircase in the bigger unit [was not ideal and needed re-thinking], while the smaller unit had all the bedroom windows looking out of external windows blocked due to statutory requirements for the units of the higher floors,” Tan shares.
Her solution was novel: the creation of a super penthouse by combining one of each unit type. “The new 6,000-square-foot, three-storey penthouse was created, encapsulating the true essence of villa living with a luxurious 2,000 sq ft master suite spread over two storeys that comes with spa baths, large private sky gardens and a private lift lobby exclusive to the suite,” says Tan.
Above Black-stained timber walls envelop the master bedroom space
Black-stained timber walls envelop the master bedroom space
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She highlights that a master suite of this size is almost unheard of in Singapore. “This became a huge selling point, as the master bedroom is like a villa within a villa. [Overall, the super penthouse] has the size and lifestyle befitting [residents] staying in landed villas, made possible through [our strategy] in this project,” Tan elaborates. She also did the same to two other units, creating another super penthouse called Blossoms Villa.
Above The staircase incorporates glass balustrades, exuding a sense of lightness
The staircase incorporates glass balustrades, exuding a sense of lightness
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The capacious floor plan not only exudes a sense of luxury but also gives Tan ample room for creativity. She solved the staircase issue by relocating the original staircase and replacing it with an elliptical one that was “sculptural in form yet visually lighter due to its glass balustrades,” she describes. The new design also allows for better appreciation of the double-volume living area where it curls up as a bronze architectural sculpture against the skyline outside the double-height windows. Open timber treads also made the staircase a light element within the space rather than being an obstruction.
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Above The expansive skyline view from the balcony
Above The dining area worthy of an award-winning restaurant
The expansive skyline view from the balcony
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“The pebble-inspired Saint Germain sofa from Poliform was chosen for the living room right next to the swimming pool, making this space feel like an extension of a pool garden,” Tan elaborated. The contours of a Royce armchair from SP01 adhere to the scheme, as does a Canasta Circular sofa from B&B Italia on the balcony.
A custom rug in the living area that resembles a watercolour rendering of a garden when looked at from above also “brings a lot of softness to the scheme,” while the Reef chandelier—a floating contraption of many little monochrome balls from French lighting company Designheure fills the lofty space.
Above A close-up view of the wall covering from Calico Wallpaper, a New York based bespoke wallpaper brand
Above A handsome study inside the master bedroom
A close-up view of the wall covering from Calico Wallpaper, a New York based bespoke wallpaper brand
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Throughout the penthouse, Tan included many dark-coloured elements as a unifying strategy, as the original spaces featured timber elements of varying tones and to hide the uneven weathering of different components that had occurred over time.
Some examples are the carpentry in the master suite’s walk-in wardrobe, a black standalone bathtub in the master bathroom, and black-stained timber walls that cocoon the bed and dresser in the master bedroom. In the latter, these low, dark walls bring a sense of intimacy to the double-storey space.
A dark-toned wall acts as a portal into the dining area. It also frames the handmade Calico Wallpaper from New York with a pattern that uses gold foil to mimic dripping liquid. “The pattern honours the main design concept of fluidity and elements of flowing water that are celebrated throughout the home,” says Tan.
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The elegant dining room viewed from the staircase
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She elaborates that designing the large space was akin to putting together “a three-dimensional experience of artistry”. Tan emphasises, “It’s not just about a wall or piece of furniture; every piece comes together like a stage set for people to build their lives around.”
To solve the problem of the spaces that had no external views, these spaces were converted to the en-suite facilities of the master suite that did not need direct outside views. These include the walk-in wardrobes and a study-cum-lounge that can be converted into a guest bedroom.
Above An elegant spiral staircase twists and connect various sections of the expansive 6,000 sq ft super penthouse
An elegant spiral staircase twists and connect various sections of the expansive 6,000 sq ft super penthouse
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A residual space between the living and dining was turned into a tea lounge. The eventual owners, whom Tan met, love spending time here, as tea drinking is one of their favourite pastimes. “The space is very relaxing yet adaptable to various [activities] such as reading or using the laptop,” Tan points out.
The buyer was so happy with the property that they introduced a friend who bought the other unit that Tan designed. She remarks, “It turned out to be a perfect fit for each owner, as Oasis in the Sky’s darker [tones] had a more formal [character] suited for an older couple, while Blossoms Villa was fresh and bright, suitable for a younger one.” Watch this space for a story on the villa.
Credits
Photography: Khoo Guo Jie
