Cover The Good Class Bungalow’s mirrored ceiling doubles the grandeur of the immaculately furnished living room
The Good Class Bungalow’s mirrored ceiling doubles the grandeur of the immaculately furnished living room
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Completed in two and a half years, the interiors of this Good Class Bungalow by Peter Tay merge art, architecture and function with seamless grace
In Singapore’s residential architecture hierarchy, the Good Class Bungalow (GCB) reigns supreme. These sprawling homes, occupying plots of no less than 15,070 sq ft within specially designated estates, epitomise privacy, prestige and space in a progressive city-state celebrated for its innovative high-density living. Amid this rarefied typology, Peter Tay unveils his latest masterpiece: a home that transcends function to become a sanctuary for the senses.
Commissioned by a celebrated food entrepreneur and his family of six, comprising him and his wife, their three children, and his mother-in-law, 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.
In case you missed it: Tatler Singapore’s guide to Good Class Bungalows
The facade of this Good Class Bungalow glows gold in the evening, and the sculpture by Taiwanese artist Li Chen takes pride of place in the courtyard
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Known for his discerning eye and signature sophisticated aesthetic, Tay has carved a niche in Singapore’s high-end design scene, with projects ranging from opulent residences to flagship boutiques.
Yet his true genius lies in his ability to weave emotional resonance into his designs. “It’s about crafting interiors with soul—a space that reflects their aspirations, passions, and way of life,” he shares.
Decades of experience and an illustrious portfolio inspired the client to entrust Tay with complete creative freedom. “As an avid traveller, my client has a keen understanding of architecture, design, art and fashion,” Tay explains. “He truly appreciates a holistic lifestyle that goes beyond his work in food, embracing the essence of luxury living. Trusting in my vision, he entrusted the interior design direction to me entirely.”
Read more: Home Tour: a modern house in Singapore designed by RT+Q Architects and Peter Tay Studio
Above A dramatic view of the Good Class Bungalow’s living room during daytime
A dramatic view of the Good Class Bungalow’s living room during daytime
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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.
Above A stunning view of sculptural staircase seen from a high-gloss surface
A stunning view of sculptural staircase seen from a high-gloss surface
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In this home, architectural features are works of art. The sculptural staircase rises like a piece of sinuous modern art, anchoring the house visually and conceptually. “It’s not just a feature; it’s a conversation starter,” Tay explains.
This ethos extends to the living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame a zen garden, transforming it into a natural tableau.
Above This bird’s-eye perspective reveals a captivating interplay between its robust steel structure and backlit marble steps
This bird’s-eye perspective reveals a captivating interplay between its robust steel structure and backlit marble steps
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Above The circular rug ties the whole look together
Above The dramatic view of the staircase also applies when viewed during the journey of climbing up and down
The circular rug ties the whole look together
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A Li Chen sculpture sited by the pool further amplifies this artistic interplay, while bespoke furnishings by Minotti, Poliform, Cassina, and Molteni&C infuse the space with refinement and warmth.
Personalised zones throughout the house reflect the family’s passions. The attic is a haven for the wife’s Lego collection, while a hidden wine cellar and cigar room cater to the husband’s penchant for leisure and entertaining.
Above The black and white contrast of the staircase highlights its clever geometry
The black and white contrast of the staircase highlights its clever geometry
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Even practical elements, such as the walk-in shoe cabinet accessible from the car park, reflect the family’s attention to detail and lifestyle priorities. The Technogym-equipped fitness room ensures that wellness is part of their daily lives, while Poltrona Frau Ginger chairs add a touch of understated sophistication to the private spaces.
Adjacent to the staircase is the climate-controlled wine room, a haven for the owner’s prized collection
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The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor areas is at the heart of Tay’s design philosophy. “The outdoor spaces aren’t just extensions—they’re integral to the home’s experience,” he says.
Pavilion-style terraces and an expansive pool area form natural extensions of the interiors, creating a sense of continuity that enhances the property’s spaciousness. The outdoor settings are further elevated by Kettal furnishings, which mirror the elegance of the home’s interiors while reinforcing a connection to nature.
Above The floor lights in the Good Class Bungalow’s courtyard cast dramatic a shadow play
The floor lights in the Good Class Bungalow’s courtyard cast dramatic a shadow play
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The materials chosen for this Swettenham Road residence elevate its sensory appeal. “Hermes Grey marble is very rare, with a subtle blue undertone,” Tay shares, describing its striking presence in the living spaces.
Paired with the dramatic allure of the bookmatched Blue Galaxy marble and the delicate beauty of bathroom marbles such as Calacatta Gold and Fior di Pesco, these selections create a seamless interplay of texture and tone, giving each room its own distinct yet harmonious identity.
Bookmatched Blue Galaxy marble panels bring a dramatic touch to the gold-accented living room
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These thoughtful material choices extend to the flooring, where leather-finish Nuvolato stone tiles add subtle sophistication. Every detail is deliberate, reflecting the homeowner’s trust in Tay’s ability to balance artistry with functionality. The kitchen is a masterclass in understated elegance, outfitted entirely with cutting-edge V-Zug appliances, ensuring that the space is as practical as it is refined.
Read more: How V-Zug and celebrity designer Peter Tay created this minimalist showroom in Singapore
The opulent dining area features direct access to the outdoor spaces
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“My client and I engaged in thoughtful discussions, sometimes debating, but always listening, to achieve a vision that felt meaningful to both of us,” Tay shares. Beyond a dwelling, this Good Class Bungalow on Swettenham Road is a living canvas where art, architecture, and life itself intersect in perfect harmony.
Born from a collaboration rooted in trust and mutual inspiration, the home is a serene masterpiece that speaks to the soul, embodying Tay’s conviction that great design has the power to transform how we live and feel.
Another bird’s eye view of the staircase reveals its thin structure
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Credits
Photography: John Heng
Topics
Jakarta-born, Bandung-raised and Singapore-based, Asih Jenie trained in Visual Communication Design at Bandung Institute of Technology and Architecture at Parahyangan Catholic University. She brings both rigour and heart to design journalism, infused with a distinct Southeast Asian voice.
As a child, she doodled on the edges of her schoolbooks and never outgrew her fascination with all things well-made and well-told. Her 15-year career spans editorial roles and bylines in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia, across spatial design titles such as Dwell Asia, Cubes, Design Anthology, Habitus Living, and Home & Decor.
After a brief stint in public relations, she returned to publishing in 2023 to lead Tatler Homes Singapore, where she continues to tell stories about how we shape the spaces that shape us.
