Realised by design consultancy Hock Hoon, this serene and functional Singapore apartment features warm tones and natural materials that inspire slower living. Here creative director Xin Hui tells us more about the project

Design Anthology: Who was the client for this project?

Xin Hui: The clients are a couple, one is an engineer and the other a resident doctor. They both have busy schedules and lifestyles, but are very organised people who prioritise efficiency.

What was their brief to you for the project?

The clients’ priority was to have an efficient space that would meet their needs. Their jobs are stressful and demanding, so they wanted a home to return to where they can slow their pace and enjoy the little things in life.

What’s unique about the building and the location?

The 110-square-metre apartment is located at Singapore’s Reflections at Keppel Bay, designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The clients’ unit faces a lush golf course.

How did you approach the project — what design references did you try to incorporate into the space?

The first question that came to mind when we saw the site photos was how we could bring in natural elements and views of the golf course to contrast with the hard, cold metal architecture of the space.

To incorporate natural elements into the apartment, we prioritised using warm, natural wood throughout the space, mainly in the wall panels and carpentry. In the living room, we went for warm grey textured walls to complement the wood. Instead of polishing the existing white marble tiles in the living, dining and kitchen areas, the clients opted for a honed finish, which works beautifully with the entire space as it reflects the light coming into the apartment during the day.

The next thing we tackled was how to create a clean and efficient layout, with storage being the priority. We chose low, loose furniture to maintain the visual openness and connection to the greenery outside the apartment. We used flushed wall panels to conceal the storage entrance in the living room and to hide the en suite bathroom in the master bedroom.

Please tell us a little about the material choices for the space.

To contrast with the cold metal facade of the building, natural materials took centre stage in our choice of materials. We played around with a combination of wood laminate textures, honed white marble tiles and textured paint to create a more natural look. For the finishes, we went with warmer and muted tones to match the overall vibe.

Do you have a favourite element or design detail in the interiors?

Our favourite element is the vestibule that we carved out in the existing vanity area and converted into a dresser. We added an open shelf to hang clothes before and after using the shower, an in-between pause that aligns with our overall concept of mindful living.

Images / Colloc