How this architect turned a 13,000 sq ft super penthouse into a cosy home

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There is a Malle Courrier Lozine 110 trunk, a special collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama, sitting inside this super penthouse at Reflections at Keppel Bay. The large artwork stands as a highlight in this home, among many other pieces scattered in this sprawling space.

At 13,000 sq ft, this super penthouse is speculated to be one of the largest in Singapore, following James Dyson’s famous unit at Wallich Residence. Spanning three storeys, it is perched atop one of the blocks at the iconic crystalline condominium designed by American architect Daniel Libeskind. The building appears to be frozen in mid-sway and has all-round views of the sea, the city and Sentosa across the waters.

Real estate developer Keppel Land had tasked Edmund Ng Architects to create “a stunning and impactful penthouse”, sparing no expense to fulfil this vision. Not surprisingly, the project, which was furnished to be sold, has a specific audience in mind: Someone who appreciates bespoke design and luxury living at its finest.

“Given the unique characteristics of the penthouse, including its breath-taking views, the potential owner would be one seeking a residence that embodied elegance, sophistication and exclusivity,” said Edmund Ng, who has designed many luxury homes including the shophouse home of actress Rebecca Lim.

Despite the penthouse’s enormous size, a walk through reveals an intimate space incorporating both functionality and refinement. “We meticulously analysed the layout of the penthouse to identify distinct zones and potential functions within,” Ng explained.

He added that designing a practical home also meant considering flexibility and adaptability, enabled by “versatile furniture arrangements, partitions and multifunctional elements that could be easily reconfigured to accommodate different activities and occasions.” Most of the furniture is kept loose for this purpose.

DIVISION OF SPACE

A feature wall in front of the private lift on the first level creates a sense of privacy for the living room behind it. It also builds up the drama of the view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the space so that the homeowners and guests are wowed when entering the space. Between the living and dining areas is the Malle Courrier Lozine 110 trunk, poised in the centre of a spacious corridor like a piece of sculpture.

The longish layout of the plan creates a sense of discovery as one moves from zone to zone. “By strategically dividing the penthouse into designated zones for living, dining, entertainment and relaxation, we ensured that each space served a specific purpose while maintaining a cohesive overall design,” said Ng.

With such large spaces, it was important to ensure smooth flow and circulation within the penthouse to enhance its usability. To do this, the design team “carefully considered traffic patterns, sightlines and spatial relationships in order to create intuitive pathways that seamlessly connect different areas of the home.”

Another screen divides the artwork from the dining area, where there is a five-metre-long dry kitchen counter from Italian brand Dada by Molteni & C. “The state-of-the-art kitchen serves as a focal point for both cooking and socialising, providing a seamless transition between practicality and luxury. It features premium appliances and abundant counter space for culinary endeavours,” Ng shared.

On the second level is a family sitting area with a wine cabinet from Molteni & C, where one can relax with a tipple without going to the kitchen downstairs. There are also three bedrooms on this level, each with its own bathroom while the top level is designed as an elaborate entertainment space with a top-of-the-line sound system and a bronze-clad kitchen counter.

SOFT TOUCHES AND LIGHTING

The penthouse features many cosy materials in the furnishing. “From plush upholstery and tactile fabrics to warm wood accents and luxurious rugs, each element was considered to evoke a sense of tactile richness and visual interest, enhancing the overall ambience of intimacy,” affirmed Ng.

Quality furniture from brands like Giorgetti offers both comfort and style. “Plush sofas, lounge chairs and coffee tables are arranged to encourage conversation while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere,” said Ng. In the main living room, the seating layout is more intimate while in the third level space, a variety of seating compositions, including one of a wide, circular sofa capped by an impressive circular chandelier, facilitate group conversations.

When creating cosy and intimate setting, lighting design is key. Soft, diffused lighting helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the penthouse. Ng recommends warm colour temperatures ranging from 2700K to 3000K that are “reminiscent of candlelight”. Installing dimmer switches to adjust the lighting intensity and set the desired mood for different occasions adds flexibility. At the same time, lampshades and lighting features with diffusers also soften and diffuse light, “minimising harsh shadows and glare”.

Additional tips include strategically placing lighting fixtures to highlight focal points and create pockets of light and shadow that enhances visual interest and depth. Choosing lighting fixtures made from materials like wood or fabric add warmth and texture to a space. “Not least, balance direct and indirect lighting to achieve a comfortable ambience, with indirect lighting at eye level or below to contribute to the sense of intimacy,” Ng offered.

ART AS FOCUS

Throughout the penthouse, Ng took note of the right scale “to encourage a sense of closeness and connection among the inhabitants”. This means lower ceiling heights in some areas, the comfortable seating arrangements and intimate alcoves. An assortment of decorative objects and meaningful artwork also gives the penthouse character and keeps it from feeling bare.

The artwork here was curated by Ode to Art gallery. Works like an intricate murano glass, red-and-gold glass artwork by Annalu at the foyer and a playful bulbous sculpture by Adi Gunawan enliven the home. “Throughout the penthouse, there are numerous intriguing artworks that cater to the discerning taste of the potential client whom we believe appreciates art,” says gallery founder Jazz Chong.

She added: “In the large home, the thoughtful selection and placement of each piece enhances the ambience and personality of each zone, while contributing to an overall rich and dynamic visual narrative,” described Chong. Some artworks perch on pedestals, some hang on walls and others stand on the floor, offering optical variety. The placement of the Louis Vuitton trunk piece between the living and dining areas “acts as a visual bridge, creating a seamless connection between the two spaces while adding an element of luxury and artistic flair.”

FRAMING THE VIEWS

Ng made sure the design also factored in the privileged views. “Overall, the almost-360-degree sea and city views serve as the crowning jewel of the home, infusing every space with a sense of wonder, tranquillity, and inspiration. Whether it is a cosy reading nook, a tranquil study or an inviting outdoor terrace, each space was thoughtfully arranged to offer the residents the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of the surroundings.”

He elaborated: “For example, the layout of the main living area was oriented to prioritise sightlines towards the expansive views, making it the focal point of the room.” In the dining room, he positioned the dining table adjacent to the windows to allow all the dinners to enjoy the panoramic views while having a meal.

In the master bedroom, the bed faces the large windows, “allowing the residents to wake up to the awe-inspiring sight each morning.” Soft neutral tones create a serene backdrop that “complements rather than competes with the views.”

Not least, thoughtful design can turn obstacles into highlights, resulting in more streamlined interiors. In one instance, a television cabinet conceals a column in the master bedroom. In another, niches were added to the staircase rising three storeys to showcase decorative elements.

Ng commented: “This design intervention not only enhances the overall ambience of the surrounding areas but also adds personality to the home and showcases that even functional elements contribute to the home’s overall aesthetic.”