Tatler Design Awards 2019: The Winners

Now into its third edition, the Tatler Design Awards highlights outstanding residential homes and special projects that were completed within the past year. Here are the 2019 recipients:

Best Tropical Concept: The Mill

When the glamorous vibe of Italy’s Amalfi Coast is injected into sunny Singapore, the result is this stylish Sentosa Cove residence that wowed readers when it was featured in the April 2018 issue. With bedrooms overlooking the azure waters and a personal yacht berth, this resort-style holiday home was designed by The Mill design consortium to complement its coastal setting.

A stylish selection of Italian furniture from Fendi Casa and Cassina give the tropical abode the aura of a modern Italian villa; these pieces feature rich hues, velvet upholstery, metallic details and dark veneer finishes. The inviting rooftop area is furnished with a customised dining set for al fresco-style relaxation while the outdoor area of the basement has been converted to a spa, complete with Jacuzzi and spa bed. 

Best Modern Minimalist Concept: Edmund Ng Architects

This light-filled minimalist home, which was an ailing homeowner’s legacy for his wife and children, touched the hearts of many readers when it was featured in the February 2018 issue. Designed by architect Edmund Ng, this modern abode is a study in clean lines and a restrained monochromatic material palette comprising cement, marble, wood, glass and steel.

Drawing inspiration from luminaries including Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Ng built a modern space that meets the family’s needs. Besides a custom-made lighting fixture above the dining table, there is no superfluous decorative element in this residence; clutter is hidden from view through the clever use of storage space that’s concealed behind timber panels. The bedrooms feature a cohesive material palette of blond wood flooring, cement walls and powder-coated steel banisters to maintain the sense of flow.

Best Bespoke Project: Design Intervention

Elegant femininity takes centrestage in this floral-inspired apartment which was featured in the June 2018 issue. The owner entrusted the Design Intervention team to convert her three-bedroom abode into an open-plan suite, complete with a personal spa, gym and walk-in wardrobe.

In a nod to the owner’s love for all things floral, especially blossom trees, these delicate blooms are featured on glass etchings, wall murals and even on a rug in the living room. The home’s pleasing palette of blush and cream, together with mother-of-pearl detailing and the soft curves of bespoke furniture draw cues from these lovely flowers.

To create the effect of a hotel suite, the firm turned the former master bedroom into a gym with an ensuite shower, while the other bedrooms became the apartment’s dressing room and private spa. With a custom-made bathtub, vanity area and sauna, the lady of the house’s dream to have an indulgent spa within the comforts of her home has been fully realised. 

Best Penthouse Project: Designworx Interior Consultant

With decorative elements inspired by Eastern influences, this three-storey penthouse featured in the June 2018 issue strikes the perfect balance between the East and West. At the behest of the homeowner, Terri Tan, design director of Designworx Interior Consultant pulled out all the stops to incorporate unique Eastern decor details to the property.

In the living room, a hand-painted silkscreen featuring Japanese cranes provide the perfect backdrop for a golden bonsai sculpture that was commissioned in Guangzhou, China. In the dining area, a Japanese-inspired timber screen provides a refreshing contrast to British designer Tom Dixon’s metallic Melt pendant lights. Throughout the home, cohesive elements such as timber features and gold flourishes echo the Asia-influenced theme. Designer furnishings from Europe, including pieces by Italian furniture makers Flou and Molteni&C, add a luxurious touch to this holiday home.

Best Luxury Concept: Prestige Global Designs

With an unparalleled waterfront location and generous living space, this luxury penthouse featured in the February 2018 issue is a showstopper. Of course, its interior has to be equally exquisite, which is what Prestige Global Designs delivered.

Guests are greeted with a mural of clouds and mountains at its glamorous entryway, which instantly makes a memorable first impression, before leading to a well-appointed living and dining area. Baccarat crystal chandeliers reflect light on the gold accents, while plush details such as velvet armchairs and decorative cushions in gem-like tones add to the opulent vibe.

At the wife’s request, one of the rooms has been converted into a walk-in wardrobe, with displays for her bags and jewellery, while a tranquil study houses a collection of Chinese antiques. The rooms provide a calm respite for the family—the son has custom-built displays for his toys and figurines while the master bedroom has a metallic feature wall that resembles a waterfall.

Best Landed Project: Lab Architects

Lush nature and Japanese design come together harmoniously in this resort-themed residential property. Designed by Brenda Ang of Lab Architects, this tropical home, which was featured in the October 2018 issue, features a C-shape configuration so that social spaces such as the pool and patio are located in the centre of the property; the layout also allows for good cross-ventilation to minimise stale air in large rooms.

Built to support as much greenery as possible, the exterior of the home is partially clad with wood panels that form the framework for plant trellises and planters. From sliding doors to wooden screens, there are plenty of Japanese references in the three-storey abode as the homeowner wanted the home to reflect the joyful memories of countless family vacations to the country. The pièces des résistance are the Hinoki bathtubs, which are made from 300-year-old Japanese cypress wood.

Best Architecture (Residential): Inte Architects

To accommodate a growing brood of grandchildren, the owner embarked on a redevelopment project of his property, which he entrusted to architect Chan Loo Siang, design principal of Inte Architects. This modern residence—which was featured in the October 2018 issue—comprises two concrete “boxes” connected by a link bridge overlooking the pool; its design is also symbolic of the familial bonds between parent and offspring.

Situated on a slope, the house features a series of corridors, link bridges and platforms to increase the connectivity between its interior spaces. Vertical connectivity is achieved through the use of staircases, lifts and skylights. To optimise the land area, a basement was excavated to house the entertainment room, gym, dance studio, service areas and a guest room. The result is an ingeniously designed house that addresses the needs of a multi-generational family and celebrates the ties that connect them to each other.

Innovation of the Year: MM Galleri Singapore Showroom

Stone specialist and fabricator MM Galleri Group has pioneered an innovative technology that maximises the bending strength of marble without breaking the material. The brainchild of group president Peter Tjioe, this technique cuts the natural stone into ultra-pliable layers, which can be applied as cladding on interior walls and ceilings or as a decorative surface for custom-made furniture and lighting.

Not surprising, this technique is used to great effect by architect Budi Kurniawan who was tasked to design the firm’s Singapore showroom. The beautifully designed space features bended marble on its walls, which give the impression of walking into a subterranean cave. Furniture featuring bended stone are also on display to showcase the versatility of this technique.

Design Project of the Year: Straits Clan

To create a members’ club that the next generation would call their own, the collaborators of Straits Clan, which include The Lo & Behold Group managing partner Wee Teng Wen, The Ate Group co-founder Aun Koh and hospitality veteran Sally Sim turned to local design firm Takenouchi Webb.

Formerly the New Majestic Hotel, the 22,000sqft four-storey building is an adaptive reuse project that features elevated nostalgic accents such as rattan furniture and terrazzo floor tiles. To encourage a vibrant community of creative collaborators, facilities in the members’ club include co-working, meeting and event spaces as well as a gym, spa and various dining options.

What’s also carefully designed is a roster of talks, showcases, performances and workshops, which the founders hope will help to spark off new conversations or encourage individuals to come together with new ideas and create projects that might just change the world.

This story was adapted from Singapore Tatler Homes Feb 2019

Source: By Singapore Tatler Homes | sg.asiatatler.com