Cover A full-height custom console separates the living and dining areas, while creating countertop space to display books and beloved objects

Designed by Millihaus, this tranquil penthouse apartment in Singapore draws inspiration from Japanese aesthetics and the changing seasons

With its pleasing blend of warm tones and natural textures, this apartment is a haven of serenity for a family of three. Situated within the Angullia Park condominium designed by SCDA Architects, the penthouse is well-placed in the heart of Orchard Road, offering stellar views of the Singapore skyline.

The apartment’s interior designers, Billy Voon and Desy Kismantono of multidisciplinary practice Millihaus, wanted to create a strong narrative that underpinned the design of the apartment. They took inspiration from the ephemerality of seasonal changes, accompanied by a concept shaped by the owners’ admiration for Japanese culture. Millihaus also crafted bespoke furniture and decor items made by some of the most notable artisans around the world, keeping in mind the family’s appreciation of handmade objects and quality craftsmanship.

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Above The living room features a Restoration Hardware coffee table, Heath sofa by Yabu Pushelberg for Linteloo, Rua Ipanema armchair from Man of Parts and a floor lamp from Anour Copenhagen

The visual journey into the apartment begins with an intimate foyer that greets arriving guests. The use of light wood harks to the strong Asian influences of this home, while creating a calming entryway. The sliding foyer doors prepare visitors for a majestic reveal of the living and dining areas. Here, a custom-designed bench sits against a timber backdrop, where the owners and guests can be seated while removing their shoes; this simple yet effective addition also elevates the daily ritual of homecoming.

See also: House Tour: A Strata Bungalow With Tropical Accents And Colourful Spaces

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Above The corridor is a gallery like space in the home
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Above Bocci pendant lights float above a bespoke dining table and an Elliot chair from De La Espada

Beyond the sliding doors, the living and dining spaces feature autumn inspired colours. In the living room, a closer examination of the custom carpentry reveals a fine appreciation for detail that the owners sought. A curved feature wall clad in silk wallpaper and timber creates a visual anchor in this space. Here, a custom console, meticulously detailed with rounded edges and unique curved handles, echoes the contours of the wall behind it. The selected pieces sit comfortably low to augment the panoramic views out to the horizon and the city below.

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Above The library is a cosy nook decked in light wood
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Above This bedroom houses a custom made red travertine and oak console

In the dining area, the Japanese sensibilities of the home are conveyed in playful and subtle ways. A custom Brazilian Arabescato marble dining table stands proudly in the centre, flanked by De La Espada Elliot dining chairs with chopstick-like frames inspired by the owners’ collection of traditional Japanese dinnerware. The heft of the table is juxtaposed against the elegant Bocci pendant lights that hover above; these handblown glass pieces were tailored to specific heights to suit the space.

See also: Home Tour: This Minimalist Penthouse At Duo Residences Combines Scandinavian Chic With Japanese Influences

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Above This custom piece incorporates a bedside table and a daybed to maximise the use of space
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Above A bespoke vanity created for the master bedroom

A timber-clad processional corridor into the apartment’s private areas doubles up as a gallery space to showcase some of the owners’ favourite artworks, inspired by various Asian landscapes. Framed by dark wood portals, the bedrooms are designed as connected but distinct parts of a visual story.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 Fabric panels on the headboard and a large rug augment the tactile feel of the master bedroom
Photo 2 of 2 The entryway features a bespoke bench and timberclad walls

Voon describes each room as “telling a part of the poetic tale of a Japanese autumn’s passage: its arrival, zenith and revival”. The junior bedroom pays tribute to the cherry blossoms synonymous with Japan. The room is imbued with muted textures, punctuated with pops of colour on the silver and blush fabrics and the travertine marble of the bedside tables. A glimpse into the family library reveals lively tangerine accents reminiscent of the vivid colours of foliage at the height of autumn, complemented with a casual daybed and a sisal rug.

See also: Home Tour: This Penthouse In 3 Orchard By-The-Park Is A Stylish Family Haven

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Above A monochromatic photo adds to the zen mood in this bedroom
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Above The balcony features the Erica outdoor armchairs by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia and a custom-made dining table with a terrazzo top and metal base

The master bedroom adopts some of the preceding elements to pay homage to the cyclical nature of the four seasons. Timber batons punctuate the main wall, fronted by a headboard in green and grey tones. Heavy-topped bedside and dressing tables are softened by their rounded shapes and grounded by a custom silk rug that reflects the sepia tones characteristic of the autumnal equinox. Each piece in the room places a special emphasis on the carefully created visual story that weaves through the apartment.

“This is a timeless and meticulously crafted abode, a tranquil respite from the city that focuses on the poetic vigour of autumn,” says Voon, looking at the outcome of the project with pride.

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