IN STORE A RESORTS-INSPIRED EN SUITE Smart toilets, high-end shower systems, interactive mirrors and luxurious accessories; what’s not to love about hotel bathrooms? These additions from Econflo will transform your en suite into a personal spa so that you can continue your staycation experience at home. BACK TO BASICS One of the great things about hotel bathrooms is that they are so well organised, they transform into a self- servicing space. For your own en suite, take inspiration from Geesa’s Leev bathroom fitting collection, which features minimalist forms. These bathroom accessories prove that luxurious minimalism and playfulness are not mutually exclusive. Geesa Leev collection retails from $112 at www.econflo.com. A MASTERFUL LOO It has become commonplace to see hotel toilets with bidet attachments, and many have also become increasingly accustomed to using bidets for clean up instead of toilet paper. Get your own with the Duravit SensoWash Starck f. Available in two versions - Lite and Plus - highlights include Ladywash and Rearwash functions, a self-cleansing spray wand and nozzle, energy-saving features and a Bluetooth connection that allows you to control functions via a remote control or the SensoWash app. Duravit Starck F Lite and F Plus retails for $9,060 and $11,286, respectively, at www. econflo.com. SMOOTH FINISH Say goodbye to boring toilet flushes with Geberit’s range of sleek flush plates. The Sigma50 are available in multiple colour options and materials. There is even an option to personalise the flush plate according to your desire! Meanwhile, the Sigma80 is only available in a sleek black or mirrored glass finish, but the dual-flush LED bars have five user-selectable hues so that you can easily match your decor or your mood. Geberit Sigma50 and Sigma80 (pictured) retails from $569 and $2,059, respectively, at www.econflo.com. text GERMAINE CHEAH 49
HOT SPOT GALERIE 5 BY SOL LUMINAIRE Sol Luminaire’s latest venture is an ultra chic gallery dedicated to the art of capturing light. Leading boutique lighting TOP RIGHT company Sol Luminaire celebrated its fifth Curving walls The handmade anniversary this year by opening create niches llll02 lights Galerie 5 in April. Occupying that display each by Sarah a three-storey shophouse lighting object Dehandschutter on Craig Road, Galerie 5 is a like an artwork. installed low multisensory showroom-cum- on the ceiling art gallery dedicated to the ABOVE so visitors can art of capturing light through inspect and artisanal products sourced from The second touch them. around the world. floor cacti garden by This OPPOSITE, TOP As its name suggests, Humid House the gallery debuted with showcases AEON The three-storey five new artisanal brands, by Sol Luminaire gallery’s front in each producing small-batch collection. the evening. handmade objects, making them unique. Like in an art gallery, once a displayed item from the artisanal brands at Galerie 5 is sold, it will not be restocked. Even the same model would not be 100 per cent identical because of the handmade process. The five new brands are lighting brands llll (pronounced “four L”) and Makhno Studio, furniture label Frederic Saulou, and accessories and collectible brands The Soucy Soup and Sticky Glass. The gallery’s first floor features Makhno Studio’s sculptural pendant lights and collectible souvenirs inspired by studio founder Sergey Makhno’s 50
good to Ukrainian culture, alongside know coiling vessels by Pittsburgh- based artist Philip M Soucy of Next in line to join the Soucy Shop and colourful Galerie 5’s offering glassware by New York-based will be one-of-a-kind artist Grace Whiteside of Sticky sculptural furniture Glass. One-of-a-kind furniture pieces by designer- pieces made from slate and artist Isac Elam Kaid. limestone by French designer Frederic Saulou and floral scape by This Humid House complete Galerie 5 is at the ensemble. 50 Craig Road. Visit www. This Humid House also solluminaire.com. designed the cacti garden sg/galerie5 for on the second floor, which more information. serves as the foreground to Sol Luminaire’s in-house architectural lighting label AEON’s latest outdoor products. Placed under the shophouse’s skylight, this garden lends a biophilic touch to the space. A corridor installed with lighting sculpture by llll’s founder, Belgian lighting designer Sarah Dehandschutter takes one on a breathtaking journey. Made with polyester tricot wrapped on brass frames, llll’s products are part artwork and part functional lighting. Our favourite is the petal- like mobile lighting sculpture llll.02.6. A few of those were installed low in the ceiling so visitors can interact with them in the sitting room facing the street on the second floor. The space could be a popular photo spot soon with such an eye- catching set-up. At the time of the opening, the third floor features more of AEON’s collection, but it is reserved for future brands. In fact, the displays on all three floors are poised to change at any given moment to replenish their offerings. We can’t wait to see more! text ASIH JENIE photos GALERIE 5 BY SOL LUMINAIRE 51
HOT SPOT THE XM STORE Miss your favourite characters on the big To bring your favourite comic characters screen? Celebrating to life, this collectible figurine retailer goes its 10th anniversary, Singapore luxury collectibles brand The beyond screens and pages. XM Store unveils its flagship at Kitchener Complex. 52 Covering 19,000 sq ft and taking up the building’s entire third floor, it carries over 300 in-house designed collectible figurines of beloved characters of Disney, Warner Bros, DC, Godzilla, Ultraman, Sanrio, and more under one roof. “Through our passion, hard work and perseverance, XM has grown into a world- class brand as a pioneer and key player in the collectibles industry,” said Ben Ang, CEO of XM at the store’s opening in late March. Dedicated themed pods in glossy primary colours feature designs inspired by well-loved universes. Marvel Comics fans will rejoice as the Marvel pods include X-Men such as Professor X, Magneto, Wolverine and Dark Phoenix, while the Marvel Cinematic Universe pod features the likes of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and more. It also displays XM’s largest 1:4 scale statue ever produced, a 130kgs War Machine figure. DC Comics fans are in for a thrill, too, with the complete line of XM’s exclusive Batman
LEFT The futuristic neon-framed storefront. FAR LEFT The Marvel pod features characters from the X-Men universe. BELOW The 99 cafe serves specialty coffee and tea and artisanal gelato with original flavour pairings. BE LOW, LE FT Close up details of the Batman and his anatomically correct batcycle. OPPOSITE The Transformer pod displaying detailed busts of the robots. Samurai collection. The collectibles industry, as well as creative collaboration puts a hub to inspire and nurture a cool Japanese spin on the the next generation of creative Dark Knight characters. The talents in Singapore,” said Ben. Transformers pod features XM’s latest Optimus Prime and Unic, a boutique carrying a Megatron bust that stands curated items from around the almost a metre tall. Other world, houses limited edition never-before-seen collectibles and vintage designer items. are also on display and available for purchase, such as Between browsing, enjoy Spider-Man from the Absolute artisanal gelato and specialty Carnage comic book, the highly coffee at in-house cafe 99. anticipated Avengers’ Maestro Its original flavours include (exclusive) and DC’s Death Creme Fraiche & Yuzu Jelly Metal – Batman Who Laughs. and Dulcey Chocolate & Seasalt; the latter comes with The XM Store, which even a drizzle of whiskey. has a podcast studio, aims to be “a platform to share The XM Store is located at Level our knowledge on the trade, the art and the skills in the 3 Kitchener Complex, 809 French Road. Visit www.xm-studios.com for more information. text NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE photos XM STUDIOS 53
HOT SPOT THE BODRUM EDITION Set on the Turkish Riviera, the boutique hotel is a luxurious base to explore the region. Look no further than the ABOVE Bodrum EDITION, a luxury boutique hotel The Kitchen at by Marriott International, if the Bodrum you are looking for a blue- EDITION sky summer holiday. On the features a western tip of the Bodrum versatile, Peninsula in Tilkicik Bay, it creative menu offers spectacular views of the showcasing the Aegean Sea. region’s freshest ingredients. In keeping with the nature of Marriott International’s RIGHT EDITION Hotels, where each is designed according to the Just next to the Aegean Sea, Morena transforms into a chic, lively lounge in the evening. 54
FAR LEFT Each beautifully- appointed room or suite in the hotel is done in tasteful neutrals to frame the stunning sea view. LEFT Guests who are staying in the bungalows have their own private plunge pools. good to know The Bodrum EDITION was named the fourth best resort in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller in the 2021 Readers Choice Awards. 55
TOP RIGHT culture and social milieu of its respective setting, the Bodrum Brava offers a Fresh offers a one-of-a-kind retreat vibrant bar scene honeycomb is featuring the best of the for those looking served as part Turkish Riviera. There are 108 to party. of the Turkish guest rooms, suites, and villas, Breakfast at some with private pools ABOVE Kitchen. and gardens. Every corner of OPPOSITE Guests can indulge in the the EDITION has Turkish hammam or the state- been designed Pale oak and of-the-art spa for a spot of for rest and white timber relaxation before heading out rejuvenation in a finishes lend for the evening. There is also luxury setting. a soothing an exclusive beach club with atmosphere to a jetty and private cabanas the spa, which where you can chill out to the has 14 treatment sound of the waves lapping at rooms. your feet. The EDITION ethos is to redefine traditional luxury, and it embodies that in the Bodrum with its choice of design materials. Featuring warm wood finishes, custom- designed furnishings and airy fabrics, each guest room feels 56
like a private beach house. THE EDITION ETHOS IS TO REDEFINE Stone floors, marble baths, and TRADITIONAL LUXURY, AND IT EMBODIES generous windows also provide the ultimate spa setting for a THAT IN THE BODRUM WITH ITS relaxing bath. CHOICE OF DESIGN MATERIALS. Throughout the property, text MELODY BAY photos BODRUM EDITION you’ll find plenty of relaxing areas shaded by olive trees, tropical plants and bright bougainvillaea, and walls made of local weathered stone. Hungry guests will be spoiled for choice – the Bodrum Edition has no shortage of gastronomic options. For a taste of local cuisine, there’s contemporary Aegean and Anatolian cuisine at Kitchen by local celebrity chef Osman Sezener, featuring the freshest local produce sourced from the region and the hotel’s own gardens. At the alfresco Brava restaurant, you can enjoy crudo and saltado, among other dishes, prepared by internationally acclaimed Peruvian chef Diego Munoz. There is also the Japanese- inspired dinner menu at Morena by Inari Omakase, which combines Asian flavours with fresh Turkish ingredients. It’s not just about sheer indulgence at the Bodrum either – with things kicking into gear for the summer holidays, the hotel has lined up a roster of art events and workshops for 2022, as well as live music events and wellness programmes to enjoy. Guests can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for an adventurous afternoon, so there’s plenty to look forward to all summer long. For more information, please visit www.editionhotels.com/ bodrum. 57
HOT SPOT The stunning evening shot of the pool lounge. THE BILLIONAIRE The newly opened Majestas, a hospitality company RESORT & RETREAT Billionaire Resort and specialising in luxury dining and Retreat is poised to be entertainment founded in 1998 This resort on the Kenyan Coast provides the crown jewel of the northern in Porto Cervo, Italy. The group an escape into authentic Kenyan culture Kenyan coastline. With its owns and manages destinations pristine white beaches and azure in Europe, the UK, the Middle infused with refined modernity. waters of the Indian Ocean, East, and Africa. this dreamlike, vibrant resort provides an escape into Kenyan The resort has 40 culture infused with refined accommodations, comprising modernity. The Billionaire 16 tastefully designed, spacious Resort & Retreat is part of suites in the main building called the Billionaire Retreat - 58
Lion in the Sun and 24 seafront turtles and more from the BELOW, LEFT ABOVE apartments with various safety of handmade hardwood amenities. The suites share boats crafted by locals. Reach An aerial view Savour the four saltwater swimming pools secluded coves in style, cruising of the saltwater Grill’s tuna between them, while each of the and swimming in the crystal infinity pool. ceviche with a apartments has its own private clear sea. live-band in the terrace with a breathtaking view. BELOW background. The Billionaire Grill & Bar Other amenities include offers Italian and fusion cuisine Poolside cabanas good to an infinity pool nestled amidst on the beach in a sensual offer a relaxing know private gardens and beach ambience with a carefully retreat while cabanas with ocean vistas. selected musical repertoire. enjoying the The resort’s Those who wish to embark on a resort’s facilities. amenities include journey of transformation and A short flight from Nairobi, a tennis court, a bliss would be delighted with Malindi has all the offerings BOTTOM beach volleyball the spa, which combines elegant of an established tourist design, the highest standards of destination while keeping its The room interior court and boat service, and the tranquil essence appeal as an authentic East is imbued by excursions. of the East African coast. African fishing village. The safari-inspired beauty of the coast lined with details. The resort borders the palm trees, the tropical climate Malindi Marine National Park. and the magic of the Indian Travellers can grab their masks Ocean make it the perfect place and fins to snorkel and view for a dream vacation. the prolific marine life of the park. Catch coral gardens in For more information, visit www. the lagoons, seagrass beds, billionaireresort.com. text NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE photos THE BILLIONAIRE RESORT & RETREAT 59
HOT SPOT POLESTAR SPACE Electric vehicles (EVs) brand stand. Rong Guan, one of the Polestar has launched in in-house Polestar architects The Swedish premium electric vehicle’s Singapore. The Swedish who worked on the project, new space in Singapore marries unique premium electric performance says, “The inspiration comes and avant-garde design with the brand’s brand, founded by Volvo Cars from within. Pure, progressive and Geely Holding, debuted with performance covers everything signature minimalist aesthetics. a retail location along the Leng Polestar, not just the cars.” Kee automotive belt. Polestar Space stands out With its 2,260 sq ft art from the rest of the showrooms gallery-meets-design studio because of its monochromatic concept, Polestar Space offers facade and corner location. Its a fresh take on car retail spaces white symbol contrasts with that’s unlike anything else out white Alucobond panels similar there. A team of architects to the vehicles, which have based at the headquarters body-coloured emblems. in Gothenburg, Sweden, is responsible for designing the A spacious, light-filled Polestar headquarters, offices, interior welcomes visitors. In factories and retail locations keeping with the minimalist worldwide. Ultimately, their approach, the materials are kept job is to ensure the brand’s simple – glass, stone, concrete, philosophy is reflected in every and aluminium. A neutral colour interface, be it a building, a palette lets the cars shine. space, or even an exhibition Art light boxes and digital screens form the gallery- 60
good to know Polestar plans to double its sales footprint to 150 dealerships worldwide by the end of 2022. TOP ABOVE style backdrop for the main consultation room feature car display area. These light similar design elements. A Polestar’s white- The handover boxes contain backlit frames handover box is intended to on-white facade box is designed displaying static product images enhance the experience of stands out along to elevate the printed on fabric. Digital screens collecting the car by associating the Leng Kee car delivery with similar sizes and formats it with the ritual of unboxing. automotive belt. experience into display moving content synced an unboxing with the Polestar headquarters. The design drawings are TOP, R I GHT ritual. done in-house to ensure a A display wall runs the length consistent design approach A myriad OPPOSITE of one side of the showroom. across all projects. Polestar’s of drawers, Each drawer, cabinet, and architects also work very cabinets and A display display niche is covered with closely with local architects, display niches wall finished anodised aluminium, conveying designers and contractors from showcase in anodised a clean, laboratory aesthetic, conception to completion, material aluminium and and displays material samples, supported by the retail samples, an atelier table colours, and components investors. components and reinforce the from the Polestar 1 and Polestar colour options. showroom’s 2 models. Nevertheless, as each design studio market and site has its unique concept. The atelier table in front requirements, the team of the display wall makes the tweaks and adapts the designs space feel like a design studio. accordingly. Polestar Space The rubber surface with the Singapore, for instance, offers printed grid reminds one of the more seating so customers and cutting boards designers use Polestar specialists can converse when making models. Featuring more freely. a touchscreen car configurator, the atelier table allows Polestar Space, Singapore is customers to browse material and colour options. located at 45 Leng Kee Road. Towards the back, a Call/Whatsapp 8266-1809 or visit semi-private lounge area and www.polestar.com/sg for more information. text LYNN TAN photos POLESTAR 61
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IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FROM THOSE IN THE KNOW REWRITING HISTORY Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen’s videos and installations weave together fact and myth, investigating how Asia’s cultural memories and political narratives are constructed. He explains to Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE his research-driven process in the creation of new alternate histories. photo MATTHEW TEO FOR ARTREVIEW ASIA SPRING 2017 63
SPOTLIGHT 1 photo TAKESHI HIRABAYASHI The earliest documented sighting of a tiger in 2 photo COURTESY OF SHARJAH ART FOUNDATION 1. Hotel Aporia, Singapore was in 1831. It 64 a site specific reported that a Chinese national displayed had been killed by one. The during the Aichi island’s lush virgin jungles were Triennale 2019. home to prey like pigs and deer, thus making them ideal hunting 2. Ongoing grounds for tigers. Known to project be excellent swimmers, they The Critical had swum across the Strait of Dictionary of Johor into Singapore. When vast Southeast Asia forests were cleared to make way (2012–present) for roads and plantations, tiger at the Sharjah attacks became so common that Art Foundation they were rumoured to claim ponders about one life per day by the mid- the South-east 19th century. The government Asian identity. âîâÝîÉéÂĀÐđÞĝÉɰ rewards for every tiger killed, 3. A festival eventually driving them to goer extinction. The last wild tiger, appreciating spotted in Choa Chu Kang, was Tzu Nyen’s shot and killed in 1930. augmented art outside of the As Singaporean artist Ho National Gallery. Tzu Nyen is intrigued by the city-state’s origin story and 4. Augmented °ÉéÞéú°Éâ¦éÉĝé°ÐÉ reality art at to meticulously construct National Gallery alternative pasts that at once Singapore for create and dispel myths, it was Light to Night only natural for the tiger to Festival. become a recurring theme in his oeuvre. )ĝÞâéâÐúâé feline in his 2003 video Utama – Every Name in History is I on the mythic founding of Singapore in which Sang Nila Utama, a Srivijayan prince from Palembang, landed on its shores in 1299 and named it “Singapura” (meaning “Lion City”), after an animal he spotted while hunting, most probably mistaking a tiger for a lion. Tzu Nyen’s 2017 installation One or Several Tigers, inspired by Heinrich
Leutemann’s print of Irish his dictionary forms part of “IT BEGAN WITH A RATHER photo COURTESY OF HO TZU NYEN architect George Coleman, who a database of texts, music SIMPLE QUESTION: WHAT AND NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE was attacked by a tiger while and online images, where an CONSTITUTES THE UNITY OF conducting a road survey, also algorithm picks and merges SOUTH-EAST ASIA, A REGION features images of weretigers various sounds and visuals THAT HAS NEVER BEEN UNIFIED and Indian convicts, sometimes on an alphabetised list of BY LANGUAGE, RELIGION OR victims of tigers, forced to ÐÉÛéâʣĝÞâéùÂÐÛú°Â construct colonial buildings. in residency at Hong Kong’s Asia POLITICAL POWER?” Art Archive a decade ago. Among a horde of 3 supernatural, shapeshifting “It began with a rather yokai demons from Japanese simple question: what folklore in Night March of constitutes the unity of South- )îÉÞAÐÉâéÞâʣúĝÉ east Asia, a region that has 7ÛÉâ°âéÐÞ°Âĝ§îÞâ ÉùÞÉîɰĝĀÂɧî§ʣ who participated in the WWII religion or political power?” he occupation of the Malayan points out. “For me, responding Peninsula: General Tomoyuki to this question requires an act Yamashita, and the bandit and of composition… an artistic secret agent Yutaka Tani. Both activity. I think my interest in nicknamed “Tiger of Malaya”, history emerged solely from they have been incarnated my attempt to understand as weretigers in Tzu Nyen’s my present. And when I start procession into Japan’s past. researching the past, what “For me, tigers are, in fact, one interests me for my work is of the few threads that weave ɰéÞ¦éÉÐÞĝé°ÐÉʣîé through South-east Asia,” he explains. “They dispersed across 4 South-east Asia more than a million years ago when it was photo COURTESY OF HO TZU NYEN AND NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE still a single landmass known as the Sunda Shelf. Perhaps this is why many early animistic cosmologies in South-east Asia associate the tiger with the ancestral. But I might say that rather than me choosing the tiger, perhaps it is the tiger that has chosen me.” Delving into the hidden layers of South-east Asian history, Tzu Nyen’s main obsession has been the region’s myriad cultural identities and ĝɰé°ÐÉâʣú°Þ°éâ apex with his ongoing meta project, ƋäŅĆőĆÚÁě#ĆÚőĆĩĢÁŅű of South-east Asia. Presented as a multisensory experience, 65
“MY WORKS HAVE GROWN photo KENJI MORITA the University of Melbourne, IN COMPLEXITY, IN TERMS followed by a master’s in South-east Asian studies from OF THEIR PROCESSES the National University of AND TECHNIQUE... I HAVE Singapore. Raised by two civil servants, his father worked BECOME WORSE THAN for the Housing Development EVER IN DELIVERING Board and his mother for the ELEVATOR PITCHES military. “I still have very strong ABOUT THEM.” memories of the construction and reclamation sites where my 5 dad used to work,” he recalls. “Back in those days, he loved 5 . Tzu Nyen very much this line between Venice, Cannes, Sundance úé°É§ĝÂÈâÉÞÐî§éÈĀ at the Mori Art them.” Rather than searching É Þ°ÉĝÂȦâé°ùÂâʣa older brother and me to see Museum. for historical truth, his interests Guggenheim in New York, everything. My brother, now lie in how these constructed Mori Art Museum in Tokyo an architect, exposed me to 6. The 49th histories impact our present- and the Shanghai Biennale. “I interesting music and books Hexagram 2020, day thinking and way of life. suppose my works have grown when I was quite young. But I an installation in complexity, in terms of their ÉÐÿÛÐâîÞéÐéĝÉÞéâ at the 13th Tackling wide-ranging processes and technique,” he until one day when I read a Gwangju subjects and incorporating discloses. “I seem less and less book on Marcel Duchamp by Biennale, 2021. historical, literary, artistic and able to sum up what my works chance. He was very much musical references, Tzu Nyen’s are about. I have become worse éĝÞâéÞé°âéééÈÉ 7. Another view practice is so complex that he than ever in delivering elevator impression on me.” of Hotel Aporia, âÐÈé°ÈâĝÉâ°é°ĔîÂé pitches about them. But this site specific to describe it himself. Piecing indescribability is something rÐÞ¿°É§ú°éÐîéĝÿ video installation together diverse archival éé,ĝÉÝî°é°ÉéÞâé°É§ creative or production process at the Kiraku-Tei, materials accumulated over enough to keep me going!” Éú°é°đÞÉééÈâ Toyota City, in years of research like a historian, depending on the project, Tzu 2019. he injects fantastical elements to Born in Singapore in Nyen starts afresh practically craft new historical narratives, 1976, he earned a bachelor’s every time, with some pieces 8. EARTH, a which he has shown at the degree in creative arts from beginning as questions and 2011, 42-minute- others from an encounter with long single another artwork, a piece of channel HD music or a book. For example, video. the point of departure of Ƌä ěĩŖàĩùĢėĢĩūĆĢú, an epic creation he presented at the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011, was the book ƋäĩŅűĩùͭěĩŖà ͭ͢ĩūÁŅàÁDĆʼnőĩŅűĩùÁĆĢőĆĢú by French philosopher and art historian Hubert Damisch, which traces the history of cloud paintings in Western art history. “Somehow, I became obsessed about transmuting my experience of reading that book into a kind of drama within a low-income estate in Singapore,” he notes. “This mixing of incongruous elements 66
might be a recurrent strategy in Currently working on 6 photo COURTESY OF EDOUARD ȰđÞÉéúÐÞ¿âʨʗ a VR piece about humidity 7 MALINGUE GALLERY AND THE ARTIST and infrastructural systems Similarly, Language and preparing a future photo TAKESHI HIRABAYASHI proposed a selection of texts project related to time and by three Japanese wartime synchronisation, Tzu Nyen philosophers of the so-called explains what he hopes to Kyoto School set to disparate achieve through his art at visual conditions, including the end of the day: “I think nothingness, a decomposing that artists exist to channel political prisoner and a other realities into this one. disintegrating mecha (an anime Artists are like mediums for robot). Specially commissioned other worlds. But I don’t think by Acute Art for an interactive they necessarily need to have outdoor augmented reality messages.” exhibition in front of the National Gallery that was part Next for him is the group of Singapore’s Light to Night show ZĩĢäěű¨äÚőĩŅʼn about Festival earlier this year, it the lines, infrastructures and ÈÞ¿éĝÞâéé°ÈéééV networks crisscrossing the globe art production studio featured ééÞĞéîÉùɰâéÞ°îé°ÐÉʣ the work of a Singaporean artist which opens on 27 May at on its international roster, Singapore Art Museum, and ĩ alongside the likes of Cao Fei, ©ĂäŅäőĂä;ěĩūäŅʼnÁŅäěĩĩġĆĢú, Olafur Eliasson, Alicja Kwade a special exhibition during the and KAWS. 2022 Venice Biennale. 8 photo COURTESY OF EDOUARD MALINGUE GALLERY AND THE ARTIST 67
PEOPLE Singapore-founded STORE TO XM STUDIO IN 2012, XM Studios is known worldwide for its collectible AND WHY? ĝ§îÞ°Éâʣú°ù°ÉâÛ°Þ exclusive collaborations with Our company took over the titan IP holders like DC Comics hobby store in 1997, and in the and Warner Bros. In March, following decade, we began éÐÈÛÉĀÐÛÉЧâ°Û selling and hand-painting store at the Kitchener Complex models, and providing (read about it in our Hot Spot airbrushing classes as well as âé°ÐÉʃʣú°âĝ§îÞ°É painting services to collectors. store, a podcast studio, a cafe, We also made large-scale and a boutique. We chatted models and worked as landscape with CEO Ben Ang about the artists. As we grew older, company’s journey and how to working on large-scale models °âÛÂĀĝ§îÞ°Éâ°ÉĀÐîÞÐÈʨ became physically demanding. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO As a result of the encouragement and support SWITCH FROM A HOBBY of our customers, we decided to produce our own licensed products. In 2012, XM Studios CARING FOR COLLECTIBLES Éɧʣ¦ÐîÉÞЦÐÂÂé°Âĝ§îÞ°É producer and retailer XM Studio, on the business’s evolution and how to best display your collectibles. 68
was incorporated. We are now a global award-winning design studio and producer of handcrafted, individually hand- painted statue collectibles. WHAT IS THE FIGURINE “THE DESIGNING AND SCULPTING SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THIS FIELD OF WORK COLLECTING SCENE LIKE ARE HIGHLY SPECIALISED.” IN SINGAPORE? favourite because each product SHARE SOME TIPS FOR is unique and represents the In the early days, acquiring the team’s hard work; careful DISPL AYING FIGURINES . licences was a challenge, but it consideration has been has improved because of our given to portray the First, ensure the shelves are strong track record with global characters accurately. sturdy and secure enough entertainment brands, and the to withstand heavy loads. trust built within the industry. WHAT COLLECTIBLES DO YOU Second, avoid sunlight. Finally, keep them away from children In the beginning, getting DISPLAY IN YOUR HOME? and pets. The collectibles are artists on board was also heavy, and children may hurt challenging because the The XM Store gallery is my themselves if they knock designing and sculpting skills home since I spend so much them over. ÞÝî°Þ¦ÐÞé°âĝÂЦúÐÞ¿ time there! Since its inception, are highly specialised. we have displayed over 300 WHAT ARE SOME OF THE premium statue collectibles. We currently work with over As our premium statue MUST-HAVES YOU NEED TO 80 international artists around collectibles are made of the globe on a project basis, polystone and individually PRESENT YOUR including comic book artists hand-painted, it is best to David Finch and Adi Granov, lightly dust them regularly. COLLECTIONS? and 3D sculptors such as Tanaka Kenichi. We also have statue Secure shelving to collectibles care packs in the accommodate the weight is HOW DID YOU ACQUIRE THE store. These consist of three a must; a 1:4 scale can weigh °đÞÉéâ°ąÞîââéÐ between 20kg and 40kg. How RIGHTS TO CREATE LIMITED- reach the nooks and crannies, should they be displayed? We a dust blower for hard to reach can’t answer that. Our main EDITION SERIES? crevices. There are also other concern is that collectors enjoy accessories to maintain and their statues in their homes Thanks to the trust and support care for them. and are happy with them. from licensors, we have the privilege to explore creative Visit www.xm-studios.com for collaboration with big players more information. such as Warner Bros. Consumer Products on the Batman Samurai series. A top priority for us is to create high-quality premium statue collectibles that best portray the characters. We hope collectors enjoy their favourite characters in the best form. WHICH XM STUDIO SERIES IS YOUR FAVOURITE? We’ve worked on so many projects that it’s hard to pick a text ASIH JENIE & NIKKI ANDREA BOUNAPARTE photos XM STUDIO 69
PEOPLE COUNTERING When was the last exchange between designers in CONSUMERISM time you repaired a Singapore and the UK. We asked beloved object instead him to share more. Hans Tan talks about showcasing repair as a of replacing it with something sustainable form of creating something new and new? Are you a sentimental type WHAT WAS THE IMPETUS FOR what we can do to contribute in our daily lives. who keeps these broken objects around cluttering your living R FOR REPAIR? space? Last year, award-winning industrial designer, curator and Most of the time, you only educator Hans Tan, supported repair things when you cannot by DesignSingapore Council, đÐÞéÐÞÛÂéÈʨ,é°âÉÐé held R for Repair at the National uncommon for people to see Design Centre. The exhibition repair as “lesser” than buying showcased formerly broken, a new product. When you have or faulty objects submitted via a hole in your clothing, you do open call creatively restored and not normally mend it, but we reimagined by 10 Singaporean used to not too long ago. Repair designers and nine repair is also typically perceived as kits by NUS design students. demeaning by profession. Most The exhibition aimed to of the time, designers also present a counterpoint to the âÛ°ÞéÐâ°§ÉÉúÛÞÐîéâʨ, modern consumerist culture, thought it would be interesting reimagining the act of repair to bring an alternative as an inspiring activity that perspective to repair and produces aspiring outcomes. “repair” our relationship with it. Hans is currently working on the second edition of the exhibition, My aim was not to position which will involve a creative repair as an act of subsistence, Èɰɧ,аéîâ,ù 1 to, but how we can look at repair °đÞÉéÂĀʨ,ÐÛéÐÛÐâ°é°ÐÉ repair as an aspirational activity that could produce inspiring outcomes. When you repair an object, it could become more meaningful, beautiful, and °Éé°ĝÂʨ TELL US MORE ABOUT THE SECOND EDITION OF THE SHOWCASE. ,ʙÈÞÂÂĀÿ°ééÐúÐÞ¿ÐÉ the second edition this year. The interest from the partners that are putting this together perhaps shows that the aims of this project are purposeful and resounding. This time, R for Repair will be a cross-city project, with designers from Singapore repairing objects volunteered in London and vice versa. The outcomes will be presented through an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum °É;ÐÉÐÉʨ,ʙÈÉÐéâîÞ°¦é°â will be an annual event, it will 70
certainly be interesting to work ú°é°đÞÉé°é¦ÐÞ °é°ÐÉʣîé,ʙÈ鿰ɧ°éÐÉ step at a time. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO 2 ACHIEVE WITH THE CROSS- CITY EXCHANGE? ,Éé°âÛÞмéʣâ°§ÉÞ°â invited to interpret “repair” for themselves and apply it through repairing the object. When one goes beyond mere restoration, it is often inevitable to invoke the values and meaning of éмéâʨ,ÐÛééé°â exchange between Singapore and the UK will spark a creative and cultural exchange of ideas through design. IS REPAIRING A SUSTAINABLE behavioural, and it begins with a either an interesting object 1. The first 3. A toy bus shift in the way one perceives. or something that has a really edition of R for with shattered FORM OF CREATING ANEW? ,§îââÂÐéЦúé,ÐÐî meaningful backstory. Repair was held windows and be considered “repairs” to in January 2021. missing tyres Certainly so, if one considers some extent, and it certainly HOW CAN WE CONTRIBUTE at the NDC. reimagined into repair as a creative intervention. °ÉĞîÉÐú,â°§Éé a visual journal ,éÞéââÐÈé°É§ÉúʣÉÐé brief for this project. Being a TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE 2. A broken that brings back from scratch or raw materials, designer-maker in Singapore, Singer sewing its owner’s fond but from the creative reuse of where natural resources are REPAIR CULTURE IN OUR machine, memories. ÿ°âé°É§é°É§âʨ,°ùé°â scarce and craft fabrications and repaired by is the way forward for repair. practices hard to come by, the EVERYDAY LIVES? Studio Juju, who Restoration-based repair is use of waste and found objects replaced the important. For example, if your has been a common thread in Repair is a risk worth faulty parts and mobile phone broke down, a my own works. taking. When repairing swapped the good business system would ÉмéʣÐÉʙéâÛ°ÞéÐ wood veneer enable you to have it repaired HOW ARE THE SUBMISSIONS restore it. Think about what with laminates. easily. On the other hand, for else you can do with it. repair to go to the next level, it THIS YEAR? Could it do something else? 3 must add value. A good example Become more meaningful, would be kintsugi, the Asian We have received many quality îé°¦îÂɰÉé°ĝÂʪ technique of repairing broken submissions, more so than You establish an emotional ceramic wares with gold lacquer ÂâéĀÞʨ,éÐп connection as you put the – the repaired outcome is éÞâúÉ,ÞÐÉЦé đÐÞé°ÉéÐéÞÛ°Þʨaé°â more beautiful and valuable submissions this year. This more valuable than that which than its original state before it being the second run of the can be bought. was broken. ÛÞмéʣ,§îââÛÐÛÂúÞ motivated to respond with Visit www.designsingapore. WHAT HAS ORGANISING R FOR org and www.hanstan.net for more information. REPAIR THESE TWO YEARS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT OUR CULTURE AND HABITS? ,éâÞùÂéⰧɰĝÉ of creativity and design in bringing about change. And the starting point of change is not text ASIH JENIE photography HANS TAN STUDIO 71
PEOPLE REIMAGINING TÛÉȰâ BuiltShops transports shoppers RETAIL éÞÉâ¦ÐÞÈéúĀú into any showrooms on its map, buy things, accelerating where they can browse their This new virtual reality platform takes é°§°éÂâÐÛ۰ɧÿÛÞ°É Ðđްɧâʨr°éé°âʣĀÐîÉ shopping in the metaverse to another level. °Éÿ°é°É§ÉúúĀâééúÐî visit several showrooms in one have otherwise taken years to afternoon without even leaving ùÂÐÛʨHÉЦéâ°âé your sofa. explosion of virtual reality ʂqVʃÛÂé¦ÐÞÈâʣú°Âéîâ râÞâéé¦ ÿÛÞ°ÉéÛĀâ°ÂúÐÞ plenty of resistance from by interacting with it on our âéÐÞÐúÉÞâúÉĝÞâé screens. ÛÛÞÐéÈʨʖaÐÛîé î°ÂéZÐÛâéЧéÞʣúÉ One person who saw store owners to give permission éÛÐéÉé°ÂЦqV°Éé for us to perform a 3D scan of home shopping experience their retail spaces. [Even] when °ârSÐʣé¦ÐîÉÞЦ úÿÛ°Ééé°é°â¦Þ the BuiltShops platform. A âÞù°ʣúâé°ÂÂÉÐîÉéÞ virtual shopping mall of sorts, some resistance… It is a time- consuming process,” he says. However, the platform has ÐùÞÐÈé°É°é°ÂîÞÂâʨ,é ÉÐúÐâéâÞÐîÉȾȼȼâéÐÞâ ÐɰéâÛÂé¦ÐÞÈʣ°ÉÂî°É§Þé galleries, smart home solution ÛÞÐù°ÞâʣÉúÂÂʌ¿ÉÐúÉ ÉÈâ°¿âéÂÞĀÉ#ÞĀ ˸ZÉÞâʨrâÛ¿éÐr to learn more about his journey Éúéé°É¿âЦqV shopping. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START B U I LT S H O P S ? ,úâÞ°ùÉéÐâÐÂùéÛ°É ÛаÉéâ,ÐâÞùÐÈÐúÉÞâ go through when renovating their homes in my 15 years °ÉéÐÉâéÞîé°ÐɰÉîâéÞĀʨ There are many furniture shops °ÉZ°É§ÛÐÞʣÉâ°éâ ÐúÉú°ÞɧЦ¦îÞɰéîÞʨ On top of that, there are shops like utility shops, plumbing âÞù°âÉÈÐÞééÛÐÛ may not be familiar with. It can be overwhelming for the average homeowner to go through this ¦ÐÞéĝÞâéé°Èʨ I saw this as a problem 72
ÉúÐÞ¿éÐúÞĝɰɧ solution for them, streamlining the entire shopping experience. That’s when we came up with BuiltShops – we present a map, ÉÂÈÐâé°ÉâéÉéÉÐîâÂĀʣ homeowners can access the retail spaces virtually, from the comfort of their home. WHAT ARE SOME RENOVATION °ÉéÞÐî°É§ÐîÞâÞù°â°Éé DO YOU PLAN TO ADD ANY S°Â°ÛÛ°Éâʨ OTHER FUNCTIONS IN THE PROBLEMS THAT BUILTSHOPS FUTURE FOR THE BUILTSHOPS WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK VR P L AT F O R M ? CAN SOLVE? WILL PLAY IN FUTURE BIG- xâʣúÛÂÉéÐÈÐÞ VÉéÂĀʣâÐÈÛÐÛÂù ¦îÉé°ÐÉâéÐÂÂÐúÉʌîâÞâ been sharing renovation TICKET HOME PURCHASES? éÐĝÂéÞÉÉÞÞÐúÐúÉé°Þ scam experiences. Some options even further, making Цéâ°É°Ééâ°ÉùÐÂù qVʙâÞаɰ§ʌé°¿éÐÈ the shopping experience even ĝÞâéʌé°ÈÐÈÐúÉÞâ purchases is to streamline more convenient. renovating their homes who processes for customers. It saves ¿é¿ÉÐú夃 éÞùÂé°ÈÉÉâ°ÂĀ For more information, please experience navigating the °ÉÐÞÛÐÞé°ÉéÐÐîÞâÐÛ۰ɧ visit www.builtshops.com. market. BuiltShops solves this ÿÛÞ°Éʣâ۰°ÉéÐĀʙâ ĀîÞé°É§ÞÛîéÂÉ °§°éÂʌĝÞâéúÐÞÂʨ trustworthy businesses on our platform. rÂâÐÞââéÐéÞ problem of bringing smaller îé°Â°éĀâÐÛâÉÐéÞÂââʌ known renovation services ÉÂâ°ÉéÐéâÛÐé°§éʣ connecting them with homeowners. CAN YOU TELL US MORE “VR’S ROLE IN BIG-TICKET HOME PURCHASES IS TO STREAMLINE PROCESSES FOR ABOUT YOUR COLLABORATION CUSTOMERS. IT SAVES TRAVEL TIME.” WITH SINGAPORE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES COUNCIL? ANY EXCITING NEW PLANS THAT YOU CAN SHARE? rÞúÐÞ¿°É§ú°éZ\",éÐ ÛÞéÉÞú°éÈÐÞùÉÐÞâ úÐéÉÐÈÐÉÐÞé platform. BuiltShops plans éÐÿÛÉÉÞ§°Ðɰâ°éâ âÞù°âĀÐÉZ°É§ÛÐÞéÐ ÈĀ9îÂ;îÈÛîÞÉ,ɰʣ úÞÈÐÞ,aʌâùùĀî°É is present. On our website, ĀÐîʙÂÂÂâÐâééúʙùâéÞé text MELODY BAY photos BUILTSHOPS 73
VOICES 1 My lifelong passion for of the dhowsʣééÞ°é°ÐÉ travel has fuelled my HÈɰâ°Â°É§â°ÛâʣÉéúĀ PERPETUAL deep fascination with éâîɰ§éÞéîé°¦îÂʣ E X P LO R AT I O N §ÂÐÂÞéÉîÂéîÞʨ,ĝÉ dappled patterns when the sails exploring places and artistic rippled in the breeze. London-based celebrated éÞ°é°ÐÉâĝÞâÈĀÞé°ù°éĀʣ designer Bethan Gray and that I often gain AÐÈVąZÈâ°Éʣ talks about her upcoming inspiration for my collections °§ÂĀÞ§Þ,ÞɰÉÞé°âéʣ collection for Milan Design while travelling. contacted me on this trip after Week, her inspirations, â°É§ÈĀúÐÞ¿ÉÞЧɰâ°É§ and what she looks for in Through my collaborations my empathy and appreciation collaborators. and my own rich cultural for Middle Eastern techniques Þ°é§ʣ,ùÂúĀâ and designs. I collaborated blended modern creativity with him and his team of 70 with traditional craftsmanship. °§ÂĀʌâ¿°ÂÂÞ¦éâÈÉâ I come from an ancient °ÉAîâéʣúÐéÞÉâÂéÈĀ Rajasthani clan that migrated original dhow drawing into an across Arabia and Persia intricate marquetry pattern for ÉéîÞ°â§Ðʨr°éÈĀâ°§Éâʣ ȰÉéâʣÐȰɰɧȽɂéʌ I strive to bring together century marquetry techniques ééÞâЦéúÐÞÂʣ with cutting-edge technology. craftspeople and my heritage. ,ÐÛéÐéÞù¿éÐHÈÉ to continue our collaboration While I strive to push by translating his signature ÐîÉÞ°âʣ,ÂúĀâ¦ÐÂÂÐú marquetry technique into a new my ethos of using high- dining collection. quality materials and expert Þ¦éâÈÉâ°ÛéÐÞé§Ééʣ Design can have an impact ÉîްɧʣɦîÉé°ÐÉ that goes beyond words. designs. Design has allowed me Choosing a pattern and the to meet people from all over the ÐÂÐîÞÉđéééÐÉ úÐÞÂʣɰé°âé°â¿°Éâ°ÛÉ ÉÞé°ÐÉÛ°ùпâʨ ÞâÛé¦ÐÞ°đÞÉéîÂéîÞâ Variations and experimentation and crafts that drive and inspire can either create balance me the most. and harmony or contrast and °ÉéÞâéʣÐéЦú°Þ îްɧA°ÂÉâ°§Ér¿ captivating and unique. After é°â7îÉʣ,ú°ÂÂâÐúâ°É§ projecting my Dhow pattern ÈĀÉúÐÂÂé°ÐÉʣ,É¿ĀÐúʣ across a stairwell for Christie’s at Rosanna Orlandi’s Gallery. It in London and seeing the ú°ÂÂÐÉâ°âéЦ¦îÞɰéîÞʣéÿé°Ââʣ ÛÐéÉé°ÂЦ°éââÂʣ,úÉééÐ Þî§âʣÉʌÂÐúɧÂââÉ ¦îÞéÞÿÛÂÐÞ°éʨaÂпÐúÉ ceramics; statement pieces gave me time to experiment created through collaborations ú°é°§ÞÛĀÞîââʣÛÉâʣ ú°é°¿ʌȰÉÞ¦éâÛÐÛ ÛɰÂâʣÉÐÂéʌî°É¿ and creatives from across that led to the conception of the world. The designs are an ,É¿ĀÐúʨ evolution of my Dhow pattern éé,ĝÞâéÞú°ÉâÛ°Þé°ÐɦÞÐÈ London-based leather expert six years ago during my trip to °ÂÂÈÞ§úâÂÐп°É§éÐúÐÞ¿ Oman. I was mesmerised by the with creatives he admired to movement of the billowing sails create his third collection of 74
good to know 2 The Dhow pattern’s ability The collection 1. Designer éÐéÞÉâÂéÞÐââ°đÞÉé retails from £231 Bethan Gray digitally printed leather hides ÈéÞ°ÂâÉмéâʣú°é (for a vessel) to, with the Inky when he saw the potential in °éâÉéîÞÂɰÞÞ§îÂÞ°Éâʣ £16,200 (3 Door Dhow collection. ÈĀÐúÛééÞÉʣÉÞ also made it an ideal for a rug. out to me to collaborate on This led to my collaboration Cabinet). 2 . Inky Dhow it. I felt very honoured. He ú°éʌéÛ°âʣéA°ÂÉâ Ripple Armchair. °âÂâÐÐÈȰéééÐÝî°éĀʣ contemporary handmade rug ,É¿ĀÐú°âÉÿÈÛ craftsmanship and creating ÐÈÛÉĀʣéÐÞéÉʌ of why I love and prioritise 3. The products that last. ¿ÉÐééÞî§Āa°éÉÞé°âÉâʨ collaborations. Sharing ideas Seven Sisters 9ÉÐéĀ¿ÉÐéʣéĀéÞÉâÂé and mindsets can lead to new collection, a The chance to experiment my delicate and organic ÛÞâÛé°ùâʣÞâîÂé°É§°É collaboration on new material drew me to ÞîââéÞпâ°ÉéÐ)°ÈÂĀÉ unique designs. The pieces with 1882 Ltd. this collaboration. By recreating úÐÐÂÉÛîÞâ°Â¿ʨ,ÛÂĀ °ÉÈĀ,É¿ĀÐúÐÂÂé°ÐÉ ÈĀȿÛ°Éé°É§âéȽʢȽâÂʣ ÞâÛéé°âɰÉéÞ¦éʣú° úÐÞ¿°ÉÛÉÉéÂĀâú 4. Close-up I was able to photograph and °âĝÉÉÐÈÛÂÿÛÞÐîé°ÐÉ âéЧéÞʣÂÞé°É§ detail of the âÉÈĀÐÞ°§°ÉÂÞéúÐÞ¿¦ÐÞ technique; my rugs can have up °ÉéÞ°éʣé°ÈʌÐÉ Inky Dhow 3 high resolution print that could éÐȽȾɁʣȼȼȼ°É°ù°î¿ÉÐéâÛÞ éɰÝîâ°ÉĞîÉĀ Door Cabinet. be applied to upholstery and square metre. The experimental contemporary design. °ÉéÞ°ÐÞʨ¦éÞé°É¿âп â°§ÉʣÐÂÂÐÞé°ÐÉú°éâî London-based °ÉéÐéÂéÞʣ°éɧ global artisans and the eco- My curiosity in stimulating Bethan Gray ÐÂÐîÞʣÞâîÂé°É§°Ééé°ÂÉ friendly manufacturing of cc- éđéЦéÐúÛééÞÉ founded her ĀÉȰĝɰâééÂÞéâ éÛ°âÂâÐÞĞéâÈĀéÐâÉ ÞÐââééâé°Þâʣâ eponymous the natural characteristics of approach to design. me to produce a diverse range studio in 2008. this beautiful material. ЦúÐÞ¿ʨ,ÂÐп¦ÐÞúÞéÐ Visit www. 3 continuing my design evolution bethangray. AĀÐúÞéúÐÞ¿î§é and storytelling. com for more éééÉé°ÐÉЦȰÂĀ7ÐÉâÐÉʣ information. ¦ÐîÉÞЦZéпʌÐÉʌaÞÉé 4 ÞȰâÞÉȽɄɄȾ;éʨZ invited me to reproduce the pattern onto hand-thrown earthenware vases for Selfridge’s Planet Earth shopping initiative. Combined with our shared values of nurturing industrial Þ¦éÉúÐÞ¿°É§ÂÐâÂĀú°é Þé°âÉâʣé°âÞâîÂé°ÉÐîÞ ÐÂÂé°ÐÉʣZùÉZ°âéÞâʣú° I hand-painted using a bright blue cobalt glaze to accentuate the natural imperfections of é,É¿ĀÐúÛééÞÉʣÞé°É§ âÛпʣîé°¦îÂùââʨ photos JULIAN ABRAMS 75
The art-filled view of the corridor. Each artwork has a story precious to the family. OPPOSITE, TOP The living room features a variety of lounge chairs and deliberately hides the electronic entertainment behind the feature wall so conversations can happen without distractions. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM Juthika (left), Kirti and the youngest member of the family, the four- year old dog Max. UNDERSTATED LUXURY This East Coast condominium apartment balances the clean-lined luxury hotel elegance with its owners’ artwork and heirloom furniture collection into a stately yet intimate home. ASIH JENIE takes a tour. 78
Husband and wife Kirti aîɰéúâÐĔ°ÂÂĀé°Þâ°É WHO LIVES HERE Hariharan and Juthika November 2020, and they moved Choksi Hariharan into the new home in April 2021 A couple in their 40s, two children, moved to Singapore from Hong after a $195,000 renovation a helper and their dog Kong with their son, daughter held through the height of and a helper in 2011. The family the pandemic. “It was a pretty HOME A four-bedroom condominium had been living in a rented Ĕ°ÉéÛÞÐââʣÐÉâ°Þ°É§ apartment in East Coast condominium apartment in all the restrictions and SIZE 2,412 sq ft the East Coast area for nine delays,” says Kirti. The couple years when a unit in the same attributed this to the enjoyable building, which is owned by the and collaborative working OCBC Bank, was put up for sale relationship with interior design in 2020. They immediately made ĝÞÈSÞÉéâ°âZéî°Ðʣú° ÉÐđÞʨ they found by shortlisting a ¦úĝÞÈâÛî°â°ÉHome & “We always knew we wanted Decor’s Top of the Class issue. a four-bedroom unit because our kids are growing up, and ¦úâÛ°ĝâÐÉé we have our relatives visiting design brief include a place for all the time,” shares Juthika. an altar and a place for Kirti’s “Plus, each bedroom has its wine collection. There were own bathroom,” adds Kirti. also existing artworks and 79
furniture to consider. Both ABOVE lawyers by training, Kirti and 7îé°¿ÞÞéĝ°ÐÉÐâʨ A short-throw “It’s collected, not curated. “It’s projector was purely for personal pleasure, chosen instead not for investments,” says of a TV set. It Kirti of their art collection. can project up That said, each item in the to a 100-inch house has a story and is thus screen. This was precious to the family. Other was formerly the than these, the couple gave the entrance to the Parenthesis team, comprising son’s room. design principal Sujono Lim and designer Xinfang Koh, a free OPPOSITE creative reign. The feature wall Stepping inside the home comprises two feels like entering a luxurious sliding panels hotel suite – there is an art- finished with ĝ¦ÐĀÞʣú°ÐÞÞ°ÐÞʣ large format, liberal use of marble surfaces, marble-look and everything is so neat and tiles from Florim clean-lined. These are also part flanked by of the brief, which requested display shelves an understated luxury and for various items light-coloured material palette. and souvenirs “People have come to associate from their luxury with dark materials, but travels. The we wanted light colours and colours of the plenty of light,” says Kirti. furniture were not matched Sujono made a major but kept to the architectural alteration to the warm-toned neutrals. 80
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ÐÞÞ°ÐÞʣ鿰ɧȿȼÈÐđЦ°é created a space for a feature wall ¦ÐÞâéÐÞ§úÂÂééÉĝéé that opens up to reveal a blank family’s sports equipment. The wall reserved for the short- storage and the respective doors throw projector that the family to the bathroom and the son’s has instead of a TV set. bedroom along this corridor are ÈĞîâéÐÞéâÈÂââ Sujono was strategic with the look. The son’s bedroom door material allocations. The original originally opened to the living ĞÐÐްɧâúÞÞé°ÉéÐ¿Û room; its shift to the corridor the budget healthy, and surfaces with high-impact visuals were RIGHT The captivating blue diptych painting opens up to reveal a bar. The warrior statue was from a trip to Xi’an. OPPOSITE, TOP The family didn’t intentionally match the furniture to the artworks but pops of terracotta emerge here and tie the rooms nicely. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM LEFT The window ledge can be propped up to create a bar counter with a spectacular view, or shelves for Juthika’s edible plants, depending on time of the day. OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT The storage at the foyer features a handsome display. The tanjore painting was a gift from Kirti’s parents. 82
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RIGHT paired with plain ones to make local designer in Bedok; the low- them pop. Each bathroom back design makes the room feel The son’s features the same white tiles but airier. The 90s high-back woven bathroom has ú°é°đÞÉéâéÐÉÉéʨ antique chairs in the living two entrances, Hđîéâ¦ÞÐÈéÂÞ§ʌ¦ÐÞÈé room are reserved for elderly from his room marble-look Florim tiles for Ðîâ§îâéâúÐȰ§éĝɰé and from the the sliding feature wall were challenging to get up from the corridor. used for the interior of the bar low-slung plush sofas preferred concealed behind a double by the younger generation. BOTTOM door embedded with a striking diptych artwork Kirti won at an Each bedroom has a corner The guest auction in Mumbai. workspace, with Juthika bedroom has occupying the master and Kirti an antique desk The couple engaged a vastu taking the guest bedroom. from Hong Kong (traditional Indian architectural Everyone has a space to retreat that serves as practice) consultant to and a space to come together as Kirti’s work determine the location of a family. desk at home. the altar and the stove in the kitchen. The altar now occupies And what’s more, the design OPPOSITE former storage near the of the home also cleverly hides bedroom, with the home’s IT all clutters. “The house needs to The dining room hub occupying its lower shelves. look clean and presentable as if has low-back guests would come in any time,” chairs to open The furniture collection is a says Kirti. “Because wouldn’t up the view. mix of old and new. The dining you want to come home to a neat The rose gold chairs are custom-made by a and tidy home, too?” glass door slides open to reveal Kirti’s wine fridge, which fits 150 bottles, a fraction of his extensive collection housed elsewhere. 84
“PEOPLE HAVE COME TO ASSOCIATE LUXURY WITH DARK MATERIALS, BUT WE WANTED LIGHT COLOURS AND PLENTY OF LIGHT.” - KIRTI HARIHARAN, HOMEOWNER 85
The artwork above the bed was salvaged from the daughter’s classroom when she was in kindergarten. It was made by her and her 19 classmates. OPPOSITE, TOP Juthika’s workstation occupies a corner of the master bedroom. The antique rocking chair belonged to her great grandmother. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM LEFT The spacious master bathroom features white tiles with brown marble accent. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM RIGHT The kitchen was rearranged to accommodate the shifted gas stove, a new electric stove and a new bar counter. The yard area has a larger sink to wash up the tableware and utensils. 86
photography VERONICA TAY & LAWRENCE TEO art direction NONIE CHEN 87
Spaciousness is preserved by not overcrowding the interior with large furniture and a good balance in terms of solid and lightness, as demonstrated by the open-back dining chairs and simple sofa. OPPOSITE Timber portals around the home frame the green surroundings. 88
A LIGHT TOUCH Rather than a tabula rasa approach, this apartment’s sensitive, subtle design focusses on its beautiful, natural surroundings. LYNN TAN catches the spirit of the place. 89
WHO LIVES HERE T°â§ÞÐîÉĞÐÐÞÛÞéÈÉé assistant Tse Lee Shing, were unit is tucked away in a on the same page as the A couple, their two children very private corner of the homeowners when it came to and two dogs development, surrounded by lush not obsessing over what walls greenery. Despite being almost 40 éпʣĝɰââéÐÞÛÂÉ HOME A three-bedroom condominium years old and in its original state, ¦îÞɰéîÞéÐĝé°ÉʨʖrÈ apartment at Arcadia Road the discerning owners recognised ÐÉâ°ÐîâđÐÞééÐâ°§Éé°â SIZE 3,735 sq ft that it has “really good bones” home with the spirit of the place and knew they could not do too in mind. I’m not just referring much to it for the sake of having to the interior of the house and something new. its immediate surroundings, but also to the picturesque, The expat couple in their 50s, tree-lined street that leads to úÐúÐÞ¿°ÉĝÉÉÉ the condominium,” says Shing technology, decided to engage Hui. Integrated seamlessly into an architect for their renovation its surroundings, the interior project instead of an interior must look natural within the site. designer on the advice of a “It is more about the beautiful friend. They ultimately decided surroundings than the interior on L Architects, who designed itself,” she emphasises. é°ÞЧîʙâ§ÞÐîÉʌĞÐÐÞ apartment at River Valley, which a¦È°Â¦Ðîɰé°ĔîÂééÐ Home & Decor featured in the bond in its previous residence, a January 2022 issue. landed home, because it was split ÐùÞéÞĞÐÐÞâʨa°âÛÞéÈÉé The team at L Architects, °âÛÞ¦éʣú°éâÛ°ÐîâĞÐÐÞ comprising registered architect area that feels like a landed home, Lim Shing Hui and architectural LEFT The moveable full-height glass sliding doors park nicely behind walls when opened to keep the space airy. OPPOSITE A restrained material palette is applied consistently throughout the home, including the kitchen, which takes its cue from the materials in the living and family rooms. 90
“I WITNESSED THEIR LIVES UNFOLDING WITHIN THE HOME I ENVISIONED FOR THEM, AND IT FELT LIKE AN INTIMATE EXCHANGE BETWEEN ARCHITECT AND CLIENT.” – LIM SHING HUI, L ARCHITECTS 91
The master bedroom is an oasis of calm and serenity. A white-on-white timber lattice panel behind the headboard creates a striking, yet subtle texture. 92
but with everything on one level. allow the homeowners to TOP quality that transforms a daily Since the layout works for the modify the lighting according routine into a rejuvenating ritual. family of four, they made only to their needs. The vanity By replacing the original pedestal minimal changes. area’s dark water closet with a wall-hung one A timber frame around the green tiles have and installing new cabinets raised The dining area was merged solitary window in the master slight colour ÐđéĞÐÐÞʣéâÛâÞé°É with the living area to create a bedroom draws the eye out to and texture lightness and is easy to clean. Cool family room. To match the size the communal garden beyond, variations grey large-format tiles complete of the master bedroom, the heightening the connection that evoke a the look. master bathroom was enlarged. between the room and the handmade The ageing piping, electrical outdoors. As the original quality. At the end of 2020, the family wiring, air-conditioning and ÛÞÝîéĞÐÐްɧÉÐÞɧ moved into their new home after ĝéé°É§âúÞÂÂÞÛÂʣîé undertone, it had a busy look, so ABOVE éÞʌÈÐÉéÞÉÐùé°ÐÉʨré the duo chose to maintain many it was stained a darker brown to Shing Hui appreciates the most of the existing materials, such convey a quiet feeling. Large format are the dialogues between her as the travertine and dark grey grey engineered and the clients. “Months after âÂéĞÐÐÞâééúÞîé°¦î The master bathroom stone tiles are the completion, they sent me and which they recommended possesses a restful and uplifting an interesting a photograph taken from their the clients keep. contrast to the balcony to show how beautiful the vanity’s green interior spaces looked against the The original travertine tiles. setting sun. “I witnessed their âéÐÉĞÐÐްɧ°Éé°ù°É§Þ lives unfolding within the home complements the apartment’s I envisioned for them, and it felt natural surroundings with its like an intimate exchange between weathered, rustic look. This architect and client,” she says. living area is spacious, bright, and airy thanks to a light By adopting a light touch, L colour palette. Architects preserved the genius loci. Utilising the unique qualities ùÉéÐđʌú°é°ÉÉ of the surrounding context and the curtains were not an accident. apartment itself, it helped them live ʖrÐâ°ÉÉîâú harmoniously in their new home wanted to use as many natural and recognise their connection to materials as possible,” Shing the place. Hui explains. “The draperies, unlike blinds, sway with the light breezes sweeping through the apartment. It is soothing to see these movements, especially compared to all the other static elements in the home. The rustling sounds of leaves and movement of foliage are like manifestations of nature.” The homeowners have been cooking more since the circuit breaker, so functionality has been a top priority in the kitchen. Because the existing kitchen was dark and enclosed by structural walls, they could not open it up to allow more natural light in. To get around this, Shing Hui incorporated downlights, cove lights, and lights in the backsplash that photography FINBARR FALLON 93
The caravan kitchen opens up to the living room as a breakfast counter that seats two. 94
CARAVAN LIFE AÐÞéɧÐʣ îâÉÉú°¦ a°âĝùʌÞÐÐÈÞâÂĞé°É î¿°éAÞ°âÛ¦î rÐɧ\"ÐÐɧ)úÉ Āé¦îÉé°ÐÉÂÐȧéÐéúÐÞÂЦù°Éé§°ÉÈÉ ZÐ9п;Ðɧ°Þ°ÉéÞ°ÐÞ â°§ÉÞ9Âù°ÉaÐʣ¦ÐîÉÞЦ Þùɰù°É§ʨASIH JENIEé¿âéÐîÞʨ ZÛZÉâZéî°ÐʣéÐâ°§É é°Þ) ȰâÐÉééʨrÐÞ¿°É§ °ÉéÞé°ù°ÉîâéÞĀâ °ÞéÐÞÉÈÞÈÉʣ ÞâÛé°ùÂĀʣ\"ÐÐɧ)ú É9п;ÐɧúÉéé°Þ ÐÈéÐÐÂÉîɰÝîʨ a°ÞÐÂÂÐÞé°ÐÉú°é 9Âù°ÉúâÞé°ùéÞ°îÈÛʨ ,ÉâÛ°ÞĀÐÞ°§È°ʣé°Þ ÐÈÂÉéÐùÞâéÐÞĀ Ð¦Home & Decor °ÉAĀȾȼȽȽʣ ¦°Â°ɧۧâ¦éÞÛ§âú°é ÿ°é°É§°ÉéÞ°ÐÞâÐéâÐ¦â°§É ¦éîÞâ°¿âîÂÛéîÞ âé°ÞâʣÂÞééâÞùâ âÉÞé°ÉâéÂÂé°ÐÉɧРÐпâʨ ,éâĀââÐÈé°É§Ðîé ĀÐîÞâ°§ÉÛÞé°úÉĀÐîÞ Â°ÉéâÞéîÞÉéÐĀÐîéÐâ°§É é°ÞÉÿéÐÈʨ,ÉÛÞ°ÂÂâé ĀÞʣ\"ÐÐɧ)úÉ9п ;ÐɧÈÐù°ÉéÐé°ÞÉú ÐÈʣȽʣɀȼȼâݦéÞâÂ) ¦Âé°Éé î¿°éAÞÞʣ ú°9Âù°Éâ°§Éú°éé âÈÛ¦îÂÉÞ§Āʨ ʖ,é§°Éâú°é\"ÐÐɧ )úʙâÂÐù¦ÐÞÞùÉʣʗ âÞâ9Âù°ÉЦéâéÞé°É§ 95
BOTTOM ÛаÉéЦéâ°§ÉʨʖaÉú °éÐÞé§Þ§ The entrance °ÉâÛ°Þ°ÉéÞ°ÐÞʨʗa¦°É°â foyer is placed ÐÈʣú°ÐâéˏȽɁȼʣȼȼȼéÐ at an angle and ÞÉÐùéÂÉâéÐúÉÞâʙ demarcated by ÿ°âé°É§¦îÞɰéîÞÉ all black finishes. ââÐÞ°âÐÂÂé°ÐÉú°éÉú ÉîâéÐȰÉîâéÞ°Âʣù°Éé§ʣ OPPOSITE ÉîéÐÈÐé°ùʌ°ÉâÛ°Þ ¦éîÞâ°ÉéЦîÉé°ÐÉÂĀé The owners are °§é¦îÂÂĀÐÐÂÐÈʨ big on cooking so the dining aÐÈʙâÞéÞâ°Éâ and kitchen éÞÐÞÐÈéÈÐÈÉéÐÉ areas become ÞÐâââééÞâаÉâ°ʨ the centrepiece a¦ÞÐÉéÐÐÞ°âÈЦâé of the house. ɦ°É°â°ÉÈéé¿ Concrete look Û°Ééʨ9ù°ÉÈÞéé curved ceiling ¦ÐĀÞɰù°É§âÛîâ°É§ lends a garage ÐÂÐîÞâʨa¦ÐĀÞÞ¦éîÞâ feel. The Eames éâÈâЦÛ¿ʣ rocking chair ¦éîްɧ޿é°ÈÞʌÂÐп was illustrated é°Ââʣ¿°Â°É§É¿ by a Thai artist úÂÂâʨ ¿âéÐÞ§ÉÿééÐé and brought ÐÐÞÞéâÉɧÂú°Â over from the ú°éʌÛ°ÉéâÐÞ¿âéÉâ previous home. ÐîéÐÉéÐéÞâ°ʨ a¼Ð°É°É§Â°ù°É§ÞÐÐÈ °ââÛ°Ðîâʮ°éââîÞ¦âÞ ÛÞÐȰÉÉ馰ɰâ°É§ÞĀʨ 96
97
WHO LIVES HERE A couple in their 50s HOME A five-room resale HDB flat in Bukit Merah SIZE 1,400 sq ft 98
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