Duplex Apartment by Studio Metanoia

Studio Metanoia's latest residential project presents a nuanced interpretation of minimalist design, where richness and warmth converge within a 150 sqm duplex apartment in Singapore's urban landscape.

Through an artful balance of intuitive and intentional design choices, this thoughtfully crafted space demonstrates how compact living can transcend its physical boundaries to create profound sensory experiences. The deliberate interplay of texture, scale, and form against a neutral canvas generates an alluring friction, while maintaining an underlying sense of serenity that defines the entire home.

The homeowners, a young professional couple who love entertaining and traveling, sought a space that could adapt to their dynamic lifestyle. Their passion for hosting gatherings and collecting travel mementos became central themes in the design narrative.

The design vocabulary manifests through an eloquent composition of neutral tones and tactile materials. Heavily-veined Calcatta Viola marble, rich dark walnut joinery, and warm oak flooring articulate against a canvas of smooth plastered walls. This thoughtful material palette creates an environment that feels both refined and lived-in, where collected artworks and personal treasures can tell their stories.

The project's most striking feature emerges in the transition between floors. Rather than replacing the original staircase railing, Studio Metanoia opted for an innovative solution: enveloping the steel rails in hand-molded concrete. This economical choice introduces sculptural curves that transform a functional element into an artistic statement. Above, a Tense pendant light by New Works floats like a cloud in the double-volume space, adding ethereal ambiance.

The reimagined second-level landing serves dual purposes as both corridor and gallery. Here, a minimalistic pedestal displays a patina-rich clay vase, while an abstract painting in saturated browns creates a thoughtful composition overhead. "While spacious homes with grand staircases are common elsewhere, Singaporean apartments present unique spatial challenges," reflects Cher, Studio Lead. "Embracing this constraint, my goal was to transform this functional transition into an experiential journey.”

Studio Lead Cher's intuitive decision to add a clear glass panel near the completion phase reveals the project's thoughtful evolution. "While reviewing early construction photos, I discovered a compelling perspective of the staircase that would typically be lost behind walls," Cher explains. "I wanted to preserve this unexpected viewpoint for the homeowners to enjoy daily.”

This project exemplifies Studio Metanoia's philosophy of mindful design. The firm, known for their "Feeling First" approach, believes in creating spaces that nurture authentic living and provide respite from daily demands. Through their work, they guide clients on a transformative journey, crafting environments that inspire connection and cultivate mindfulness in everyday life.

Words courtesy of Studio Metanoia | Photography by Studio Periphery


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