Experimenting with Duality for a Couple’s Apartment Interiors

Most couples want their living spaces to be a blend of their interests but still unified by a central theme. For a unique space in Singapore, however, duality proved to be an interesting design concept for apartment interiors. WY-TO, a multi-disciplinary design studio based in Paris and Singapore, were tasked to bring this concept to life.

“He is a tech-savvy CEO and an avid collector of watches. She is a renowned hairstylist based in NYC. Distinct tastes and styles define a unique duality between the young couple that sparked an opportunity to carve a bespoke project that spoke to their nature,” the architects said on their project notes.

There were two main challenges they had to address. First, they only had 50 sqm of space to work with. This meant they had to come up with a controlled design that doesn’t interfere with the main activity area. Next, they had to make the two opposing forms function separately while still co-existing within the compact space.

For his corner, the architects constructed a full-height vault with a geometric design. It was clad in cool steel frames and angular aluminum panels to give it a masculine vibe. It opens through double-leafed doors to reveal an iridescent interior. Inside is a large custom cabinet which houses the collector’s prized watches and puts them on display.

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Meanwhile, for her corner, they built a clever nook hidden behind the curved white panel on the opposite wall. One side of the panel houses the compact pantry. It also leads to the bathroom and storage areas. The other side is a large mobile wall which opens to unveil the compact salon concealed within. In addition, the exposed skeleton of the wall doubles as shelving for salon supplies.

The rest of the space serves as a receiving area with a wide and beautiful view of Clarke Quay. It’s easy to envision this cleverly designed space as the setting of various events and occasions for the couple. Also, his and her corners are easily statement pieces for the couple and conversation starters for their visitors. Using contrasting forms and materials, the architects successfully achieved a duality that still harmonized with the entire apartment interiors.

Photography by Frank Pinckers