SPARK has recently completed the renovation of a bright and colorful three-bedroom apartment spanning 132 square meters. Located in a brutalist-style tower, this home reflects the owner’s creative self-expression through vibrant design and abundant natural light.
Previously, the apartment’s partitioned spaces were connected by a dark corridor. Now, they have been transformed into a continuous “enfilade” style open living area that emphasizes the lush panoramic views. The visual flow guides you smoothly through the space, achieved by a thoughtful combination of colors, layered colored walls creating depth, and carefully placed objects to enhance perspective.
The interplay of lines, circles, and color blocks animates the interiors as light and shadow shift with the movement of the blinds. Brightly colored shelving defines functional zones like the kitchen and storage areas, while a sliding “gallery wall” allows for flexible living arrangements. Overall, the apartment serves as a vibrant canvas celebrating the owner’s passion for color, art, and design.
Design Specifications
Brutalism
Brutalism, often misunderstood and sometimes used pejoratively, is a heroic modernist architectural style characterized by its simple, raw concrete finishes. In Singapore, the perception of brutalism has been shaped by influences from Europe and Japan.
Singapore is also renowned for its carefully restored colonial-era ‘shophouses’ and British colonial architecture, alongside contemporary green buildings that combine stunning design with energy efficiency suited for tropical climates.
Compared to the meticulously preserved shophouses, many brutalist buildings in Singapore have suffered neglect due to shared ownership challenges of common facilities. Often, homeowners opt to sell collectively rather than invest in renovations.
While brutalist architecture may not be as traditionally beautiful as shophouses to many, SPARK believes it authentically expresses Singaporean identity through its embodiment of social collective architecture.
How did SPARK’s transformation of the Sherwood high-rise apartments set a new benchmark for brutalist architecture?
Spiritual Place
Inspired by Le Corbusier’s “new spirit” (L’Esprit nouveau) aesthetic, SPARK avoids overcomplication and embraces visual clarity. The renovation focuses on integrating the outside world with the interior, creating unique external views that enhance spatial experience while maximizing ventilation, natural light, and flow.
The large open spaces are defined by “Cobb style” rectangular lines and flat layouts that distill spatial and architectural elements into geometric forms, eliminating visual clutter and noise.
Space
The renovated apartment spans 132 square meters. Originally, the three bedrooms were cramped and dark due to windowless corridors, but the transformation replaced these circulation spaces with an aligned “enfilade” open-plan living area.
Space planning was tailored to the homeowner’s needs, with Singapore’s abundant natural light and greenery providing ample illumination.
The design centers on framed views with existing shear walls forming a spatial framework, enhanced by sliding wall panels and revolving doors.
The apartment enjoys panoramic views of Singapore’s forests at sunrise and sunset, with unique light and shadow patterns creating a dynamic atmosphere that offers the homeowner new scenery every day.
The former entrance has been transformed into a spacious, striking foyer that frames the internal gallery. What was once bulky logistics space now features glass walls that filter sunlight into the kitchen. At night, this area becomes a warm, glowing “lantern.”
The living area is anchored by tiled island furniture that acts as a buffer for the kitchen. Two storage units provide symmetry, balance, and proportion both in plan and section, creating harmony throughout the living space.
Unlike traditional sofas and classic living rooms, the homeowner favors loose furniture and rugs for their flexibility and adaptability, supporting a creative space for self-expression and freedom.
Graphics and Colors
Lines, circles, and color block patterns are cast through blinds, creating a dynamic play of sunlight and shadows that constantly shift throughout the day. This captivating visual experience begins at the colorful entrance, where layered colored walls and carefully positioned objects at varying perspectives immerse visitors into the space.
The colorful sliding “gallery wall” cleverly conceals the TV and displays artwork, separating the living area from the study, bedroom, bathroom, and dressing room. These movable elements create adaptable living configurations suited for family life.
Color laminated boards are extensively used across entrances, kitchens, studies, and cloakrooms, employing vinyl substrates for seamless flooring that visually enlarges the space.
The entrance door design features a circular pattern that complements the interior doors. Circular visual panels and textured frosted glass create changing lighting effects under different conditions and intensities.
This apartment is a vivid reflection of the homeowner’s passion for color and design, serving as a bright canvas for art, exquisite furnishings, and unique objects.
SPARK has crafted a lyrical and romantic space that blends exquisite craftsmanship with imaginative spatial design, representing a harmonious fusion between Singapore’s modern residential ideals and contemporary lifestyle needs.
Project Information
Total Interior Design Area: 132 square meters
Interior Design: SPARK
Team Members: Stephen Ping Boli, Lin Wenhui, Liang Zhongwen, Athira Radakrishanan, Christine Sherin Lim
Construction: Innerview
Paint: Nippon
Walls & Floors: Hafary & Unlimited Enterprises
Laminates: WilsonArt, Panaplast, EDL
Fittings: Sol Luminaire & Buster Punch
Furniture: Owner’s Collection
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