The owners of this 2,000-square-foot penthouse in Riverparc Residence previously lived in a smaller 1,000-square-foot unit within the same development. With two children and a desire to welcome a couple of pet dogs, they opted for a larger space in the opposite block.

Their vision was clear: a bright, modern home with clean lines, curved edges, and a warm contemporary feel that promotes openness and comfort.

Home Journal was engaged for this project, and one of the first observations during the site visit was the potential to enhance the existing space. “The original design of the unit was dominated by darker tones, with restricted airflow that made the interiors feel somewhat confined,” notes the firm’s Principal Designer, Kalyn Guo.

To address this, the designer opted to demolish the kitchen wall, effectively opening up the space and allowing light to flow more freely between the kitchen and communal areas. This simple yet impactful change transformed the atmosphere of the home, creating a brighter and more inviting environment.

Instead of a standard dining setup, the new layout sees a curved island serving as a dining table for meals, making efficient use of space. A wall divider at the foyer offers privacy, while the fluted glass design allows light to pass through, maintaining the openness the homeowners desired.

The design of a new loft space is one of the most striking elements of the renovation and adds 40-square-feet to the apartment. The high ceiling and full-height windows in the living area provided an opportunity to build upwards, creating a new space that serves multiple functions. “The loft now serves as a study area, a guest room, and a vantage point from which to enjoy the scenic surroundings – views that were previously out of reach,” says Kalyn. This space is further accentuated by a curved LED light feature, which adds a sense of depth and visual intrigue to the living room.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the home is the staircase leading up to the loft. Unlike a conventional spiral or bulky staircase, this bespoke design is a beautiful marriage of carpentry and metalwork. “Each step’s width and height was carefully designed to ensure a smooth, flowing transition,” says Kalyn. As a result, the staircase is not just a functional element but a sculptural centrepiece within the living hall

In their previous home, where the master suite was the same size as the present unit, the homeowners had felt constrained by a walk-in wardrobe that confined the sleeping and changing area. The new design reimagines the storage solution by positioning the wardrobes along the walls in an L-shaped configuration, freeing up space and providing the same level of functionality without making the room feel cramped.

Unique hidden solutions were introduced to this feature, with the bathroom door and dresser seamlessly concealed behind wardrobe panels, maintaining a sleek and cohesive design throughout. Also given that L-shaped wardrobes can have hard to reach corners, the designer has used curved wardrobe doors to improve accessibility, while also softening the room’s overall aesthetic. Even the wardrobe’s ending was carefully considered, with a rounded design to avoid the bulky, rectangular look typical of conventional wardrobes.

The renovation process was not without its challenges. One of the main issues was the varying ceiling heights in the kitchen, entrance and bedroom walkway, which could have disrupted the design’s visual continuity. To overcome this, custom-moulded, curved ceilings were introduced, harmonising the transitions between different areas and ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing flow throughout the home.