A Le Corbusier-Inspired Oasis in Singapore: The Ewart Park House
Embrace Serenity: A Modern Tropical Sanctuary
Architectural Inspiration: A Nod to Modernist Heritage
The villa, a prominent undertaking by the London-and-Sydney-based firm Nice Projects, reflects a profound admiration for Le Corbusier's design principles. Sacha Leong, co-founder of Nice Projects, notes the clear influence of Villa Savoye, a masterpiece built between 1928 and 1931 just outside Paris. Despite Singapore's vibrant jungle environment contrasting with the French countryside, the villa successfully evokes a profound sense of tranquility and seclusion.
Harmonious Interiors: Blending Eras and Aesthetics
The homeowners, a couple deeply passionate about design and art, guided the aesthetic choices within. Leong explains that the interiors seamlessly integrate a curated selection of vintage and contemporary furnishings. The space is adorned with bespoke creations from leading contemporary artists such as Faye Toogood and Max Lamb, interspersed with pieces by design legends like Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and exquisite lamps by Isamu Noguchi. Furthermore, lighting fixtures by Casa Veronica, originating from Texas, introduce a distinctive Mexican flair.
Thoughtful Materiality: A Palette of Subtlety and Nature
The design philosophy extends to the careful selection of materials, creating a cohesive and understated ambiance. Leong highlights the intentional use of a subdued color palette and natural, refined materials throughout the villa. Notable examples include the cork-lined home elevator, featuring a Max Lamb chair, and the bedrooms, where wainscoting crafted from Alpine-grained wood panels adds warmth. The striking spiral staircase and walls are finished with Clayworks' clay plaster, while travertine flooring provides a consistent, elegant foundation across the entire residence.
Entertaining and Collections: Spaces Designed for Passion
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the villa is meticulously designed to accommodate the owners' extensive collections of cars and artworks, alongside providing generous spaces for social gatherings. The primary entertaining area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle through its expansive double-glazed walls. This grand space encompasses a spacious living area with a custom marble bar, an inviting open kitchen, and a substantial dining room, all connected by sliding glass doors that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Wildlife, such as monkeys, frequently visits the garden near the pool, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature. Leong emphasizes, "The fact that it's immersed in greenery makes it feel very intimate, even though it is a large house."
Subterranean Wonders and Elevated Retreats: Beyond the Main Living Areas
The living room area, thoughtfully positioned on a slightly lower level, seamlessly merges with the outdoor flora. A majestic, curvilinear spiral staircase ascends to the upper floor, revealing the private bedrooms and a serene rooftop terrace. The basement level, surprisingly featuring an indoor garden, houses a well-equipped gym, a dedicated study, and a garage that cleverly transforms into a showroom for the owner's classic car collection. A concealed panel opens to reveal views of the garden, creating a dramatic experience. Leong aptly compares this to a cinematic experience, with the jungle serving as the captivating "show."
The Art of Living: Where Design Meets Lifestyle
From the striking dining room, offering views of the garden and pool, to the meticulously furnished living areas, every detail speaks to a life lived with an appreciation for fine design. The exterior of the house reveals its thoughtful integration with the natural landscape, featuring seating by Willy Guhl and landscaping by This Humid House, ensuring a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its verdant surroundings. The entrance, complete with a leather bench by Francesco Balzano and a console table by Malgorzata Bany, welcomes guests with subtle sophistication. The basement gym, adorned with artwork by Andreas Eriksson, transforms a functional space into an artistic one. Even the principal bathroom, with its Patagonian stone vanity, provides a tranquil vista of the garden, reinforcing the villa's connection to nature. The open kitchen, boasting a custom concrete countertop, bar stools by Lina Bo Bardi, and a pendant lamp by Faye Toogood, exemplifies functional artistry. Every element, from a John Pawson-designed faucet to custom metal doorknobs by Studio Oko Olo, contributes to the villa's distinguished character, epitomizing a luxurious and artistically integrated living experience.