EDITION Penthouse
The Singapore EDITION
For Presidents: A Limited EDITION Penthouse by Ian Schrager at The Singapore EDITION
Words by Ethan L of ARCHITALITY
Visuals by Klaus T of CHUTTERSNAP
Simplicity is powerful. That’s why Apple’s products are so popular, despite fierce competition from the Android horde. And this is the same simplicity that we’re reminded of when entering the white marbled lobby whose simplicity is contrasted by the rounded domed ceiling covered with gold leaf of the Singapore EDITION.
With interiors designed by renowned Hong Kong firm CAP Atelier, this first Southeast Asian outpost of the collaboration between Ian Schrager and Marriott stays true to its design philosophy of “less is more”, drawing close parallels to Apple’s iconic marketing campaign that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”.
“I think luxury and simplicity are absolutely synonymous. I think anything pretentious, contrived or gratuitous, lacks luxury” Ian Schrager said during a Forbes interview. True to his word, the Penthouse at The Singapore EDITION looks like a minimalist haven. At the same time, oozing of luxury and chic appeal.
The 200sqm Penthouse is very spacious… well, almost too generous. Perched at the highest corner of the hotel podium, it offers a rare sanctuary of space within a glass Pavilion - a reminder of Schrager’s unorthodox approach to designing and creating hotels and a disdain for mainstream norms. Standing at the entrance of the living area makes it clear: Clean lines, whitewashed walls clad in wood panels of equal size with recessed skirting at the bottom. Light filters in through the thick glass walls and sliding louvres encasing the Penthouse, allowing the abundance of whites and light browns to shine just enough. The L-shaped living room is characterised by similarly shaped sofas and armchairs - signature EDITION furniture settings found in all of its properties. A squarish low-rise coffee table sits at its centre with a large potted orchid plant placed in its centre. From custom-made chess sets to a coffee table book on Russel Wong, everything is in right angles here.
The dining room is neatly tucked away in the Penthouse’s northern corner, featuring an elongated rectangular table. Suspended weightlessly above is the pièce de résistance - a dome chandelier emitting a warm glow. Two white wooden shelves stand beside, neatly lined with black round Objet d'arts (perhaps the only curved objects around) with beautiful contrast. The overall colour scheme is reminiscent of the rare colonial ‘black and white’ bungalows found in the nearby Nassim Avenue and Cluny Park enclaves. White oak flooring covers the entire Penthouse, sans the bathroom.
Stepping outside, we’re reminded of an oversized New York penthouse rooftop on Soho. The wooden-clad outdoor terrace is splendid for sunsets - decked with glass lanterns, verdant greens and potted plants. Centre focus was on the large rectangular dining table is surrounded by modernist interpretations of director chairs, ideal for a cosy gathering. And beyond, a luxurious jacuzzi awaits, covered with a wooden trellis and surrounded by lush planters. You can’t resist hosting friends.
The Penthouse’s bathroom is a minimalist haven covered in limestone from head to toe. Complete with his and hers sinks and showers, polished oxidised copper faucets and showerheads stand out for their special texture and colour. Daylight gently filters in from the louvres, bathing the bathroom in gentle light. In between the partitioned showers and toilet and across the sinks, a freestanding Kaldewei tub sits under a subtly arched plaster ceiling with accent lighting (this brought us back to the Toranomon EDITION’s arches in its travertine-clad lobby). The neatly flushed rectangular sinks were topped off by the distinctive Le Labo’s Black Tea body lotion and hand soap bars. Custom made for The Singapore EDITION, they retail for just SGD88, what a steal.
An oversized salon connects the bathroom to the master bedroom, with a sense of smoothness that creates an atmosphere for restful headspace. The bedroom is an intimate personal haven, juxtaposed against the grand socialising spaces outside that would host the most memorable parties. The low-framed bed sits atop a warm white rectangular rug, backed by a thick white oak-panelled headboard adorned with mini lampshades as reading lights. The signature? A custom Peranakan-tile-inspired throw swathes the bed with its edges spilling over. The bedroom includes a pearl white armchair with a metallic back standalone reading light, offering solace to guests wanting to read its beautiful coffee table books. Floor-to-ceiling sliding louvres offer some shade, on top with layers of day blinds and blackout blinds for complete privacy.
The minimalist design within EDITION’s DNA is a blank canvas, where authentic elements and the simplest design forms are added for timelessness. Conventional, unnecessary elements are absent. Everything is down-to-earth, with nuances to each property’s locale that will be obvious to those who know where to look - think simplified (abstract) interpretations of different cultures and heritage. Schrager’s fresh perspective challenges what a luxury hotel should be - balancing the fine line drawn between simplicity and minimalism.
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Interiors: CAP Atelier, Ian Schrager
Exteriors: Safdie Architects
Amenities: Le Labo, specially crafted for The Singapore EDITION
Fittings: Hansgrohe, Kaldewei