Envisioned by architect Andra Matin, this shell-pink villa in Singapore "is a clear nod to Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier," says Sacha Leong, who founded the London-and-Sydney-based interiors firm Nice Projects with Simone McEwan. The iconic Villa Savoye in Poissy—just outside Paris—was designed by the Swiss architectural expert with his cousin Pierre Jeanneret and built between 1928 and 1931. And though the untamed nature of jungle plants doesn’t quite conjure the French countryside, this villa—Nice Projects’s largest interiors project yet—still offers a cocooning sense of calm.
The villa, located in a verdant enclave of Singapore, represents a significant undertaking for Nice Projects, pushing their capabilities in scale and complexity. The design philosophy meticulously balances a profound respect for modernist architectural heritage with the unique environmental and lifestyle demands of its tropical setting. The shell-pink hue, a subtle yet striking choice, immediately evokes the Mediterranean spirit of Villa Savoye while adapting it to a different climate. This intentional homage is not merely aesthetic; it speaks to a deeper engagement with the principles of modern architecture, which sought to integrate living spaces with their surroundings and prioritize functionality and light.
The clients, a couple with backgrounds in hospitality and art, approached Nice Projects with a clear vision. Their passion for design and their existing collection of art and vintage cars informed many of the project’s key features. This collaborative approach, where the designers and clients shared a mutual understanding of aesthetic goals, was crucial in achieving the villa’s cohesive and sophisticated atmosphere.
A Dialogue with Architectural History
The influence of Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye is palpable throughout the Singapore villa. Villa Savoye, a seminal work of the International Style, is renowned for its "five points of architecture": pilotis (slender concrete pillars), a free facade, an open floor plan, ribbon windows, and a roof garden. While Andra Matin’s design for the Singapore villa may not strictly adhere to all these points in a literal sense, it captures the spirit of modernist innovation and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living.
Le Corbusier, a pioneer of modern architecture, revolutionized design thinking with his functionalist approach and his belief in architecture as a "machine for living." Villa Savoye, built during a period of intense experimentation in the late 1920s and early 1930s, became a manifesto for these ideas. Its design, with its flowing spaces, abundant natural light, and connection to the surrounding landscape, aimed to create a healthier and more liberating environment for its inhabitants.
The Singapore villa, by drawing inspiration from this historical precedent, reinterprets these principles for a contemporary context. The architects have successfully translated the core ideas of Villa Savoye – openness, light, and a dialogue with nature – into a tropical setting. The use of a restrained color palette and natural materials further bridges the gap between the villa’s modernist inspirations and its lush surroundings.
Curated Interiors: A Blend of Vintage and Contemporary
The interior design of the villa is a masterclass in curated eclecticism, expertly blending iconic vintage pieces with contemporary furnishings. Nice Projects has meticulously sourced items that not only possess aesthetic merit but also contribute to the overall narrative of the home.
"In keeping with the spirit of this home, we’ve chosen a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture," Leong states. This approach is evident in the selection of pieces that span different eras and design movements, creating a rich and layered aesthetic. Custom-made furnishings by leading contemporary designers like Faye Toogood and Max Lamb are thoughtfully interspersed with works from design icons such as Afra and Tobia Scarpa. The inclusion of lighting by Isamu Noguchi, particularly his Akari lamps, adds a sculptural and ethereal quality to the spaces. Even the lamps by Casa Veronica, with their Texan origin and Mexican flair, contribute to the villa’s unique global yet harmonious design.
The selection process was extensive, involving research and acquisition from around the world. Leong emphasizes, "Some pieces had already been purchased by the clients, but we researched many pieces around the world specifically for this project. The common thread linking them all is a subdued color palette and natural, subtle materials." This deliberate curation ensures that each piece contributes to a unified and tranquil ambiance, avoiding any sense of stylistic dissonance.
Materiality and Tactility: A Foundation of Natural Elegance
The material palette employed throughout the villa underscores the commitment to natural, subtle textures and a subdued color scheme. This focus on materiality enhances the sense of calm and sophistication.
"Note the cork used in the home elevator with its Max Lamb chair, or the grained wood panels from the Alps used for the wainscoting in some of the bedrooms," Leong points out. The use of cork, a sustainable and tactile material, in the elevator creates an unexpected yet inviting sensory experience. The choice of wood panels from the Alps for wainscoting introduces a touch of European craftsmanship and warmth to the bedrooms.
The walls and spiral staircase are finished with clay plaster by Clayworks, lending a hand-crafted, organic feel to these architectural elements. Clay plaster, known for its breathability and natural aesthetic, contributes to a healthy indoor environment and a soft, luminous finish. Travertine flooring is a constant throughout the ground level, providing a durable and elegant foundation that unifies the various living spaces. This consistent use of natural stone grounds the design and enhances the villa’s connection to the earth.
Functional Design for a Passionate Lifestyle
The villa is designed to accommodate the clients’ diverse interests, including their passion for collecting cars and art, as well as their desire for a formal entertaining space. The layout prioritizes both display and social interaction.
The main entertaining area is a testament to this functional approach. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle through expansive double-glazed walls, it comprises a spacious living area, a custom marble bar, a convivial open kitchen, and a large dining room. Sliding glass doors blur the lines between the interior and exterior, facilitating a seamless flow and encouraging engagement with the tropical environment.
"The clients also collect cars and artwork, and wanted ample space to display both—as well as a formal space with a large table for hosting," Leong explains. The integration of these needs into the design is seamless. The garage, located in the basement, doubles as a showroom for the owner’s classic car collection, transforming a utilitarian space into an exhibition area. The large dining table is designed for hosting, reflecting the clients’ desire to entertain.
The sunken den area, strategically placed on a slightly lower level, creates a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, as if merging with the lush greenery outside. This architectural feature adds a dynamic quality to the living spaces and further enhances the connection to the garden.
A Sanctuary Amidst Nature
The villa’s integration with its natural surroundings is a defining characteristic. The dense tropical foliage that envelops the property creates a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, despite its urban location.
"The fact that it’s immersed in greenery makes it feel very intimate, even though it is a large house," says Leong. This intimacy is amplified by the presence of local wildlife. "Outside near the pool, it’s not uncommon to come across monkeys and other exotic animals passing through the garden," he notes. This constant interaction with nature adds a unique dimension to the living experience, turning the garden into a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop.
The landscaping, a collaboration with This Humid House, complements the architectural design, creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Seating designed by Willy Guhl near the pool offers a place to relax and enjoy the tropical setting.
Architectural Ingenuity and Unexpected Discoveries
The villa’s layout reveals a thoughtful approach to spatial organization, with distinct zones catering to different activities. A monumental spiral staircase, a striking architectural element, connects the various levels, leading to the upper floor where the bedrooms and a rooftop terrace are located.
The basement level is a hub of activity, featuring a gym, a study, and the aforementioned car showroom. An innovative design feature in the basement allows for a visual connection to the garden: "Lift a panel, and the view opens up onto the garden. It’s like being at the movies, but the show is the jungle view," Leong describes. This element of surprise and engagement with the natural environment is a testament to the project’s creative spirit.
The open kitchen, a central gathering point, boasts a custom concrete countertop and is furnished with bar stools by Lina Bo Bardi, a pendant lamp by Faye Toogood, and a console table by Malgorzata Bany. The faucet, by John Pawson for Cocoon, exemplifies the attention to detail and the selection of high-quality, design-forward fixtures.
The principal bathroom is a serene retreat, featuring a vanity made of Patagonian stone and offering a direct view of the garden. This thoughtful integration of private spaces with the natural landscape enhances the sense of tranquility and well-being.
Broader Implications and Design Legacy
The successful realization of this shell-pink villa in Singapore represents a significant achievement for Nice Projects and a compelling example of contemporary residential architecture. It demonstrates how historical architectural precedents can be reinterpreted and adapted to new contexts, creating spaces that are both timeless and relevant.
The project highlights the growing appreciation for modernist principles and the enduring appeal of natural materials and subdued color palettes in interior design. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of a collaborative design process, where client vision and designer expertise converge to create a truly bespoke living environment.
The villa’s immersion in its natural surroundings also serves as a model for sustainable and biophilic design. By seamlessly integrating the built environment with the landscape, the project fosters a deeper connection with nature and promotes a sense of well-being. The presence of local wildlife, rather than being a challenge, is embraced as an integral part of the living experience, offering a unique and enriching daily encounter with the natural world.
This shell-pink villa stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply resonant with the lives of their inhabitants and the environments they inhabit. Its echo of Villa Savoye is not one of imitation, but of a shared philosophy that continues to inspire architects and designers to create homes that are functional, beautiful, and deeply connected to the world around them. The project’s success is likely to influence future residential designs, particularly in tropical urban settings, encouraging a more integrated and sensitive approach to architecture and interior design.
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