The vertical living concept, known as apartments, was first introduced as a solution for communal living where land space is con ned. This concept became a favoured option for high density cities, especially in downtown areas, as people sought to live close to where they worked. New apartment blocks in city centres often provide some examples of modern design, using the latest materials and technology to create impressive large scale buildings that make their mark on the cityscape both day and night.
Penthouses, when compared with normal apartments, have obvious advantages such as a bigger living space, commanding views and more personalized facilities like private lifts. In the penthouse at Fraser Residence a private lift takes the residents up to the top level where they are welcomed by a modern-design foyer. It has repetitive lines on the glass shelves and ceiling giving a masculine, sophisticated and futuristic feel which is softened by the wooden parquet flooring which reflects in the mirrors to make the room look more natural and humble.
The wooden hallway gives a warm and welcoming feel with the cherry wood panels lending a hint of red rather than just brown which gives an energetic vibe to the interior. The long hallway connects the foyer to the two smaller bedrooms, the stairs and the common living area. The doors of the bedrooms are seamless when they are closed hence the panels sit beautifully like a natural piece of artwork.
The two bedrooms, which are predominantly in warm ambiance with wooden built-in study desk and bed panel, have a symmetrical layout. Both have the same tone wooden panels which gives the rooms a warm ambiance. There are glazed windows in every room that allows in natural light and an en-suite bathroom with similar interior designs to create a sense of continuity between one space to another.
The master bedroom is situated upstairs. It has wall-to-door windows on two sides showcasing the cityscape of Menteng up to Jalan MH Thamrin as well as making the room feel spacious and bright in the daytime. There is an arrangement of exterior panels and a small garden to reduce excessive heat outside the bedroom. The TV is fitted in between the bed and the sitting area so it can be seen from both sides, with a hanging cabinet directly above where the owner displays his private ceramic collection. The master bathroom is connected to a walk-in closet which has a rectangle shape — one corner which is dedicated to the lady of the house has a dresser, while in the gentleman’s corner the cabinet is more simple but has more drawers to keep ties, watches, cu inks and other accessories. The master bathroom is designed for two people as reflected in the two washbasins placed face to face with a hanging mirror. The space in between the mirror and washbasins allows each to have a space for their personal belongings and also to share certain products while giving an element of surprise.
Across from the master bedroom is the study room. The built-in cabinets and desk are made of cherry wood and the combination of the wooden tone with the black office chairs makes the room
feel quite formal. The study is located at the corner of the building with a corner window overlooking the gardens of Patung Pahlawan bringing a sense of relaxation to o set the pressure of work.
The corridors beside the stairs on both oors are covered with naturally sourced amed pink granite in various patterns. Instead of applying a big slab, the architect Ming Zhou of Enviro Tec had it brushed and cut to an informal pattern making it more attractive. In the dining room this same decorative wall nish becomes the background for a painting capturing Balinese dancers.
The living room, dining room and pantry were all designed in the same style to give a sense of harmony with the living room and dining room sharing the same white and cherry wood colour scheme. These two rooms are divided by a seamless glass cabinet. The living room has an L-shaped sofa where the family can gather and relax and in the dining room the family can share food with ease with the rotating-centre dining table.
The repeated use of cherry wood throughout the penthouse adds a sense of unity with the floating stairs and wide openings to the balcony making the whole space feel bright and spacious. Living in quiet luxury, high up above the hustle and bustle of the busy city life below, is the enviable joy of this penthouse lifestyle.
