Singapore: where art and science meet
Singapore: a fascinating mix of design, art and technology
Singapore is an incredibly rich mix of cultures, languages and inhabitants that have shaped its history and had a telling influence on its customs. Despite its contained size, this diminutive island is packed with futuristic architecture that sits in perfect harmony with the lush green vegetation that surrounds it.
Salvatori collections complement the style typical of Singapore, where design and science seamlessly combine, where modernity manifests itself in a clean, precise and elegant manner and where advanced technology creates artistic and creative articulations of luxury.
This loft provides a welcome respite from the densely packed streets outside, offering a haven where you are enveloped in the fascinating and relaxed allure of the Orient through a décor that echoes the soul of the island.
A Singapore morning begins under the overcast skies that are so typical of the Asian climate, where it’s rare to find dazzling sun and vivid blue skies. The first thing to do upon waking is enjoy a wonderful hot bath, soaking up not only the warm water as you relax in the Anima freestanding tub, but also the breathtaking view of the towering skyscrapers framed by the oversized window.
The master bathroom is dressed head to toe in Silk Georgette®, with its light greige colouring and elegant waves of patterning formed by nature over thousands of years creating a true sense of warmth and serenity. From the honed floor tiles to the walls in our Infinito texture, from the Anima basin and distinctive Circle mirror, right down to the smallest details such as soap dish and various pots and tumblers, this unconventional but gorgeous limestone exudes understated luxury. The result is a space that goes beyond a mere functional bathroom to become an oasis of wellbeing for body and mind alike.
Once you manage to tear yourself away from your beautiful bathroom, and venture outside, you find yourself amid buildings that encapsulate Singapore’s delicate balance between the past, the present and the future. In recent decades, it has seen an extraordinary urban regeneration with the construction of a host of noteworthy examples of contemporary architecture and substantial investment in infrastructure, green spaces and luxury housing, such as the building where our Salvatori loft is located.
Surely the most imposing structure of all is Marina Bay Sands, comprising three enormous skyscrapers surmounted by the Sky Park, a 340-metre-long terrace that resembles a futuristic ship. Dominating the skyline, the resort commands attention, but its presence is also strangely reassuring. A true city within a city, it contains pubs, restaurants, clubs, casino, a shopping mall, theatres, hotels and the world’s largest infinity pool, with dazzling views of the island. It also houses the ArtScience museum, dedicated to the dynamic interaction between art, science, culture and technology, explored in 21 galleries collected beneath a roof that appears as a giant lotus flower and has become a true Singapore icon.
This blend of art and science that characterises not only the museum but Singapore itself can also be found in the living room of our loft, with pieces such as the sinuous Curl chaise longue in classic Bianco Carrara marble, the Intarsi wall art that contrasts dark and white natural stone and the collection of Dritto coffee tables with their almost wafer-thin tops in darkest brown Pietra d’Avola limestone and cool white marble. An additional touch of modernity comes in the sculptural form of the Pietra L11 fragrance diffuser in Silk Georgette®.
On the other side of the bay is one of Singapore’s oldest landmarks, the Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and body of a fish, a reference to its origins as a small fishing port. The revered national symbol, the Merlion reflects not only the island’s essence but also the name Singapore itself which means “lion city”.
Crossing the Helix Bridge, a triumph of design and technology, you reach the Singapore Flyer, the second largest observation wheel in the world, with its stunning 360-degree panorama. While it’s on the Must-See list for tourists, when you live in the Salvatori loft, you enjoy the privilege of incredible views every day, thanks to the oversize windows through which the natural light floods in and bathes the Silk Georgette® floor, walls and worktop of the kitchen, making it the perfect spot for lunch. Sit down at the Design for Soul table in inky black Nero Marquinia marble and take your time over your meal, enjoying all the little touches that make this space so elegant and stylish, such as the Omaggio a Morandi decorative bottles, Ikona stool and Theca cabinet.
The second bathroom continues the light colour scheme, this time, however in Crema d’Orcia, in a classic honed finish on the floor and with the walls in Lithoverde®, the world’s first texture 99% made from offcuts of natural stone. The pale limestone creates a welcoming, warm environment that envelops you, while details such as the Urano lamp, Gravity sphere in Bianco Carrara and Kilos book end in Nero Marquinia add just the right splash of soft contrast.
The Anima collection seamlessly combines function and aesthetics in the wall-mounted vanity unit, Circle mirror, towel rail and soap dish, while the Ishiburo shower pairs recycled teak slats with the Crema d’Orcia walls.
Singapore, sometimes described as “the Switzerland of the East”, is an island full of riches, both in terms of its abundant nature and in the economic sense, given that it is reportedly home to the highest density of millionaires in the world. Like its European counterpart, this contemporary and dynamic city-state is synonymous with precision, clean lines and luxury, the very same elements that can be enjoyed in tranquillity and comfort in the Salvatori loft.
