Singapore’s older split-level apartments have a spatial quality that can be hard to find in many of today’s optimised condominium towers. The simple staggering of floor levels can open up the potential to use the in-between space as a realm of its own – a zone that separates areas of the home in a way that’s more complex than what a simple door can achieve.

Design studio Ensemble enjoyed the opportunities presented by such an apartment in Katong during a thorough renovation project. The 33-year-old, 2,400-square-foot apartment belongs to a furniture and art collector and his family. The split-level plan allows for a natural separation between shared spaces (on the lower level) and private spaces (on the upper level). A staircase between them is a conduit, a viewing platform and a stage for quiet reflective moments.

Clusters of furniture and other items collected by the client over the years are clustered in groups in an open setting, and are the key focal points in the home. The eclecticism of the collection of furniture, objects and art required a controlled backdrop of colours and materials on the wall and floor surfaces. Cement screed, brick and oak provided a sense of order for the collection beneath a theatrical black ceiling.

The palette of materials, muting the illuminating capacity of natural light as it does, made it necessary to carefully coordinate the artificial lighting. Spotlights on exposed track, focal pendants and a chandelier focus attention on specific areas and clusters of furniture.

The openness of the shared zone was enhanced by the opening up of the kitchen to allow for better interaction between the chef and the rest of the family. An existing column had to be retained, but the area is otherwise open, with a hood doubling up as a surface for the display of art.

Elements such as countertop knobs for taps play on the art theme, giving functional objects a sense of the revered.