TIMELESS LUXURY

In Hosanna Swee and Tom Chng's stunning apartment, an eye for detail and love for horological collectibles reveals an elegant and minimalist escape.

- RENÉE BATCHELOR

Hosanna Swee, a photographer and creative director, and Tom Chng, the founder of Singapore Watch Club are well-known names in the Singapore watch-collecting scene. Known for their impeccable taste and eye for detail, stepping into their 1,184sq ft apartment in the Queenstown area is akin to entering a different world.

The house has been christened IBOIS by the couple, with "bois" being French for wood, describing the woody tones of the apartment. It was a true labour of love that took nearly eight months to complete and is a testament to their razor-sharp, shared vision and meticulous planning. Visitors to the apartment are greeted by a darkened foyer area a detail not usually seen in Singapore homes.

Says Chng, "We've always liked a more considered entrance to set the mood for the rest of the house, rather than having a guest open [the door] and see everything all at once. It looks the same, regardless if it's day or at night, because the lighting is controlled and there's no natural light that comes in," shares Chng.

The fluted glass door opens up to a spacious living room that has a dining area carved out to the left, a sitting space, as well as a luxe, marble-topped counter that serves as a communal gathering area for guests. Behind the counter is a feature wall and display shelves that highlight some of the couple's favourite watch and design book titles, Swee's cameras and collectibles like a vintage Hermès desk compendium.

The living room is also the main play area of the couple's two adorable cats: Marie and Tiggy, preternaturally well-behaved felines who co-exist seamlessly with all the chic design elements in the home.