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.
Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2024-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Great Unknown
It's a fresh chapter for Thai actress Nuttanicha "Nychaa" Dungwattanawanich as she strikes out on her own.
FINDING XANADU
Adventure, magic and freedom await in the land of the blue sky, Mongolia.
TALKING POINTS
From the worlds of Art, Culture, Travel and Design.
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.
PRIM FOR PRIMETIME
Chanikarn \"Prim\" Tangkabodee reminisces on her journey from a child actor to a superstar in-the-making.
INSPIRATION
The suave music artiste is no stranger to the world of fashion. In fact, he describes fashion as the forefront of his and his family's personal expression, as well as a form of manners.
WELL, SUITED?
As attitudes towards dress codes shift, is the suit about to exit our closets?
DARK HORSE
In his next role and what is easily his most challenging character to date―actor Brian Ng wants one thing from you: your hatred.
THE POWER OF PERETTI
In a hidden village of Sant Marti Vell in Spain, where Elsa Peretti lived, loved and created enduring symbols of design and beauty for Tiffany & Co., Kenneth Goh traces and marvels at her 50 years of legacy.
REDEFINING ROYALTY
Chaumet's Charles Leung talks to BAZAAR about the beauty and the resilience of the 244-year-old French jewellery brand in a new era.