somerset 5

Rooted in History, Reimagined for Today

This apartment has been thoughtfully restored to honour the rich historic context of Somerset House, a pre-independence luxury residential building. Spacious rooms with soaring 3.6-meter ceilings are framed by sculptural, exposed beams that speak to the grandeur of a bygone era. The original 9-inch square marble and cement floors, bordered with contrasting edging, served as inspiration to retain the old-world charm and revive the apartment to its former glory.

Walls are finished in hand-applied pigmented lime plaster—a nod to traditional craftsmanship—imbuing the spaces with character and a velvety, matte finish. A considered palette of white, latte brown, yellow, and sea foam green enhances the textural quality while evoking a quiet, timeless elegance.

Cove lighting was restricted to the walls, preserving the vertical expanse of the ceilings and washing the rooms in soft, indirect illumination. This also discreetly accommodates modern systems such as concealed wiring and AC ducts. Bathrooms were reconfigured to invite natural light and equipped with updated plumbing and exhaust systems, blending functionality with form.

Every door was meticulously repaired, buffed, and refinished in crisp white, complemented by custom-designed black hardware. These double doors, fitted with ventilators and framed by the building’s original 400mm thick walls, are enduring symbols of elegance—faithfully preserved to narrate the apartment’s historic lineage while embracing contemporary living.