Zenny
988B Buangkok Cres
Design Strategy: The Graphite Monolith
A Study in Shadow, Texture, and Sculptural Living
Design Statement "The Graphite Monolith" departs from conventional light-filled interiors to embrace the sophistication of the shadows. Conceived as a carved sanctuary, the residence utilizes a deep palette of charcoal timber, slate, and raw concrete to create a sense of permanent, grounding luxury.
This visual weight is balanced by strategic architectural lighting that carves out intimate zones and highlights tactile textures. From the commanding kitchen island to the spa-inspired bathroom, every element merges structure with function. The result is an exploration of quiet power—a home that feels protective, substantial, and unapologetically modern.
Seamless Integration
Theme: Elevated Functionality This vignette highlights the intersection of chore and style. It proves that utility spaces need not be hidden, provided they are treated with the same material rigor as the primary living spaces.
Design Brief: Integrate laundry appliances into the kitchen run without disrupting the visual harmony of the culinary space.
Design Challenge: Washing machines are typically visually "noisy" and industrial. Integrating them into a warm, wood-heavy kitchen design without breaking the aesthetic was key.
Design Solution: The appliances are tucked beneath a continuous run of dark stone countertop, uniting the laundry and kitchen workflows. Warm LED strip lighting under the upper cabinetry softens the metallic finish of the machines, while the surrounding dark walnut cabinetry absorbs the appliances into the overall architecture of the room.
The Urban Galley
Theme: Transitional Utility This area celebrates the beauty of efficiency. It transforms a transitional corridor into a destination by blending cafe-style casual dining with the functional requirements of a service yard.
Design Brief: Maximize the utility of a narrow, galley-style pass-through. The goal was to create a secondary dining zone that takes advantage of natural light.
Design Challenge: Narrow spaces often feel cramped when furniture is added. The challenge was to introduce seating without obstructing the flow of traffic to the laundry and kitchen zones.
Design Solution: A slim, high-top breakfast bar was installed against the wall, utilizing vertical space rather than floor width. Industrial pendant lighting defines the "dining zone" separate from the walkway. The material continuity—dark wood and stone—visually links this narrow space to the main living areas, making it feel expansive rather than constricted.
The Social Monolith
Theme: Industrial Sophistication This space balances raw, tactile textures with refined luxury. The aesthetic is defined by a moody palette of charcoal wood, dark stone, and brass accents, creating an atmosphere that is both dramatic and inviting.
Design Brief: Create a central gathering point that bridges the gap between culinary workspace and high-end entertaining area. The space requires high durability for daily use but must possess the visual gravity of a lounge bar.
Design Challenge: The challenge lay in integrating heavy textures—weathered wood and stone—without making the space feel oppressive or cave-like. It needed to feel expansive despite the dark colorway.
Design Solution: A monolithic stone island serves as the anchor, featuring under-counter lighting to make the heavy volume appear to float. The open-plan layout is preserved by using sleek, minimal bar stools and a sculptural, airy chandelier that draws the eye upward, adding vertical interest without visual clutter.
The Gentlemen’s Lounge
Theme: Masculine Comfort A study in textural layering, this living area creates a cocooning effect. The design language speaks to "lived-in luxury," utilizing aged leather and rich timber to evoke the feeling of a contemporary private club.
Design Brief: Design a living area that prioritizes relaxation and media consumption while maintaining a sleek, organized aesthetic suitable for hosting guests.
Design Challenge: Managing storage in a way that contributes to the decor rather than distracting from it. Additionally, the deep footprint of the sofa needed to fit the room without blocking the flow to the cabinetry.
Design Solution: A custom floor-to-ceiling timber wall unit conceals clutter while offering illuminated niches for curated display. The low-profile, expansive leather sectional grounds the room, offering ample seating while maintaining clear sightlines to the feature wall and the rest of the apartment.
Organic Sanctuary
Theme: Zen Modernism A retreat from the urban environment, this bathroom focuses on sensory experience. The design relies on the juxtaposition of cool, grey concrete and the warmth of wood-look tiling to create a spa-like equilibrium.
Design Brief: Transform a standard bathroom footprint into a luxurious, spa-inspired retreat featuring a freestanding bathtub and dual vanity functions.
Design Challenge: Balancing the "cold" nature of a wet room with the desire for warmth and relaxation. Furthermore, accommodating a freestanding tub requires careful spatial planning to ensure the room doesn't feel crowded.
Design Solution: A feature wall of dark wood tiles provides visual warmth and contrasts beautifully with the grey stone tiles. A large, round mirror breaks up the straight lines of the cabinetry, adding softness. The lighting design is crucial here; a luminous ceiling panel mimics a skylight, bathing the space in a soft, diffused glow that enhances the serene atmosphere.
The Alchemy of Shadow and Texture
Balancing the architectural weight of Nero marble and walnut with a curated dialogue of tactile textiles.
This design strategy orchestrates a sophisticated tension between the architectural gravity of dark-veined stone and rich walnut against the sensory softness of navy velvet and organic weave, anchoring the space in a state of "quiet luxury" that balances structural permanence with an intimate, tactile comfort.