This is one of four bedroom suites, its corner position giving views over the bay of San Francisco from two sides. However, the focal point is the walnut corner unit and its embedded TV. “This room projects its penthouse energy by suggesting that its dazzling views are of secondary importance here,” Martin says. “At the same time, the chaise (with no back to block the vista) is a giveaway that this is still not a view to be messed with.”
Courtesy of Miminat Designs7. Cape Town Penthouse, South Africa
Located on Cape Town’s coast, this 5,800-sq-ft (539-sq-m) apartment has a panoramic living room that is dramatic without being cluttered. “Other than the sunken seating area, there is a heroic lack of furniture in this room – it’s a space that doesn’t need to say ‘penthouse’ through decor as it’s implicit through the extraordinary location and architecture,” Martin says. For him, designer Miminat Shodeinde is completely fearless here in her use of stone, scale and space.
Common Studio8. Showcase Residence, Hong Kong
Picking up on Hong Kong’s topographic similarity to Brazil, the designer Joyce Wang Studio brought in mid-century classics from the South American country, and combined them with local wood and planting. The effect is to big up the relationship between the interiors and the greenery outside.
“It’s a different approach to that used in other penthouses, and it succeeds,” Martin says.
“This is a room which doesn’t give all its secrets away at once. Joyce Wang’s use of detailed ceiling materials, varied textures and glass screens creates mystery – the alluring sense that there is more here to discover.”
Penthouse by Peter Martin is published by Cultural Union.
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