A Compact Singapore Apartment Embraces the Japanese Art of Shelter.

Named after the Japanese word 雨宿り (amayadori), meaning “to take shelter from the rain,” this 56 square metre Singapore apartment by Ascend Design offers a quiet retreat from the density of urban life. The concept draws on the idea of sanctuary, delivering a space that balances warmth, tactility, and restraint in equal measure.

Ascend Design has approached the compact footprint with precision. The material palette centres on walnut-toned timber, brushed metal, and exposed concrete — a trio that grounds the interior without overwhelming it. Concealed cabinetry and built-in joinery work to dissolve visual clutter, allowing the inherent beauty of each material to come through.

The kitchen anchors the plan, clad in stainless steel and framed by rich timber. It functions as both workspace and gathering spot, striking that balance between utility and calm that compact living demands. A round dining table paired with transparent cantilever chairs lightens the composition while maintaining intimacy — a smart move in a space where every element must earn its place.

Singapore Designer Creates Experimental Home with Custom Furniture and Raw Materials.

Ascend Design's Jasper Goh turned his own Singapore apartment into a creative playground, transforming constraints into design opportunities.

In the living area, a low sofa and bench keep sightlines open. Objects like sake bottles and art books bring a lived-in quality without tipping into clutter. Above, an exposed concrete beam runs raw against the crafted warmth of the timber envelope, a considered contrast that speaks to the design’s material honesty. Subtle lighting washes the ceiling and walls, amplifying the interplay of shadow and grain throughout the day.

This project reflects Ascend Design’s core philosophy: spaces should distil life to its essentials rather than overwhelm with excess. This interior feels both modern and timeless — a home where daily rituals unfold quietly, and the architecture itself becomes a place of pause and reflection.

This Berlin Apartment Defines Space Through Colour Rather Than Walls.

Bruzkus Greenberg's Blue Box is a clever spatial intervention in a 75-square-metre Berlin rooftop apartment. The design centres on a multifunctional, dark blue joinery box that replaces walls and an impractical fireplace.

[Images courtesy of Ascend Design. Photography by Studio Stacked.]