55 The Watergardens At Canberra

Vitas Designer

KEY VISUAL STYLE
Warm Eco-Japandi / Pet-Centric Tropical-Infused Modern Sanctuary

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE
Weaving specialised cat furniture directly into a high-ceiling penthouse layout without losing that high-end architectural edge, all while reimagining traditional room layouts to fit a highly specific, multi-species lifestyle.

THE BRIEF & COLLABORATION: A Passion Project for the Ultimate Ultimate Clients
What happens when the founder of Vitas Design SG renovates their own Singapore penthouse? You get a home where the feline residents have just as much say in the blueprints as the humans. The goal for this light-filled condo unit wasn't just to make it look beautiful—it had to fully cater to the safety, curiosity, and comfort of four beloved rescued cats. By tossing out the traditional property rulebook and co-creating a space that bends to daily routines, the design team has created a warm, lived-in masterclass in pet-centric architecture. It is proof that custom design can respect the authentic identity of every single inhabitant, tail or no tail.

SEQUENTIAL SPATIAL WALKTHROUGH

1. ENTRYWAY & GALLERY: A Grounded, Tactile Welcome
Hook: Your entryway should feel like a deep, slow breath out.

The moment you cross the threshold, a custom-built entrance settee invites you to slow down, unburden, and decompress. In place of cold, flat drywall, the entryway introduces the home's signature tactile warmth through eco-friendly, mineral-based limewash paint. Formulated from crushed limestone, slaked lime, and natural pigments, this chemical-solvent-free coating is practically zero-VOC and incredibly breathable. Rather than sitting on the wall like a synthetic sheet, it absorbs beautifully into the surface, curing into a cloud-like finish rich with soft, organic tonal variations. Illuminated by the warm, soft glow of concealed LED strip lights, this textured walkway guides you through a gently curved archway—a deliberate spatial transition that signals you have left the fast-paced energy of Singapore behind for a sanctuary built entirely for slow living.

2. COMMUNAL LIVING AREA: The Ultimate Vertical Feline Playground
Hook: Vertical space isn't wasted space—it’s prime real estate for a curious cat.

Step into the main living zone, and your eyes are immediately drawn upward by the impressive 4.5-meter high ceiling. Rather than leaving the upper walls bare, Vitas Design SG utilised this vertical volume to create a structurally integrated cat wonderland. A continuous high-altitude perimeter runway winds across the zone, broken up by custom hexagonal wall steps and floating sleeping cubbies lined with warm wood veneers. A floor-to-ceiling slatted scratching pillar acts as both a structural column and the ultimate climbing frame. Down below, the human living zone stays beautifully minimal, wrapped in soft limewash paint that diffuses the bright Singapore sunshine through sheer, airy drapes.

3. THE CULINARY ZONE: Durable Minimalism for Busy Paws
Hook: A kitchen where sleek aesthetics and high-energy zoomies co-exist beautifully.

The open-concept kitchen and dining zone prove that a multi-pet home can still be beautifully streamlined. Seamless, light-oak cabinetry runs completely flush to the walls, keeping small appliances tucked safely out of reach of curious paws. The expansive dining island is wrapped in a heavily veined sintered surface, chosen specifically because it is exceptionally scratch-resistant and easily handles unexpected leaps. Overhead, a suspended linear light fixture mirrors the geometry of the island, anchoring the dining area as a natural gathering spot for working and casual dining.

4. MASTER SUITE SANCTUARY: Reclaimed Space and Hidden Portals
Hook: True bedroom bliss means stripping away the clutter and focusing on pure rest.

The master bedroom completely rejects standard condo floor plans by ditching the traditional wardrobe. By eliminating heavy clothes storage, the room becomes a dedicated zone for deep rest. The walls are finished in a raw, earthy eco-clay that adds a grounding texture behind the bed. Look closely, and you will spot a seamless concealed door made from the same eco-clay material, blending invisibly into the wall profile to hide the bedroom entrance. The entire suite is washed in soft, breathable limewash paint, creating a cloud-like atmosphere. A custom cylindrical cat-scratching nightstand ensures the feline crew has a spot to settle close by without cluttering the room's peaceful design lines.

5. THE WARDROBE & MULTI-FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS HUB
Hook: Luxury isn't about following a standard layout; it’s about making your floor plan work for you.

With clothing storage moved out of the master bedroom, the secondary bedroom has been fully converted into a dedicated walk-in wardrobe. Dark-framed glass cabinet doors, internal LED strip lighting, and open display shelves showcase clothing with boutique-style precision.

The master bathroom underwent an equally creative shift, transforming into a powder room, art gallery, and mini storage area within the former shower zone. The vanity features a wide, deeply concave porcelain basin—a feature specifically kept because the cats love curling up inside its smooth, cool curve for their afternoon naps.

6. THE SKY-HIGH BIRD-WATCHING ZONE: Secured Outdoor Freedom
Hook: Fresh air is better when it comes with a view and absolute peace of mind.

Serving as a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, the balcony functions as a fully secured sky-lounge designed for shared relaxation. To let the feline crew indulge their love for bird-watching safely, the entire perimeter features a sleek invisible grille system, allowing them to lounge in the fresh air and watch the passing clouds even when their humans are out. The space is equipped with heavy-duty smart zip blinds integrated with wind and rain sensors; these react automatically to sudden weather shifts, rolling down independently to shield the space from heavy tropical downpours. Anchored by a tiered bamboo cat tree and an automated litter box that blend smoothly into the corner layout, the balcony functions as a highly functional, resort-style escape that balances pet safety with upscale outdoor living.

MATERIALS & ACCENTS SPOTLIGHT: The Textural Palette
• Natural Eco-Clay: Applied to the entry settee and master bedroom feature walls for a tactile, breathable, and highly organic surface texture.
• Muted Limewash Paint: Used across the walls to soften incoming natural light and give the surfaces an authentic, old-world plaster character.
• Custom Pet Carpentry: Light oak and walnut veneer cat runways, hexagonal cubbies, and integrated sisal-wrapped scratching pillars engineered directly into the home’s walls.
• Invisible Grilles & Smart Zip Blinds: High-performance outdoor features that ensure absolute pet safety and weather protection without blocking the skyline views.

THE VITAS DIFFERENCE: Tailored Spatial Architecture
This penthouse project is a clear example of why interior architecture should never rely on one-size-fits-all templates. By understanding the unique dynamics of a multi-species household, Vitas Design SG transformed standard condo spaces into custom, functional design features. It is proof that your home can be tailored to your lifestyle, honouring the habits of everyone who lives there.

Ready to see how custom, human-centric design can transform your space? Visit the Vitas Design SG team at our One Commonwealth showroom to start planning your residential or commercial project.