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Most Sustainable
- Interior Designer: Arjan Nijen Twilhaar (SIDS ID2.)
- Address: 162 Joo Chiat Road #01-01 Singapore 427437
- Contact: 6715-1560
- Website: www.aiden-t.com
- Type of home: 3-bedroom condominium
- Size of home: 1,150 sq ft
The lift door opens up to an uninterrupted view of the sea; calm and expansive.
The Brief
“When the lift doors open, you’re greeted by an uninterrupted view of the sea; calm and expansive,” recalls Aiden T’s founder and principal designer Arjan Nijen Twilhaar. “That immediate connection to nature shaped the entire design approach.”
Guided by the tranquillity of its seafront setting, Aiden T’s Arjan Nijen Twilhaar sought to create a home where craftsmanship, material honesty, and thoughtful balance come together to soothe the senses. “Sustainability was always one of the key objectives, but I didn’t want it to feel forced or restrictive,” he explains. “It had to flow naturally with the way the home looks and functions.”
Off-white lime-stucco walls regulate humidity, wood and rattan ceilings frame the sea views, and a quiet palette allows light and texture to take centre stage. “There’s an immediate sense of calm, almost like the home takes a deep breath for you,” says Arjan. “That’s what good design should do. It should evoke a feeling and create an atmosphere that restores you.”
Crafted with Intention
Arjan describes the home as “serene, purposeful, timeless.” Every choice—recycled wood, lime-based finishes, and furniture crafted by local artisans—reflects that spirit. “Every detail was considered, from the materials we used to the way the spaces work together,” he says.
A dining table made from recycled railway sleepers with a pyrite stone top anchors the living space, its weight balanced by rope-fringed chandeliers that move softly with the breeze. “A lot of research and collaboration went into it,” he adds. “We partnered with different craftsmen and suppliers to make sure every choice made sense both aesthetically and environmentally.”
Dark wood cabinetry with pale stone and fluted tiles span the kitchen.
A Conscious Core
“The clients didn’t specifically request a sustainable home, but conscious design is always at the heart of what I do,” says Arjan. “It naturally became the baseline for every decision.”
The shaded kitchen pairs dark wood cabinetry with pale stone and fluted tiles, balancing mood and function. Throughout, practicality is approached with grace. “Above all, a home needs to work for the family,” he explains. “I try to avoid excessive built-in carpentry, as it’s rarely timeless, sustainable, or flexible. Instead, we create loose pieces that can move with the family if they ever relocate.”
Even the challenges—Sentosa’s corrosive seaside air and the apartment’s wedge-shaped plan—became design opportunities. “The salt air constantly affects materials, so every choice had to be durable and able to withstand the conditions without compromising aesthetics,” he says. “It required careful planning to make sure everything works seamlessly behind the scenes.”
The bed headboard features five different materials.
Beauty in the Details
The home’s quiet rhythm continues into the private quarters. “We combined five different materials into a single headboard design, from hand-woven leather to eco-friendly upholstery for the backing, with low-impact wood and brass detailing,” says Arjan. Cork wardrobe doors detailed with gold leaf introduce a subtle lustre, while a freestanding tub framed by greenery offers a restorative retreat connected to nature.
A freestanding bathtub overlooks greenery.
“This project really brought together all our core design philosophies,” he reflects. “Sustainability and stewardship… attention to detail, and wellbeing. This home was designed to reduce stress, bring balance, and uplift the spirit.”
A home designed for peace.
The Appeal
Through conscious design and refined craftsmanship, Oceanfront expresses elements of layered sustainability that extend beyond the confines of modern consumerism. Defined by natural materials, tactile finishes, and a refreshing candour, the home stands out for its balance of beauty and purpose.
Arjan Nijen Twilhaar is an award-winning designer with over 30 years of experience in interior architecture and design.
Aiden T
Founded in 2006 by Arjan Nijen Twilhaar, an award-winning designer with over 30 years of experience in interior architecture and design, Aiden T is an independent studio guided by the belief that our surroundings profoundly shape how we feel and live. To Arjan, true design goes beyond aesthetics. It creates a sense of wellbeing and brings meaningful change to everyday life.
Every project at Aiden T is a bespoke journey that organically unfolds through close collaboration with homeowners. This adaptive process ensures each space feels authentic, balanced, and full of character. The studio’s work blends timelessness, sustainability, culture, and heritage, layering meaning and careful craftsmanship into every detail. From custom furniture and soft furnishings to bespoke architectural elements, each home finds its own rhythm, enlivened by subtle elements of surprise and a touch of whimsy.
Aiden T’s thoughtful approach has received industry recognition. The studio received the Best Residential Interior Designer, Singapore award in 2024, while its Pasir Ris home office project won Best Residential Interior Design in 2022. Arjan’s earlier accolades include Best Retail Concept (2004), Innovators in Design (2017), and Best Residential Interior Designer, Singapore (2018), awarded by LUXlife Magazine.