Once dismissed as stark and uninviting, Brutalism is getting a warm welcome into our homes. We spotlight four Singapore residences that channel raw, rugged beauty into spaces that are bold, grounded, and surprisingly inviting.
30 July 2025
Long associated with institutional buildings and an unforgiving aesthetic, Brutalism hasn’t always had the best reputation — especially in the context of home interiors. But the style, rooted in mid-century modernism and named after béton brut (raw concrete in French), is experiencing a quiet revival. At its core, Brutalism celebrates honest materials, monolithic forms, and architectural integrity — but today’s interpretations go beyond the brutal.
Instead of feeling cold or oppressive, Brutalist-inspired homes now lean into texture, tone, and tactility, using raw finishes, muted palettes, and grounding materials to create spaces that feel serene rather than severe. In Singapore, designers and homeowners are embracing this transformation — blending the bold bones of Brutalism with warmth and nuance. From a Bukit Timah walk-up to a Sengkang HDB flat, these four interiors show how concrete can be both soulful and striking.
Brutalism softens in this eco-minded, plant-filled sanctuary
In this serene walk-up apartment, eco-brutalism finds its footing — quite literally — in concrete, stone, and greenery. Interior designer Diana from Oblivion Lab pairs the rigour of raw materials with the calm of organic textures and biophilic elements, crafting a home that’s both grounded and uplifting. Brutalist cues come through in the structural clarity, exposed finishes, and industrial bones, but they’re softened by timber accents, arch beams, and lush planters that meander through the space. From a reimagined entryway to a bathtub close to greenery, this home shows how Brutalism can be both bold and blissful — especially when nature is invited in. Read the full story here
Brutalism meets emotional depth in this contemplative retreat
In Apartment 29, Brutalism is reimagined through a lens of mindfulness and material honesty. Studio Metanoia strips the late-‘90s flat back to its raw essentials — concrete, troweled cement, and steel — creating a moody, textured environment that feels both introspective and intentional. The palette leans into deep greys and blacks, while bespoke elements like a stainless steel dining table and softly glowing linear lights add sculptural refinement. Curtain partitions and fluid spatial planning lend the home a sense of openness and calm, making it a quietly powerful expression of Brutalism — less about harshness, more about stillness, clarity, and slow living. Read the full story here
Brutalist edge meets wabi-sabi calm in a sculptural sanctuary
In this transformed HDB flat, Brutalism doesn’t come in with a sledgehammer — it arrives with intention, artistry, and soul. Adeline Lim of LA Design Studio channels brutalist form through expressive structure: a once-problematic central column becomes the hero feature, clad in raw concrete with a chiselled, bronze-like core. Around it, clean lines, textured surfaces, and grounded tones create a space that feels both dramatic and serene. Wabi-sabi warmth softens the home’s bold lines, with organic transitions, moody lighting, and carefully layered materials adding depth. There’s even a faux fireplace for warmth and glass encased greenery. The result? A home that’s part gallery, part hideaway, where the raw beauty of Brutalism is elevated by elegance and emotional design. Read the full story here
A bachelor pad where Brutalism meets warmth and wellness
In this three-room HDB flat, MONOCOT distils Brutalism into its most personal form. Designed for a sports- and design-loving homeowner, the space trades traditional rooms for an open-plan layout defined by concrete, screed, and stainless steel. Raw finishes — from fair-faced concrete walls to microcement ceilings — set a distinctly Brutalist tone, while clever zoning and curated textures keep the home functional and inviting. Oak flooring, rich brown tones, and warm wood accents soften the aesthetic without compromising its edge. The result? A home that’s minimal but not cold, architectural yet livable — proof that Brutalism can thrive even in a compact HDB flat. Read the full story here
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