It is no less than a wonder to create a calm sanctuary amidst one of the most buzzing neighbourhoods of Macau. A luxury apartment in Sky Oasis, just south of the Cotai Strip, achieves this ideal. Envisioned and executed by award-winning Hong Kong-based firm Max Lam Designs, it inspires an inward journey of peace and contemplation.

The location of the property is, first and foremost, ideal for occupiers who are looking for a break away from the bustling casino life that Macau is known for.

The interiors span a generous 3,000 square feet and embrace an oriental theme. Nature’s influence is evident in the different textures of stone, pebbles, granite and wood. The hues and colours used to realise these Eastern aesthetics are also evocative of nature.

An aura of tranquillity is apparent upon setting foot in the residence. Delicate floral accents punctuate the foyer, where a large vase elegantly sits in a recess embellished with wooden slats, and soft lighting emphasises the contrasting wall finishes. A gold-thread painting by sculptor Raymond Pang is displayed by the entrance, across from an ink piece by San Chiu Yan – two of a handful of artworks specially commissioned by the design team for this project.

Expanses of warm, light-coloured wood and trellis structures feature throughout a striking décor, in which minimalism is balanced by intricate details for a modern-luxury take on traditional Japanese interior architecture. The monotony of the wooden walls, floors and ceilings is broken by the varying tones of the finishes, each casting different reflections of light from the same source.

Nature comes to the centre of the living room in a light-grey branch-patterned rug, alongside a sober sofa and two coffee tables with stone tops. The orange-tan leather seats of two armchairs with wooden frames and arms bring shots of colour to the neutral palette. At the end of the room, balcony doors open to a cosy space where a swing provides the perfect vantage point for watching the night lights of Macau.

In the dining area, an installation of decorative wooden planks cocoons an unconventional dining table – a wooden bench flanked by a mix of wooden stools and sleek leather-upholstered chairs. Two large spherical lunar-like lamps hang above, allowing the family to enjoy well-lit meals. Framed calligraphy set at ground level provides artistic food for thought.

On the opposite side of the room stands a stone-topped, metal-framed bar counter. Illumination from underneath the bar’s wood-block base and the shelving unit behind it emits a soft, moody glow, the perfect ambience for a drink or two before dinner.

A semi-open area adjacent to the master bedroom has been converted into a beautiful tea room replete with Chinese ink paintings and delicate teaware. The lack of windows in this part of the residence was a major design challenge neatly solved by creating this serene breathing space. The tatami floor cushions, low table and sliding door of the tea cabinet give it the feel of a true Japanese home.

The wall dividing the tea room from the living area features a curving wood installation and a ceramic vase by Ryan Hui holding a graceful ikebana.

The master bedroom is enchantingly illuminated by indirect lighting that precisely traces the ceiling. A stone-feature wall, sakura-patterned wooden screens and a bespoke Art Deco-style vanity table are harmonious manifestations of understated elegance.

Similarly, two further bedrooms are visions of naturalistic refinement, with minimal furnishing and light design throughout. The craftsmanship of the wooden floors, walls and fittings is outstanding, effortlessly following the natural patterns of the grain. In one room, the headboard of the bed is a huge, accentuated wooden circle edged with light that appears like a sacred halo.

Whether relaxing in the bedrooms or entertaining in the extended living area, this zen-inspired space offers an idyllic retreat from busy daily life. Through masterful design, it instils inner calm and promotes mindful reflection.

This unique residence is truly a treasured gem thanks to the stylish finishes in the extremely tranquil surroundings that is Coloane. Every little detail has been given great thought in order to produce a final product with stunning clean lines and fittings of the highest taste.

Photos: Max Lam Designs