Timothy Alouani-Roby: A penthouse in a high tower is a distinctive context to work with – how did you approach this key defining aspect?
Penny del Castillo: Designing a penthouse in the sky is like living in a glass bubble — spectacular, but full of nonnegotiable quirks! On the 80th floor sandwiched between technology and engineering, we couldn’t chase soaring ceiling heights, so instead we leaned into the long, low proportions with statement furniture, art and lighting. The lift lobby acts as a fire safety vault, so every material needed to pass strict codes — the wallpaper went through 3 rounds of FR testing prior to being approved….Glamour with a side of bureaucracy!”
How important are material textures and choices?
Textures and materials aren’t simply decoration — they represent both the personality of my clients and define the personality of the space. It was imperative to soften the bold architecture, endless glass and hard flooring, so the penthouse feels luxe, layered and totally liveable. The southern wing, with its 180° fishbowl views, became my playground — hammered travertine underfoot, sleek metal and granite in the kitchen, then layers of leather, boucle, suede and silk to bring warmth and luxury back into the clouds.”
How did you aim to make it homely and inviting, given the position in the sky and the ‘lock and leave’ approach of the clients?
Well, no greenery in this lock-and-leave penthouse! Instead, we repurposed our clients’ treasures and family heirlooms — limited edition ornaments, artwork, commissioned family portraits and holiday snaps from the Antarctic to Africa — turning their memories, adventures and collectibles into an instant familiar comfort zone in the sky.”
What are your favourite moments or details?
The anticipation of soaring 80 floors above the city and stepping into the exclusive intoxicating lift lobby, the rare vintage Maltese glass displayed in the living room and the exquisite VBO Coppibartali pendant lights! But honestly, nothing compares to interpreting my clients brief, then witnessing their faces as they walked into their finished home after nine months away. That moment is everything.”
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