Slice of history
The restoration of this traditional Singapore shophouse has recaptured its
original character and charm, and created a light-filled family home
Every era produces its own defining
architectural style, but there’s no doubt
that some periods leave a more enduring
heritage than others.
The traditional Singapore shophouse
evolved from such a period. Built between
1900 and 1940, shophouses were best
known for their spectacular ornamentation. Not surprisingly, these buildings are
now highly sought after, and many are
part of an exclusive residential enclave
in Singapore, known as the Blair Plain
Residential Historic District.
This shophouse in the precinct was one
of three that came up for sale together. At
some time in the past, it had been gutted
and drastically altered from its original
state to create offices.
Architects Diego Molina and Maria
Arango of Ong&Ong, who were commissioned to design a major renovation,
say the building had retained most of its
original facade, but very few of the other
traditional shophouse features.
“The ground floor was a poorly lit
single space that stretched all the way to
Facing page: Decorative cornices, capitals,
fanlights and enamel-finished dado tiles enhance
the character of this traditional Singapore
shophouse, which is located in an historic precinct.
The building, formerly converted into office space,
was extensively remodelled by architects Diego
Molina and Maria Arango of Ong&Ong to create a
bright and airy family home.
Above: The new front door opens directly into
the large open-plan family living space. The
hardwood floor and new timber beams reinforce
the traditional look.
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