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In an embellished world where “more is more”, Hotel Mono stands out for its pared down interiors and minimalist look you wouldn’t usually associate with a hospitality development. As part of its “unconventional” design, expect no frills at the Chinatown hotel — not headboards, pendant lamps, rugs, artwork, or even colours, as hinted by its name. And yet, the hotel still manages to be Instagram-worthy in a modern-minimal way. In fact, that was a consideration in its design, says Glenn Quah, general manager.
Designed by William Chan of Spacedge Designs to have an overarching minimalist theme with an uncomplicated black and white colour palette, the hotel’s interiors are restful and understatedly chic. The materials used may be inexpensive and humble, says the designer, but a lot of thought went into applying them to “bring out something special in a simple way”. The design language starts in the lobby. Upon stepping in, the long and narrow space is free of loose furniture, and instead, a bench made of solid surface and a wall-mounted spherical seat flank the way to the cantilevered T-shape reception counter. William tells that the distinctive seat — a focal point in the lobby — was a chair that was modified and specially built into the partition under the staircase, which is only accessible to guests.
As for the rooms, the most distinctive elements are linear and angular structures, made using 38 by 38cm mild steel hollow sections. Affixed on the whitewashed ceiling and walls, the bars punctuate the space and make for an unexpectedly bold design statement in each room, apart from functioning as clothes hangers and housing LED strip lighting. “The choice of material is simple, but shapes and lines are used to create visual impact,” says William. Owing to the fact that Hotel Mono is housed in a row of shophouses (five three-storey ones and a two and a half storey one), each of the 46 rooms in the 15,000sqf hotel has its own shape. “Different layouts make the rooms interesting — when you return for another stay, you get another experience,” smiles Glenn. Nevertheless, the consistency in design and uniformity is evidently maintained, despite not having a fixed template.
Even the renovation was kept simple. Glenn and William share that the site was previously another hotel, and no major structural alterations were done, in spite of a totally different look now. The original wooden flooring in the rooms was restored and stained black, and still, traces of the building’s heritage in the form of its architectural elements remain and contrast with the new minimalist unornamented interiors.
Apart from appealing to the design-savvy, Hotel Mono aims to provide a balance between price and quality, says Glenn. Family rooms (apparently a rare find in the Chinatown area) are priced at around $250 a night, and you get a restful sleep, thanks to custom-made pocket spring beds from King Koil. If simplicity is a luxury, Hotel Mono would make for the ultimate retreat.
Hotel Mono is at 18 Mosque Street, tel: 6326-0430.