House Tour: A visit to this whitewashed 3,290 sqf conservation shophouse at Blair Road
By Young Lim -
Singapore’s colonial shophouses are perhaps one of its most iconic architectural features. The rows of conservation shophouses along Blair Road are especially significant as each unit boasts unique decorative accents and sculptural details, which have all been painstakingly preserved by the authorities.
As the shophouses are carefully maintained by the government, it’s always a challenge for any homeowner or architect looking to make alterations or amendments to a conservation shophouse unit.
Care and proper handling of the structure must be undetaken to prevent the façade of the shophouse from being destroyed or altered in any way.
For this shophouse project, local firm ONG&ONG sought to inject a sense of austerity and serenity into the home by utilising a predominantly white theme throughout the entire unit.
The architect firm also moved the kitchen to the front of the home. The generous kitchen island space greets visitors upon entry while allowing the space to flow freely through the central courtyard and into the living spaces behind. The original staircase has also been replaced with floating stairs held by black metallic beams.
A silver blacksplash along the back counter adds a sense of modernity and sophistication to the space.
The designers took inspiration from the bamboo plants growing out front and created laser-cut glass panels depicting bamboo silhouettes to segment the various spaces and direct the flow throughout the home.
Across from the courtyard, an airy lounge awaits. By using only shades of white and green throughout the home, the spaces take on an almost meditative quality.
Travertine marble cladded walls are complemented by white-slatted window panels to ensure that the white palette continues from the ground floor up to the other levels above.
By night, the white walls also help to reflect light into the spaces. This solves the issue of dark corners that are commonly experienced in other conservation units.
The furnishing in the home is kept simple, understated and monotoned in line with the theme throughout the rest of the house.
Bamboo plants also help to direct the eye upwards, optimising the double volume space in the courtyard area.
There is a Zen-like atmosphere in the lounge area, accented by the clean lines and plain greenery.
In bringing lots of light, energy and space into the shophouse, the architect team successfully solved all the nagging issues faced by colonial structures. This solution is perfect for homeowners who long to connect with images of the past without compromising on the practicalities and functionlities of modern living.
Architect ONG&ONG Photos Tim Nolan