Home Tour: Geylang Lorong 24A heritage shophouse with indoor pool

American television series Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders once depicted Geylang as “officially known as the red-light district, but more accurately it’s an overcrowded slum with a thriving underworld”.

However, stepping into this meticulously restored heritage shophouse along Geylang Lorong 24A would instantly dispel such misconceptions about this historically rich neighborhood. This stunning Geylang shophouse stands as a testament to the area’s architectural heritage and ongoing transformation.

Heritage Geylang shophouse transformation

Built around 1920, this heritage shophouse underwent an ambitious transformation under the expert guidance of two renowned architectural firms, KD Architects and FARM. Their innovative approach to preserving heritage while introducing modern elements has created a masterpiece that perfectly balances Singapore’s architectural past and present.

Indoor pool in shophouse

In a bold design move that celebrates the unique architectural characteristics of Singapore’s colonial-era shophouses, the studios incorporated a striking indoor pool that spans the entire length of the heritage building. This distinctive feature pays homage to the traditional narrow layouts typical of conservation shophouses while adding a contemporary twist.

Pool as a design element

The swimming pool serves as more than just a luxury amenity in this Geylang shophouse restoration. It becomes a central design element that creates a compelling visual journey, drawing the eye naturally from the entrance through to the rear of the property and upward through the multiple levels of living space.

Geylang Lorong 24A Shophouse Series

This remarkable property is part of a larger architectural initiative known as the Geylang Lorong 24A Shophouse Series. Developed by Pocket Projects, a boutique development consultancy known for their unique approach to heritage properties, the project encompassed eight shophouses along the row. Seven different local architectural firms were commissioned to reimagine these heritage shophouses, with a focus on blending modern functionality with the historical charm that makes the Geylang precinct so distinctive.

Winding staircases

Rather than treating the renovation as a simple extension, the architectural teams approached the project as an artistic insertion within the heritage structure. This philosophy manifested in the creation of an innovative continuous stairway that elegantly winds around the building’s internal walls, connecting each floor in a fluid, sculptural manner.

Heritage shophouse preservation

The restoration carefully preserved the original brick structural walls of this heritage shophouse, maintaining its historical integrity while completely reimagining the interior layout. A modern glass roof, thoughtfully shielded by architectural beams, replaced the original structure, flooding the interior with natural daylight and creating an airy, contemporary atmosphere within the historic shell.

Concealed lighting fixtures

The comprehensive interior renovation enabled the installation of sophisticated lighting systems, including concealed fixtures and carefully positioned spotlights. This modern lighting scheme transforms the Geylang shophouse into a gallery-like space, highlighting architectural features and creating dramatic shadows.

Impressive view from entrance

Breaking from traditional shophouse layouts, which typically obscure upper floors from view, this innovative design allows visitors to appreciate the vertical spatial flow from the moment they step into the entrance foyer. This transparency creates an immediate impression of the property’s grand scale and architectural ingenuity.

Open-air roof terrace

The preserved open-air roof terrace crowns this remarkable heritage shophouse, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Geylang neighborhood and providing a peaceful urban retreat above the bustling streets below.

Shophouse with modest facade

While the heritage shophouse maintains a modest facade during daylight hours, blending seamlessly with its historic neighbors...

Breathtaking facade lighting

As darkness falls, the property transforms into a breathtaking architectural jewel, its thoughtful lighting design creating a warm glow that highlights the perfect marriage of heritage architecture and contemporary design.