Designworx breathes new life to Singapore's heritage buildingd

Aug 17, 2026

Cover French doors accentuate the lofty ceiling of this heritage bungalow, now converted into a private clubhouse by Designworx Interior Consultant

French doors accentuate the lofty ceiling of this heritage bungalow, now converted into a private clubhouse by Designworx Interior Consultant

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To Designworx Interior Consultant, breathing new life into heritage buildings is about creating spaces that honour both the tangible and the intangible, and shaping modern life

Step into a heritage building, and a unique sensory experience awaits. From the play of light through timber louvres and ventilation blocks to the flooring underfoot, heritage spaces invite one to move differently, reminding you of when time seemed to pass more slowly.

Shophouses and black-and-white colonial bungalows are sought after for their architecture, feel and value—and for the sense of identity and community they offer. Several areas in Singapore have been designated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) as conservation areas, with adaptive reuse as the goal—reflecting a broader shift in how Singapore approaches its built heritage: not just preservation, but reinvention.

Adherence to conservation principles remains essential to retaining intrinsic character, and effective interior design serves as the bridge between the two, honouring the past and making space for the future, an approach that sits at the heart of Designworx Interior Consultant’s practice.

In case you missed it: A retirement bungalow with a prehistoric fossil by Designworx Interior Consultant for a client of over 20 years

Above Venue Hotel in Joo Chiat occupies a row of black-and-white shophouses whose symbolic motifs and geometric patterns were carefully conserved

Venue Hotel in Joo Chiat occupies a row of black-and-white shophouses whose symbolic motifs and geometric patterns were carefully conserved

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“We prefer conserving the original character and introducing modern conveniences and amenities to allow our clients to actively use and enjoy the historical buildings while maintaining their architectural integrity,” says Terri Tan, Designworx’s founder and design director.

This intent to serve contemporary functions while preserving the architectural character and cultural significance is evident in the firm’s portfolio of heritage projects. That said, while heritage and conservation buildings have unique characteristics, they often feature constraints that require careful thinking. The Singapore shophouse typically has a long, narrow floor plan, and issues such as insufficient light. Load-bearing walls need to be carefully considered and well understood.

Black-and-white bungalows require an appreciation of their architecture to ensure a quality restoration while enhancing them for modern living. This balanced approach ensures that Singapore’s heritage buildings remain relevant through thoughtful adaptation and stewardship, preserving their architectural character and place in Singapore’s culture and history. Founded in 1998, Designworx’s award-winning body of work tells this story well through black-and-white bungalows and shophouses that have each been given a new life.

Above The distinct black outlines on the exterior are a unique characteristic of this GCB on Cable Road whose interiors is refurbished by Designworx Interior Consultant

The distinct black outlines on the exterior are a unique characteristic of this GCB on Cable Road whose interiors is refurbished by Designworx Interior Consultant

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In black and white

Designworx has built a strong portfolio of Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) and landed residences. Among them are historical black-and-white bungalows, one of which is located on Cable Road.

Reimagined as a contemporary home, the sprawling bungalow was revived with ceiling coves and balustrades that elevate its stunning architectural features. This was achieved while discovering a balance between leaning into grandeur and eliciting warmth for a contemporary feel.

Black trimmings and furnishings with geometric patterns echo the black outlines of the main doors and windows on the facade, as well as the timber-louvred casement windows. The project was awarded the Readers’ Choice: Best Show Unit accolade at the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2021.

Above A juxtaposition of new chandelier and black-and-white balustrade

Above In this living room, Designworx pairs decorative screen and the woven finish of the armchairs are tributes to the architecture

A juxtaposition of new chandelier and black-and-white balustrade

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The bungalow, reborn

Black-and-white bungalows are also in demand for adaptive reuse in the commercial sector. In the case of a century-old bungalow at Nepal Park, formerly used as a colonial residence, it has been converted into the office of a higher-learning institute. It comprises spaces for programmes and events attended by leaders in business, the government, and academia.

Instead of a corporate ambience, Designworx reimagined it with a cosy, clubhouse-like atmosphere. The main bungalow houses the reception, lounge, large pantry and work areas, as well as a chill-out space on the balcony. A former outhouse was repurposed as a conference room.

Above French doors accentuate the lofty ceiling of this heritage bungalow, now converted into a private clubhouse by Designworx

French doors accentuate the lofty ceiling of this heritage bungalow, now converted into a private clubhouse by Designworx

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A private space

As with all heritage buildings, Designworx studied the architectural features, the site and the surrounding land prior to designing the interior spaces of this heritage bungalow. The structure features arched fanlights above French doors, letting in natural light and accentuating the high ceiling.

The brief was to turn the bungalow into a clubhouse for C-suite executives, where they can entertain in a private, unconventional setting.

The structure, colours, and facade were retained, and the interiors were given a new lease of life with a new commercial kitchen as well as lighting and luxurious bathrooms.

Above Dark furnishings and flooring give this learning institute’s lounge by Designworx, located in a black-and-white bungalow, a distinguished yet cocooning feel

Dark furnishings and flooring give this learning institute’s lounge by Designworx, located in a black-and-white bungalow, a distinguished yet cocooning feel

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Checking into heritage

Shophouses in Singapore have been conserved in recognition of their importance in the country’s architectural history and identity.

In Joo Chiat, many shophouses feature distinctive Peranakan detailing, with facades embellished with floral and symbolic motifs, giving the area its unique identity, character and flavour.

To clients of Venue Hotel in Joo Chiat, heritage is part of the guest experience. The hotel is decked out in bold colours and textures, blending traditional patterns with updated functionality for a modern Peranakan aesthetic, earning it Best Hotel Interior—Singapore accolade at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2014.

Above Venue Hotel’s stunning lobby by Designworx Interior Consultant

Venue Hotel’s stunning lobby by Designworx Interior Consultant

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Housing History

Working with conservation and heritage buildings often goes beyond preserving the structure. The goal is also to safeguard the stories they hold. A mansion built in 1926 featuring tall columns at the entrance, this two-storey bungalow served as a family residence for banker and philanthropist Tan Chin Tuan and his family for decades.

The studio was tasked with crafting the interiors when it was set to be converted into a condominium clubhouse. Aside from honouring the colonial architecture and Peranakan influences, legacy and stewardship led the design intent. The design concept focused on dedicating spaces to memorabilia that chronicled the life of Tan Chin Tuan, such as family photographs and historical artefacts, that are housed in specially designed and fabricated display cases.

Above A rendering of Tan Chin Tuan Mansion’s well appointed corridor; t

A rendering of Tan Chin Tuan Mansion’s well appointed corridor; t

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Spaces with soul

More people are turning to heritage buildings in their hunger for spaces with soul: places that carry memory, texture, and a sense of rootedness.

That is why the team at Designworx Interior Consultant immerse themselves in the building’s history, combing through libraries, physical bookshops and online archives to uncover all available resources on the building type and, where possible, even walking through the actual spaces before the concept work begins.

In Singapore, where heritage buildings stand testament as living witnesses to its history, communities, lives and design evolution, that respect carries considerable weight.

Above A former balcony turned into a sitting area at Tan Chin Tuan Mansion

A former balcony turned into a sitting area at Tan Chin Tuan Mansion

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To Tan, the work goes deeper than modernisation. “A successfully adapted heritage space honours its historical significance while remaining economically viable and actively engaging the community. It breathes new life into an old structure without erasing its architectural character or the intangible memories attached to it,” she shares.

“You know you’ve found the perfect balance when the space feels alive, sustainable, and distinctly rooted in its locale, rather than a sterile museum or a generic modern build,” she concludes.

Designworx Interior Consultant, 1 Pasir Panjang Road #30-01 Labrador Tower (by appointment only). Tel: 9888 3232. designworx.net