Cover Eric Low, director of Hafary Group, in front of the new Hafary House
Eric Low, director of Hafary Group, in front of the new Hafary House
1 / 1
Tatler+
Elevating retail experience with a blend of heritage charm and visionary innovations, the Hafary House at Jalan Besar reimagines the material showroom as an inspiring playground for designers, architects, and homeowners
Singapore’s design scene is nothing if not discerning. Here, the pursuit of materials—the kind that line our floors, frame our walls, or add texture to our spaces—calls for more than just browsing through catalogues or clicking through online pages. For Hafary Group, founded in 1980 and now synonymous with premium surfaces, this understanding has shaped decades of growth and innovation. Their latest showroom, Hafary House, takes this ethos further by setting a new benchmark for retail experiences.
“The location on Lavender Street was chosen for its accessibility and heritage appeal,” says Eric Low, director of Hafary Group. “We wanted to preserve the charm of the conservation shophouses while transforming them into a modern, functional space that inspires creativity. It’s about respecting the past while innovating for the future.”
Nestled in Jalan Besar, a neighbourhood known for its industrial charm and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, Hafary House sprawls across 11 conserved shophouses. In a city that thrives on reinvention, this ambitious space embodies a seamless blend of heritage and forward-thinking design, promising to redefine how materials are explored and experienced.
“The vision for Hafary House was to create an immersive and experiential city showroom that showcases Hafary’s extensive product range,” says Selwyn Low, co-founder of Farm, the architecture studio tasked with the project. “Hafary has been a most supportive and collaborative partner in this process. From the early days of designing the visitor experience and understanding how to make sense of the huge inventory to display, to the final selection of materials and design of the numerous showcases, their expert team was extremely hands-on throughout.”
In case you missed it: A first look at the newly opened Hafary House in Jalan Besar, a design destination for tiles and surfaces
Above When designing the new Hafary House, Selwyn Low, co-founder of Farm, was inspired by the Cersaie tile exhibition in Bologna to dream up a space that blends immersive storytelling with inspiration and function
When designing the new Hafary House, Selwyn Low, co-founder of Farm, was inspired by the Cersaie tile exhibition in Bologna to dream up a space that blends immersive storytelling with inspiration and function
1 / 1
Inspired by Bologna’s renowned Cersaie tile exhibition, as well as various visits to brand partners showrooms around the world, the space at Hafary House integrates material displays with immersive storytelling, blending inspiration with function. The result? A journey through interconnected spaces where visitors can engage with materials in unexpected ways. Cleverly designed displays and integrated digital screens enable seasonal showcases, offering fresh inspiration and enticing customers to return and discover the latest trends.
Upon entering Hafary House, visitors will be greeted with a striking mosaic made from the sandblasted back of tiles
1 / 2
“Stepping into Hafary House, guests are greeted by a striking mosaic made from the sandblasted back of tiles that proudly displays the Hafary logo. This bold installation sets the tone for the entire experience: raw, experimental, and expressive,” says Selwyn. “The reception counter, constructed from stacked tiles with exposed edges, creates an undulating, tactile façade that invites touch and curiosity.” From there, a woven ceiling made of repurposed industrial stone straps leads visitors through the galleries, creating a visual rhythm that unifies the diverse spaces while paying homage to the logistics perfected by Hafary in delivering its products to its customers.
The sense of flow and discovery is intentional. “We wanted to reflect the raw energy of Jalan Besar’s industrial roots while creating a sophisticated showcase for modern design,” adds Selwyn. “The outcome is truly a labour of love, both from the designers and the tradesmen, who wanted to present the very best of their materials to visitors.”
Hafary House unfolds its narrative across 11 conserved shophouses, each meticulously crafted to inspire and educate. Anchored by three main galleries—Hafary for tiles and stone, Wood Culture for timber and wall coverings, and the newest addition, Hafary Bathroom—the space delivers a cohesive yet diverse exploration of materiality.
The Hafary gallery, featuring tiles and stone (Photo: Finbarr Fallon)
1 / 4
Adding to its repertoire, Wood Culture showcases innovative wall solutions, including the Ecoclay and Ecosphere collections. These lightweight and versatile materials redefine possibilities, adapting seamlessly to curved surfaces and pushing boundaries for walls and ceilings alike. Meanwhile, Hafary for tiles and stone celebrates the timeless beauty of the renowned Italian brand Antolini’s premium natural stones. From marble and quartzites to the exquisite Precious Stone collection, these materials marry luxury with innovation, featuring patented technologies that enhance both durability and hygiene.
Each gallery invites immersion, with vignettes that transport visitors through living spaces ranging from the lush opulence of Art Deco to the serene minimalism of Japanordic design. These inspiring thematic styles even extended to the customer restrooms.
Hafary Bathroom features premium European sanitary ware brands such as Zucchetti and Bernstein, alongside Hafary’s newly-minted in-house brand, Klopfen
1 / 2
The newest addition, Hafary Bathroom, marks an exciting expansion into sanitary ware, featuring premium European brands like Zucchetti and Bernstein, alongside Hafary’s newly-minted in-house brand, Klopfen. “By combining our wide range of surfacing materials and bathroom products under one roof, we aim to inspire creativity and elevate how people approach their renovation journeys,” says Eric.
Interactive features—like a mosaic pool where visitors can see how tiles look underwater—add an element of fun and practicality, inviting visitors to experiment with materials in ways they might never have considered. Hafary House is designed to be a place where inspiration and creativity come naturally, helping homeowners and designers alike discover fresh ideas for their projects.
With its thoughtful displays and hands-on experiences, Hafary House makes material selection an enjoyable and enriching process. “As we look ahead, Hafary House will continue to evolve,” says Eric. “We plan to introduce new materials, host more interactive events, and strengthen collaborations with designers and architects. Our goal is to remain a cornerstone for innovation and inspiration in Singapore’s design community.”
NOW READ
What went down at the Architects on the Rise awarding soirée at Hafary Gallery
Hafary’s new showroom By Park + Associates is designed as a creative journey
Credits
Content Direction: Shairah Thoufeekh
Videography: Joey Tay
Camera Crew: Melvin Wong, Jufri Husne, Yan Qiu
Grooming: Eunice Wong using Gucci Beauty and Keune Haircosmetics
Topics
