Cover How Roche Bobois and HYLA Architects shaped a “forever home” for Old Chang Kee’s executive chairman
How Roche Bobois and HYLA Architects shaped a “forever home” for Old Chang Kee’s executive chairman
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Roche Bobois and HYLA Architects open up about the creative process behind a striking Singapore home, revealing how architecture and furniture design come together in harmony
When a Singapore home makes waves for its thoughtful design, there’s usually more than meets the eye. Beyond the striking facades and carefully curated spaces lies a story of collaboration—one that reveals how great design emerges when architecture and furniture speak the same language.
The residence that captured attention in our previous feature wasn’t just about bold architectural statements or beautiful furnishings in isolation. It was about dialogue: between HYLA Architects’ refined clarity and Roche Bobois’ expressive artistry, between Eastern heritage and contemporary living, between structure and personality.
When Tatler first toured the Singapore home of Old Chang Kee’s executive chairman Han Keen Juan and his wife, Ng Choi Hong, we were drawn to its layered courtyards, deep connection to the neighbouring park and the owners’ remarkable collection of antiques.
Above A peek inside the beautifully-appointed home of Old Chang Kee’s executive chairman
The architect’s vision
For Nicholas Gomes, director at HYLA Architects, this project began with a deeply personal brief. “The clients had lived on the site for over a decade, and in the area for more than 40 years. They envisioned this as their 'forever home'—a place that reflected both permanence and legacy,” he explains. "At our first meeting, they shared their collection of Chinese antiques, along with their admiration for traditional courtyard houses. That informed the conceptual direction from the outset.”
The resulting design draws inspiration from the traditional siheyuan typology—a Chinese courtyard house—but reinterpreted in a multi-level format. Gomes describes the aesthetic approach: “The house is located next to a park, so the exterior adopts earthy, natural tones that allow it to quietly anchor itself in the landscape. Inside, the material palette is purposefully restrained to let the clients’ antique collection and furnishings take centre stage.”
This restraint was intentional. For HYLA Architects, known for its quiet clarity and refined materiality, the architecture needed to provide structure without overwhelming the expressive elements that would bring the home to life. “Furniture carries personality,” Gomes reflects. “While we as architects design the envelope, it’s the furnishings—especially those with meaning or history—that give a home its character.”
Above For Nicholas Gomes, director at HYLA Architects, this project began with a deeply personal brief
Above This understanding of furniture as personality is precisely what Wilson Tang, brand owner of Roche Bobois Singapore, brings to every project
For Nicholas Gomes, director at HYLA Architects, this project began with a deeply personal brief
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Roche Bobois’ philosophy
This understanding of furniture as personality is precisely what Wilson Tang, brand owner of Roche Bobois Singapore, brings to every project. For those unfamiliar with the French luxury brand, Tang explains their distinctive approach: “Roche Bobois is renowned for its unique blend of contemporary design and artistic expression,” emphasising how the brand goes beyond mere functionality.
The brand’s philosophy centres on what Tang calls “artisan craftsmanship”—collaborating with skilled artisans who use traditional techniques alongside modern innovations. This extends to extensive customisation options that allow clients to personalise their furniture in terms of materials, finishes, colours, and sizes, reflecting individual tastes and lifestyles.
Tang explains that the brand creates pieces that become part of a family’s everyday rituals, highlighting how they respond to modern homeowners’ desire for meaningful, enduring pieces. This approach involves artistic collaborations, sustainable practices, and what he describes as designs that “evoke emotions and memories”.
Above The family pooch on the Profile sofa
The family pooch on the Profile sofa
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Collaboration in action
The collaboration between HYLA and Roche Bobois wasn’t about imposing a single vision, but rather about finding harmony between two distinct design languages. Gomes describes how they approached integrating Roche Bobois’s bold pieces into HYLA’s refined architectural framework: “The clients have a strong sense of personal style, which is evident both in their antique collection and their selection of Roche Bobois pieces. Our role was to ensure the architectural framework remained balanced—neutral enough to support these more expressive elements without conflict.”
Tang confirms this collaborative spirit: “Yes, we thoroughly understand the overall architectural design to ensure that the proposed furniture reflects the same aesthetic principles. This collaborative and client-centred approach not only enriches the design process but also results in a home that truly reflects the client's identity and lifestyle.”
The process involved careful consideration of scale, placement, and flow within the space. As Gomes notes: “It was a very open, collaborative process—more about finding the right balance than imposing a rigid aesthetic.”
Eden-Rock TV unit by Roche Bobois
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Signature pieces
Three key Roche Bobois collections played pivotal roles in bringing personality to the architectural framework. The Profile Sofa, with its contemporary style and modular flexibility, offered what Tang describes as versatility that “complements a wide range of decor, making it versatile for blending Eastern and Western elements.”
The Maison Lacroix Collection brought a different energy entirely. “The Maison Lacroix Collection adds an element of artistic flair and cultural richness to the home,” Tang explains. “Its eclectic designs can incorporate traditional Chinese motifs or colours, creating a dialogue between cultures.”
Completing the trio, the Eden-Rock Collection provided what Tang calls “a sense of nature into the home, aligning with Eastern philosophies that emphasise harmony with nature. Its elegant, flowing designs can serve as a stunning contrast to the more structured Profile Sofa, creating a balanced visual dynamic.”
Above The Eden-Rock dining table with a rotating marble top adds an “organic and artistic touch” to the dining space
The Eden-Rock dining table with a rotating marble top adds an “organic and artistic touch” to the dining space
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Material and spatial harmony
The success of this collaboration lies in how the furniture pieces complement rather than compete with the architectural language. Tang describes how the Profile Sofa offers a sleek, modern look that can complement various architectural styles. Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic align well with contemporary designs while the Eden-Rock Collection, known for its use of rich materials like wood, metal, and luxurious upholstery, adds an “organic and artistic touch”.
This material synergy was essential to the home's atmosphere. As Gomes explains: “We treat furniture as an extension of the client. Roche Bobois, in this case, reflected their personalities—bold, expressive, and confident. Our architecture provided the structure and clarity that allowed these pieces to feel intentional, not intrusive.”
The approach demonstrates what Gomes calls “contrast done thoughtfully”—where minimalism provides breathing room for artistic expression. “Strong architectural clarity can actually enhance the impact of more playful or artistic pieces. Architecture sets the stage; the furnishings activate it.”
Above The mezzanine-level family room is a visual and spatial bridge within the home
The mezzanine-level family room is a visual and spatial bridge within the home
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A living legacy
The mezzanine-level family room exemplifies this philosophy in action. Gomes describes it as a space that “overlooks both the first and second floors, making it a visual and spatial bridge within the home.”
“It’s where the matriarch of the household often spends time—working, relaxing, or playing mahjong with friends. It embodies the spirit of the home: connected, comfortable, and expressive.”
This room, furnished with carefully selected Roche Bobois pieces, represents the ultimate goal of the collaboration. Tang hopes that when people encounter Roche Bobois furniture in such a setting, they feel “inspired by the innovative designs and artistic expressions that reflect a seamless blend of Eastern and Western influences” while being welcomed by “the comfort and warmth of Roche Bobois furniture”.
Above Great residential design is about orchestrating architectural restraint and furnishing expression to tell a complete story
Above Tang hopes that when people encounter Roche Bobois furniture, they will feel “inspired by the innovative designs and artistic expressions that reflect a seamless blend of Eastern and Western influences”
Great residential design is about orchestrating architectural restraint and furnishing expression to tell a complete story
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Above Both collaborators see this project as proof that contemporary design and cultural identity can coexist beautifully
Both collaborators see this project as proof that contemporary design and cultural identity can coexist beautifully
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The complete story
Ultimately, both collaborators see this project as proof that contemporary design and cultural identity can coexist beautifully. Gomes reflects on the larger narrative: “It’s possible to build something contemporary without losing cultural identity. The architecture offers a modern framework, while the furnishings—both antique and new—speak to memory, personality, and heritage. It's a home that feels deeply personal and built to last.”
Tang echoes this sentiment, describing the intended message as “one of elegance, comfort, and cultural harmony,” where the furniture creates “an inviting atmosphere, making guests feel at home and encouraging social interaction”.
The collaboration between HYLA Architects and Roche Bobois demonstrates that great residential design isn’t about choosing between architectural restraint and furnishing expression—it’s about orchestrating both to tell a complete story. In this Singapore home, that story speaks of heritage honoured through contemporary means, of spaces that are both sophisticated and deeply personal, and of the magic that happens when architecture and furniture design truly work in tandem.
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Credits
Content Direction: Dana Koh and Adriel Chiun
Videography: Melvin Wong
Camera Crew: Timothy Koh and Jufri Husne
Grooming: Joanne Ong
Video Editor: Melvin Wong
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Andrea Saadan is the Senior Digital Editor of Tatler Singapore. She oversees all digital content for the website and currently leads the Beauty and Lifestyle verticals. As a child, she had always enjoyed reading and writing but it was only after she joined her college newspaper, The Spectrum, in Buffalo, New York, that she considered a career in journalism. Her love for all things beauty started from the age of two—when she was caught playing with (and damaging) her mother’s YSL lipstick. On top of her day job, she is also an unpaid beauty consultant for friends and family. Besides make-up, her obsessions include the wizarding world of Harry Potter, podcasts, ice-cream, her walking pad and watching endless re-runs of The Office (US).
