Cover The shophouse’s living room incorporating Chinese coin carvings and art pieces from the owner's collection evokes a blend of heritage and modernity
The shophouse’s living room incorporating Chinese coin carvings and art pieces from the owner's collection evokes a blend of heritage and modernity
1 / 1
Tatler+
East meets West in this 1920s heritage shophouse inside an enclave designed by SCDA Architects
Located inside the Sandalwood, a residential enclave at the heart of Joo Chiat by SCDA Architects, the Sandalwood Residential Shophouse at Tembeling Road is a rare award-winning conservation shophouse. Its beautifully restored facade segues into interior spaces that incorporate influences from Marrakech’s architecture as well as the tranquil serenity of Zen principles. SG Yong, Propnex realtor who focuses on D15, shares more.
Tell us more about the Sandalwood Residential Shophouse at Tembeling Road’s history
An original Peranakan shophouse from the 1920s, this conservation landmark has been transformed by the visionary SCDA Architects, who inserted a lightwell into the volume to bathe the interiors in natural light. The structural smarts like the lightwell, not only helped to create natural spotlight for his artefacts to be featured in the living room, they also brought in much needed ventilation in this hot tropical climate. The property retains the stately allure of its 100-year-old Art Deco facade while embracing sleek, modern interiors, setting a new benchmark for luxury living within a historical context. The architectural versatility of the house enables the owner to express his maximalist design philosophy in a vivid fashion.
Don’t miss: A contemporary-style office inside a historic shophouse with a secret garden concept
Above The intense colour palette featured throughout the home accentuate SCDA Architects’ original spatial designs
Above Vivid yellow further illuminates an airy and bright walkway
The intense colour palette featured throughout the home accentuate SCDA Architects’ original spatial designs
1 / 2
This is a landmark, rare residential project, culminating from over fifteen years of property and land acquisition, in what is now known as the Sandalwood residential area. It comprises 16 heritage conservation shophouses and a condominium complex, sharing modern amenities such as a basement car park and swimming pool.
Tell us more about the interior’s East-meets-West concept
The owner, deeply inspired by his experiences in Europe and China, envisioned a unique conservation house in Singapore that blends the traditional essence of Beijing’s si he yuan (四合院) courtyard houses of the Western Zhou Period (1045–771 BC) and the vibrant riads of Marrakech.
This property is not only a home, but a narrative of East meets West, where every element and space has been carefully curated to ensure the flow of positive qi (气), in accordance with feng shui principles for prosperous and harmonious living.
In a dedicated pursuit of prosperity, the owner invested a year collaborating with a feng shui master to ensure the property aligns with feng shui principles for Periods 8 and 9 (2003 to 2044) of the Chinese solar calendar. After rigorously evaluating several conservation houses, they selected this property for its auspicious "mountain and river" (山水) elements—key indicators of stability and positive qi flow—meeting their exacting standards for an ideal living space.
Above The kitchen’s design is a reflection of feng shui principles to promote prosperous and harmonious living
The kitchen’s design is a reflection of feng shui principles to promote prosperous and harmonious living
1 / 1
How has the owner incorporated his travel experiences and life philosophies into the home’s architectural and interior design?
The inspiration underpinning the home’s design is aptly summarised in a phrase: Marrakech charm meets Zen serenity.
The living spaces are canvases showcasing intense colour palettes and high ceilings, featuring original spatial designs by SCDA Architects. Traditional and intricate Chinese coin carvings grace each doorway, symbolising wealth and prosperity. Every step passing through the house’s doorways is a tribute to the traditional 1920s original breeze panels that were retained. Modern art pieces create striking contrasts within the terracotta-toned environments.
The dining room is cocooned by lush plants and verdant green tiles, offering a serene space for dining and musical reverie. The tall buildings in the back provide a “mountain” to support the house and complement the “river” in front. Hence, a house incorporating excellent feng shui practices in Period 9 of the Chinese solar calendar is created.
Read more: Meet the feng shui and ba zi masters modernising the craft
The master bedroom’s furnishing includes a variety of modern and antique pieces, reflective of the owner’s design inspirations
1 / 3
What are some of the home’s design features that you are most proud of?
In an ode to beauty and design, terracotta tones accentuate the warmth exuded by marrekechí designs, casting a vivid contrast that dances with modern pop art images. A distinctive vintage aluminium sun mirror along the hallway seemingly whispers, "Mirror, mirror on the wall, within these walls, we charm them all."
Now that we’ve learned about the communal spaces, could you share a bit more about the private spaces, such as the bedrooms?
The master bedroom is a haven of rest, with its expansive high ceilings—a strong architectural feature of conservation shophouses, inviting in ethereal sunlight. The natural light emphasises the pristine, ethereal whiteness of this space. The elegant decor is highlighted with an antique Caucasian carpet, lush indoor flora flourishes, and the rich warm wooden tones of the parquet flooring.
The junior bedroom is a minimalist retreat with vibrant Moroccan Red cabinetry and the red is beautifully accented by the gold Edo period (early 17th to mid 19th century) Japanese screen (Byōbu), delicately painted with gold, silver, and ink on silk. A 300-year-old Chinese daybed centres the room, offering a sanctuary and zen alcove of timeless beauty.
Above The rooftop courtyard housing a spiral staircase leading to the roof garden is painted an intense saffron
The rooftop courtyard housing a spiral staircase leading to the roof garden is painted an intense saffron
1 / 1
What are some of the notable design treatments you’ve applied to the courtyard?
The rooftop courtyard features a spiral staircase leading to the roof garden. The courtyard is of an intense saffron laid with striking green mosaic tiles, offering an elevated escape that ignites the senses. This vibrant combination captivates the eye but also invigorates the spirit. As a finishing touch, the courtyard features a cacti, evoking a Mediterranean summer mood.
Other than Marrakech’s unique architecture, Zen serenity was another pillar of inspiration for the home’s interior. Could you share more about that?
On the third floor, the tea room (茶室) invites introspection and cultural appreciation. Having an entire floor dedicated to contemplation is an embodiment of simplicity, mindfulness, and the focus on the present moment. The display of Nobuyoshi Araki's photographs at the door serves as a poignant reminder that one can only enter paradise after purgatory. This is a space designed for moments of quiet contemplation, where traditional Chinese tea ceremonies (茶道) are shared with friends, and the antiques are explored.
Adorned in a Himalayan salt palette colour, with its dance of light and shadows, imbues the room with a visual tranquillity that dispels restlessness and fosters an atmosphere of serenity. This tearoom is a serene retreat where art, aesthetics, and spirituality converge, allowing one to find profound meaning in even the most mundane of activities; renewing the spirit and nourishing the soul.
Above The tea room which occupies its own floor represents the importance of contemplation and mindfulness in the owner's personal philosophy
The tea room which occupies its own floor represents the importance of contemplation and mindfulness in the owner's personal philosophy
1 / 1
Joo Chiat is such a beloved residential area popular among both locals and visitors. Can we visit this house?
This conservation house is an enchanting blend of Japanese zen meets Marrakech charm, and it is not just a place to live—it is a living art piece, an emblem of architectural passion, and a homage to the beauty of cultural integration.
Credits
Photography: Courtesy of the homeowner
