Cover The show unit by Sujonohun presents a rich tapestry of textures and motifs that allude to the freehold condo’s Peranakan influences
The show unit by Sujonohun presents a rich tapestry of textures and motifs that allude to the freehold condo’s Peranakan influences
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Sujonohun creates a soulful sanctuary for the freehold Straits at Joo Chiat show gallery, offering a tasteful take on the neighbourhood’s Peranakan heritage
The Peranakan community in Singapore boasts a rich multicultural history, with roots that span Southeast Asia. The decorative elements that convey the vibrancy of Peranakan culture are also much admired; these include the distinctive, colourful tiles that sport botanical motifs, which are often featured in heritage havens across Singapore.
For the show gallery of Straits at Joo Chiat, a new freehold condominium in eastern Singapore, developer Roxy-Pacific enlisted Sujonohun to implement a modern take on Peranakan design. The concept draws inspiration from the site’s proximity to historical architecture, as well as the charming Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood’s strong ties to the Peranakan community.
This assignment followed an earlier collaboration with the developer, which had previously tasked the interior practice to design a modern Tuscan theme for the View at Kismis show gallery.
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Above The external façade of Straits at Joo Chiat's show gallery
The external façade of Straits at Joo Chiat's show gallery
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Led by Sujonohun design directors Molina Hun and Yanika Gunawan, the team put together a cohesive design scheme for a site spanning over 2,300 sq ft. Alongside creating a conducive environment in which prospective buyers could discuss their future homes, Sujonohun was also tasked to design a three-bedroom show unit to showcase the fine delights of a well-furnished apartment in the upcoming development.
“The client’s brief was to take a cue from the Joo Chiat area, paying homage to the Peranakan culture. The challenge was to marry the Peranakan heritage concept with a contemporary look,” says Hun.
Above The abstract design on the wallcovering in the master suite offers a nod to the botanical motifs common to Peranakan tiles
The abstract design on the wallcovering in the master suite offers a nod to the botanical motifs common to Peranakan tiles
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“Taking a cue from the client’s and architect’s Peranakan inspiration, we got to explore a modern take on the Peranakan theme for the entire show gallery, which is something that we had not explored before in our past projects.”
The design firm’s involvement went beyond the show gallery as well, as the team was also tasked to conceptualise and select the finishes for the bathroom, kitchen and wardrobe fittings that are installed in each apartment unit in the low-rise condominium.
“Being the project’s interior designer for the development, we were able to push the intricacy of the Peranakan details throughout the units, thus making it an exclusive design with a widespread appeal,” says Gunawan.
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Above The vent blocks help to bring daylight into this moody space
The vent blocks help to bring daylight into this moody space
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As beautiful as the Peranakan-inflected details can be, the design team took care not to overload the project’s modern concept with these heritage elements. Their considered approach offers a nod to the historical shophouses in the vicinity while keeping the overall look contemporary.
“We adopted the intricacy and vibrancy of the Peranakan shophouses of Joo Chiat as the design language throughout the project,” explains Hun. In particular, the Peranakan tiles were to become a recurrent motif, but cleverly interpreted in different ways to liven up various areas in the gallery and show flat.
The team transposed their architectural inspiration onto the façade of the show gallery, through the use of vent blocks in a limewash finish. These red-brick blocks offer a nod to the Peranakan inspiration with the geometric design, while bringing in natural light and acting as a space divider, separating the reception area from the zone in which a model of the upcoming development is showcased.
Above Peranakan tiles are applied to the headboard in another bedroom
Above The show unit presents a rich tapestry of textures and motifs that allude to the project’s Peranakan influences
Peranakan tiles are applied to the headboard in another bedroom
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For the show apartment, the goal was to portray the decorative aspects of Peranakan-style shophouses in a modern manner. For instance, the botanical designs commonly seen on Peranakan tiles take on both ornamental and abstracted forms in the interior and on the joinery.
“The wardrobe handles feature a floral profile, and are reminiscent of the garden-themed patterns on Peranakan tiles,” explains Gunawan. “The floral profile can also be seen throughout the built-in and loose furniture, without being too over the top.”
In the living room, the ceiling is imprinted with motifs inspired by blossoming flowers. Peranakan accent tiles have been incorporated into the kitchen and bathroom designs, as well as on the headboards in the bedrooms. The vanity mirror in the master bathroom similarly bears a floral-like form and is set against wallpaper adorned with quatrefoil motifs.
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Above Peranakan tiles are applied to the backing wall in another bedroom
Above The reception counter continues the mid-century colour palette utilised throughout the show gallery
Peranakan tiles are applied to the backing wall in another bedroom
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The furnishings sport deep red terracotta and earthy hues that catch the eye and are a nod to the rich colours used in mid-century design. Throughout the apartment, bronze trimmings and mirrored panels add a luxurious touch, creating a beautiful frame for the intricate details in the spaces.
Swiftly realised in two months, the completed result is one that stands apart from cookie-cutter modern minimalist designs while conveying the historical charms of its heritage neighbourhood.
Sujonohun
Helmed by eponymous founders Sujono Lim and Molina Hun, the multidisciplinary practice seeks to create immersive and personalised environments with all-encompassing concepts that span the gamut from interior design and branding to creating bespoke furnishings and lighting for their clients. The firm’s portfolio ranges from sizeable hospitality developments and luxurious houses to boutique properties, apartments and dining establishments, among many others.
Sujonohun
Address: 201 Henderson Rd #06-15 Apex@Henderson 159545, Tel: 6803 8753
sujonohun.com
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Images: Courtesy of Sujonohun
