The original and true meaning of the shophouse is its dual use of commerce at the ground level and residence at the upper levels. Few conservation shophouses, however, stay true to this heritage as gentrification and intensification has meant that most shophouses in the CBD have been converted to fully commercial uses.
Thus, the designers from Hyla Architects were delighted to be given this rare opportunity to do this shophouse in the historic Kampong Glam district which the owners intend to both work and live there.
The site is tiny and its width measures just 3.6 metres. The ground floor office is divided into three sections. The first area has a reception and meeting room, the middle is the work area and at the end is a pantry with a green wall.
On the second storey, the residential section is also divided into three areas. Upon entering, there is a dining area with a unique spiral stairs that leads to the mezzanine sleeping area. Below this middle section is the kitchen and bathroom. Finally, the last section at the front is the living space.
