Love on the Edge: Two Hearts, One Gritty Shophouse
Why Choose the Dark and Dingy?
When most househunters dream of gleaming facades and marble countertops, Chin Sing Ping and Sharon Tay had a quirky opposite craving. “We’re all about the charm of decayed brick and the adventure of a design makeover,” says Sharon, a devoted homemaker. “A fresh‑start shophouse feels like a blank canvas—minus the paint gloss.”
Meet the Target
The sweet couple’s journey led them to a Onan Road shophouse that once housed workers in a dormitory. The faded walls and worn-out corridors felt like a love letter awaiting their quirks. The instant they stepped inside, the couple was head‑over‑heels for the place.
Historical Hurdles & URA Rules
- Gazetted in 1993 — part of the Joo Chiat Conservation Area.
- Must stick to URA’s maximum retention and sensitive restoration policies.
- Careful repair only — no tearing down historic skin.
Architectural Magic Made Easy
Enter Keith Khoo from EZRA Architects. Under his guidance, the couple turned a crumbling pavilion into a stylish, breathing architectural gem, while respecting heritage norms. The rejuvenated shophouse didn’t just sit on the block; it gave the neighborhood a fresh, lively vibe.
Accolades & Celebrations
All that hard work earned a Special Mention in this year’s URA Architectural Heritage Awards—proof that love and a dash of grit can win the designer’s nod.
Key Takeaway
When you tri‑age the goal of beating bland, a rough, vintage shophouse can become a canvas for creative brilliance—just remember the conservation guidelines will keep the facade historically snazzy.
Giving the Shophouse a Fresh New Look
The windows? Keeping them! We let the classic panes stay in place while swapping out the front glass door for a sturdy wooden one that echoes a vintage photo. It’s like giving the building a retro makeover.
Making the Façade Shine
We slapped a coat of crisp white paint all over the façade — clean, simple, and super eye‑catching. The goal? Highlight those original architectural details without all the fuss.
Five‑Foot‑Way & Terracotta Tiles
- The little corridor outside the shophouse stayed as it was.
- The terracotta floor tiles got a thorough scrubbing, so they sparkle like new again.
Revealing the Living Room’s Hidden Gem
We stripped away the plaster on the party wall inside the living room, exposing the raw bricks. They’re not uniform in size, but that irregularity gives each wall a unique, characterful vibe.
Polish Up the Ceiling
All the timber rafters on the living room ceiling were fixed up and finished with a fresh coat of varnish, giving the space a warm, polished feel.
Dream Loft: Turning a Bedroom into the Ultimate Home Office
Kennington’s own Sing Ping had a simple wish: a loft in the bedroom that could double as a cosy home office. When Keith went for a quick site visit, he spotted a perfect niche—a gap between the real roof and the false ceiling that just needed a lift.
Why This Spot Works?
“A loft is the best way to soak up the roomy vibes of the shophouse’s original architecture,” Keith quips. In other words: make the old feel great, but with a modern twist.
Designing the Invisible
- Vision: Make the new structure basically a ghost—no visible clash with the existing party wall.
- Solution: Two super‑thin steel columns hold a lightweight timber floor that’s practically floating.
- Bonus: A skylight lightens the space, while glass panels keep safety in check and amplify the floating illusion.
Keeping It Classic
The conservation team was picky about preserving the original shophouse, but they did allow an extension at the back. That gave the couple a bit more room to spread out—essential for long office days and secret donut stash.
So, when Sing Ping steps into her new “loft‑office,” she’ll be looking up at the high ceiling and feeling a gentle breeze from the skylight—proof that some old‑world charm can be updated without losing a single historic detail.
Sharon’s New Courtyard
Ever the plant enthusiast, Sharon’s heart does a little jig every time she steps into her fresh courtyard. It’s her secret garden spot inside the house, a place where seedlings thrive and the humble houseplant gets the VIP treatment.
Her Second‑Best Hangout: The Five‑Foot Way
- It’s a breezy, five‑foot passageway that’s become a playground for the neighborhood kids.
- Every evening, the kids zoom up and down, practically turning the corridor into a mini Olympic track.
- When the rush calms, passersby love catching a breather on the comfy bench outside her door.
“Sing Ping and I love kicking back here with a glass of wine,” Sharon says, waving an imaginary bottle. The vibe is all about chill vibes, good company, and a sunset view that’s downright Instagram‑worthy.
The Conservation Connection
Sing Ping, who’s long‑time champion of conservation, sees this project as a bridge between the past and the future. “The blending of old and modern feels like a perfect mash‑up,” he shares. The courtyard, the footpath, the bench – all stitched together with a touch of sustainability.
Why This Matters
When a simple courtyard sparks conversation and community, it’s a reminder that great ideas can start with a few potted plants and some creative space planning. Sharon and Sing Ping show us that preserving heritage and adding a splash of modern comfort is absolutely doable.
