Behind the facade of this Emerald Hill shophouse is a home full of surprises

Emerald Hill shophouse, a historic property in Singapore, has undergone a remarkable transformation by the architecture firm Woha. Founded in 1994, the firm quickly gained recognition for its contemporary approach to tropical design. The project won several prestigious awards, including the 1999 International Award from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the 2004 Gold Award at the ARCASIA Awards for Conservation Projects.

The original conversion by Woha provided a strong foundation for the property, earning it an exceptional reputation. The owner, a professional in his mid-40s, expressed admiration for the architectural vision, stating that the project was a special property. Woha's modernization of the early 20th-century shophouse focused more on architectural elements than decoration.

The restoration process involved removing flooring to reveal a crisp, modern white box on the second storey. A double-height glass facade in the courtyard showcased the movement of people and light, contrasting with the formal expression of repeated windows on the rear extension facade. The current owner found Terence Chan, an architecturally trained designer, to restore the property.

Chan, who previously worked at Woha, aimed to rediscover and amplify the original grace of Woha's ideas while adapting the shophouse into a personalized entertainment sanctuary.

The restoration process was complex, addressing termites, damaged doors, and leaking issues. Chan replaced floorboards and timber cladding around the dining room's steel columns, reclaimed the teak flooring by removing black stains, and replaced the front door with solid timber panels. The restoration process transformed the shophouse into a visually captivating space, incorporating various furnishings, art, and materials.

The architecture and art now coexist harmoniously, creating a unique and immersive experience for the owner and visitors alike.