Nyonya Tiles Revival
(Conservation House, Katong)
Welcome to a story about a 1930s conserved shophouse on Koon Seng Road in Katong. The owners, a fourth-generation Peranakan family, aimed to protect their ancestral home while adapting it for multi-generational use. This project took 20 months, including the time needed for heritage approvals. Below is a detailed overview of how the team combined Peranakan tile art with modern functionality.
Nyonya Tiles Revival
The owners remain proud that the final home respects Peranakan history while meeting modern demands. They have also seen guests marvel at the detailed tile motifs and the open layout. The entire project underscores how a conserved shophouse can bridge the past and present with thoughtful planning and respect for heritage.
- Location: Koon Seng Road, Katong Conservation Area
- Property Type: 2-storey 1930s shophouse (approx. 1,650 sqft)
- Design Style: Peranakan-modern fusion
- Renovation Timeline: 20 months (URA approvals included)
- Key Partners: Zen Ceramics (tile restoration), URA-certified heritage architects
The property’s unique Peranakan heritage inspired a focus on retaining original features like phoenix-peony tiles and five-footway entrances. The final design respects traditional craftsmanship while delivering the comforts of a present-day home.
Client Background & Pain Points
The owners wanted to keep their Peranakan roots visible in every corner of the house. They also required more practical layouts to accommodate family members of different ages. Key issues they faced:
Tile Degradation
About 60% of the original phoenix-peony floor tiles were broken or missing. These tiles once carried symbolic patterns important to Peranakan culture.Structural Hazards
Termites had attacked the original Chengal wood beams. This damage posed a threat to the building’s structural stability.Outdated Layout
The existing layout had cramped kitchen and bathroom spaces, which did not work well for daily activities.
They aimed to keep their cultural past visible while ensuring the space felt comfortable for contemporary living.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
Heritage Conservation
Peranakan Tile Revival
Zen Ceramics restored 428 of the original tiles, using zinc-oxide infusion to patch and strengthen older pieces. The team also produced new tiles to replace those lost over time.Wood Beam Replacement
Termite damage forced the removal of some Chengal beams. The crew replaced them with Malaysian-sourced Chengal wood to retain authenticity and termite resistance.Five-Footway Restoration
The iconic five-footway tiles were saved through a chemical poultice process. This cleaning method removed stains and returned the tiles to a vibrant state.
Modern Interventions
Hybrid Kitchen
The family wanted a mix of old and new cooking methods. They installed a traditional clay stove alongside an induction cooktop, delivering a practical blend for daily meal preparation.Smart Climate Control
The owners wanted to manage humidity in Singapore’s tropical weather. Concealed dehumidifiers now sit behind restored timber screens, protecting sensitive wood and tiles from moisture.Flexible Spaces
Retractable glass partitions between the ancestral altar and living area let the family open or close the space depending on gatherings or privacy needs.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Tile Reproduction Wait
The custom Phoenix-Peony tile order took about 14 months due to artisan lead times and quality checks. This wait pushed back the renovation schedule but ensured an exact match to the original designs.URA Compliance
The team revised the skylight plan three times to meet heritage guidelines on design and placement. This step was vital for preserving the home’s historical facade.Chengal Wood Staining
Fresh Chengal can bleed sap for several months. The crew had to clean floors weekly to remove any discoloration. This maintenance phase was an unplanned expense.Budget Overruns
The termite-ravaged beams and revised skylights increased structural costs by about 22%. The family chose to invest in proper solutions rather than risk further damage or code issues.
Key Highlights & Features
| Heritage Elements | Modern Innovations |
|---|---|
| Restored phoenix-peony tiles | Motorized anti-glide window films |
| Hand-carved teak partition | Hidden charging stations in floor joists |
| Original airwell with rain chain | UV-filtering glass panels above restored tiles |
| Vintage brass door handles | Smart lighting replicating 1930s oil lamp glow |
Signature Spaces
- Tiled Chronogram
At the entrance, the family designed a mosaic layout that narrates key milestones in their lineage. - Floating Altar
A cantilevered prayer area sits above the airwell. This feature stands out as a sacred point of reflection while preserving natural light. - Heritage Pantry
A climate-controlled display cabinet holds antique Nyonya porcelain, preventing humidity-related damage.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural repairs | 188,000 | 39% |
| Tile restoration/production | 115,000 | 24% |
| URA-compliant modifications | 82,000 | 17% |
| Custom woodwork | 65,000 | 13% |
| Smart systems | 30,000 | 6% |
| Total | 480,000 | – |
Note: This total excludes heirloom furniture preservation costs.
Spending Chart
- Structural Repairs: 39%
- Tile Restoration/Production: 24%
- URA-Compliant Modifications: 17%
- Custom Woodwork: 13%
- Smart Systems: 6%
These figures show that restoring the building’s structure and reviving heritage tiles demanded much of the budget. The new beams and custom tile orders were among the most significant line items.