The Nautical Muse
A Heritage Shophouse Reimagined for Modern Living
I had the opportunity to see how a Joo Chiat conservation shophouse, known as The Nautical Muse, transformed into a comfortable home. This project preserved Peranakan heritage features while integrating minimalist design. Below is a detailed look at the renovation process, highlighting the balance between history and modern living.
A Heritage Shophouse Reimagined for Modern Living
The Nautical Muse stands as a testament to the charm of heritage conservation, adding a layer of minimal simplicity to a Peranakan-inspired structure. The homeowners can now enjoy an airy, light-filled environment that pays tribute to a rich past while feeling ready for modern activities. If you own a heritage property and wonder how to maintain its soul while introducing contemporary elements, this project offers a promising blueprint.
Location: Joo Chiat conservation shophouse (built in the 1930s)
Design Theme: Heritage modern fusion – original Peranakan details paired with contemporary interiors
Key Features: Preserved timber latticework, open courtyard for ventilation, and climate-friendly materials
The owners wanted to keep the shophouse’s ornate façade but create a living space suitable for current lifestyles. They engaged a design team who understood heritage requirements and modern construction methods.
Client Background & Pain Points
A Peranakan-Singaporean family inherited this shophouse and felt a strong connection to its cultural significance. They needed to address several challenges:
- Structural Decay
Termites compromised key wooden beams, and cracks appeared in the party walls. Parts of the flooring felt unsafe. - Regulatory Constraints
Because the property had conservation status, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) imposed rules on façade color, roof pitch, and tile selection. - Functional Obsolescence
The layout was compartmentalized, with limited natural light and a kitchen that often flooded due to poor drainage.
The family hoped to protect the shophouse’s charm while introducing open-plan interiors, improved ventilation, and better durability against Singapore’s humidity.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
The design team embraced a concept they called “conservation-through-innovation.” I followed their progress and noted these core steps:
- Heritage Restoration
They replaced termite-ridden beams with Chengal wood. They kept original airwells, re-tiled the five-foot way with Peranakan motifs, and revived classic double-casement windows. - Spatial Reconfiguration
To address the cramped interior, they removed several partitions, creating one continuous living, dining, and kitchen zone. A glass-roofed courtyard anchored the home and promoted cross-ventilation. - Material Dialogue
The designers contrasted old brick walls with new steel accents, black frames, and terrazzo floors. This mix united historical details with a sleek finish.
The homeowners appreciated the minimal details in the interior since it let the ornate façade and timber screens remain the star features.
Execution & Challenges Faced
URA Compliance
The renovation faced a six-month delay when URA required the roof tiles to be replaced with the same Peranakan V-shape profile. This rule ensured the exterior stayed true to the building’s heritage. The design team worked closely with suppliers to source accurate materials.
Climate Adaptations
Tropical humidity needed careful planning:
- Moisture-Resistant MDF for cabinetry
- Antimicrobial Tiles in wet areas
- Ventilation Pathways around the courtyard
These measures cut down on mold issues and protected the new wood elements. The owners also installed multiple ceiling fans, creating a breezy environment that reduced reliance on air conditioning.
Structural Reinforcement
The biggest test was securing the termite-damaged beams without losing the original floorboards. The team used steel brackets to reinforce the frames. They salvaged about 80% of the timber floors. This approach kept the shophouse’s historical essence intact.
Key Highlights & Features
Façade Details
The pastel-hued façade retained the signature Peranakan tiles and carved timber brackets. At the rear, a modern glass extension allowed natural light to flow into the deeper sections of the home.
Multigenerational Living
The owners built a convertible guest room on the first floor. A flip-up Murphy bed stayed hidden behind decorative fretwork panels. This arrangement allowed visiting relatives to have privacy while the main area remained spacious.
Lighting Narrative
Cove-lit niches showcased antique Peranakan plates and framed heirlooms. Directional spotlights highlighted key architectural elements like the carved archways. This approach gave the home a gallery-like glow in the evenings.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a summary of renovation costs in Singapore dollars:
| Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Structural Restoration | $220,000 |
| URA-Compliant Materials | $150,000 |
| Custom Carpentry | $180,000 |
| Climate-Proofing Systems | $90,000 |
| Total | $640,000 |
Here is a simple chart showing the approximate percentage of each category (each “*” = 5% of the total):
- Structural Restoration:
**********(about 35%) - URA-Compliant Materials:
******(about 23%) - Custom Carpentry:
**********(about 28%) - Climate-Proofing Systems:
****(about 14%)
The largest portion went to structural restoration, as termite damage and reinforcement required extensive work. URA-compliant materials added costs for items like authentic tiles and roof profiles. Custom carpentry included rebuilt windows, doors, and cabinetry. Climate-proofing addressed humidity concerns.