Urban Foundry Loft
(Shophouse, Joo Chiat)
The Urban Foundry Loft showcases a model for reimagining older Singapore shophouses. Its successful mix of restored elements and new design features underscores the potential of local heritage properties. By preserving the past while embracing an industrial look, this Joo Chiat gem offers a guide for homeowners seeking fresh ideas that honor history and function well for everyday life.
A Heritage-Modern Makeover
I have explored many shophouse transformations in Singapore, but the Urban Foundry Loft in Joo Chiat stands out for its bold mix of heritage elements and industrial design. In this case study, I share my personal impressions of the renovation process and how the project team balanced architectural history with modern conveniences. This content will guide new condo buyers or anyone planning a home makeover, shedding light on structural upgrades and design features.
Property Type: 2-storey 1920s shophouse (1,487 sqft)
Design Style: Industrial loft with Peranakan accents
Renovation Timeline: 5 months
Key Partners: URA-compliant architects, heritage specialists
The shophouse retained its prewar charm while undergoing a significant interior revamp. A creative director and freelance photographer own this property and wanted a flexible layout that supports both living and working. The final result blended heritage details like Chinese Baroque facades and vintage floor tiles with modern loft features.
Client Background & Pain Points
The homeowners are a couple who use the space for design projects and photography sessions. They treasure Joo Chiat’s cultural vibe and wanted to protect the building’s historical significance. They faced major challenges:
- Structural decay: The timber beams showed termite damage, the roof leaked, and the plumbing needed replacement.
- Limited light: The shophouse had a narrow configuration that blocked natural illumination along the central corridor.
- Regulatory compliance: The owners needed to follow URA conservation rules, which required the shophouse facade to stay intact and align with heritage guidelines.
They approached the design team with two requests: preserve original architectural elements and introduce modern amenities without overwhelming the historic character.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
The project aimed to maintain the shophouse’s heritage while improving functionality and comfort. The team devised a clear plan:
Heritage Preservation
- Original facade: Kept the iconic Chinese Baroque details, repainting them in URA-approved pastel tones.
- Exposed walls: Treated the prewar brick surfaces to protect against wear.
- Mosaic tiles: Preserved the five-footway corridor by restoring vintage Peranakan tiles.
Modern Additions
- Steel-framed loft: Added a lightweight mezzanine for an office. This avoided loading issues on older structural beams.
- Glass-roofed airwell: Installed a steel-and-glass canopy to enhance sunlight in the central area.
- Industrial finishes: Polished concrete floors, blackened steel railings, and Edison bulb lighting provided an urban warehouse feel.
Space Optimization
- Tropical garden: Converted a small rear courtyard into a green retreat with a Japanese pine.
- Pivot doors: Created flexible zones for entertaining clients or relaxing with family.
The goal was to keep public and private sections distinct while ensuring the interior received ample daylight. The loft structure served as a workspace with a clear view of the living area below.
Execution & Challenges Faced
The team moved quickly once URA granted permits, but several obstacles emerged during construction:
- Regulatory delays: A three-week waiting period for facade restoration approvals caused slight scheduling shifts.
- Material sourcing: The team imported Chengal wood from Malaysia for new door frames with termite-resistant properties.
- Limited access: Workers carried materials manually since the site did not have a lift.
- Budget overruns: Plumbing and electrical upgrades cost 15% more than predicted, forcing the owners to adjust the overall budget.
Despite these setbacks, the contractors completed the renovation in five months, applying careful planning to stay within the revised cost framework.
Key Highlights & Features
Below is a summary of how old and new elements blended in the Urban Foundry Loft:
| Heritage Elements | Modern Additions |
|---|---|
| Original timber rafters | Steel mezzanine loft |
| Peranakan floor tiles | Smart home system |
| Courtyard airwell | Glass-roofed skylight |
| Vintage brass switches | Industrial pendant lights |
Focal Points
- Wabi-sabi bathroom: Features Turkish brass fixtures for a relaxed spa feel.
- Spiral staircase: The railing has a fish-scale pattern that adds a decorative touch.
- Custom wine cabinet: Includes 12 concealed sockets that accommodate photography lights and charging stations.
These unique features capture the shophouse’s dual identity: a nod to Peranakan culture and a strong industrial vibe.
Cost Breakdown
The table below shows an approximate budget distribution:
| Category | Cost (SGD) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Structural repairs | $65,000 | 40% |
| URA-compliant facade | $18,000 | 11% |
| Loft construction | $32,000 | 20% |
| Bathroom/kitchen | $25,000 | 15% |
| Lighting/fixtures | $20,000 | 12% |
| Total | $160,000 | 100% |
Excludes furnishings and appliances.
You can visualize the main cost areas in the following chart:
Structural repairs took the largest portion of the budget, reflecting the termite damage, roof leaks, and reinforcement work needed to ensure longevity.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
I have observed that conserved shophouses can be more expensive to renovate due to structural concerns and heritage rules. These tips may help future owners:
- Prepare for hidden expenses: Plan for 20–30% above initial estimates to handle unforeseen structural repairs.
- Early coordination with URA: Engage specialists familiar with heritage guidelines to streamline approvals.
- Blend old with new: Highlight brick walls and rafters, then contrast them with sleek metals and glass for a balanced interior.
- Maximize vertical space: A loft platform or mezzanine helps in narrow layouts.
This approach shows how a traditional Joo Chiat shophouse can evolve into a functional living and working loft. Owners with an interest in conservation projects can benefit from this combination of history and urban design.