WOHA Adds Perforated-Aluminium Extension to Revive 1930s Remittance House into 21 Carpenter Hotel Near Singapores Chinatown

WOHA Adds Perforated-Aluminium Extension to Revive 1930s Remittance House into 21 Carpenter Hotel Near Singapores Chinatown

Architecture studio WOHA has added a perforated-aluminium extension to a 1930s building to create 21 Carpenter, a hotel located near Singapore's Chinatown. Originally built in 1936, the refurbished structure once served as a hub for Chinese laborers to send letters and money home.

WOHA's public relations manager, Lin Bolt, explained that the building was one of Singapore's original remittance houses, where Chinese laborers sent money home. Many laborers were illiterate, so classically trained letter writers in Chinatown would write their messages for them. The extension features a perforated aluminium facade with phrases from laborers' letters in both Chinese and English, integrated into an abstract pattern of dots and squares, symbolizing different writing styles (dots for Latin script, squares for Chinese characters)

Honoring History in the Design

Chinese remittance houses allowed workers to send money and letters home. WOHA reflected this history when designing the 2,750-square-metre extension, now housing the 48-room 21 Carpenter hotel. Phrases from the laborers' letters, like "day and night when will we reunite," are featured on the aluminium facade.

The phrases, written in both Chinese and English, are integrated into the facade's abstract pattern of dots and squares, symbolizing the different writing styles. The dots evoke Latin script, while the squares resemble Chinese characters, explained Lin Bolt.WOHA restored the original Shanghai-plaster facade and reused wood from the remittance house for the interiors. The four-storey building now houses the lobby, Kee's restaurant, and several guestrooms. "We were mindful of the history," said Lin Bolt.

Preserving Original Materials

WOHA reused endangered chengal wood for floor paneling and some furniture in 21 Carpenter.

"The original floorboards were refinished and reinstalled," explained Lin Bolt, noting the intentionally imperfect look.

Flexible Design and Open Spaces

WOHA avoided built-in furniture due to the unique room shapes, opting for moveable pieces instead.

The studio also replaced an old concrete extension with a skylit, light-filled lobby, partly shaded by the new overhanging structure.

Eco-Friendly Cooling Solutions

WOHA's overhanging design reduces the need for air conditioning, with large fans in rooms and communal areas for cooling.

"We used spatial constraints to our advantage," said Lin Bolt, adding that WOHA creates semi-outdoor spaces to enjoy fresh air while staying shaded from the sun.

Green Spaces and Wildlife Connectivity

The extension houses guest rooms, a garden terrace, and a rooftop pool with views of Singapore.

The terrace, planted with native trees and bushes, attracts insects and birds. Lin Bolt noted that animals now travel between WOHA's green projects, including Parkroyal on Pickering and their office rooftop garden.

Balancing Heritage and Comfort

WOHA aimed to preserve the historic building while maximizing guest comfort at 21 Carpenter. Lin Bolt remarked that many hotels often create awkward, dark spaces by making extensive changes. Instead, WOHA focused on maintaining the original shophouse grid, prioritizing comfort and light over maximizing room numbers.

×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Spasm Design Crafts a 12-Storey Vertical Home Clad in Terracotta | Sarvasva

Spasm Design’s response is a 12-storey single-family residence that stands apart from its grey-toned neighbours. The structure is entirely wrapped in a terracotta rainscreen façade, a sustainable and visually striking choice.

Read more

Designer Turns Discarded Tennis Balls into Stylish Sound-Absorbing Material | Soundbounce

Her project, Soundbounce, rethinks sustainability by turning discarded tennis balls into a striking, tactile and effective sound-dampening material.

Read more

Ocean Awareness Meets Design in a Cardboard, Bamboo and Carbon Fibre-Made Pavilion | Blue Ocean Dome

The pavilion is composed of three interconnected domes, namely, Dome A, Dome B and Dome C, each employing different materials and structural philosophies that reflect Ban’s architectural ethos and ingenuity.

Read more

Designers Revive Ancient Craft of Shadow Puppetry with Biomaterials | Luminous Lore

In this installation, the designers replaced animal hide with SCOBY leather to construct a large-scale illuminated lamp echoing the traditional aesthetics of Tholu Bommalata.

Read more


This is alt