A 19th-century godown in Singapore has been transformed by local practice Asylum into The Warehouse Hotel, a 37-room destination on the banks of the Singapore River. Head designer and founder of Asylum, Chris Lee, has developed a stylish and enigmatic space reminiscent of the building’s original life as a ‘godown’ during the height of Singapore’s spice trade. The décor and furnishings marry a bygone era with modern- day Singapore, providing an industrial yet welcoming feel.
“Our focus has been to protect the property’s legacy, while creating a fresh perspective on the term industrial,” Says Chris. “The environment is warm and sophisticated to prevent it from being too obviously grounded in what has been before.”
The Warehouse Hotel boasts 37 elegant rooms across six categories designed in muted tones with many offering double-high ceilings. With its signature triple-pitched roof, and original masonry walls, the rooms were designed to compliment the building’s existing layout, making each one different. The lobby bar and reception are ideal for relaxation and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, while the rooftop infinity swimming pool overlooking the river provides a surprisingly calm escape amidst the urban landscape.
The Warehouse Hotel endeavours to tell the story of Singapore’s new makers and homegrown companies through its thoughtful partnerships. For example, in-room coffee and tea mugs have been commissioned by Mud Rock, a local ceramic studio. ‘Minibars of Vice’ have been personally curated to showcase Southeast Asian- driven products which fall into three categories – ‘Gluttony’ including handcrafted salted egg yolk potato chips and Vietnamese dark chocolate, ‘Lust’ for naughty treats, and ‘Vanity’ for local beauty elixers.
The hotel’s front desk will double as a retail installation featuring ‘Objects of Vice’ curated by local furniture creator Gabriel Tan in collaboration with Edwin Low from Supermama. These unique, hard-to-find items mirror accessories that the original warehouse bosses would have used, such as lighters, ashtrays and flasks. Bicycles, artwork, guidebooks, coffee and tea selections are also collated from Singaporean creators.
Not just a hotel, but an entire experience. Room prices start from the $200 USD per night for the. Head over to The Warehouse Hotel Singapore‘ website for booking information.
all images courtesy of The Warehouse Hotel Singapore