Unique in its Peranakan history, FBEYE brings new life back to a historic Singapore property.

As the only true Peranakan-style hotel in Singapore, the InterContinental hotel is a combination of the Straits born Chinese, that is the cultures of Singapore, Malay and Indonesian. Unique to Singapore, it boasts a rich heritage of colour, food, and bold designs.

Located at the entrance of the hotel lobby is the Concierge Lounge, created based on the living room of a traditional Peranakan home. The walls are lined with a series of exquisite art pieces and artifacts, each bordered by British-inspired columns which stem from inspirations of the colonial architecture of old Singapore and carry on into the reception area with carved screens nestled over the counters.

The Lobby Lounge features colonial pillars, whitewashed and juxtaposed with traditional furniture pieces and contemporary lounge chairs. Coloured tiles with traditional laser-cut motifs commonly used in Peranakan houses line the bases of the pillars, while the ceiling treatment stands out with a contemporary interpretation of the Peranakan tile motifs developed from a laser cut-out. Throughout the spaces, bespoke and custom-made furniture pieces, carpets and décor components come together cohesively to evoke a sense of time and timelessness at once.

Ash & Elm, the latest addition to InterContinental Singapore’s collection of dining establishments is a vibrant restaurant focused on European Dining. This dynamic space transforms throughout the day via a skylight canopy which runs the length of the dining area providing a sense of movement, as palm tree shadows and natural daylight provide an ever-changing colour palate to the space in the day, by night LED lighting, throws washes of colour over the ceiling giving it a very contemporary feel. FBEYE International integrated the use of natural materials in the outlet such as the butcher-block worktops, a mixture of exotic marbles, aged oak timber and mosaic tiles in the flooring. Concealed induction tops allow the counter by the open kitchen to perform as a buffet by day and two chefs’ tables in the evening, creating two spaces within one. The main dining area can be split into three different zones during dining, a requirement from the owners. Timber walls introduce an organic feel to the space as well as enable an atmosphere of liveliness. In the evening, Pendant lights, comprising offhand-cut polished crystals are illuminated, helping to set the mood, and making it cosier and more inviting for guests.

The guest rooms of InterContinental Singapore strengthen the design essence of the hotel through a careful blend of contemporary luxuries and historical references. FBEYE International selectively used traditional fabrication techniques, like block printing in the tower rooms to create Peranakan-inspired motifs for the padded silk covering on custom headboards above the beds, while choosing more contemporary surface treatments in white, gold, and duck egg blue tones to strike a balance between the old and the new within the culturally inspired rooms. The shophouse wing rooms were given major overhauls, with everything designed in the rooms from the floor to the ceiling, free standing mini bars with Chinoiseries designs, woven fabrics, carpet designs, and local artist artworks. Inspired by ornate art, ceramics, and eye-catching embroidery, the design exudes a residential feel that is tranquil without being over imposing. A representation of Peranakan detailing is expressed in a contemporary way.

We wanted to create something that spoke of the local architecture of Bugis. This was achieved using vibrant colours, textures, and details that remained true to the historical aspect of the hotel’s original design. It was a historical district, so we worked to bring back the integrity of the original designs that are unique. We replicated intricate wood detailing on the ceilings, we uncovered artefacts and light fixtures that we gave life to again.

Situated atop the 66th floor, the vast Presidential Suite overlooks Singapore through wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows. Light wall panels, antique mirrored, and leather details are executed against subtle floral motifs accentuating the upscale ambiance.

The stylish living room features classic sofas alongside oversized armchairs. Every detail from the carpets to the chosen artefacts was designed and selected with Peranakan heritage in mind.  Antique glass, wall panelling and crystal chandeliers tie the suite design together.

In addition to the living room, and dining room (which doubles as a meeting room) there is a private office, bedroom, dressing room and bathroom.

As befitting a bedroom of this stature, modern technology blends with old, bedside controls handle lighting and electronic drapes enabling one to create a personal atmosphere at the touch of a button.

A vintage king-size luxurious poster Bed sits between hand painted chinoiserie bedside tables and blue and white lamps. The suite also contains a walk-in closet and a dainty dressing area with chinoiserie details to the built-in dressers offering ample storage.

Fawn marble surfaces and an accent glass chandelier bring refined elegance to the bathroom, with its glass-enclosed shower and rainforest shower-head, hand-held wand, and separate whirlpool bathtub and traditional sauna room that can accommodate up to four people is on hand.

Project: InterContinental
Location: Singapore
Design Studio: FBEYE International
Photo Credits: FBEYE International
Website: f-b-eye.com