HERITAGE REIMAGINED: 21 CARPENTER
Singapore’s 21 Carpenter combines local history with contemporary hotel design.
Named after its location at the crossroads of Singapore’s New Bridge Road and Carpenter Street, Design Hotels’ 21 Carpenter bridges historic China Town with the vibrant Clarke Quay, both culturally and visually. The striking building comprises of a grand, heritage structure dating to the 1930s, enhanced by a contrasting five-story extension with a rooftop infinity pool and street-level neo-bistro and bar.
Reimagined: With a dedication to preserving its rich heritage, 21 Carpenter proudly marks its resurgence as an iconic institution, bridging the past with the present.
HERITAGE BOUTIQUE
Seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, 21 Carpenter is one of the city’s newest heritage boutiques. Thoughtful touches can be found throughout, with esteemed local partners providing everything from the in-room snacks to the art on the walls, and then there’s the hotel’s unique architecture.
Singapore-based WOHA Architects was tasked with reimagining a group of four historic shophouses that were once the Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee remittance office of Lee Wee Nam, who went on to become one of the founders of the Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation. Guests are welcomed to 21 Carpenter in the restored historic base, a complete contrast to the Jenga-like modernism of the new Urban Wing.
“In the creation and design of 21 Carpenter, we wanted to honour the rich history of the heritage structure. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted, with key parts of the design reflecting the building’s historical aesthetics and storied past,” says Richard Hassell, Founding Director of WOHA.
Restored solid Chengal wood floors and paned windows contrast with the bespoke furniture designed by WOHA, that feature Asian modernist and Art Deco influences. Hassell created headboards inspired by calligraphy from historic remittance letters, while unique artworks curated in collaboration with The Artling highlight the local community.
Renowned Singaporean artist Heman Chong created a massive tapestry for the lobby’s towering triple-height ceiling, while artist Khairulddin Wahab’s specially commissioned canvases adorn the neo-bistro. Hotel guests will also find linen bed throws and pouches designed by emerging artist Liu Liling in their rooms.
Restored solid Chengal wood floors and paned windows contrast with the bespoke furniture designed by WOHA.
Preserving the past to protect the future: 21 Carpenter is in the process of attaining the BCA Green Mark Certification.
Sustainability
By locally sourcing many of the hotel’s amenities such as the water-bottle refill stations, custom bathrobes, and cutlery, 21 Carpenter keeps its carbon footprint low – even the paintings are created by local artists.
On a holistic level, the aluminium exterior panels follow a sustainability-focused approach to design, with the metal effectively dissipating Singapore’s heat, leading to a cooler interior. In turn, this also reduces the hotel’s energy consumption required for in-room cooling.
General Manager Tarun Kalra concludes: “21 Carpenter is a place to experience Singapore’s true history and past while creating new stories for the future. During their time with us, we hope guests enjoy an immersive cultural experience that will leave a lasting impression.”
