DistantNews
Support us
How a restored Singapore shophouse became a home for art, Danish design and family memories
🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

How a restored Singapore shophouse became a home for art, Danish design and family memories

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Lena Koh restored a Singapore shophouse, blending her global influences with traditional architecture.
  • Her home features a curated collection of art, Chinese artifacts, and Danish furniture, reflecting her passion for design and cultural exploration.
  • The restored shophouse, highlighted in a new book, serves as a testament to modern living within a historic architectural context.

Lena Koh's Mount Sophia shophouse in Singapore is a testament to a life lived across seven cities. Her home is a carefully curated space, blending her globetrotting experiences with a deep appreciation for art and design. Stained glass panels and traditional architectural elements like ornate balconies and high ceilings are juxtaposed with a collection of Chinese artifacts and Danish furniture and lighting.

I have lived in seven cities.

— Lena KohDescribing her peripatetic life before settling in Singapore.

Koh's passion for art ignited in 2013 as a way to connect with her children, who are in the arts field. This led her to become a contemporary art docent with the Singapore Art Museum and later with Friends of the Museums Singapore, guiding tours on various heritage trails. She sees art as a catalyst for critical thinking and diverse perspectives, influencing her own aesthetic.

My interest in art started in 2013 as a point of connection with my three children, who are in the arts field.

— Lena KohExplaining the origin of her passion for art.

Her fascination with shophouses began in 1991 after visiting a gallery cafe in Melaka. She was drawn to their inherent qualities of light, air, and volume, particularly the skylights and 19th-century architectural details. Finding the right shophouse in Singapore that aligned with her feng shui requirements took three years. Working with Envelope Architects, she restored the original structure while adding a three-story extension, seamlessly connecting the old and new with a light-filled staircase.

Guiding art has enriched my life by forcing me to think critically and offering different perspectives of the world. Art is the catalyst for interesting conversations.

— Lena KohReflecting on the impact of her work as an art docent.

The meticulously restored shophouse is now featured in the book "Shophouses of Singapore: Beyond the Facade," showcasing how historic buildings can be adapted for contemporary living while preserving their unique character and personal memories.

I was particularly drawn to the skylight, which created a restful space with both light and air.

— Lena KohRecalling her first impressions of shophouse architecture in Melaka.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog