KEONG SAIK CAFE

Located in one of Singapore’s historic conservation districts, this shophouse project transforms the traditional architype into a contemporary café. The monochromatic exterior adopts a bold yet restrained colour palette of black, white and red which mimics the café’s branding, and provides a clean and contemporary backdrop that highlights the architectural features of the conservation shophouse. The entrance features a custom-designed corten steel signage which serves as both a branding element for the café and an architectural statement. A carefully crafted folded corner detail gives the impression of a page being turned, drawing inspiration from the café’s name – Chapter 1. This subtle gesture references the opening chapter of a book – a moment of discovery as one enters the café. The bar serves as the primary focus and social anchor of the space, framed by cascading greenery above the curved drop ceiling and concealed cove lights that provides an ambient glow. The feature wall at the main seating area provides a strong visual backdrop composed of a series of slanted geometric patterns that combines warm wood finishes with black tinted mirror and bronze metallic accents, creating a balanced interplay of texture, reflection and contrast. The existing flight of stairs was thoughtfully concealed behind a carefully crafted portal frame, complemented by slanted timber slats and hanging lights to create a whimsical atmosphere.