The influence from the melting pot that is Southeast Asia and Singapore is unmistakable in the interiors of members’ club Straits Clan.
For 11 years, we knew the row of conservation shophouses along Bukit Pasoh to accommodate the boutique-style New Majestic Hotel. Then in June last year, it closed for good.
Nine months later, the repurposed space opened its doors to reveal Singapore’s second members-only private club, Straits Clan, managed by The Lo & Behold Group and developed with Members Only Hospitality.
Apart from the façade, nothing of the hotel had been retained – something that Takenouchi Webb, which was tasked with the design, did deliberately.
“The New Majestic Hotel is quite an iconic boutique hotel in Singapore,” acknowledges co-founder Marc Webb.
“However, the needs of a hotel as compared to a members’ club are very different. We ended up gutting the entire structure in order to truly get a sense of the space and carve out the necessary spaces for our members.”
That sense of loss is quickly forgotten as you move through the four floors that make up Straits Clan.
There are lots to distract the eye – so much so that the thread of physical continuity so important to an interior concept seems almost faded.
A BIT OF EVERYTHING
From one storey to the next, and within each one, there is a rojak of elements from the colour scheme, to the textures, furniture, artwork and even lighting.
Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan influence all come out to play.
For instance, the encaustic concrete floor tiles found in the open-to-the public Clan Cafe were commissioned by an artisan from Yogyakarta, Indonesia and are a modern take on traditional Peranakan tile motifs.
Then you are told that Takenouchi Webb’s brief was to have the club represent Singapore and Southeast Asia.
This story is from the Issue 105 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 105 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
In Harmony With Nature
Palace Hotel Tokyo’s Art Collection opens a window to the world of Japanese art based on the concept of inheriting tradition but with an innovative spirit.
Timeless Elegance
Italian architect, designer, and art director Pierro Lissoni’s vision for B&B Italia is characterised by his personal design sensibilities.
Revitalising Communities Through Eco-Tourism
How can design contribute to environmental conservation and create sustainable communities? This is a question explored by Chat Architects, an architectural firm based in Chonburi province in Thailand.
art meets minimalism
Jay Osgerby, co-founder of Barber Osgerby, shares how AXOR One Collection is set to change the future of bathroom design.
enduring legacy
Vipp's CEO Morten Woldum tells us about the Danish company's pursuit of long-lasting quality and meticulous designs
seasonal expressions
Vibrant colours of the season are depicted in the striking ceiling installation at the newly refurbished Le Du in Bangkok.
preserving lanna heritage for future generation
The new InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping's updated design pays homage to Northern Thailand's Lanna culture.
blank canvas
A family home’s white backdrop frames the tranquillity and greenery of Half Moon Island Wetland Park in Foshan, China.
three of a kind
This multigenerational residence brings its occupants together while allowing them to maintain their individual lifestyles.
ichll of discovery
Formzero's Borderless House blurs the boundaries of conventional living, distilling serenity sublimity and surprise in a gardened and Miesian-inspired abode.