Simply Perfect

Sometimes, keeping things simple is the best solution.

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For Cheah Wei Chun, shophouses bring back fond memories of Chinese New Year celebrations with his extended family at his grandmother’s shop house in his hometown of Penang. Since relocating to Singapore more than a decade ago, Wei Chun has lived in various such houses. When the lease of a Little India shop house that he was living in ended, he set out to find a shop house of his own.

“I wanted one with character. Air wells are what I love the most about shop houses,” says Wei Chun. When he saw this second-storey shop house in Joo Chiat Road with an unusual air well, he knew it was the one for him. The mid-70s’ shop house was in its original condition but Wei Chun’s decision to look beyond the ageing facade and dilapidated interior paid off. After a major overhaul, he now has what he considers the perfect shop house that is both home and office.

Lofty pursuits

The original walls compartmentalising the three bedrooms were demolished to create an open plan that makes the shop house feel like a downtown Manhattan loft. This approach complements Wei Chun’s intended use for the shop house as both a home, as well as a design studio.