Warehouse Revival

The last conserved warehouse in Singapore now restored wonderfully with a brand new purpose, in true representation of the island’s culture, heritage and context.

- Martin Teo

The waters, in its stillness, harbour deep layers of memories. The stories of traders from the east bringing silk and opium to the tales of the west, carrying some form of civilisation with new cultures, unseen by the locals back then. The hub of the Straits Settlement is busy with mercantile activities, secret societies and rampant trades of spices, raw materials and manpower. The water ripples as the quayside awaits its next boat to dock.

As I gaze into the meandering river from the working desk in the guestroom of The Warehouse Hotel, a blurry image slowly becomes evident. The waters remind me of the once vibrant and illustrious verve this place used to be. Sited in a conserved building off Robertson Quay, The Warehouse Hotel’s roots extend far back to Singapore’s trading history dated as early as the late 19th century.

The original building has gone through several phases in its existence. From a typical warehouse to an opium den, to a factory and then a place of entertainment, it is quite a bizarre combination of building programs. Makeshift interventions have been taking place internally since then but its distinctive façade remains majestic.

Three warehouses have been combined and outfitted, starting a new lease of life as a 37-room boutique hotel. Combining Singapore’s rich culture, history and talent with high design and comfort, this independent heritage property is standing tall as a pride of the people behind this amazing project.