Walking around looking for a restaurant in the vibrant Robertson Quay area in Singapore, I stumble upon The Warehouse Hotel. It stands like a monolith amidst the urban landscape of the city. Warehouses, or “godowns” as they are known in my hometown, Coimbatore, remind me of a childhood spent hiding behind bales of cotton stored in them. Since then, I’ve always been fascinated by industrial structures, so I use the scorching heat as an excuse to check out the boutique hotel. The first thing that strikes me was how impeccably the place is designed — retro yet contemporary.
Industrial pulleys suspended from the double-height ceiling, exposed brick walls, and materials like wood, green forest marble and copper incorporated into the décor make me feel like I am in a designer loft in Manhattan. It also reminds me of the SoHo Grand Hotel in New York where I stayed last winter. Everything feels luxurious, without being pretentious in the slightest.
Singaporean architects Zarch Collaboratives have ingeniously transformed the space while keeping original features like the roof trusses and windows intact. I sink into one of the cosy modernist leather chairs (by Belgian designer Jess Design) which gets my vote for the comfort factor. I can’t resist ordering a Barbarella (hibiscus gin, elderflower, rhubarb and earl gray tea) from the swanky bar at the lobby.
Colonial charm
When I walk into a space, the first thing I tend to notice are the lights (Michael Anastassiades and Castiglioni are some of my favourite lighting designers). Designed by Asylum, a Singapore-based firm with an unconventional creative style, the lights at The Warehouse Hotel are reminiscent of British designer Tom Dixon’s work, which are congruous with the industrial vibe of the space. But my favourite lights at the hotel are the crystal ball Art Deco pendant lights at the hotel’s restaurant. They took me back to my Chor Bazaar days when I would rummage around to furnish my then apartment.
The charming lady at the reception chats with me about the interesting history of the hotel, which stood along the Strait of Malacca, a vital trade route. I learn that the building dates back to 1895 and was once a congregational spot for illicit activities! The teakwood display cases in the lobby have brass design objects like handcuffs that are reminiscent of the property’s murky past.
By then I notice people pouring into the in-house restaurant, and I am in the mood for some lunch. It turns out that ‘Po’ serves contemporary fusion Singaporean cuisine by award-winning chef Willin Lo. I proceed to get a table there, appreciating the nostalgic touches like rattan chairs, green marble table tops and terrazzo flooring. It feels like a communal Kampong-style dining room filled with sharply dressed ‘working lunch’ crowd. I like the way the restaurant has a slightly colonial vibe to it, in contrast to the very industrial lobby. The menu is exotic, and I setlle for Carabinero Prawns and Konbu Mee, which is a medley of chargrilled prawns, pork belly, lardon and sakura ebi .
Rebellious streak
The swimming pool is probably the ultimate test of creativity, but that’s where The Warehouse Hotel manages to impress. The pool is very non-conformist, and quite a masterpiece. It is a cantilevered rooftop infinity pool with salmon-pink tiles, providing stunning views of the cityscape. There is something rebellious about a pool that isn’t blue or green which instantly impresses.
Everything in the hotel is meticulously curated by Asylum, who are quite the mavericks in the design space and bring a quirky sense of humour into their work. From the planters to the ceramic mugs to the bed throws – they are all unique design objects. There are loft rooms, mezzanine rooms and suites with their own libraries overlooking the Singapore river. They are all very minimalist and look like they could be the work of Japanese designers, Nendo. With prices starting at 285 SGD (₹13,000) per night, The Warehouse Hotel is an ideal city getaway.
This column is a fortnightly round-up of high design in boutique hotels
