The Last Word

There’s always room for a new hotel, especially one that celebrates a city’s colourful history. The Warehouse Hotel, located on the banks of the Singapore River at Robertson Quay, may have just opened but it’s deeply rooted in the city’s history. It’s housed in a building dating back to 1895, but its refreshed look references its past as a depository for spices while also carving a modern identity—something that Lo & Behold, the proprietors of the hotel, are known for. Designed by local creative agency Asylum, the interiors marry industrial elements with a decidedly contemporary spin. The former warehouse’s old pulleys, high vaulted ceiling, masonry walls and other remnants of its former life have been cleverly reused. Case in point: the lobby’s highlight is the array of cogs and wheels painted matte black next to a canopy of pendant lamps. “Our focus was to protect the property’s legacy, while creating a fresh perspective on the term ‘industrial’,” explains Chris Lee, head designer and founder of Asylum. That’s something we call past perfect.