The first home for FDAT Architects inhabits a single shophouse floor in Singapore’s historic and diverse Chinatown. With a compact footprint the objective was to create an architectural interior that was smart, functional and impactful.

The foremost architectural device is the lattice shelf. Inspired by the kelong, traditional Southeast Asian timber structures built over the sea for catching fish, the structure was abstracted into a series of rhythmic vertical timber rods and horizontal planks recombined to create an expressive lattice which displays our book collection and various objects from our travels.

The lattice flanks the studio, an open space conducive for discussions and collaborative design. With clever lighting the studio transforms into a warm and inviting space for entertaining and other creative events. The existing full height French windows are further tweaked with the addition of the wind-windows, which allow a small part of the window to be easily opened for fresh air.