A rainbow of Peranakan shophouses line Koon Seng Road.
The iconic candy-colored terraced buildings along Singapore’s Koon Seng Road are steeped in history. Originally constructed by the Peranakans with storefronts on the ground floor and residential space above, the aptly named shophouses were outfitted with pastel hues and ornate details to represent the group’s vibrant culture. Now the festive 1920s facades are protected by conservation laws, allowing the country’s latest home trend to emerge.
Though most locals reside in government developments, a new company called Figment is popularizing co-living in converted shophouses. It enlists designers to modernize the interiors of the narrow yet deep structures to accommodate multiple independent occupants while maintaining the flamboyant exteriors. The result is a network of communal rentals that breathes contemporary life into Singapore’s treasured architecture.