Heritage Suite
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
For Presidents: Capitalising on Heritage at the Capitol Kempinski Singapore’s Heritage Suite
Words by Ethan L of ARCHITALITY
Visuals by Klaus T of CHUTTERSNAP
Millions pass by the curved Venetian Renaissance facade of Capitol Kempinski’s Stamford House, unbothered and unfazed. To most, it is just another colonial heritage building built when Singapore was a British Crown Colony. Little would they have known that this very building once housed the Raffles Hotel’s ‘overflow rooms’ during its early days; and that it was once a luxury hotel named “The Grosvenor Hotel” created by the Sarkies brothers.
More than a century later, this building’s insides were completely gutted and redesigned to become the Capitol Kempinski Singapore - by one of Asia’s pioneering designers - Jaya Ibrahim, the protege of actress-turned-designer Anouska Hempel.
THE HERITAGE SUITE at the Capitol Kempinski is an ample 137m2 in size. It may not be the biggest, but is definitely well-proportioned and comfortable. Located at the corner of the Stamford Wing, the unique ‘L’ shape suite follows the external facade’s curve.
Most Presidential Suites seem to be designed “the bigger the better”. Not the Heritage Suite, which is understated according to the pared-down principles of luxury and symmetry which gives a more residential feel to it. Guests entering will first be drawn to the white plaster arches delicately framing the grand Venetian windows, carefully draped with translucent day blinds allowing the right amount of daylight to seep in.
The suite feels distinctly SOUTHEAST ASIAN, covered in warm and light tones of wood and lacquered furniture - perhaps a nod to designer Jaya Ibrahim’s Javanese heritage. Like most of his works, the wood is used extensively, a tribute to the building’s colonial heritage. Floorings are covered by Chengal wood - the same dark brown seen in Oriental or Javanese furniture. Tables, sofas and armchairs are covered in high-gloss piano rosewood that shimmers.
Complementing these details are vintage-looking triangular lampshades that glow warmly, reminiscent of the open-air salons of tropical British black and white bungalows (a legacy of British India where Victorian building styles were adapted to the warm and humid climate).
THE LIVING AREA is abundant with different textures. First, a signature ‘zig-zag’ pattern on all of the suite’s doors and partitions, giving off an optical illusion of three-dimensional steps. Second, a distinctive ribbed wallpaper that subtly adds texture to the walls. Third, several Southeast Asian artworks adorn the suite, providing a sense of place and character.
Notable pieces include a rare Cambodian Rain Drum and an Indonesian silk batik depicting local birds. Last, the jagged edges of the ceiling cornices and lamp shades as an abstract representation of the Merlion’s scales - the city-state’s mythical half-lion, half-fish mascot.
The master bedroom is located on the left of the living room and faces the wing’s curve (which was once emblazed with gigantic neon billboards outside - think Piccadilly Circus, but more hideous.) Thankfully gone, the king-sized bed now faces the large Venetian windows framed by an arch.
Along the windows, a long custom made curved desk made of the same high-gloss piano rosewood. The TV is neatly hidden within a lacquered wood counter. A large mirror frames the wall behind the bed, surrounded by two fixture lamps that are emblazoned with the same ‘zig-zag’ pattern above.
BATHROOMS are either intimate or extravagant. Here, it appears to be both. The Italian-marble covered space features a freestanding Kaldewei soaking tub, sitting under plaster arches and the large Venetian windows. Ibrahim capitalised on the wing’s dramatic windows and existing structural arches to create a dramatic play of light and shadow on the senses.
The tub is aligned in a Da Vinci-like symmetry - flanked by identical wooden wardrobes with a watercolour picture on each of its five-foot wide walls. Stocked with Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, His and Hers sinks equipped with vintage Lefroy Brooks faucets are placed across each other. A walk-in-wardrobe (though a tad small) sits in the back in between the shower and steam room, and the toilet. Perfectly proportionate and equal parts stunning.
TURNING DOWN, This Heritage Suite by Jaya Ibrahim respects the sense of space while accentuating the distinctive architectural elements of the conserved Stamford House. Heritage not just in name, but with Ibrahim’s personal sense of style while paying homage to the locale and design nuances.
We’d say he certainly capitol-ised on the Hotel’s heritage.
PETIT MORES - The Heritage Suite is stocked with Bacha Coffee and Mist Valley Teas - and a welcome platter of kuehs and locally-inspired pattisieries.
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Interiors: BLINK Design Group
Exteriors: R.A.J. Bidwell, Richard Meier
Amenities: Salvatore Ferragamo
Fittings: Lefroy Brooks, Kaldewei