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Cl7A: Award-Winning Restoration of a Singapore Shophouse Apartment by Serlyn Tan

Cl7A, a 978-square-foot walk-up apartment in Singapore, has been recognized with the Iron A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2025 for its innovative approach to adaptive reuse and residential design. Conceived and realized by Serlyn Tan, the project began in September 2019 and concluded in October 2020, resulting in a refined home that celebrates both its storied past and the vibrancy of modern living. The renovation focused on reviving the original glamour of the aged shophouse while preserving its unique architectural features, such as the pitched ceiling with exposed timber rafters, and integrating them seamlessly with contemporary materials and open-concept layouts.

Designed for an owner proud of his Peranakan heritage and passionate about hospitality, Cl7A's open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas foster a sense of togetherness. The home's masculine aesthetic is balanced by warm wood, elegant granite, and soft drapes, creating a welcoming environment ideal for gatherings. Every detail-from curated artwork to the thoughtfully arranged bookshelf-reflects the homeowner's story, making the apartment a sanctuary for laughter, shared meals, and meaningful conversations. The use of polished concrete flooring and bold architectural lines adds a modern edge while maintaining the apartment's historic soul.

The project's success lies in its sensitive restoration, which overcame challenges of deterioration by carefully enhancing existing structures without erasing their character. Through research-driven design, Cl7A demonstrates how heritage preservation and modern functionality can coexist, offering a model for sustainable, adaptive reuse in urban residential spaces. The Iron A' Design Award recognizes Cl7A not only for its aesthetic and technical excellence but also for its contribution to the ongoing discourse on integrating history and innovation in interior architecture.

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