A MINIMALIST MONOCHROMATIC HOTEL IN CHINATOWN
A MINIMALIST MONOCHROMATIC HOTEL IN CHINATOWN
In an embellished world where “more is more”, Hotel Mono stands out with its pared-down interiors and a minimalist look you wouldn’t normally associate with a hospitality development.
As part of its “unconventional” design, expect no frills at the Chinatown hotel — no headboards, pendant lamps, rugs, artwork, or even colours, as hinted by its name. And yet, the hotel still manages to be Instagram- worthy in a modern-minimalist way. In fact, that was a consideration in its design, says general manager Glenn Quah.
Designed by William Chan of Spacedge Designs to have an overarching minimalist theme with an uncomplicated black-and-white palette, the hotel’s interiors are restful and understatedly chic. The materials used may be inexpensive and humble, says the designer, but a lot of thought went into applying them to “bring out something special in a simple way”. The design language starts in the lobby. Upon entering, the long and narrow space is free of loose furniture and, instead, a bench made of solid surface and a wall- mounted spherical seat flank the way to the cantilevered T-shape reception counter.
William says the distinctive seat – a focal point in the lobby – was a chair that was modified and specially built into the partition under the staircase, which is only accessible to guests.
As for the rooms, the most distinctive elements are linear and angular structures, made using 38cm by 38cm mild steel hollow sections. Affixed on the whitewashed ceiling and walls, the bars punctuate the space and make for an unexpectedly bold design statement in each room, apart from functioning as clothes hangers and housing LED strip lighting. “The choice of materials is simple, but shapes and lines are used to create visual impact,” says William.
Owing to the fact that Hotel Mono is housed in a row of shophouses (five three- storey ones, and a 2½-storey one), each of the 46 rooms in the 15,000sqf hotel has its own shape. “Different layouts make the rooms interesting — when you return for another stay, you get another experience,” smiles Glenn. Nevertheless, the consistency in design and uniformity is evidently maintained.
Even the renovation was kept simple. Glenn and William explain that the site previously housed another hotel, and no major structural alterations were done, despite the vastly different look now. The original wooden floorings in the rooms were restored and stained black and, still, traces of the building’s heritage in the form of its architectural elements remain as a visual contrast to the new minimalist and unornamented interiors.
Apart from appealing to the design- savvy, Hotel Mono aims to provide a balance between price and quality, says Glenn. Family rooms (apparently a rare find in the Chinatown area) are priced at around $250 a night, and you get a restful sleep, thanks to custom- made pocket spring beds from King Koil. If simplicity is a luxury, this hotel would make for the ultimate retreat.
HOTEL MONO IS AT 18 MOSQUE STREET, TEL: 6326-0430.
