Jiak Kim House is a contemporary Asian restaurant housed within a carefully restored early 20th-century godown on the banks of the Singapore River. Once a warehouse storing rice, spices and rubber – and later, the site of the iconic Zouk nightclub – the building has undergone a meticulous transformation that honours its layered past while establishing a refined new identity. The design is an exercise in balance, preserving the spirit of the original structure while introducing modern interventions designed to feel both deliberate and immersive.

Set in Robertson Quay, a riverside neighbourhood where industrial heritage meets upscale urban living, Jiak Kim House draws from its context with sensitivity. The design team was tasked with amplifying the existing drama of the heritage-listed space, crafting a venue that feels intimate yet theatrical. Central to this ambition was the decision to work with the original architectural features rather than against them. Exposed timber trusses and handmade brick walls remain prominent, celebrating the building’s industrial origins. These are paired with contemporary design elements such as a marble bar and custom-designed rattan seating, creating a dialogue between past and present.

The material palette is carefully composed to enhance this juxtaposition. The wine vault is defined by terracotta brickwork and a cork-lined ceiling, offering a tactile, earthy contrast to the restaurant’s more polished finishes. In the private dining room, glossy blue panelled walls, mustard gold upholstery and colonial-inspired wainscotting introduce richness and intimacy, reflecting Singapore’s layered cultural history. Subtle lighting decisions – warm glows and soft shadows – further enrich the space, providing a sense of warmth and enclosure without diminishing the building’s spatial generosity.

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Every aspect of the design, down to the smallest detail, was custom-created for the project. All loose furniture and decorative light fittings were designed specifically for the restaurant, allowing the team to craft a unified visual language. Notably, the oversized pendant fixtures in the private dining area were inspired by the scallop-shaped pediment of the original roofline, a subtle yet poignant nod to the structure’s architectural history.

Jiak Kim House succeeds in offering more than a meal; it delivers a cohesive spatial narrative. By preserving the soul of a historic warehouse and layering it with considered modern elements, the design team has created a space that is both rooted and forward-looking. It is a project that speaks to Singapore’s evolving identity – urban, global and connected to its heritage.

Dinding Design Office
studio-dinding.com

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