ExqMagJul18

designpeople
A Chat with
Ashish Manchharam,
owner and managing
director of 8M Real
Estate, about Ann Siang
House and developing
shophouses
Who are your architects and designers,
and what concepts do you and they focus
on when turning a shophouse into a
contemporary space?
Over the years, we’ve worked with some enormously talented
individuals. Wendy Koh from WK Partners is an authority on
restoring heritage properties and has been integral to a number
of our redevelopment projects including the much-lauded
interior design for our serviced apartments at Hongkong Street
property, BASE Residences. To compliment Wendy’s talents,
we also work with Flo Sander from iThink Consulting whose
commitment to excellence, modern aesthetic and eye for detail
is an invaluable contribution to breathing fresh life into our
heritage properties.
What are your plans for your Keong Saik
Road project?
We’ve already commenced the conversion of the ground
floor space into multiple f&b units. The Guild by Hongkong
craft brewers, Young Masters Brewers, is the first concept to
open in May. The opening of the remaining f&b spaces will be
staggered in the 2nd half of 2018.
Tell us something interesting about the
design and dining concepts of Ann Siang
House.
We’re very proud of the final product. In line with our vision
for the property, it has been transformed through bold
enhancements to our facade and a deliberate repositioning
realised through the careful selection of dynamic f&b concepts
that complement not only our beautifully appointed 20-room
onsite lodging but also the neighbourhood vibe. Whether its
gourmet pizza with an unrivalled selection of Californian wines
offered by Blue Label or unparalleled city views from our
rooftop, we think we’ve created a space for everyone to relax
and enjoy in the heart of oldtown Singapore.
You’re selective with the businesses that you
choose for your properties – what qualities
do you look for in prospective tenants?
Well-thought concepts with strong, passionate management
teams. Prior to signing a lease with a new operator, we review
brand decks, design, menus, pricing – all of it. We believe in
creating properties with staying power which means that we
need to secure operators who have concepts with longevity.
The shophouse is a vernacular architectural
treasure in Singapore. Is there a particular
era or style that you are fond of, for
example early style, transitional style?
One style that’s interesting is from the art deco era mainly
due to the clean lines and how we can weave that into the
facade with colours and lighting. Unfortunately, many art deco
buildings have not been restored and redeveloped unless
located within the shophouse districts. We own a few In
Hongkong Street and Boat Quay.
What are your fondest memories of growing
up in a shophouse in Kampong Glam?
It was a very different time as most of the shophouses then
were for retail use on the ground floor and for residential use
on the upper floors. It meant that during the day it was full of
commerce and at night filled with residents. As kids, we used
to hangout at each other’s houses in the neighbourhood often
staying for dinner. We would play soccer and cricket in the back
alleys, which is today Bussorah Street and Haji Lane.
Apart from office space, f&b and a scattering
of residential units, would you like to see
shophouse residential living brought back to
Singapore on a larger scale?
The upper floors are undergoing a massive facelift and will
be rebranded and reimagined to offer an approachable,
high-quality, design-led lodging alternative on the Keong Saik
Road stretch. We are excited to bring a contemporary, flexible
stay concept servicing the growing need for such space in
Singapore.
Do you strive to keep the spirit of history
alive in these spaces?
Of course, but with a modern twist. We pride ourselves
on preserving the integrity of our assets while creatively
reengineering spaces to ensure modern conveniences are
provided to our discerning tenants and guests.
What local food do you crave for after a
hard day at work?
I love chicken rice, popiah and carrot cake! Always up for that!
If a young boy tells you he wants to be a
property developer like you what advice
would you give him?
I would tell him to learn all about property development
first by working with a real estate company. It’s important to
understand the intricacies of development before embarking
on it yourself. In the end, it’s fulfilling to be involved with the
way people live – eat, live, work and play – when we design the
space and eventually build it.
Yes, I think it’s an Important part of the restoration process.
The original use should be brought back; however, with
contemporary, modern amenities. This is what we are trying
to do with Ann Siang House and BASE Residences. There
is growing demand for this type of living, in particular, when
shophouses are fully restored to provide the comforts of other
residential use.
Squid with Red Onion Jam and Spinach at in-house restaurant PerBacco
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