Modern Rustic Co-Living Hostel at Little India Conservation Area

No. 25A Perak Road is a 3-storey non-conserved shophouse within the Little India Conservation Areas. The owner bought over this existing backpackers’ hostel, with the intent of increasing the number of guest rooms by 40% and to change the toilet from a communal bathroom design to an ensuite bathroom design for every guest room. This calls for a total overhaul in the internal layout of the hostel. OWAA has designed for an efficient internal layout where every guest room has its own ensuite bath, every floor has its own common pantry and a generous communal living space at the reception, to meet the changing demands of today’s backpackers who are looking for a balance between co-living and privacy.

The design takes inspiration from the history of the location which was famed for its flea market where bric-and-bracs have been transacted. Traditional materials, colours and patterns are given a modern twist in the interior design of the hostel while the façade is also given a fresh coat of paint to celebrate the arched windows which is characteristic of the shophouses in Little India.

The result is a revitalized co-living hostel that fits in well with the locality and its history.