The Straits Hotel

Nestled within a busy central business district, the team was asked to develop a proposal for a boutique hotel on a uniquely shaped site. With steep terrain and a thin trapezoidal planning area, the proposal was limited by conservation guidelines, varying height restrictions, and other planning regulations. The team opted to work with the randomness of the requirements by terracing each guest suite and creating an interesting elevation that responded to the hilly topography. An architectural style that embraces a strong local traditional influence was also adopted to complement the urban language of the shop houses dominating the surrounding areas. The corridor spaces were envisioned as intimate alleyways, allowing each suite to have its own balcony overlooking the passage, evoking the character of the neighborhood’s historic past before rapid urbanization.