Alma House, The New Service Apartments at Kim Yam Road
Nestled along Kim Yam Road in Singapore, Alma House stands as a testament to the seamless blend of history and modernity. Once a school, this building has been transformed into a unique service apartment concept that pays homage to its past while offering guests a luxurious and comfortable stay.
Furnished with several of our carefully selected pieces that range from dining tables to sofas, Alma House embodies the brand's commitment to quality, style, and function.
In this article, we delve into the intricate details that make Alma House more than just a place to stay. From its thoughtful design elements to the challenges faced during its conceptualisation, we explore how every aspect of Alma House has been meticulously crafted to offer an unparalleled living experience.
The vision behind Alma House: A celebration of heritage
The overall design theme of Alma House is rooted in the building’s history and its bold modernist architecture. The guiding principle was to reflect the distinctive character of the site, creating a space that offers an immersive, hyper-local experience.
The design language of Alma House is a study of elegance and restraint. Characterised by clean lines, calm tones, and honest materials, the space evokes a sense of tranquility.
Inspired by the louvered windows that were once a hallmark of school classrooms, this creates a thread of linear elements that flow seamlessly from the lobby to the rooms. With their retro charm, these windows serve as a bridge between the past and the present, reminding guests of the building’s heritage while offering modern comforts.
New Bahru is a newly opened creative lifestyle destination at Kim Yam Road with several locally-owned businesses.
Situated in New Bahru, Alma House is the newest trendy service apartment with 83 rooms and six distinct room types.
Alma House’s design is a celebration of its locale, honouring the building’s past while looking forward to its future. This approach not only preserves the character of the site but also offers guests a unique experience that is deeply connected to its surroundings.
The lobby: A space that invites and inspires
The lobby of Alma House is more than just a place to check in; it’s a space that invites guests to linger, relax, and engage. That’s why our furniture was chosen - not just for its aesthetics but for its ability to blend old-world charm with modern functionality.
Joshua and Giselle, the founders of Alma House, have a deep appreciation for this area, particularly the Bradley Dining Tables.
The 3-metre long dining tables were specially customised as they wanted a table that was large enough to accommodate various activities - a gathering spot for friends enjoying a nightcap, a brainstorming hub for colleagues during the day, and a spacious work area for individuals seeking privacy.
The first Bradley Dining Table was customised in black to add a stark contrast to the rest of the furniture. They were paired with the Sloane Cane Leather Chairs to add a dramatic effect.
The original size of Bradley is 2.2 metres long. They decided to keep the original blonde oak tone and wire-brushed finish of the second dining table in the lobby.
Another standout piece is the Jonathan Leather Sofa, with its clean lines and high-quality top-grain leather. It is the perfect fit for the lobby - harmonising with the linear elements of the design while being practical for a high-traffic area. The sofa’s durability and comfort make it an ideal piece for a space that sees a constant flow of guests.
A look into Alma House’s lobby decorated with pieces like the Jonathan Leather Sofa, Paloma Bouclé Armchairs, Amber Swivel Chairs, and Atmore Wool Area Rug.
The furniture in the lobby is arranged to promote conversations, with several seating hubs in the space. Pictured: The Desmond Armchairs, Seb Rectangular Coffee Table, and Mira Wool Area Rug.
The lobby is also home to several carefully selected pieces that contribute to the overall ambiance of Alma House, such as the Desmond Armchairs, Ingrid Chairs, and Sloane Square Coffee Table. Each of these pieces was chosen with a specific purpose in mind, contributing to the overall narrative of Alma House.
Intentional interiors: Crafting comfort in every room
When it came to furnishing the rooms of Alma House, the selection process was also guided by a deep respect for the building’s history.
The rooms were designed and furnished in a way that creates a home, not just a space. Intentional pieces such as the nested Vincent Coffee Tables and the compact Tribeca Round Dining Table were chosen in studio rooms for their versatility and more flexible use of space.
The living rooms in their family suites also housed some of our pieces like the Seb Extendable Dining Table and Solange Performance Bouclé Chair - creating a highly functional yet beautiful space for conversation and quality time.
A look inside the cosy Studio apartment featuring the Mori Performance Fabric Sofa, Vincent Coffee Table Set, and Austen Chair.
The family suite offers two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a living area for cosy nights in. Pictured: The Seb Extendable Dining Table, Solange Performance Bouclé Chair, and Joshua Chairs.
This thoughtful curation ensures that every element of the room contributes to a cohesive and inviting environment, allowing guests to feel at home from the moment they step inside.
Overcoming challenges: Preserving the past while embracing the future
Transforming a former school into a modern service apartment came with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was changing the perception that new is always better.
In a city like Singapore, where shiny new facades are constantly appearing, convincing people of the value of adaptive reuse projects can be difficult.
However, the team behind Alma House was determined to preserve the character and soul of the building. Their hope is that every guest who stays at Alma House will experience the potential of such projects in preserving the history and identity of neighbourhoods.
By maintaining the building’s original features while incorporating modern elements, Alma House serves as a reminder that new doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes, the most meaningful experiences come from places that have a story to tell.
Alma House: A testament to thoughtful design
Alma House is more than just a service apartment; it’s a curated experience that celebrates the best of old and new. Every element of Alma House has been crafted to offer guests a unique and memorable stay.
Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgia of the former school or the sleek modern interiors, Alma House has something for everyone. It’s a place where history and modernity coexist, offering guests a truly immersive experience that’s rooted in its locale.
