Lena Koh’s Mount Sophia residence is a unique fusion of preserved 19th-century architectural features, carefully curated artworks, and timeless Danish furniture, reflecting her globe-spanning life and passion for art.
- Heritage shophouse restored with feng shui principles
- Home features contemporary art and classic Danish furniture
- Space designed for family gatherings and peaceful living
What happened
Lena Koh, who has lived in seven cities worldwide, found and restored a 19th-century shophouse in Singapore’s Mount Sophia area that met her feng shui and design requirements. The home preserves original architectural features such as stained glass panels, shuttered windows, an ornate balcony, and high ceilings, carefully balanced with a modern three-storey rear extension. Through collaboration with Envelope Architects, the house was transformed into a bright, functional sanctuary designed for both comfortable everyday living and hosting family occasions.
Inside the residence, Koh has blended her passion for art and design with personal history. Her collection includes Chinese artefacts, contemporary artworks, and an array of Danish furniture and lighting pieces celebrated for their elegant ergonomics and timeless aesthetics. These elements reflect her global influences and a life enriched by creativity, as well as her professional background in the arts and museum guiding in Singapore.
Why it feels good
The home embodies a thoughtful balance between heritage charm and modern comfort, creating a sanctuary that feels both grounded and inspiring. The infusion of natural light through architectural details like skylights and glass-framed staircases enhances a sense of openness and tranquility. Koh’s careful curation of art and design, including iconic pieces like the Superellipse dining table and Series 7 chairs, brings cohesion and purpose to the space, where form meets function beautifully.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the shophouse also supports meaningful connections. It serves as a space where family memories are nurtured, and where cultural conversations thrive through art. Koh’s involvement as a museum docent and art enthusiast highlights how the environment fosters critical thinking and creativity, transforming the home into more than just a living space but a cultural hub for her and her visiting family.
What to enjoy or watch next
Design and heritage enthusiasts might appreciate exploring the book ‘Shophouses of Singapore: Beyond the Facade,’ which features Koh’s home among 30 sensitively adapted shophouses. This resource offers insights into the creative ways historic buildings can be preserved while adapting to contemporary lifestyles.
For those interested in design, taking note of the Danish furniture and lighting icons in Koh’s residence could inspire choices that fuse timeless elegance with practical comfort. Pieces such as the PH lamps by Poul Henningsen focus on functional beauty by reducing glare, reflecting a design philosophy that complements both the past and present. Additionally, following local culturally driven tours like the Bukit Pasoh Chinatown Trail and Kampong Glam Trail, which Koh guides, could deepen appreciation for Singapore’s diverse heritage.