When we first stepped into the historic Bar and Billiard Room at Raffles Hotel, we knew we were about to work on something pretty unique. This wasn’t just another construction project – it was an opportunity to transform a piece of Singapore’s heritage into a flagship destination for a renowned Swiss watch brand, complete with their first café concept in the world.
The Vision Takes Shape
The brief was as ambitious: create an intimate retail concept that would seamlessly blend the brand’s Swiss heritage with local Singaporean charm. Working within the confines of a luxury 5-star hotel presented unique challenges, but also incredible opportunities to push the boundaries of what’s possible in high-end retail construction.
From the moment we began planning, we knew precision would be everything.
The project spanned two levels, each with its own character and challenges. On Level 1, we created multiple distinct zones: a café space, discovery areas, technical, lounges, and private salons. The basement level housed a gallery, back-of-house operations, and a VIP gallery.
The Challenges Faced
1) Time
The construction timeline was incredibly tight, especially considering the level of detail and luxury materials involved. We were working with a renowned international design firm, which meant every element had to be executed to perfection.
Working within a luxury hotel meant rethinking construction logistics entirely. We had to restrict construction work to daytime, pause noisy activities during VIP visits, and maintain the hotel’s pristine atmosphere throughout the process. Every step was carefully coordinated around hotel operations, ensuring our work never disrupted the luxury experience guests expected from the Raffles Hotel.
2) Heavy Stone
Perhaps our most daunting logistical feat was the installation of the exclusive Fantasy Cloud solid marble bar. This premium stone, sourced directly from Greek quarries, was carefully crafted into the desired shape and assembled piece by piece on-site.
The real test came with delivering and hoisting two massive Fantasy Cloud boulders, each weighing 2 tonnes. Navigating these hefty marble elements through the hotel’s different levels and confined spaces required meticulous planning and precision execution.
Working within a 138-year-old heritage building meant we couldn’t simply place these massive elements without considering structural integrity. We worked closely with structural consultant team to conduct extensive calculations and implemented additional structural support from the basement level, ensuring the historic building could safely accommodate these spectacular marble features without compromising its architectural legacy.
3) Modern Innovation in Historic Architecture
Integrating a new platform lift into a century-old building came with unique challenges. Our engineers carefully assessed the existing concrete slabs to determine where and how to create the void for installation.
This meant understanding the building’s structural DNA and working within its limits while introducing modern functionality. Strengthening measures were added to keep the structure secure, blending accessibility with heritage preservation.
Every challenge highlighted the need for not just craftsmanship, but engineering precision and deep respect for the building’s past.
Materials That Tell a Story
Some of the most challenging moments involved managing long-lead materials sourced from across the globe.
- Embossed European leather
- Form+Surfaces Gradient patterned glass from India
- de Gournay wallpaper from the UK
- Fantasy Cloud marble from Greece
Each item was one-of-a-kind and demanded absolute precision in both measurement and installation. I recall the team dedicating countless hours to site measurements during the planning phase. With materials that took months to produce and deliver, there was no margin for error—every millimeter counted, and compatibility between elements had to be checked at every step.
Getting Technical
The flooring alone tells the story of this project’s complexity. We worked with:
- Solid timber
- Premium tiles
- Natural stone
- Woven vinyl
Each material was chosen for specific zones and required different installation techniques within the historic structure.
The ceiling work was probably the trickiest part. We had to install 48 boxes of Barrisol lighting at 8 meters high, supported below the existing roof truss. Each box had to be perfectly positioned and secured while maintaining the clean, seamless look the design demanded.
The Human Touch
What made this project truly special wasn’t just the technical complexity or the luxury materials – it was our team’s dedication to excellence at every level. From the wallpaper installers to the engineers, everyone understood they were part of creating something extraordinary.
The metal finishes, paint applications, and glass installations all required specialized techniques, but more than that, they required an understanding of how each element would contribute to the overall experience. This wasn’t just construction – it was storytelling through space and materials.
The Result
The finished space balances Singapore heritage with Swiss craftsmanship in a way that feels natural, not forced. Visitors get the full brand experience while trying cuisine that genuinely bridges both cultures. From the solid timber floors that ground you in warmth to the Barrisol lighting, every element works together to create something memorable.
Projects like this remind us why we do what we do. It’s not just about building spaces – it’s about creating experiences that will be remembered for years to come. And in a city like Singapore, where heritage and innovation dance together daily, it was the perfect setting for this kind of transformation.
The intimate concept we created embodies everything the Swiss watch brand stands for: precision, heritage, and innovation. Walking through the completed space – from the discovery areas to the private salons, from the café to the hidden speakeasy below – you can feel how we balanced respecting the past with embracing the future.
Projects like this remind us that when everything comes together – the right team, the right challenge, and a clear vision – we can create an outcome that is more impressive than any single element would have been alone. This space doesn’t just house a brand; it embodies craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the unique synergy that emerges when cultures and traditions come together.
