KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN

This project is an interior design for a restaurant planned on the second floor of a historic building over 100 years old, located within the House of Tan Yeok Nee in Singapore.

House of Tan Yeok Nee is the last remaining grand residence built in the traditional Teochew style in Singapore, and is of great architectural and cultural significance. Designated as a National Monument of Singapore in 1974, it is a heritage property that strongly preserves the traditional architectural language of southern China. Planning a new interior within such a historically valuable space required exceptional care and responsibility. The project sought to respect the historical character of the building while harmonizing contemporary function and aesthetic expression within its storied architecture.

Loca Niru draws inspiration from the poetic image of “a white horse entering a field of reeds,” as envisioned by Japanese chef Shusuke Kubota. A symbol of gentleness, quiet motion, and restraint, this imagery informed the spatial approach—where light is softened, and both visual and acoustic noise are deliberately reduced. Through these subtle gestures, the space is composed to unfold with calmness and clarity, cultivating an atmosphere of stillness and quiet order during the evening dining experience.

Furniture from Karimoku Case, bespoke lighting crafted with Echizen washi paper, and artworks by Japanese artists are carefully woven into the space, their presence intentionally restrained to foster a sense of quietness and cohesion. Subtle shifts in floor level and material articulation gently define a range of dining settings within a continuous spatial flow. Together, these elements create a serene environment in which architecture, interior, and cuisine are seamlessly intertwined, allowing the dining experience to unfold with calm clarity and balance.