1919

About 1919

1919. Sexy, Edgy, Sharply Sophisticated And Minimalist In Black And White Are The Defining.

A Way That Feels Harmonious And Composed, Shades Of The New Millennium

INTRODUCING 1919
An inspired collection of seventy-five black & white apartments, 1919 recalls the charmed lives of ease and elegance associated with Singapore’s colonial era.

Set amidst the stylish yet tranquil Mount Sophia neighbourhood, 1919 combines the distinctiveness of Singapore’s iconic architecture with the latest in sophisticated interior design. 1919 offers you a contemporary yet classic home that will remain timeless in its beauty, form and function.

A PIECE OF HISTORY
1919 is located in the illustrious Mount Sophia neighbourhood, an area enthused with a rich history dating back to 1823.

Originally called Seligi Hill, this affluent quarter was home to Chinese Singaporean merchants and their families who sought to move away from the increasingly over-populated Chinatown in the late 1800’s, venturing to higher grounds and bringing with them the archetypal Singapore shophouses, such as those that occupy the current site at 1919. The area was also favoured by many prominent businessmen residing in grand houses such as the Eu Villa, which was home to the Eu Yan Sang family. The children of these families attended local distinguished schools including Methodist Girls’ School, Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (now CHIJMES), St.Margaret’s Primary School and Nan Hwa Girls’ High School, making it one of the earliest middle class districts in Singapore – thereby setting the architectural and social tone of the area. Over the years, this enclave of Singapore has boasted a rich cultural mix of Eurasians, Indians, Chinese and Baghdadi Jews, as well as many distinctive landmarks ranging from The Cathay Building which holds the distinction of being Singapore’s first skyscraper; the Mount Emily Swimming Pool, Singapore’s first public swimming pool; and the famed ‘100 Steps’ on the western slopes of Mount Sophia which lead down to Handy Road. Strolling around the area today one can still get a flavour of Mount Sophia’s impressive heritage, and whilst some of the iconic architecture still remains, it is now fused with modern structures – a mark of a true cosmopolitan city. It is this ‘old meeting new’ that has provided the inspiration behind the architectural triumph that is 1919. Today Mount Sophia stands as a testament to the enterprising spirit of old Singapore and the flourishing cultural and arts scene of new Singapore.

It’s all in a name. In November of One Thousand Nine Hundred and Nineteen (1919), Anna Von Hartevig bought the freehold to 118 Sophia Road for a mere $5,700.00. These are the earliest records available to the row of shophouses comprising 110 to 126 and were the inspiration for the name “1919”.

A TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE
The iconic black and white houses of Singapore’s colonial era remain as impressive today as they were over a 100 years ago. Neither too lavish nor too ornate, they possess true character and allure.
One of the key features of the black and white is the veranda – for the colonial Englishman this was where he could sit back and read his paper, relax with a cup of tea or equally offer guests a gin and tonic to enjoy whilst the sun sets.

Celebrated for their practical and functional yet charming and elegant construction, these uniquely Singaporean treasures represent an architectural accomplishment that was on the one hand quintessentially English, yet on the other unmistakably Eastern. Whilst the black and white house has its roots in the mock Tudor style of architecture which was proving popular in

England in the early 19th Century, with its black and white timber facades and ornate woodwork, the practicalities of living in the tropics meant that sensible solutions to the monsoon climate played a central role in shaping what these beautiful houses look like today. The resulting formula can be seen in the broad verandas and widely overhanging eaves to shelter from the torrential rains and to protect the innermost recesses of the house from the extreme heat. The rattan blinds can be dropped to shield the midday sun’s harsh glar e and raised in the late afternoon to enjoy the ambient breeze. 1919 seeks to honour these distinctive design principles of the black and white house whilst adding its own modern interpretation to this “tropical architectural” style.

CLASSIC MEETS CONTEMPORARY
1919 draws inspiration from the rich history of its surroundings to create a 21st century version of the celebrated black and white house.

Fashioned to not only embrace the origins of the design, this innovative development has been crafted to thoroughly complement a modern -day lifestyle. Much effort has been made to bring the trademark features thoughtfully back to life and cleverly infuse them with contemporary design, materials and construction techniques. The distinctive black and white colour palette has been embraced both externally and internally throughout the seventy a stylish yet classic look to the development.

“In a world where things are getting muddier, people are looking for absolutes. Black and white represent balance, the yin and the yang”
Edward. M. Tashjian.

POLISHED TO PERFECTION
Increasingly in modern architecture, the use of a black and white colour scheme has come to be valued by architects as an advocate of simplicity of line and clarity of form, embracing the beauty of black and its elegant opposite white.

The exterior concept for 1919 is architecturally strong and devoid of overembellishment. In essence, the look is simplicity of the most sophisticated kind. Polished to perfection, the design focuses on structure and timeless style rather than artifice and extravagance.

The impressive ground floor entrance is flanked by colonnades which fan out to form the base of the development reaching up to the second storey which is defined by sculptured balustrades that take direct inspiration from the original shophouses. The remaining upper floors are framed by a strong black outline creating clarity against the impressive skyline. The front facade is further enhanced by adjustable white shutters which filter sunlight and throw shadows across the diamond mono-chrome floor tiles of the deep balconies. Whilst the back facade is adorned with bespoke motorised black and white striped blinds, a nod to the renowned characteristic of traditional black and white houses.

THE COURTYARD
A courtyard or skywell is a characteristic feature of the Chinese shophouse.

Its purpose is not only functional by bringing light and air to the interior, but also culturally symbolic -water which flows inwards represents wealth pouring in, as well as the Taoist belief that it encourages a sense of balance or harmony in one’s life. The courtyard at 1919 will act as a tribute to the original shophouses. The beautiful facade and timber shutters have been reclaimed and carefully mounted on the courtyard walls to honour the craftsmanship of these features.

YOUR SANCTUARY IN THE CITY
Whether you are looking for open spaces, restaurants, art galleries, designer shopping or world-class museums, 1919 in Mount Sophia is a stone’s throw from the countless attractions of Singapore.

Stretch your legs and take a leisurely stroll around Mount Emily Park, or for the culturally conscious amble along to the Singapore Art Museum or The National Museum for the latest international exhibitions. For your daily needs, Plaza Singapura houses a wide range of restaurants, shops, health, beauty and wellness outlets over nine floors. You only have to venture a little further afield to reach Orchard Road’s world renowned boutiques and gastronomical delights. And then come the evening, take in a movie at the Cathay’s Picture House before heading home to your sanctuary in the city.

THE LOCATION
With Dhoby Ghaut MRT interchange station only a short walk away, you have direct access to the Circle line, the North East line and the North South line. The latter will take you to City Hall, Raffles Place and Marina Bay in one, two and three stops respectively. Your neighbourhood also boasts a selection of Educational Institutes ranging from St Margaret’s Primary School to the Singapore Management University, the School of The Arts (SOTA) and LASALLE College of the Arts.

MONOCHROMATIC ELEGANCE
Each apartment complements the distinctive architecture beautifully by continuing the black and white colour palette, ensuring a seamless transition from outside to in. The black overtones unify the space, whilst the white brings light and presence, creating a bold, highly stylised and glamorous interior.

This monochromatic approach uses white as a base note, with highly polished white marble floors throughout the living and dining areas, flanked by white walls creating an endless flow of pale elegance throughout the home, like a blank canvas upon which to begin painting. These light spaces are punctuated by black elements – dark stained timber doors with detailed beading adjoined to matching skirting which runs along the length of the room to finish at a black and white chequered flooring on the balcony-lending depth to the ‘whiteness’. 1919 uses textures and contrasts to create an environment that is modern, yet still warm and inviting. Although the two main colourways are indeed black and white, neutrals have been skilfully added to keep the spaces relaxed enough for day-to-day living. 1919 combines robust materials such as beautiful granite work tops with the highest quality acrylic gloss cabinets, polished marble floors with textured diamond tiles. Clever interior twists such as classically inspired fittings soften the lines of the understated colour scheme, resulting in a harmonious living environment.

It’s a combination that’s bold, highly stylised and memorably glamorous. And it never seems to date, no matter how many other colours and shades bypass it in the ever-changing fashion stakes. Black and white represent sophistication at its best, elegance at its most alluring.

FUNCTIONALITY & FORM
Function and form are fundamental in the choice of design, the professional finishes and the meticulous attention to detail. Thoughtfully planned interior spaces are enhanced by copious amounts of natural light filtered through floor to ceiling windows.1919 has been designed to create airy, welcoming spaces that lend themselves well to socialising and entertaining. In particular, the kitchen design creates a strong impact – high gloss acrylic cabinets are enveloped by a black granite countertop and backsplash. The sleekness of the design is complemented with the very latest in modern European appliances, including a combi oven and microwave, a built-in fridge freezer and an under-counter washer dryer.

INSIDE & OUT
The chic monochromatic tiles and practical motorised blinds make your own private balcony an extension of your living room, and a perfect haven to enjoy pre-dinner drinks or just to relax and take in the view.

REFRESH & REVITALISE
The bathrooms are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. A delicate colour palette of white marble with grey threads and dark stained vanity units is enhanced by classically inspired fittings and a black leather granite floor. A bespoke mosaic-tiled feature wall creates the perfect finishing touch adding an interesting play on light

A TRANQUIL ENVIRONMENT
The bedrooms at 1919 have been conceived as havens of peace and comfort. Dark wooden flooring and neutral wall finishes provide a chic design backdrop that you can easily make your own. Considered features such as the full height spacious wardrobes are internally lit and fitted with adjustable black tinted glass shelves and a movable drawer unit, which combine harmoniously to form a functional yet stylish sanctuary.

RELAX & UNWIND
Relax and enjoy the tranquility that 1919 personifies by taking a dip in the crystal clear swimming pool, fringed by an elegant timber boardwalk and stylish landscaping. Work off excess energy in the gymnasium or entertain friends by hosting dinners at the impressive outdoor dining pavilion.

ENTERTAIN & INDULGE
The poolside dining pavilion at 1919, which seats 12 people, is framed by intricate latticed screens creating a feeling of privacy during al fresco dinner parties. The open plan professional show kitchen is finished in stainless steel and boasts a built-in coffee machine, fridge freezer with water and ice dispenser, combi oven and microwave and four-zone hob – the perfect environment to bring out the aspiring chef in you.