Located in the vibrant Katong neighbourhood, The Red House at 63 East Coast Road is an enduring icon of Singapore’s cultural and architectural heritage. With its distinct red façade and rich history dating back to the 1920s, this charming building has long held a special place in the hearts of locals, primarily as the former site of the Katong Bakery and Confectionery, known for its baked goods that became household favourites.
A Storied Past: From Bakery to Cultural Icon
The Red House opened as a bakery in 1925, a venture by the founder of Katong Bakery and Confectionery, Jim Baker, who quickly gained fame for their Swiss rolls and other sweet treats. At a time when commercial bakeries were rare, the bakery became a local staple, drawing patrons from across Singapore. The building’s colour was later enhanced to the vivid red we see today, setting it apart as a recognizable landmark along East Coast Road.
Its walls witness a bygone era when Katong was a quiet, charming suburb dotted with Peranakan homes, coconut plantations, and small businesses. The bakery closed in the 1980s, but The Red House remained a beloved memory for many, symbolizing Singapore’s layered past and the evolution of East Coast Road into a vibrant, multicultural district.
Architectural Splendor and Heritage Conservation
The Red House reflects the aesthetic appeal of Singapore’s pre-war shophouses, combining Chinese, Malay, and European influences. Its decorative plasterwork, wooden shutters, and iconic red exterior are examples of early 20th-century architectural styles. The building was officially gazetted for conservation, preserving its character as an integral part of Singapore’s urban landscape.
The Red House was meticulously restored in recent years, blending historical preservation with modern functionality. The conservation project focused on retaining the original design elements, from the decorative motifs on its exterior to the open verandas and intricate tilework. The revived structure now functions as a mixed-use development, offering retail, F&B, and residential spaces, revitalizing the building as a cultural hub for locals and tourists. Micro Bakery now operates the bakery, offering freshly baked bread and an all-day breakfast menu.
A New Chapter for The Red House
The Red House has evolved from a cherished historical landmark into a vibrant part of the Katong community. New cafes and shops now occupy its ground floor, carrying on the legacy of the original bakery and creating a bridge between the neighbourhood’s rich heritage and modern-day life. Above these bustling businesses, a collection of distinctive residential units offers a unique living experience, blending history with contemporary comforts across three key sections of this iconic development.
The main Red House building, with its famed bakery on the ground level, stands proudly at the front. Adjacent to this, separated by the development’s main entrance, is a row of five charming shophouses. Toward the back is the rear extension—a five-story structure housing most of the residences. Each area offers a different style of living to meet a variety of preferences, while all maintain the architectural character that makes the Red House a treasured piece of Singaporean history.
The Lofts Above the Bakery
The first residential section, directly above the famous bakery, consists of loft-style units. These distinctive residences feature a spiral staircase connecting lower-level living areas with the upper-level bedrooms. The design of the lofts captures a sense of verticality and openness, creating a cosy yet airy living space that echoes the charm of shophouse architecture.
The Suites Above the Shophouses
The second section, located above the five connecting shophouses, is dedicated to the suites. These suites are connected by a continuous passageway on the second level, providing a seamless link across the shophouses and enhancing the sense of community. The suites are divided into two primary unit types: studio suites and one-bedroom duplex suites.
The studio suites face the front of the shophouses, where the original lattice and louvred windows are preserved. An additional interior glass window allows these units to be fully air-conditioned, maintaining the historic facade while enhancing comfort. The interior design of these studios also highlights heritage elements such as original roof beams, seen from the bedroom, while the rest of the ceiling is fitted with modern conveniences like lighting and air conditioning.
In contrast, the one-bedroom duplex suites embrace a more open design, with the main living area on the lower level and a staircase leading to the upper floor bedroom. These units retain a strong sense of history with exposed gable roofs and wooden beams, enhancing the authenticity of the space. The air conditioning and piping are cleverly concealed near the extended bathroom on the upper floor, allowing the open space to remain true to its heritage character.
The Residences in the Rear Extension
The final section in the rear extension comprises the highest residential units with five stories. This part of the development also houses a rooftop amenities deck, offering panoramic views over the low-rise surroundings. The deck includes a lap pool and gym, creating an exclusive oasis for residents to enjoy while adding a luxurious modern touch to the Red House’s historic environment.
The Red House Residences masterfully combines old and new, offering diverse living spaces that cater to modern needs while preserving the building’s unique heritage. Each residence, from lofts and suites to spacious apartments, is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the Red House’s storied past, making it a truly distinctive residential development.
This adaptive reuse approach is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to heritage conservation. It showcases how historical spaces can continue to be relevant, functional, and vibrant without losing their essence.
A Tribute to Singapore’s Heritage
The Red House is more than just a building; it symbolises Katong’s evolution and Singapore’s dedication to preserving its past. With each step inside, visitors can experience echoes of a past carefully woven into a bustling modern landscape. The Red House stands proudly as a cultural icon, bridging Singapore’s past and present while remaining a cherished part of East Coast Road’s storied legacy.
Article contributed by Jerry Wong.
Jerry Wong is a realtor at Propnex Realty, bringing a rich background in interior and lighting design to his work. He loves exploring diverse spaces and observing the transformative power of real estate. Beyond his professional role, Jerry finds his greatest fulfillment in connecting people with the right properties, gaining immense satisfaction from helping clients achieve their dreams.
