In the heart of Singapore’s River Valley, the transformation of the former Nan Chiau High School into the New Bahru creative cluster has signaled a new era for the city’s lifestyle scene. Among its most compelling tenants is Bar Bon Funk, a venue that challenges the traditional boundaries between a high-energy cocktail bar and a refined listening lounge.
Designed by the visionary duo at Nice Projects, Sacha Leong and Simone McEwan, this 110-square-metre space is a masterclass in sensory-based storytelling. It isn't just a place to grab a drink; it is a meticulously choreographed environment where high-fidelity audio and rich materiality dance in tandem. Bar Bon Funk is strategically divided into three distinct functional zones to maximize spatial flexibility and acoustic quality, creating what the designers describe as a 'warm living room' aesthetic—sophisticated yet entirely approachable.
The Design Philosophy: Crafting the ‘Warm Living Room’
When approaching the design for Bar Bon Funk, Nice Projects leveraged over 35 years of combined experience to merge residential comfort with commercial hospitality standards. The brief was clear: create a space that feels like a "buzzy" neighborhood hangout—the kind of place where you could spend hours lost in conversation or simply immersed in the music.
The founders aimed to move away from the often-stark minimalism found in modern cocktail bars, opting instead for a narrative-driven interior. By blending soft textures usually reserved for homes with the durability required for a high-traffic bar, they achieved a rare "light-hearted yet sophisticated" atmosphere.
"We wanted to evoke the feeling of being in a friend's exceptionally well-designed living room," says the design team. "It’s about layers—the way light hits a marble surface, the vibration of a speaker through timber, and the softness of a curtain against a concrete floor."
Spatial Zoning: A 110-Square-Metre Symphony
Designing a 110-square-metre space requires surgical precision, especially when high-quality audio is a core component. Nice Projects avoided the "one-size-fits-all" approach by dividing the floor plan into three zones. This spatial zoning isn't just about furniture placement; it’s about managing energy levels and acoustic flow.
- The Public Energy (Front): Designed to catch the vibrant spirit of the New Bahru district, this area is high-energy, centered around the main bar.
- The Social Transition (Middle): A relaxed dining section that balances the buzz of the bar with the intimacy of the back lounge.
- The Private Sanctuary (Back): An exclusive area for intimate gatherings, where the audio experience becomes more focused and immersive.
This layout allows the bar to function as a chameleon—shifting from a bright afternoon spot for a casual drink to a moody, bass-heavy sanctuary after dark.
A Tactile Material Palette: From Breeze Blocks to Marble
The materiality of Bar Bon Funk is where the "warm living room" concept truly comes to life. Nice Projects didn't shy away from bold juxtapositions, mixing industrial elements with luxurious, tactile finishes.
- Yellow Marble Counters: The centerpiece of the entry zone, providing a bright, decadent focal point that feels both vintage and contemporary.
- Timber-Lined Walls: Adding essential warmth and assisting with the room's natural acoustics by softening sound reflections.
- Red Linoleum Tables: A playful nod to mid-century design that offers a smooth, tactile surface for diners.
- Custom Handmade Encaustic Tiles: A recurring visual thread that grounds the space in craftsmanship.
- Painted Breeze Blocks: Used in the bar construction to provide architectural texture without feeling overly heavy.
The contrast continues underfoot and overhead. Polished concrete floors provide an industrial "shell" for the space, which is then softened by striped fabric curtains and an array of designer lighting, including Hem pendants and Flos fixtures. The seating is equally curated, featuring Philippe Malouin stools and Thonet tubular metal chairs, blending iconic design with ergonomic comfort.
The Sonic Interior: Integrating Audio as Architecture
In many hospitality projects, audio is an afterthought—a series of black boxes mounted to the ceiling. At Bar Bon Funk, audio is treated as a fundamental architectural element. The integration of sound systems into the furniture and millwork ensures that the music feels like it is emanating from the soul of the building rather than a peripheral device.
The audio profile is split between two world-class sources:
- The Main Bar: Features vintage speakers sourced from Bali’s legendary Peel Records, built directly into the bar structure to provide a rich, analog warmth to the high-energy zone.
- The Private Lounge: Houses custom H.A.N.D.HiFi speakers from Berlin. These are integrated into the millwork of a creamy lacquered waiter station, which doubles as the brain of the private room’s audio system.
By embedding these components, Nice Projects ensures that the "listening bar" identity is physically part of the design, not just a label.
A Walkthrough of the Three Zones
Zone 1: The Vibrant Entry & Main Bar
Upon entering, you are immediately greeted by the "high-energy" pulse of the venue. The main bar is a striking composition of painted breeze blocks topped with a massive slab of yellow marble. The backlit spirit display creates a glowing backdrop, casting a warm light over the patrons perched on high bar stools. This is the heart of the social scene, where the music from the Peel Records speakers sets the tempo for the evening.
Zone 2: Relaxed Dining & Visual Intrigue
Moving deeper into the space, the energy shifts. The transition is marked by a change in seating and materiality. Here, red linoleum tables and Thonet chairs offer a more grounded dining experience. The walls are adorned with playful, eclectic artwork by Indonesian artist Riz Riz Rizz, adding a layer of visual "noise" that complements the acoustic environment. The concrete floor remains a constant, providing a neutral canvas for these vibrant pops of color.
Zone 3: The Private Sanctuary
The final zone is a bespoke timber sanctuary. Centered around a table seating ten, this area is designed for the ultimate "private dining" or "private listening" experience. It is separated by soft, heavy curtains that provide both visual privacy and acoustic isolation. The H.A.N.D.HiFi speakers here are tuned for precision, allowing guests to appreciate every nuance of a vinyl record while enjoying a meal in what feels like a secluded penthouse lounge.
The Future of Contemporary Cocktail Culture
Bar Bon Funk is a definitive example of how thoughtful hospitality design can elevate a simple night out into a multi-sensory journey. By refusing to compromise on either the acoustic quality or the material richness, Nice Projects has created a venue that feels timeless. It’s a space that honors the craft of the cocktail, the soul of the music, and the comfort of the guest in equal measure.
As Singapore’s design landscape continues to evolve, Bar Bon Funk stands as a reminder that the best interiors are those that engage all our senses—not just the eyes.
FAQ
What makes Bar Bon Funk a 'listening bar'? Unlike standard bars where music is background noise, a listening bar (inspired by Japanese Jazz Kissa) treats audio as a primary feature. Bar Bon Funk uses high-fidelity vintage and custom speakers integrated into the architecture to ensure the sound quality is as curated as the cocktail menu.
Can I book the private sanctuary for events? Yes, the third zone is specifically designed as a private sanctuary that can accommodate up to ten guests for intimate dining and a dedicated sonic experience, making it ideal for small gatherings or private celebrations.
What is the 'New Bahru' district? New Bahru is Singapore’s newest creative cluster located in River Valley. It is a transformation of an old school building into a hub for independent local brands, restaurants, and creative studios, of which Bar Bon Funk is a key anchor.
