Kay Ngee Tan Architects

Kay Ngee Tan Architects A global architectural practice est. 1990 in London, studios in Istanbul. Main office in Singapore.

Kay Ngee Tan Architects (KNTA) is an award winning global architectural practice established in 1990, London, with studios in Istanbul and main design office in Singapore led by founder and principal architect Tan Kay Ngee. Every project we engage goes through a rigorous process as exploratory in its basis as the preparation of a literary work. It begins with researching the subject through multip

le layers of references, analysing the findings, conceptualising based on matters known and insights gained, from seeking new meanings along the way, to forging and redefining with intricacies, reflecting and clarifying conditions for organisational and formal explorations that will allow for the emergence of conceptual threads to be developed and finally, translating them into the tangible and intangible elements of architecture and space.

Project Completion (18 July 2025):Kinokuniya Raffles City bookstore, Singapore.Located in a tucked-away corner of Raffle...
18/07/2025

Project Completion (18 July 2025):
Kinokuniya Raffles City bookstore, Singapore.

Located in a tucked-away corner of Raffles City Shopping Centre, the new Kinokuniya bookstore faced a key design challenge: its shopfront was partially obscured by four large structural columns, diminishing its visibility within the mall. Rather than treat this as a limitation, the design team responded by carefully addressing the vistas from multiple approach angles. By aligning key visual cues and introducing distinct spatial gestures such as tilting the store's logo toward important approach routes, the store’s presence is reasserted within the larger retail environment.

At the shopfront, the Kinokuniya logo is deconstructed and multiplied across a backlit timber panel, forming a quiet yet distinctive surface. This treatment draws from the spirit of monyo, a Japanese tradition of repeating motifs to express harmony and identity. Here, the geometric form of the "K" is reimagined not just as a brand mark, but as a spatial texture, anchoring the entrance in a subtle interplay of light, rhythm, and familiarity.

Inside, the layout invites exploration. Light-filled pathways are shaped by freestanding bookshelves and open sightlines, leading visitors through curated zones of literature and lifestyle goods. At the heart of the space sits the Blue Room, a quiet reading enclave anchored by the iconic blue shelves salvaged from Kinokuniya’s flagship store in Takashimaya. Their inclusion is both a gesture of continuity and a subtle nod to the brand’s legacy, offering familiar warmth within a newly imagined space.

Natural finishes, modular shelving, and efficient lighting contribute to a refined yet adaptable interior that balances clarity with intimacy. The result is a bookstore that redefines its corner location not as a constraint but as a frame—within which a rich and layered retail experience unfolds.

Design Team:
Chow Eng Khuang
Tan Wei Liat

Project Details:
Site Area: 3,433 sq ft
Development Type: Interior, Retail
Status: Completed in 2025
Client: Kinokuniya

Award Announcement:We are thrilled to announce that the Bukit Timah Railway Station has received the 2024 URA Architectu...
08/11/2024

Award Announcement:

We are thrilled to announce that the Bukit Timah Railway Station has received the 2024 URA Architectural Heritage Award for Conservation (Distinction). This award celebrates the outstanding collaboration in restoring, reinterpreting, and integrating both tangible and intangible heritage elements on site.

Project Overview:
Originally part of the 1932 Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line that once linked Singapore and Malaysia, the Bukit Timah Railway Station and Staff Quarters have been thoughtfully preserved along Singapore’s 24km Rail Corridor. The station now serves as a heritage gallery and community space, while the former Staff Quarters have been repurposed as a café and gallery, honoring Singapore’s rail heritage. A new masterplan with linear paving connects these restored structures with surrounding outdoor event spaces, enhancing community access and interaction.

Special Thanks To:

Urban Redevelopment Authority / DSG (Developer/Client)
National Parks Board (Co-Developer)
Assoc Prof Yeo Kang Shua
Grant Associates Singapore Pte Ltd
KEON Consult Pte Ltd
Lee & Lee Consultants Pte Ltd
ICON Engineers LLP
BCM Consultants Pte Ltd
Nipek Pte Ltd
Pico Art International Pte Ltd
Mobistudios Pte Ltd
Towner Construction Pte Ltd
Bautec Pacific Pte Ltd
Windhoff Singapore Pte Ltd

Kay Ngee Tan Architects (Project Team):
Tan Kay Ngee
Phuah Hong Thye
Suresh Sangworawanna
Ivy Tee Wei Lee

Photo Credits by Nishikawa Masao

Thank you to everyone involved for their dedication and expertise in bringing this conservation project to life.

Project Completion (Dec 2023): Kinokuniya Siam Paragon bookstore in Bangkok, Thailand.Kinokuniya Siam Paragon was design...
03/04/2024

Project Completion (Dec 2023):
Kinokuniya Siam Paragon bookstore in Bangkok, Thailand.

Kinokuniya Siam Paragon was designed by Kay Ngee Tan Architects back in 2005 and has been serving customers for the past 18 years. ​

With the mall undergoing renovations, Kinokuniya (Thailand) saw an opportunity to enhance its bookstore. Re-thinking the customer journey, we re-imagined the entrance to create a more prominent presence by placing Kinokuniya's corporate logos as clear vistas to guide customers. To improve the overall ambience, the entire ceiling is redesigned nearer the shop front.

The ceiling designs draws inspiration from the folding of paper, unravelling of scrolls and the act of turning pages. This artistic approach adds a unique and dynamic element to the store's ambience, reflecting the essence of literature and the tactile experience of reading. To brighten the overall space, two bands of Barrisol were installed. Additionally, we revitalized a forgotten entrance from the mall's carpark with an arch, adding a new dimension to the bookstore.

The children's section at Kinokuniya Siam Paragon has been transformed into an immersive experience for young readers. Small arches have been built, inviting children to enter as if they are discovering a secret section just for them. This design element adds a sense of adventure and playfulness, making the bookstore a magical place for children to explore and enjoy the world of books.

These changes have transformed Kinokuniya into a brand new, inviting space for current and future book lovers.

- - - - -

Design Team:
Chow Eng Khuang
Tan Wei Liat

Project Details:
Site Area: 1775 sqm
Development Type: Interior, Retail
Status: Completed in 2023
Client: Kinokuniya

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Project Completion (completed in 2021): GLP Beijing Huanpu International Science and Technology Innovation Park GLP Beij...
27/10/2023

Project Completion (completed in 2021):
GLP Beijing Huanpu International Science and Technology Innovation Park

GLP Beijing Huanpu International Science and Technology Innovation Park is located in the core economic zone of Shunyi Airport in Beijing, with a total area of approximately 200,000 square meters.

The concept of ‘Working within a Garden’ was the key shaping strategy of this development, as the wellbeing and physiological of future office users were being considered in the design of these workspaces.

To maximise the green views and allow more southern light into the office interiors, the development was conceived as a cluster of towner blocks, surrounded by lush landscaping, courtyards and water features on the ground level. The tower blocks were low-rise buildings due to the height control from nearby airport. With the nearby Shine Hills residential (with retail) township, expo halls and school located next to it, this development also served as an open recreational space for the public to enjoy during the weekends.

To cater for different demands for tenancy and spatial requirements, a cluster of small square towner blocks and a large podium block was designed. Although these blocks are separated by green spaces on the ground level but they are inter-connected by the basement level and linkways. The individual square towner block was designed as rotated horizontal volumes at different storey height intervals, to create different opportunities for balconies (break-out space) and planter boxes. These also give movement and visual interest to the overall development. Choreographed lighting design for these towners will further heightened its visual form at night.

Project Team:
Phuah Hong Thye
Han Kiang Siew
Suresh Sangworawanna

Client: Global Logistics Properties (GLP)

Photo Credits: Global Logistics Properties (GLP)

Project Completion: GLP Sutong 112 International Science and Technology Park, Suzhou, China Nestled within the vibrant J...
25/10/2023

Project Completion:
GLP Sutong 112 International Science and Technology Park, Suzhou, China

Nestled within the vibrant Jinji Lake Business District at the heart of the Suzhou Industrial Park, GLP Sutong 112 offers businesses a strategic location and an unparalleled transportation network.

Encompassing a sprawling total construction area of over 38,400 sqm, GLP Sutong 112 comprises three designed R&D office buildings and a state-of-the-art commercial support edifice.

As the world transforms at an unprecedented pace, GLP Sutong 112 International Science and Technology Park represents the architectural future of Industrial hubs where business can thrive, innovate and collaborate.

Check out this article featuring the opening event of Sutong 112:
https://www.glp.com.cn/news/company/571.html

Project Team:
Phuah Hong Thye
Declan Reilly
Tan Kay Ngee

Architectural Interior Design Team by (Multiply Plus One):
Chow Eng Khuang
Tan Wei Liat

Client: Global Logistics Properties (GLP)

Photo credits: Global Logistics Properties (GLP)

Award:We are thrilled to share that Gallop Extension at Singapore Botanic Gardens by Kay Ngee Tan Architects, has won tw...
22/08/2023

Award:

We are thrilled to share that Gallop Extension at Singapore Botanic Gardens by Kay Ngee Tan Architects, has won two prestigious awards at the SIA Architectural Design Awards 2023.

1. Public Place Making Award (Special Category)
2. Design of the Year

Thanks to our exceptional team and partners for making this achievement possible.

Click here to view more!
https://singaporearchitect.netlify.app/awards/projects/gallop-extension-at-singapore-botanic-gardens/


Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)

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16-17 Duxton Hill
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089600

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