The idea of co-habitation so appeals to the young and young at heart because of the social networking and flexibility that come on top of the economic benefits of sharing. As a response to the growing trend of co-living among the millennial group of travellers, lyf Funan Singapore was designed as a new co-living brand for millennials and the millennial-minded. Developed together with The Ascott, lyf Funan is the largest co-living residence in Southeast Asia offering short-term rentals to long-term stays.

This new hospitality hybrid posed a design challenge to formulate a unique user experience from the point of outreach to staying within the property, and to the point of checking out. A playful collage of diverse materials, textures, patterns and colours was carefully composed to reflect local contexts in a predominantly industrial space. Throughout the residence, many design elements allude to the surrounding geographical and historical context of its location. The laundromat at the entrance harks back to the void decks of older HDBs, and its unusual placement creates a memorable entry experience. The doors of every room unit carry images of old doors found in Singapore, photographed from shophouses and old buildings.

Social furniture pieces were customised in close collaboration with local furniture designers Gabriel Tan, Hunn Wai and Nathan Yong. They can be found all over the public spaces, as well as within the rooms, creating a fun and tactile co-living and co-working environment. The design of the signage and way-finding also engages users and promotes chance interactions. Quirky quotes termed as 'lyf sayings' can be found in various corners, creating unexpected moments in potentially dull spaces.