The Standard Singapore houses an izakaya that boldly spins the classic Japanese experience in surprising and delightful ways. Kaya Restaurant, designed by Colin Seah of the Ministry of Design, plays up the hotel’s love for all things rich in biophilia and mid-century modern with its interior design. The selection of carefully crafted custom furniture, dramatic ceiling scape of hanging greenery, custom feature lighting, and immersive sense-surround mural culminate in a unique dining experience for its patrons.
For the American white oak flooring, the Ministry of Design worked with timber specialists World of Wood Floors (WOW). Mohammad Zain Bin Abdul Hamid, WOW’s managing director, talked passionately about wood. “There’s something deeply personal about wood. It has warmth, texture, and character that you just don’t get from other materials. Every board tells a bit of a story through its grain, its natural markings, even its imperfections. When we use wood, especially American hardwoods, we’re not just thinking about how it looks, but how it feels in a space. It softens a room, makes it more inviting, and adds a kind of quiet depth. People instinctively connect with it. It grounds the design and gives it soul.”
This biophilic nature of American hardwood made it an ideal choice for Kaya Restaurant. “The vision for the space in Kaya was all about warmth, connection, and a kind of quiet sophistication. We focused on creating a finish that felt worn-in, welcoming, and a little storied, like it had already lived a few good years. We hand-worked the wood to bring out its natural texture and gave it just the right amount of distressing so it felt authentic, not manufactured. Everything was tailored to the restaurant’s palette and lighting, so the floor doesn’t just sit there, it really helps shape the mood. It’s the kind of space where you want to stay a little longer, and we love that the floor plays a role in that,” Zain explained.
WOW used traditional techniques, including hand-brushing, to give new timber the look and feel of a more aged hardwood. This deliberately enhanced the character of the oak, with a one-of-a-kind look in every board. Each board was carefully worked to reveal the natural grain, enhancing its tactile quality and highlighting subtle imperfections that brought warmth and authenticity to the modern interiors. The result is flooring that carries the charm of old wood crafted from sustainably sourced new American hardwood. It’s a deliberate blend of old-world soul and modern precision, ideal for a space that demands both beauty and a strong narrative of craftsmanship.
WOW are no strangers to specifying American hardwood species and recognise that each species has its own personality. Zain noted, “Walnut is rich and elegant, hickory is tough and full of contrast, and maple has this soft, subtle charm. One of the things we really value about American hardwoods is not just their beauty, but their reliability and sustainability. They’re responsibly sourced, incredibly durable, and they age beautifully. Compared with some other timbers we have available to us, American hardwoods just have this solid, time-tested feel that fits perfectly with our approach to craftsmanship.”
American hardwood’s variety, beauty, durability, and sustainability support WOW in their continuing quest to create not just floors, but foundations for storytelling, atmosphere, and timeless design.
