Prospec Surfaces

16 October 2026

SHAO Dempsey: Where Architecture Meets Atmosphere

Facade of SHAO restaurant at Dempsey Hill, Singapore, with its garden entrance

Table of Contents

Nestled in the iconic Dempsey Hill, SHAO brings Modern Teochew cuisine into a relaxed garden setting, featuring SHAO signatures, premium seafood and contemporary dishes made for sharing.

Beyond its culinary offerings, the restaurant presents an inviting interior where thoughtful design, rich textures and carefully considered details create a distinctive dining atmosphere. The interplay of architectural elements, warm lighting and tactile finishes brings character to the space, complementing its contemporary approach to hospitality.

In hospitality design, the experience of a restaurant extends far beyond its food and service. Materials, textures, lighting and thoughtful architectural details all contribute to creating an atmosphere that guests remember.

At SHAO Dempsey, Prospec Surfaces Pte Ltd was appointed to supply and install specialist surface solutions from Armourcoat and Smarter Surfaces, integrating decorative craftsmanship, acoustic functionality and innovative surface technology throughout various areas of the restaurant.

From the entrance lobby's ceiling with acoustic plaster and impressive architectural columns to the bar counter, private dining rooms, washrooms and an interactive corridor displaying photographs of guests and restaurant staff, the project showcases how specialist surface materials can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of a hospitality environment.

Textured Armourcoat feature wall beside the SHAO lettering at SHAO Dempsey

Main dining hall at SHAO Dempsey with tall Armourcoat-finished columns

Armourcoat – Sculptural Columns & Architectural Texture

One of the defining architectural features of SHAO Dempsey is its impressive series of tall columns within the main dining area.

Finished with Armourcoat decorative plaster, these prominent architectural elements introduce depth, texture and a distinctive tactile quality to the interior.

The textured surfaces interact beautifully with the restaurant's warm ambient lighting, creating subtle variations in shadow and tone. Rather than functioning merely as structural elements, the columns become an integral part of the restaurant's visual identity.

Bar counter at SHAO Dempsey framed by Armourcoat decorative finishes

The Bar – A Refined Expression

The bar counter and surrounding feature areas continue the material expression through the use of decorative finishes.

Armourcoat adds character and visual interest, complementing the surrounding joinery, lighting and interior detailing.

The result is a carefully layered environment where material finishes help establish a sense of warmth, refinement and understated luxury.

Corridor wall at SHAO Dempsey finished in Armourcoat Perlata over Smarter Surfaces magnetic plaster, with photographs held up by magnets

Armourcoat Perlata – A Decorative Finish with a Magnetic Twist

Beyond conventional decorative wall finishes, SHAO Dempsey incorporates an interesting combination of Armourcoat Perlata special paint and Smarter Surfaces magnetic plaster.

This combination brings together decorative surface aesthetics and practical functionality, creating a wall surface that offers more than visual appeal.

The magnetic plaster provides a functional magnetic base, allowing selected photographs, notes and visual elements to be displayed without relying on conventional wall fixings.

It is an example of how specialist finishes can be integrated into hospitality interiors to support both creative expression and everyday use.

Private Dining – Intimacy Through Thoughtful Finishes

The private dining rooms extend the same attention to material detail into more intimate spaces.

Here, the decorative finishes contribute to a comfortable and sophisticated setting, providing a cohesive connection between the restaurant's main dining areas and its private dining experience.

Private dining room at SHAO Dempsey with a round marble table and decorative wall finishes

Extending the Design Beyond the Dining Room

The application of Armourcoat finishes also extends into the washroom areas, demonstrating a consistent approach to interior detailing throughout the restaurant.

By carrying the material language beyond the main dining spaces, the design maintains a sense of continuity and attention to detail, ensuring that the overall guest experience is considered from arrival to departure.

Armourcoat finish on a washroom wall at SHAO Dempsey, lit by a concealed LED strip

Prospec Surfaces – Beyond Finishes, Creating Experiences

At Prospec Surfaces, we believe exceptional interiors are defined by the details, the materials and the craftsmanship behind every finish.

Featured Project

SHAO Dempsey — restaurant facade at Dempsey Hill

Armourcoat · Smarter Surfaces · Food & Beverage

SHAO Dempsey

View project →

Looking for interior ideas?

Our dedicated team is happy to help.

Products