2024 AHA Winners

59 Emerald Hill Road

Photo Credit: Studio Lapis, Finbarr Fallon

2024 Award for Conservation

Citation

Skillful restoration and minimal intervention have re-energised this rare, intact heritage terrace house into an elegant timeless family abode.

Through the team’s detailed investigation and inventory of the building’s historic layers, unique interior elements such as a “peep hole” into the five-foot way, timber partition with removable timber skirting board, and rare artificial marble tiles, have been kept. Of impressive credit is the recovery of a long-hidden rare timber lattice – one of only few known in Singapore.

After masterly restoration which mainly entailed localised careful repairs, diverse ensemble of traditional elements like tiles, cast-iron grilles, and ornamental plasters now exude with historic charm. Extraordinary effort has also been noted in the sourcing of authentic vintage materials which complement the existing period fittings and cabinetry.  With a colour scheme thoughtfully chosen after meticulous paint stripping and colour matching to harken back to its original 1924 look, this house is posed to enhance the distinctive character of Emerald Hill.

This exemplary project shows that with care and understanding, a historic home and its valuable interior features can still meet present-day needs. It serves as a shining model for owners of other intact interiors to follow.

Bukit Timah Railway Station

Photo Credit: Nishikawa Masao

2024 Award for Conservation (Distinction)

Citation

With heritage, nature, and community at its core, the Bukit Timah Railway Station project stands out for its excellently restrained yet transformative approach to recapture the sense of place of a historic site that has evolved beyond its original utilitarian function.

Inspired by a stylised photograph of light streaks left by the last train, the site design showcases artful combination and curation of different materials, planting, and ground finishes to strengthen the railway alignment. The restored 200-m long boarding platform with historic railway key token posts, electrical pylons and lamp posts, relive the charms of travel reminiscent of the past. The landscaping is also well executed with a judicious mix of spontaneous and newly introduced native vegetation to recapture the familiar ambience along the enchanting Rail Corridor.

Anchored by deep research and expert technical know-how, the rustic charm of the two quaint pre-war buildings is enlivened in the restored quaint clay roof vents, old ticket counter and cabinet, antique gear levers, nostalgic exposed timber-cleat wiring and black signature ‘Bakelite’ switches (reinstated as artefacts) and iconic signal panels etc. Old steel tracks creatively recycled as arm rests for timber benches and two authentic style railway service wagons parked on the remaining railway tracks purposefully complete the image of a bygone era.

The former transport node, enhanced with tastefully designed new ancillary facilities remains as a celebrated part of our collective memories and heritage landscape. With improved accessibility, it offers new opportunities for all to contribute additional layers of history and stories to its enduring legacy.

Special Mention for Bukit Timah Railway Station and Bukit Timah Truss Bridges

Collectively, this project together with the Bukit Timah Truss Bridges has created a ‘cultural landscape’ where the historic transport-related buildings and structures with appropriate landscaping, synergise well to strongly bring out the heritage significance of the Rail Corridor. Their seamless harmony generates more value than each project individually and enables their shared history and contiguous heritage trail to be commemorated and celebrated in a more holistic setting.

Bukit Timah Truss Bridges

Photo Credit: NParks

2024 Award for Conservation

Citation

With a mantra to keep the original look and feel of the two iconic historic bridges, the project team has revived these important landmarks that transverse across a busy thoroughfare, and innovatively created new community spaces which honour the design and inherent qualities of the heritage sites.

This project exemplifies the sensitive and comprehensive restoration of a piece of engineering infrastructure. Extensive site investigation and technical excellence navigated the project through the very challenging site conditions. Systematic and comprehensive documentation and inventorisation of every component of the railway tracks and sleepers ensure their exact reinstatement after the bridges’ careful waterproofing repairs.

The meticulous iterative processes, detailed mock-up demonstrations, and multiple stakeholder consultations have guided critical decision-making to balance heritage, structural compliance and community needs. Such exemplary collaboration between user groups and technical experts culminated in the understated design of the safety railings. The creative solution of reusing and binding historic ballasts together to form a continuous path on both sides of the railway track further complements the rustic character of the surrounding. The sensibly refurbished crossings now enhance safety and accessibility whilst keeping the bridges’ intrinsic qualities and charm as vestiges of historic engineering.

The brilliant execution is grounded in the conservation principles of minimal intervention, maximum retention of original elements, and sensitive addition of new essential elements. Beyond physical accessibility, this endeavour laid the groundwork for a new community of users to create memories that bridge across generations.

Special Mention for Bukit Timah Railway Station and Bukit Timah Truss Bridges

Collectively, this project together with the Bukit Timah Truss Bridges has created a ‘cultural landscape’ where the historic transport-related buildings and structures with appropriate landscaping, synergise well to strongly bring out the heritage significance of the Rail Corridor. Their seamless harmony generates more value than each project individually and enables their shared history and contiguous heritage trail to be commemorated and celebrated in a more holistic setting.

17, 19 & 21 Jiak Kim Street Warehouses

Photo Credit: Frasers Property, Finbarr Fallon

2024 Award for Conservation

Citation

A testament to Singapore’s history as a key 19th century maritime trading hub, and later as the home of the iconic ‘Zouk’ discotheque, the former warehouses along the upper reaches of Singapore River have been rejuvenated to re-establish their presence and value to the surrounding community and residential development.

Extensive research, thorough site investigation and inventive conservation have brought the long-overlooked facades at both frontages into focus. Internally, the once cut-up spaces have been recovered to showcase the original lofty interior with exposed roof trusses which typify this typology.

Sensitive and immaculate attention to details has enabled the warehouses to be adapted for new uses in compliance with current regulatory requirements without detracting from its original architectural character. Creative flood prevention solution was adopted with the addition of removable flood gates is discreet and skilful. New glass canopies at the drop-off area and secondary fenestration glazed panels co-exist harmoniously with the historic architectural features and increase the commercial appeal of the revamped space.

The project is an affirmation of effective synergy between conservation and intervention, and between nostalgia and modernism. Together with a thoughtful and well-executed heritage trail of art installations and illustrative information display boards, it is a delightful demonstration of how creative storytelling can help to raise public appreciation of the important socio-economic history of Singapore River and the once prevalent godowns.

St Joseph's Church, Victoria Street

Photo Credit: ONG&ONG Pte Ltd

2024 Award for Conservation

Citation

Through a thoughtful balance of meeting contemporary needs and safeguarding historic character, this iconic monument has been revitalised as a vibrant and enduring heart of the community. This project originally aimed at addressing structurally unsound roof trusses and choir loft. However, credit must be given to the team for adeptly navigating the many unforeseen challenges that surfaced such as structural cracks on the floors and walls.

Sensitive and creative solutions were demonstrated in the ingenious integration of ventilators in dormer windows which were carefully reinstated based on historical evidence from the early 1900s. This has successfully recovered a cherished element while meeting modern safety standards. Discreet installation of new M&E systems within the existing architraves and cornices achieved a seamless integration of contemporary equipment within the historic fabric.

Meticulous attention to details in the careful mapping, cleaning, repair, and judicious replacement of historic materials like the original encaustic tiles and the stunning stained-glass windows, demonstrated authentic best practices to celebrate historicity. Artisans and restoration experts have also aptly infused a sense of reverence into the restoration of the church bell and marble altar. Similar delicacy is showered on a historic fleur-de-lis mural uncovered on the interior staircase wall through painstaking paint analysis.

The post-restoration preventive maintenance plan with regular building monitoring is also exemplary. This holistic approach secures the future of the Church as an enduring monument and evokes a sense of timelessness.

12 Mount Sophia

Photo Credit: Finbarr Fallon

2024 Special Mention

Citation

Located at the top of Mount Sophia, the unique and eclectic architectural gem has been sensitively re-purposed as a clubhouse for a new community of residents. This project demonstrates the team’s technical competency and resourcefulness in finding creative solutions to meet standard regulatory requirements.

Tiered planters were used instead of railings to satisfy the vertical drop requirement, maintaining the building’s original exterior. Strengthening of the original staircase and attainment of hard-won waivers from technical agencies also enabled the retention of most historic interior elements. Together with thoughtful landscaping, subtle night lighting and retention of natural ventilation at the foyer and octagonal shaped veranda, one can experience what it was like, living here in the past.

Besides a maintenance guide, the house has a heritage alley which highlights its history and, in the attic, a panoramic view with write-ups on significant landmarks visible from the high vantage point. An impressive 6-metre-long heritage interpretation panel on the exterior is additional commendable effort to generate social impact beyond its residents and engage the wider community to keep the legacy of the house alive.

Golden Bell Mansion

Photo Credit: Khoo Guo Jie

2024 Special Mention

Citation

The unique historic house, plagued by persistent dampness issues, has been brought back to its former appeal despite a limited budget which precluded a full suite of conservation works. The project demonstrates a textbook approach to technical restoration of historic materials.

Through tedious and careful diagnostic investigation, the gutter design and rainwater drainage system were holistically revamped before the original historic fabric was expertly restored using carefully sourced materials. The project team’s commitment to maximum retention was evident in carrying out only necessary works to damaged brick wall, tiling finish, plasterwork and pointing etc so as to keep the patina of the century-old grand mansion which has been used as a church since 1985.

The project included comprehensive site documentation using BIM which provides a deeper understanding of the architectural and structural elements. This coupled with a heritage management plan already put in place will support downstream maintenance. Such a systematic, scientific, and technical approach to conservation is a good reference for custodians who manage similar heritage buildings.

Malabar Mosque

2024 Special Mention

Citation

This project reflects the importance of tactful balance between preserving historic character and meeting community’s evolving needs. Driven by extensive and thoughtful stakeholders’ engagement since 2016, the spatial planning and design have taken into account the mosque community’s needs and views.

The 24/7 heritage gallery within its new covered public walkway enriches the congregants’ and visitors’ understanding of the unique history of the mosque, its community, and the surroundings. Post-completion, the mosque has increased footfall beyond the Malabari community and welcomed visitors from other neighbourhoods in Singapore.

The project not only ensures the mosque’s continuity as a place of worship and gathering, but also inspires the Malabari Muslim community to become committed custodians, fostering a greater sense of pride and collective identity.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Photo Credit: Hindu Endowment Board

2024 Special Mention

Citation

This project reflects the importance of tactful balance between preserving historic character and meeting community’s evolving needs. Driven by extensive and thoughtful stakeholders’ engagement since 2016, the spatial planning and design have taken into account the mosque community’s needs and views.

The 24/7 heritage gallery within its new covered public walkway enriches the congregants’ and visitors’ understanding of the unique history of the mosque, its community, and the surroundings. Post-completion, the mosque has increased footfall beyond the Malabari community and welcomed visitors from other neighbourhoods in Singapore.

The project not only ensures the mosque’s continuity as a place of worship and gathering, but also inspires the Malabari Muslim community to become committed custodians, fostering a greater sense of pride and collective identity.