Conserved Building
1 Cluny Road
Applicable Guidelines
Bungalow Guidelines
Conservation Area
Singapore Botanic Gardens Conservation Area
Historic address: 1 Cluny Road
Ridley Hall
About
Built in 1883, Ridley Hall is one of the oldest structures in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Its modest appearance belies its historical significance not just for the Gardens, but for Singapore and the world.
The History
Ridley Hall was used by Henry Nicholas Ridley as his office and laboratory. Ridley was the first Director of the SBG from 1888 to 1912, and is most well-known for successfully domesticating the wild rubber plant. This led to the birth of the modern rubber industry that transformed the economic landscape of Malaya and the industry of the modern world, bringing prosperity to the region and spurring the spread of rubber plantations around the world.
The Building
The one-storey building is of brick and plaster construction with a pitched tiled roof. The generous overhanging roof eaves protect the walls and interiors from the tropical sun and rain, while the large timber-framed windows with louvres are typical of the period as a means of allowing light and good ventilation.
Guidelines and Procedures
All proposed works will need to comply with the Conservation Guidelines and the Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG). Conservation Permission is required before all additions & alteration works and operations of new use can begin.
Residential Fronts are characterised by timber casement windows flanking a double-leafed timber door. All buildings with residential front which is existing and/or identified in the 'Specific Restoration Guidelines', regardless of land use zoning, shall be retained and restored.
Explore Street View
The building can be found at this street.