Conserved Building
469 Bukit Timah Road
Applicable Guidelines
Other Building Guidelines
Conservation Area
Singapore Botanic Gardens Conservation Area
Historic address: 469A Bukit Timah Road
Science Tower
About
The Science Tower was designed by local architect Ho Kok Hoe, son of Ho Kwong Yew, a prominent pioneer of local architecture. It was opened by Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 1 July 1966, and today serves as an effective orientation marker and an integral part of the identity of the wider Bukit Timah neighbourhood.
The History
The Science Tower was built following an extensive research tour to Britain to study how buildings for the sciences were designed during the period.
The Building
The building is rational in form, with its modular structure expressed on the façade through components such as concrete and brick infill panels. The service core is given a distinctive treatment to visually emphasise its function — its grid sits a half-storey higher than the main building, and its windows are smaller. The use of two different grids and a variety of materials gives the Science Tower an interesting and dynamic façade. In consideration of energy costs, the building also features innovative elements such as aluminium movable screens and recessed windows designed as sun-breakers, reducing thermal transmission into the building.
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.
Any proposed additions and alterations to this conserved building are subject to evaluation. Please submit your proposal for URA’s review.
Explore Street View
The building can be found at this street.
Awards
URA Architectural Heritage Awards (Category A)
2007