Sea Pavilion

About

The sea pavilion is one of the last remaining markers of the former coastline at East Coast. Prior to land reclamation, there was a variety of seaside structures along the former coastline which were built for residents to enjoy the sea. These structures include swimming enclosures, pillboxes, seawalls, gates and steps leading to the sea, piers and sea pavilions. These sea pavilions ranged from simple open pavilions to fully furnished chalets used for picnics and parties. While there are still some parts of the sea walls marking the location of the shoreline, the sea pavilion at the subject site is the only remaining building today.

The History

The reclamation project at East Coast was the first major post-Independence project and dubbed as the "Great Reclamation". With Singapore's independence in 1965, there was a high demand for land due to the nationwide public housing agenda and the drive towards industrialisation. Prior to the East Coast reclamation project, a pilot project was initiated at Bedok Point in 1962 with about 20 hectares of land successfully reclaimed. Many of the seaside structures were demolished during World War II to prevent Japanese landings from the sea. The sea pavilion is a single-storey reinforced concrete structure built in the 1950s for Mr Koh Eng Poh and Mr Chan Wah Chip, owners of Jurong Brickworks, one of the major brick factories in Singapore.

The Building

Built in the modern style, the prevalent architectural style at that time, the sea pavilion features clean lines and linear elements such as the coping running across the curved façade. The sea pavilion is primarily built in reinforced concrete with some bricks as a parapet wall. The sea pavilion also featured elements of tropical architecture, with timber framed windows with textured green glass to reduce heat and glare from the sun, framed by concrete which provides further shade. The cantilevered structure is also unique to Singapore's coastal architecture, as the typical sea pavilion used to be built on stilts in the water instead of cantilevering over the sea.

The Legacy

The Sea Pavilion was gazetted on 7 May 2018.

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.

• Any proposed additions and alterations to this conserved structure are subject to evaluation. Please submit your proposal for URA's review.

• Apply for Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG)

• Submission Process for Works

Gallery

Round heritage service structure surrounded by trees and modern residential buildings

Rear view of a small historic utility building with a central door and windows

Explore Street View

The building can be found at this street.