Raffles Hotel is an emblematic Singaporean landmark and the project brief was to reinstate the original structure by stripping down any unsympathetic additions. To do this, the design team researched the property’s rich social history, where it has been Singapore’s main social hub for the elite society and famous personalities since 1887—a place of celebration, festivity and family traditions for the local and visiting royal, political and business elites. This original function was restored by introducing new amenities, such as the indoor and outdoor restaurants, spa facilities, culture hub and wedding venues.
PRESERVING HERITAGE
To ensure that the heritage is preserved, where possible, materials were selected to match the existing material either from the 1990s refurbishment or reflecting the materials that were used in the hotel before this refurbishment; for example, the mineral façade paints that are specially formulated for the tropical climate. To achieve the exact white tone under specific light conditions, the planners and builders tested the colours carefully and protected the sensitive areas.
Read: Raffles Hotel Singapore wins at the 19th SIA Architectural Design Award
Key to the success of the project was ensuring the quality of finished product through its structure and details. No compromise was made in the choice and implementation of materials and a well-travelled guest will be likely to appreciate the attention to such details.
PROJECT EFFICIENCY
Aside from restoring the original style and aesthetics, the project also aimed to introduce modern technology to enhance comfort. The building was established 130 years ago, so there were features that were no longer relevant and new technologies that must be incorporated to meet the standards of an international hotel. It was also vital to update the back of house services to ensure better efficiency.
The project budget for the fit-out construction was benchmarked against similar upper luxury projects constructed in Singapore, tested and reviewed at each stage with a consultant team and the clients’ quantity surveyors. To ensure that there would be no overrun, the planners also prepared alternative designs and scenarios to accommodate both the brief and budget. To ensure productivity, a thorough site investigation was undertaken to analyse the lifespan of existing services and MEP before deciding to remove and replace.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Location: 1 Beach Road, Singapore
Completion Date: August 2019
Project Site Area: 27,709 square metres
Gross Floor Area: 43,390 square metres
Building Height: 3 storeys
Number of Rooms: 110
Owner: Beach Road Hotel (1886) Ltd
Hotel Operator: Raffles Hotels & Resorts
General Manager: Christian Westbeld
Heritage Consultant: Studio Lapis
Architecture Firm: Aedas Pte Ltd
Hospitality Interiors: Champalimaud Design; Aedas Interiors
Principal Designer: Jon Kastl
F&B Interiors: Aedas Interiors Pte Ltd; Jouin Manku Agencies; Champalimaud Design
Civil & Structural Engineer: Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (SEA) Pte Ltd
MEP Engineer: Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (SEA) Pte Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall (LLP)
Green Building Consultant: Aedas Pte Ltd
Interior Fit-Out Contractor: Sunray Woodcraft Construction Pte Ltd
Images: Beach Road Hotel (1886) Ltd; Aedas Pte Ltd
