Singapore -- (SBWire) --11/28/2011 --Hotel Fort Canning Singapore has been conferred the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) Architectural Heritage Award (AHA) for carefully preserving and integrating a 1926 heritage icon – the former administration building of the British Far East Command Headquarters that was transformed into an 86-room heritage boutique hotel.
The concept of the project commenced in late 2007 and was completed in November 2010 with a total investment of two and a half years of intensive planning and a SGD$70 million restoration effort.
Mr Oh Chee Eng, CEO of the property says, ‘We are absolutely delighted and greatly honoured to earn such a prestigious award. This is a remarkable recognition for all of us at Hotel Fort Canning in celebrating Singapore’s heritage in style.’ The property celebrates its first year anniversary in November 2011 and the Management is deeply humbled to receive this prestigious award so soon after opening.
Once used as a base for the British Far East Command during World War II, the property has been sensitively restored by award-winning Singapore architectural company – DP Architects.
The design philosophy was to highlight the conserved building’s historical legacy. The original architecture and many distinctive features of the building were retained to capture its former glory. All modern additions were carefully selected to complement and enhance the marriage of tradition with modernity.
Mr Jeremy Tan, Senior Associate Director for DP Architects says, ‘There is probably no other boutique hotel in Singapore that is situated within a National Heritage Park with a history that dates back to the very beginning of Singapore, our approach was to celebrate the history of the Hill by enhancing the richness of its heritage.’
The building’s rich history and heritage is celebrated through its façade, structural and architectural elements – by stripping away the claddings of yesteryears to reveal its original architectural details, e.g. the balustrades, column bases, handrails and window grilles. The colours and tones chosen are subtle and soothing, and evoke an air of sublime elegance and subtle luxury befitting the dignified colonial landmark. These elements seamlessly harmonise with the greenery of Fort Canning Hill.
One of the major discoveries during the transformation would be the porte cochere, previously an enclosed lobby, it is now expressed as a grand entrance or a drop off area of the hotel. The view of the century-old hill and the verandah lifestyle of the past have inspired an unconventional approach to the placement of the living area and bathroom in the guestrooms. It celebrates the rituals of cleansing with an appreciation of views of the park – an ode to the Forbidden Springs on the Hill for royal princesses as told in the Annals of Singapura.
In the expression of ‘modern heritage”, Hotel Fort Canning also translate the experience of tradition in a new light. The remarkable glass-topped Archaeological Pits embedded in the hotel lobby floor are filled with 14th and 19th Century artefacts unearthed by Dr John Miksic, Resident Archaeologist and associate professor at National University of Singapore, serve as a reminder of the close relationship of the building with its surroundings and are an experiential way for visitors to learn more about Singapore’s history.
The hotel has since been lauded as a discreet sanctuary within a National Heritage Park, nestled between Orchard Road, the Clarke Quay Entertainment Hub and the Central Business District.
Each room and suite ranges from 35 to 94 sqm in size, and offer exclusive postcard-perfect views framed by original conservation doors with glass panels that look out unto the lush greenery in a century-old heritage park or the vibrant city of Singapore.
About Architectural Heritage Award (AHA)
The award bestowed by Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority recognises owners, professionals and contractors who have gone beyond the basic essentials to lovingly restore monuments and conservation buildings to their former glory for today’s use. The criteria used to assess was based on the quality restoration of the ‘new’ elements, and how the ‘new’ draws inspiration from the ‘old’.
About Hotel Fort Canning
Nestled between Orchard Road, the Clarke Quay entertainment hub and Central Business District, The 86-room Hotel Fort Canning is a one-of-a-kind urban sanctuary amongst Singapore Boutique Hotels and is situated at Fort Canning Park.
Hotel Fort Canning is just a 5-minute walk from Orchard Road and a 10-minute stroll from Clarke Quay / Boat Quay entertainment hub, as well as the Museums & Civic District, and a 30-minute drive from the airport.
For bookings & enquiries, please call +65 6559 6760.
Hotel Fort Canning Wins URA Architectural Heritage Awards (AHA)