URA unveils six winners for the 2007 Architectural Heritage Awards

URA unveils six winners for the 2007 Architectural Heritage Awards

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced six winners for this year's Architectural Heritage Awards. Minister of National Development Mr Mah Bow Tan presented the Awards to the recipients at the National Museum of Singapore this evening.

The annual Awards recognise owners, professionals and contractors who have gone beyond the basic essentials to lovingly restore their buildings to their former glory for today’s use.

This year's six winners - a museum, a Tudor-styled house transformed into a visitor centre, a luxurious hotel and spa, a historic university campus, as well as a terrace house and an Early shophouse which have been restored into contemporary homes - bring to 77 the total number of projects that have received the Awards since the launch of the Awards in 1995.

The Awards scheme

The Awards are given out under two categories. Category A is for National Monuments and fully conserved buildings in the Historic Districts and Good Class Bungalow Areas. These buildings are assessed on how far they adhere to quality restoration principles. Buildings fully conserved according to the restoration principles in other areas can also be considered under Category A.

Category B is for integrated old and new conservation developments in the Residential Historic Districts and Secondary Settlement areas. Under Category B, conservation projects are assessed on both the quality of restoration of the old elements, as well as the innovation and architectural excellence of the new elements, and how they draw their inspiration from the old elements.

2007 winners

The following provides an overview of the six winners. The full details of these projects are in the Annex.

Category A

• 93 STAMFORD ROAD

Affectionately termed the ‘grand dame of Singapore’s architectural heritage’, this two-storey 19th-century building of British colonial architecture has taken on various roles and undergone several face-lifts over the years. However, her latest reinvention into National Museum of Singapore, complete with a reflective makeover and its park setting, may be her finest yet.

• 1 PULAU UBIN

Located at the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, House No. 1 is believed to be Singapore’s only remaining authentic Tudor-style house with a fireplace. Its uniqueness fits in nicely with its new function as a visitor centre to Singapore’s nature treasure, Chek Jawa Wetlands.

• 3 & 7 CARLTON WALK

Built on top of a small hill to enjoy the natural sea breeze surrounding Sentosa, these two typical military barrack blocks were originally the living quarters of British soldiers before and after World War II. Now, they have been tastefully transformed into luxurious hotel suites of Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa for world-weary travellers to rest and relax in.

• 469 BUKIT TIMAH ROAD

From its early days as Raffles College, to its current occupants, National University of Singapore Faculty of Law, the Bukit Timah Campus has been home to generations of students for more than 80 years. Conservation work sought to keep this rich history alive and yet provide modern amenities befitting a world-class educational institution.

Category B

• 13 MARTABAN ROAD

Once used as a dormitory for orderlies from the nearby Tan Tock Seng Hospital, this two-storey Second Transitional style terrace house in the Balestier Conservation Area has now been charmingly turned into a chic, contemporary home without sacrificing its humble heritage.

• 62 NIVEN ROAD

With its extremely narrow width, this two-storey Early shophouse in the Mount Sophia Conservation Area appears small and nondescript on the outside. However, through many novel ways, its interior space has been cleverly used to create a cosy abode.

Exhibition details

The public can view the exhibition of the 2007 Award-winning projects from 2 October to 31 October 2007 at the atrium of The URA Centre, 45 Maxwell Road. Opening hours are: Mon – Fri, 8.30 am – 7.00 pm; Sat, 8.30 am – 5.00 pm, closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Admission is free.