Key developments and preservation of architecture Peranakan Place

1 key developments , preservation of architecture

1.1 pilot restoration
1.2 change of ownership
1.3 first renovation
1.4 facade colours

key developments , preservation of architecture
the pilot restoration

in 1985, ura announced emerald hill conservation area, first in singapore, in order conserve of best examples of straits chinese style of dwellings. conservation area includes development known ‘peranakan place’, row of 6 two-storey shophouses (circa 1902) fronting orchard road. pilot restoration , development project carried out ura in 1985.

restored @ cost of $2.2 million in 1985, original two-storey shophouses line peranakan place date 1902. shophouses had variety of architectural styles (ranging transitional, late art-deco) , elaborate plaster work , wood carvings combined create architectural hybrid referred ‘chinese baroque’. during restoration, facade , ceramic tile-work preserved, , features fluted columns , arches, rebuilt ura.

for first time in restoration work, ura had allowed contractor use fibreglass reconstructions of original features motifs, cornices , column capitals replace damaged age. in cases 70 per cent of original features had been substituted material known poly-marble, unlike original bricks , plaster, has unlimited life.

during process of restoration, interiors of terrace shophouses torn down, leaving exteriors remaining. rebuilt include more room business occupants. tenants included bibi’s, night-spot offered peranakan food , theatre entertainment; museum; , shop selling peranakan antiques, cooking utensils, ingredients , cookbooks.

change of ownership

peranakan place complex pte ltd had sold entire shareholdings group of local entrepreneurs peranakan heritage 1988. renovations bibi s restaurant in peranakan place started in november 1988 convert cultural complex singapore s artistes stage plays , perform music. complex renovated @ cost of $500,000. new design included bar, stage , cosy reading rooms local books , magazines customers. in past, complex seen centre traditional peranakan activities, new owners wanted widen scope. known bibi s, outlet took on interior of rich peranakan home. local , western influences highlighted in architecture while additional artefacts, fabrics , furnishings complemented overall design. the coffeeshop, keday kopi had been given overall sprucing , redesignated restaurant called keday kopi peranakan restaurant. officially opened on july 3 great fanfare complete lion dances. boasted large menu of 50 items, many of all-time favourites such hee-pioh (fish maw) soup, ayam buah keluak , babi pontay.

the roofed on alley in alleybar


the first renovation

in july 1991, peranakan place became airconditioned shopping complex. orchard road tourist spot closed in april 1991 renovations costing $1.5 million continued preserve peranakan style facade, , reorganised interior feature more shop spaces.

further, original alley separated 180 orchard road plot , 2 emerald hill plot roofed , transformed in 1999 incorporate food , beverage nightlife spot, alley bar, showcasing unique usage of land space in highly sought-after conservation area.

the facade colours

the colour scheme of complex has been through many changes on years, owners of building have sought research on authenticity of colours before restoring it capture essence of baba culture, including colour sense. in 1985, peranakan place redone in chosen shades of pink, green, , blue - replacing colours of black , white considered mourning colours peranakan. in 2009, classic grey , white wash green , pink accents, , in 2015 repainted bright yellow, emerald, shades of pinks , purple , bright blue.

peranakan place, 2005