The annual URA Architectural Heritage Awards was inaugurated in 1995 to recognise the people who make conservation happen in Singapore – dedicated owners, insightful developers, creative professionals and sensitive contractors.

Four projects have been awarded this year, and it comes as no surprise to see that landmark developments Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall and National Gallery Singapore have made the list.

Jury citations (an excerpt)

9 & 11 Empress Place (Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall)
2015 Award Category A

Owner: National Arts Council & Singapore Symphonia Company Limited
Architect: W Architects Pte Ltd
Engineer: T.Y. Lin Internatinoal Pte Ltd
Contractor: Sato Kogyo (Singapore) Pte Ltd

As a major cultural and architectural landmark of Singapore’s Civic District, the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall have been exquisitely and dramatically restored to their original grace and grandeur in their exterior and interior volumes.

Commendable efforts were made to carry out detailed archival research and building materials investigation to inform and enrich the outcome. Decades of insensitive and inappropriate interventions were removed through thoughtful design to echo the original design intention as well as reveal the delicate period aesthetics.

1 St Andrew’s Road (National Gallery Singapore)
2015 Award Category A

Owner: National Gallery Singapore
Architect: CPG Consultants Pte Ltd & Studio Milou Pte Ltd
Engineer: CPG Consultants Pte Ltd
Contractor: Takenaka Singapore Piling Joint Venture

The two important and historic monuments that have log symbolised the city of Singapore have been respectfully rejuvenated and integrated to serve as the new National Gallery.

Extensive historical and materials research has resulted in sensitive harmonisation of key spaces and restoration of the original fabric and finishes. The restoration team successfully rose to the challenges posed by a multitude of building materials, which range from coffered teak ceilings to delicately cast column capitals and marbled flooring. Through laborious restoration, the rich but weathered surfaces were rejuvenated while retaining their patina of history.

12, 13 & 17 Rochester Park
2015 Award Category A

Owner: BASF South East Asia Pte Ltd
Architect: Forum Architects Pte Ltd
Engineer: Ronnie and Koh Consultants Pte Ltd
Contractor: Towner Construction Pte Ltd

The set of three colonial bungalows, formerly British military housing, has been revived as a corporate training facility. Careful consideration has been given to restoring both the fabric of the buildings and their original environment-friendly features that respond to the challenges of tropical climate living.

66 Pheng Geck Avenue (Alkaff Upper Serangoon Mosque)
2015 Award Category B

Owner: Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura & Alkaff Upper Serangoon Mosque
Architect: Shing Design Atelier Pte Ltd
Engineer: Keon Consult Pte Ltd
Contractor: Tangs Engineering Pte Ltd

This community-led restoration and upgrading project is commended for giving the Muslim community a reinvigorated place of worship within a modest budget.

The project team voluntarily reinstated the original pyramidal roof, while detailing on the ceilings and the design of the new flooring cover were based on careful research on the site’s history and architectural heritage.

* Category A: This category is for National Monuments and fully conserved buildings in the Historic Districts and Good Class Bungalow Areas. Buildings fully conserved according to the restoration principles in other areas can also be considered under this category.

* Category B: This category is for integrated ‘old’ and ‘new’ developments such as those in the Historical Residential Districts and Secondary Settlement Areas.

An exhibition of the four 2015 URA Architectural Heritage Awards winners will be held at The URA Centre from 20 October – 14 November 2015. There will also be a series of talks and visits to selected award winners. Visit ura.gov.sg for details.