THE LEGACY HUNTERS - THE SINGAPORE SHOPHOUSE PODCAST

Real Estate Trophy Sale 12 Ann Siang Road .

• Simon Monteiro

Share episode

Message us for an Introduction or Coffee Session

Ever wondered how a humble two-star hotel can be transformed into a vibrant entertainment hub? Discover the magic of adaptive reuse as we take you on a journey through the fascinating evolution of 12 Ann Siang  Road in Singapore. From its beginnings as the iconic Damanlou Hotel, steeped in Art Deco elegance and culinary history as the birthplace of Singapore's beloved fish head noodles, we uncover the meticulous restoration that embraced its past while infusing modern flair. Join us for an exploration of innovative design solutions that not only respected the building's heritage but also introduced exciting new elements, like a stunning rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Chinatown.

Get ready to be inspired by the architectural creativity that overcame significant challenges, such as integrating a basement substation and adhering to fire safety with inventive design twists. We'll discuss how this historic space now boasts four distinct levels, each with a unique purpose: a restaurant, bar, function area, and that breathtaking rooftop escape. Discover how thoughtful material choices, like wooden panels and exposed brick, weave a harmonious blend of old and new, creating a space that celebrates Singapore’s vibrant heritage. This episode promises an engaging conversation on the art of transforming historical structures into timeless landmarks.

This Podcast is all about Legacy and Heritage Real Estate

It is also a platform for us to share what we read, heard and researched.

It also tells about Singapore Architecture Heritage and the Legacy behind the People & Places from the 15th Century right to current .

We focus on The Straits Settlement Era in COLONIAL SINGAPORE

We will have guest speakers and presenters on Legacy & Topics related to Family Offices, Private Banking & Legacy Planning .

www.shophouse.com.sg www.shophouse.club

We can be contacted at simon.monteiro@listsir.sg

Simon MONTEIRO Real Estate Associate in Singapore South Region - Sotheby's International Realty

Our One Sop Consultancy - Straits Shophouse Pte Ltd with Dr Julian Davison & Our Architectural Consultant Alvan Ng - An Architect turned Realtor.

Speaker 1:

Welcome back everyone to the Deep Dive. This time we're headed to Singapore.

Speaker 2:

Ah Singapore.

Speaker 1:

To explore the fascinating transformation of 12 Anshang Road.

Speaker 2:

Okay.

Speaker 1:

This historic building has seen quite a journey, from a humble two-star hotel to now a multi-level entertainment space. So we'll be diving into architectural awards info yeah, checking out some images, really trying to understand how this building has evolved.

Speaker 2:

It's a great example of you know what we call adaptive reuse.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Taking something old, giving it a new life, but keeping that historical charm intact. I love that yeah.

Speaker 1:

So we're talking about the former DeMulin Hotel.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

Right in the heart of the Tellalkeir Historic District and it's got that classic Art Deco style.

Speaker 2:

Beautiful.

Speaker 1:

It's hard to imagine it now as just a modest two-star hotel in such a prime location.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and you know, it's more than just a hotel. This is where fish head noodles were born.

Speaker 1:

No way.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, Back in the 1920s Tang Kuang Swee created that iconic Singaporean dish right in this building. Heng Kuang Sui created that iconic Singaporean dish right in this building.

Speaker 1:

So it's got culinary history on top of everything else.

Speaker 2:

Layers and layers Fascinating yeah.

Speaker 1:

But before all this, the building wasn't doing so well.

Speaker 2:

No, it needed some love it was essentially three interconnected shop houses. With those classic five foot ways, quintessentially Singaporean.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, so how did they even approach this restoration?

Speaker 2:

Meticulously, I'd say Okay. You can see the care in every detail the main entrance, the timber windows, oh well, they even restored the real glass door frames. It's like stepping back in time and there's a great image that shows the original cast iron balustrade. Oh cool, which they were able to save. A real connection to the past.

Speaker 1:

So it's not just about preserving what was there, but also, like you said, giving it a new life.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

And they didn't just restore it to its former hotel glory, they went a completely different route.

Speaker 2:

They did. It's now got four levels, each with a distinct purpose. You've got it A restaurant, a bar, a function area and a breathtaking rooftop terrace overlooking Chinatown.

Speaker 1:

Oh wow, I bet the views are amazing.

Speaker 2:

Oh, they are.

Speaker 1:

So they really maximize the space.

Speaker 2:

They did, and that rooftop terrace is really something special.

Speaker 1:

Oh, tell me more.

Speaker 2:

It's described as a sanctuary just this beautiful, peaceful space high above the city.

Speaker 1:

I love that.

Speaker 2:

And they cleverly converted the second story terrace into an alfresco garden.

Speaker 1:

Ah, so there's like a visual connection between the levels.

Speaker 2:

Yes, and it creates a focal point.

Speaker 1:

Very clever.

Speaker 2:

And to tie it all together, they installed this sleek new steel staircase.

Speaker 1:

Oh nice.

Speaker 2:

Connecting all five floors, even the basement.

Speaker 1:

So old and new working together.

Speaker 2:

Seamlessly.

Speaker 1:

But I imagine projects like this always come with some bumps in the road.

Speaker 2:

Oh for sure, they had two major challenges to overcome. Okay, hit me First a substation in the basement. Uh-oh, Severely limited the usable space they had to work with.

Speaker 1:

Yikes, that's a tough one.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, but instead of seeing it as a roadblock, the architects incorporated it into the design.

Speaker 1:

Really.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it actually shaped the layout of the ground floor.

Speaker 1:

That's thinking outside the box.

Speaker 2:

That's adaptive reuse.

Speaker 1:

So what was the other challenge? Fire safety regulations oh of course they had to demolish and rebuild one of the existing staircases.

Speaker 2:

That must have thrown a wrench in their plans. It did, but again they turned a problem into an opportunity.

Speaker 1:

I love that attitude.

Speaker 2:

Right. So the new steel staircase, necessary for safety, became a design element itself.

Speaker 1:

Tell me more.

Speaker 2:

Full height fire resistant glass panels.

Speaker 1:

Nice.

Speaker 2:

Flooding the stairwell with natural light Beautiful, creating the sense of openness.

Speaker 1:

So, even with these challenges, they were able to stick to the vision of blending old and new Absolutely, and the choice of materials definitely plays into that.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, They've got wooden panels exposed, brick tiles.

Speaker 1:

I love exposed brick.

Speaker 2:

And the flooring is Blau wood.

Speaker 1:

Okay, I'm not familiar with that one.

Speaker 2:

It's. This durable tropical timber really adds to the character.

Speaker 1:

All about those little touches right.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Bringing warmth and authenticity to the space.

Speaker 2:

They didn't just choose these materials randomly, but everything was carefully selected to complement the building's history.

Speaker 1:

So acknowledging the past while embracing the present.

Speaker 2:

That's the balance they were going for.

Speaker 1:

And I think they nailed it.

Speaker 2:

I think so too. All that work, the attention to detail, it really paid off.

Speaker 1:

You're talking about the award.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, the Urban Redevelopment Authority recognized them.

Speaker 1:

The Architectural Heritage Award right.

Speaker 2:

That's the one 2008. Impressive Category A, the highest for restoration.

Speaker 1:

So they really hit the mark with preserving the heritage while making it functional. Couldn't have done it better. The mark with preserving the heritage while making it functional.

Speaker 2:

Couldn't have done it better.

Speaker 1:

So stepping back for a second. What does this all mean for 12 Anshang Road? What's the big takeaway?

Speaker 2:

Well, it shows what's possible with adaptive reuse. Right, you can breathe new life into a structure, give it a purpose, but still respect its past.

Speaker 1:

They made a vibrant space but it's still got that piece of Singaporean history.

Speaker 2:

Exactly A win-win.

Speaker 1:

It's inspiring. You know, we don't always have to tear down the old to make way for the new.

Speaker 2:

Sometimes the best solutions are right there in front of us.

Speaker 1:

Just waiting to be rediscovered.

Speaker 2:

And reimagined.

Speaker 1:

Twelve and Chang Road is proof of that.

Speaker 2:

It really is and it raises some interesting questions, I think.

Speaker 1:

Ooh, like what?

Speaker 2:

Well, think about cities like Singapore, constantly changing.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, always evolving.

Speaker 2:

How do we balance preserving heritage with all that development? That's a tough one, for sure it is. But this project, it gives us a model to think about.

Speaker 1:

A case study in finding that balance.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

You know, for me it's about seeing the potential, the hidden potential.

Speaker 2:

Oh, I like that.

Speaker 1:

They took this building that was kind of forgotten and made it something special.

Speaker 2:

Gave it a new story.

Speaker 1:

Makes you wonder what other hidden gems are out there.

Speaker 2:

Waiting for their chance to shine.

Speaker 1:

Just like 12 Ansheng Road.

Speaker 2:

It's about imagination, careful planning and respecting what came before.

Speaker 1:

And remembering that history isn't static. It's a part of us.

Speaker 2:

We can weave it into our modern lives.

Speaker 1:

Make it beautiful and meaningful.

Speaker 2:

And speaking of beauty, did you notice how they use the different levels?

Speaker 1:

Yeah, creating those different experiences in a compact space, it's innovative, right, definitely you go from the energy of the restaurant and bar, then up to the function space, then the peaceful rooftop.

Speaker 2:

Each level has its own vibe.

Speaker 1:

Catering to different moods.

Speaker 2:

It's like a journey through the building.

Speaker 1:

I love that.

Speaker 2:

And remember it started as three separate shop houses.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

They blended them seamlessly but kept the individual character, that's not easy to do. It speaks to their skill working within those constraints.

Speaker 1:

They didn't force anything. They let the building guide them.

Speaker 2:

And they kept sustainability in mind.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, Adaptive reuse is already more sustainable than starting from scratch.

Speaker 2:

They salvaged so much of the original material.

Speaker 1:

Less waste, less impact.

Speaker 2:

They were thinking about the environment.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely Preserving the past and the future.

Speaker 2:

It all comes together.

Speaker 1:

So next time you're walking around your city, yeah, take a look at those older buildings, really see them.

Speaker 2:

Don't just pass them by.

Speaker 1:

Think about the stories they hold, the potential they might have. Maybe there's a hidden gem right around the corner, just waiting for someone to see it, like 12 and Shang Road.

Speaker 2:

It's a reminder. We can learn from the past, be inspired by it.

Speaker 1:

Adapt it to today's world.

Speaker 2:

Twelve and Shang Road shows us what's possible when we combine respect, creativity and a vision for the future.

Speaker 1:

It's amazing how much there is to talk about with a project like this.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

From the history to the design. Even bigger questions about cities and development.

Speaker 2:

Twelve and Shang Road really gets you thinking.

Speaker 1:

It does, and one thing that stands out to me is how they created so many different experiences in one building.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, you've got the energy of the restaurant and bar down below.

Speaker 1:

And then you move up to the alfresco garden, more intimate, then the function space, more sophisticated.

Speaker 2:

Right.

Speaker 1:

And finally that rooftop terrace, so peaceful.

Speaker 2:

It's like a little slice of the city all in one place.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, and it shows just how versatile adaptive reuse can be. You don't have to be limited by what the building was originally.

Speaker 2:

Nope, you can reimagine it completely.

Speaker 1:

Make it something totally new and exciting.

Speaker 2:

And they did it in such an authentic way, yeah.

Speaker 1:

It doesn't feel forced at all.

Speaker 2:

It's not just about throwing a modern look on an old building.

Speaker 1:

Right, they really thought about how to blend the old and new.

Speaker 2:

Using the right materials, textures, even the design elements.

Speaker 1:

Creating that sense of harmony.

Speaker 2:

It all flows together.

Speaker 1:

And what about that cast iron balustrade?

Speaker 2:

Oh.

Speaker 1:

It seems like a small thing, but it says a lot about their commitment to preserving the building's character.

Speaker 2:

Sometimes it's those little details that matter most.

Speaker 1:

It's like a direct link to the past.

Speaker 2:

Visitors can actually touch it, feel that history.

Speaker 1:

It's a reminder that these buildings have stories to tell.

Speaker 2:

And those stories are worth saving.

Speaker 1:

I think people really connect with that.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it's not just about how it looks. It's about feeling a sense of place, of belonging. When we preserve our architectural heritage, we're preserving so much more than just jigs and mortar.

Speaker 1:

It's memories, traditions, even a sense of identity.

Speaker 2:

You can't get that with a brand new building.

Speaker 1:

So, as we wrap up our deep dive into 12 Anshang Road, it's been a good one. What's the one thing you want our listeners to take away from all this?

Speaker 2:

I'd say take another look at the older buildings in your city. Yeah, Don't just see them as relics of the past.

Speaker 1:

They could be something more.

Speaker 2:

They could be spaces for innovation, for creativity, for connection.

Speaker 1:

Maybe there's a hidden gem right in your neighborhood.

Speaker 2:

Waiting to be transformed.

Speaker 1:

Just like 12 Ann Chiang Road.

Speaker 2:

We can learn from the past.

Speaker 1:

Draw inspiration. Adapt it to today's needs 12 Ann Chiang Road is a great example of that.

Speaker 2:

Respect, creativity and a vision for the future. That's what it takes.

Speaker 1:

Well said.

Speaker 2:

It's been a pleasure.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.

Speaker 2:

Anytime.

Speaker 1:

We hope you've enjoyed exploring 12 Anshang Road with us. It's a fascinating story and that it sparked your own curiosity about the hidden potential in the world around you.

Speaker 2:

Until next time.

Speaker 1:

Keep.