Located in an Civic and Arts district of Singapore, 30 Bencoolen is an existing 30 plus year old 13 storey hotel that needed a revamp and a new look. Firstly the ground floor was completely reconfigured into one space incorporating the hotel reception, lobby and restaurant. A curved ceiling using anodised aluminium sections unifies this space and extends into the pedestrian sidewalk. This and the grid shopfront glass creates a classic café/hotel frontage to this busy street.

The existing rooftop pool was demolished and rebuilt into a lap pool close to the building edge. A portion of the cantilevered terrace has been retained and gives a dramatic edge and fine views to the neighbourhood. The curved ceiling reappears on the roof terrace as a slated pergola offering shade to the pool users.

The building façade has been completed remodelled. The podium houses the carpark and a fine anodised aluminium screen. There are two types of room windows, one horizontal and one vertical and this creates a playful composition to the façade. Both horizontal and vertical sun shading fins further adds to the dynamic rhythm of the street elevation.

A final and important element to the overall design is the use of materials. The palette is rich, textured, warm but deliberately muted. The idea is to create an ambience that is informal and inviting, comfortable but with character.

Name: 30 Bencoolen
Type: Proposed Additions & Alterations to the Existing 13-Storey Hotel
Location: 30 Bencoolen, Singapore
Status: Completed 2017
Architect: HYLA Architects
Principal Architect: Mr Han Loke Kwang
Assistant Architects: Tiffany Ow, Trang Tran, Eunike, Ann Pantipjatuporn, Navin Rungsmai
Structural Engineer: GCE Consulting Engineers
Facade Consultant: : Meinhardt Façade Technology (S) Pte Ltd
M&E Engineer: : EWC Engineers Pte Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: 1MH & Associates
Main Contractor: Shanghai Chongkee Furniture and Construction Pte Ltd
Furniture: Xtra Designs Pte Ltd
Landscape Contractor: Nyee Phoe Flower Garden Pte Ltd
Photographer: Derek Swalwell