http://www.singaporearchitect.com.sg/archive/issue210_01/pearlbank2.jpg

Once in a while, one’s perception of all things is profoundly shaken by the experience of an architectural work from the past, such as the Berber villages in south Morocco and S. Carlo alle Quattro Fontane by Francesco Borromini; Pearlbank Apartments, designed by Tan Cheng Siong of Archurban Architects & Planners, is one such work.

Located on a hillside next to Chinatown, Pearlbank Apartments stands admirably different from the traditions of shophouses, the mute practicality of HDB blocks, and the indifferent sleekness of curtain walls that surround the site. This splendid isolation is both physical and intellectual.When it was completed in 1976, Pearlbank attained to some form of distinction by having the highest density for a private development, and being the tallest residential block in Singapore with the largest number of units contained in a single block.

The main residential block consists of a roughly three-quarter circular slab with small slits in between. The block offers three types of units, two-bedroom (130 sqm), three-bedroom (176.5 sqm), and four-bedroom (213.7 sqm); there are 8 units to each floor. At the top of the block are 8 penthouse units with 4 to 5 split levels, roof terraces, and breath-taking views, making the total number of units 272.

Slotted into the sloping site at the podium level is a multi-storey ramped carpark. The community space for the residents begins at the podium roof level, where the lift lobbies to the units and some convenience shops are located. Structurally, the tower block is held together by a series of in-situ concrete sheer walls which also function as party walls; these walls are transferred through huge beams at the bottom of the block to allow more openness at the lobby level.

But Pearlbank transcends this physical description. The design of the building exerts energy of a strong “willed” action – will to form, if you like. Not, I hasten to add, the will to whimsicality of formalistic fashions of the seventies such as mushroom-shaped balconies and truncated pyramidal protrusions, but the will springing from internalised comprehension of high-density urban habitation. Such will is embodied in the clarity of planning, the intrigue of domestic spaces through level changes and the deliberate avoidance of any references to traditional forms of dwelling.

The circular shape of the main residential block, despite the resulting difficulties of construction at the time, makes plenty of sense in maximising the sublime views of the city centre and creating a sense of intimacy with communal circulation corridors facing the internal courtyard. The orientation of the circular slab is such that it avoids afternoon sun for all the units, and the slits in the circular slab allow effective ventilation into the internal courtyard. In one stroke, the connection with the city and domesticity is wonderfully demarcated, although more could be done for the internal courtyard space to highlight its communal nature.

The “pie-shaped” units are “inter-locked” in sections; this painstaking gesture gave the architect plenty of opportunities to create changes in levels, such as those in entrance hall with kitchen and dining, living room with master bedroom, and utility spaces connected to the main circulation corridor through a dedicated external stair. Few would deny that level changes in domestic spaces are enormously enriching devices in design; these had been employed with worthwhile results.

Unlike many of today’s condominiums, Pearlbank Apartments made no reference to forms and colours of traditional dwelling. It asserts its own characterisation of contemporary living in high density despite the popular doubts about safety of high-rise dwelling at the time more so than any other apartment blocks. It borrows no semantic meanings, makes no use of superfluous decorations; it is its own iconic signifier.

Pearlbank clearly forms part of the modernist discourse in architecture of the twentieth century, with luminaries such as Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn pioneering radical forms of urban dwelling long before Pearlbank. Le Corbusier’s remarkable rethinking of low-cost urban habitation, which began with “Ville Contemporaine” in 1922, generated radically different ideas of urban forms; the technological advancement in construction in later years brought versions of this vision to reality throughout the world. The inter-locking apartment units at Pearlbank recall Le Corbusier’s duplex “cross-over” section of “Unité d’Habitation” in 1952 (although with corridor at every two floors instead of every three floors), and the communal space originally planned at level 28 was intended to provide additional facilities for the residence, much in the same spirit in which Le Corbusier provided his roof communal space at “Unité d’Habitation.” Furthermore, the circular residential slab with a carpark podium resembles Kahn’s memorable sketch of a “dock” complex for Philadelphia in 1956.

If Pearlbank lacks the heroic aura of a pioneering work, it perhaps makes up with its emphatic insertion into a particular site with unique climatic conditions. Among many buildings in Singapore in the seventies affecting the “international style”, Pearlbank is remarkably restrained in its insistence on the purity and consistency of concept. It is precisely in this insistent adherence to an architectural form deriving from logical and clear planning that we find a rare criticality and vision in Pearlbank. Formalism never played any part here, yet there is a strong formal character and almost never a dull moment; this alone should make Pearlbank a modern classic, head and shoulders above many other fashionable and gimmicky contrivances from the same era.

Today, as we surrender some of our rights to think about habitation independently to developers whose design strategies derive from “market research” for the lowest common denominators, we will do ourselves a great service to take another look at Pearlbank, with all its unresolved corners, peeling paint, leaking plumbing systems, and various forms of mutilations perpetrated by the inhabitants. Architecture must sustain its criticality and vision if any kind of “paradigm shift”, to borrow a term contemporaneous to Pearlbank, is to take place among the “normative architecture” of property development. Let us look forward to maintaining Pearlbank as a “critics’ choice” in the world of “people’s choices”; this has nothing to do with elitism and everything to do with sustaining criticality and innovation which lie at the heart of architecture.

http://www.singaporearchitect.com.sg/archive/issue210_01/feature.html

Here are some pics posted by huaiwei. What do you think?

http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-image4.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/6/2003/08/209293.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.com/files/transfer/6/2003/08/209296.jpg

WOW!!! I want to live in one of those penthouses!!!:D

Great article! Thanks!

Pearlbank was built as early as 1976?

What a beautiful building, and such thoughtful design! Lucky Singapore!!! :banana:

I wonder why the world had so many more shoebox-like boring rectangular buildings dumped on it after Pearlbank? :bash: Pearlbank should have served as a springboard for future archtecture rather than being a lone standout and highlight! :rant:

Thanks for showing off this beautiful building, Raffi! :cool:

I am shocked! You find it beautiful?

To be honest I was always intrigued and disgusted by this thing. Intrigued because it sat alone on a hill like an evil castle and disgusted by its dirty-looking colour and facade.

But your comments, this article in an architectural magazine and Blabbyboy's comments are making me look at it from a different perspective (unlike my usual instant gratification reactions to buildings).

Actually I already revised by intense dislike for it when me and huaiwei checked it out. Once you get past the interior you enter a pleasant courtyard with fountains and a garden. The view from up there is breathtaking and the curvature and mini staircases create a nice community feel. This has been very interesting for me:)

Blabbyboy, "Actually, Pearl Hills may be ugly but it's nothing that a good, high quality refurb won't fix - maybe break open some walls or glass in the "cages" and clad the thing in metallic facade - titanium would be yummy but anodized aluminium also can. Then maybe glass in the top (but leave the side gap open) and add a few levels of new penthouse or even a spire. The "broken up", disjointed look of the outside is all the rage in postmodern architecture TODAY! It could look very contemporary! But it would probably cost so much that you might as well demolish and build a new one!"

Ugh ... now that you mention it, Raffi, that stained concrete DOES look rather ugly.

I think I took the clues for my assessment mainly from the first picture in the opening post, where the building looks like shimmering silver, and from its design, a very unusual open circle, a design that permits that open feeling and the connectedness to the courtyard.

So you've taken a second look at the place & are thinking about it twice? Great! :banana:

"we will do ourselves a great service to take another look at Pearlbank, with all its unresolved corners, peeling paint, leaking plumbing systems, and various forms of mutilations perpetrated by the inhabitants."

Like wat Raffi mentioned, that was probably only truly possible when you actually step into the building! I still remember my brief visit clearly, and ever since then, when I stare at the building, I actually think of positive things rather then the usual gasps of disgust! :D

Indeed. Not only is it cool and breezy up there (on the hill), you can also get fabulous views:

Edit (new pics)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/pearlpano.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/pearlpano2.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/pearl3.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/pearl2.jpg

Wow, this is a cool building! It's like a luxury commieblock, I'd love to live there!

I used to wonder what that building was, I would stare at it and wonder.... It can actually be Singapore's version of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. A city in a building.

are there lift landings on every floor? its going to be demolished soon right? 99 year lease?

Originally posted by heirloom

are there lift landings on every floor? its going to be demolished soon right? 99 year lease?

Yup. But the lift is small and very slowwwwww.
The 99 year lease expires in 2075 I guess. I wonder how long skyscrapers can last anyway...

hrmmm normally when 99 year lease buildings reach 30+ they are demolished? because after the building is 33 years old or something the value drops significantly? it's about to poof off i think.. byuebye pearlbank - good riddance!

How many floors does it have?

Yes, this is such a cool building. I have had the privilege of seeing it IRL too and it sure was HUGE! And that view from the top... it can´t be described with words. And, it´s right next to chinatown!! :D
I so want to move to Singapore soon!!!

[SIZE=1]Originally posted by Devilution

And that view from the top... it can´t be described with words./SIZE]

hrmmm the sea and sky seem to melt into each other..

I just dig that view..imagine it at night! And since the building is on a hill its like being in a taller building:guns1:

if you imagine hard enough it would look like singapore is floating in air! or a plateau!

Originally posted by heirloom

if you imagine hard enough it would look like singapore is floating in air! or a plateau!

Hey! I also imagined that!:D

A tall building floating in the sky ... magical! :) Reminds me of the book Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino. It's a lovely book about imaginary cities and architecture ... it's the account the Venetian explorer Marco Polo gives to the Kubla Khan on his way back from his travels to the Far East. It's a fascinating book, very much a luxury read--it touches on so many human and societal and historic and architectural points. :cool:

Devilution, I'm used to seeing you in the S & B forum--delighted to see you here! :wave: You visited Singapore & were at the top of the Pearlview? Incredible! :eek:

Another pic of this hulking mass by baqthier:)

http://img51.photobucket.com/albums/v157/baqthier/viewsgapart1.jpg

It sure looks revoltingly massive from this angle, yeah? :D

Sorry, but I dislike this building the first time I saw it while on a bus. The windows and corridors do the building a lot of injustice. It just looks very messy and too overwhelming. If the windows and corridors are styled
differently, I'm sure it'll look better.

Hm...I wonder if it will be "saved" if it gets a big clean-up with a better coat of fresh paint?

Hm...I wonder if it will be "saved" if it gets a big clean-up with a better coat of fresh paint?

For me I doubt it, it's the windows that look intimidating. Unless of course the windows are painted the same colour as well.

For me I doubt it, it's the windows that look intimidating. Unless of course the windows are painted the same colour as well.
Same colour as the walls?? :eek:

i think for a building as huge as that, paint simply does not work. it needs to be cladded.

Same colour as the walls?? :eek:

:) Let's just say to do something to remove the shape of the windows. So all of them look nice and regular. Right now, it looks like several rats have taken many small bites out of a cylindrical cheese.

:) Let's just say to do something to remove the shape of the windows. So all of them look nice and regular. Right now, it looks like several rats have taken many small bites out of a cylindrical cheese.
Hahaha! I would have tot that if you paint them all the same colour, you are going to get a HHUUGGEEE chunk of a concrete wall! :D

Brutalist what ,supposed to look 'ugly'.

no leh... this simply looks shoddy...

Brutalist what ,supposed to look 'ugly'.
Brutalist arent always "ugly" in that sense of the word...

I am still wondering whats wrong with the windows.......

Took a photo of this when I was a bit "boliao" at the Police HQ lately.........

http://img73.photobucket.com/albums/v222/ylstan03/City%20Landscapes/DSCN14961.jpg

Hmm... so this is how it used to look like? Far cry from what it looks like now, though..... dirty and disgusting. Ah well....

'Used to'?

Sorry. I was referring to the first photo on the first page.

I think they should cover the main windows with a vertical strip of reflective glass, and paint the rest of the building.

Hehe. Can't really visualise it leh...... But anything would be better than what it is now.... maybe i'm being a bit harsh in saying this, but i honestly feel it's a real eye sore....

it is indeed. maybe funky rotterdam treatment would do the trick.

I don't know. It seems a bit too fat and thick. I doubt any sort of treatment would make it as modern and good-looking as, perhaps, it deserves.

Maybe they should reclad it in dark black glass!:D :cool:

Hmmm, as a non-Architect, I do see a striking resemblance between the facade of Pearlbank (first picture) and the Pinnacle@Duxton (newspaper ad scanned by babystan on page 18 entry #354). I especially like the "simmering" effect. Just a thought.

It would be great if somebody would post a pic of the interior of a unit. I saw the original brochure of this building somewhere on the net (do a google search on it) and the design of the units looked very nice indeed. :)

here we go:

http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-showflat1.JPG
http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-showflat2.JPG
http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-showflat3.JPG
http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-showflat4.JPG
http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-showflat5.JPG
http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-showflat6.JPG
http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/pbk-showflat7.JPG

Groovy baby! Yeah!

:eek2:

Hmmm, as a non-Architect, I do see a striking resemblance between the facade of Pearlbank (first picture) and the Pinnacle@Duxton (newspaper ad scanned by babystan on page 18 entry #354). I especially like the "simmering" effect. Just a thought.
Oh yeah.....if you didnt mention it, I wont have noticed it. And come to think of it, both are quite close to each other! :eek:

Oh man...... The rooms look like that?!

that was the original show flat from when they started selling the apartments in '72 i think. I really like the layout. :) I'd like to see a typical unit in its current-day condition, though.

It looks to me that this building's exterior doesn't do justice to the nice layouts of the units.

Cool pics kevinp! :okay:

yes, the interior design looks typically 70s with those colours.

It looks to me that this building's exterior doesn't do justice to the nice layouts of the units.

agree..also the view from up there is really refreshing!

Don't know lah. The building still looks like an eyesore to me. Maybe i'm just to used to shiny glass towers....

Don't know lah. The building still looks like an eyesore to me. Maybe i'm just to used to shiny glass towers....

I wonder if you'll like it if they decide to reclad the building with glass.....:lol:

It would look like another Glass Hotel then (now the Concorde Hotel) ^^

Lovely facade
http://files.photojerk.com/RafflesCity/pearlbank.jpg

uh.. didnt know there was so much detail.

as lovely as abigail.

A monolith of a structure indeed. It needs a new paint job though. That's undeniable.....

paint will not do it good.. it needs cladding!

Let's see it in glass and titanium...

http://www.streetdirectory.com.sg/genmapphp.cgi?x=28709.5530&y=29484.4820&iconlist=star1,28709.5530,29484.4820;&level=6&sizex=395&sizey=500

The grey building on the left. :)
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/5935/dsc89487wv.jpg

OH that is the one... Thank you very much... very helpful...


Is it a HDB or Condo?

Condo :D

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4038/15lj.jpg

erm... technically speaking, it is a private apartment which does not have full facilities of a condo. :D

Well my friend was asking me about this building and I am not familiar at all... how's the condition?

from the exterior, you can see is old.

not too sure about interior. :)

Poole occupies a 4,300 sq ft split-level penthouse, which, he happily informs me, affords views to the mountains of Sumatra on a clear day. Even on the hazy day of my visit, the expansive views over Singapore facilitated by Pearlbank's horseshoe shape plan were impressive. The building's position on Pearl Hill means that this level 37 penthouse actually sits at a height of around 45 floors above the road level. At the time of its completion in 1976, the iconic building, being Singapore's tallest and most dense residential complex (designed by Tan Cheng Siong of Archurban Architects and Planners), was hailed as a feat of design and construction. However, during the 1980's and 90's, Pearlbank was dogged by the dubious and controversial reputation of being a haven for both 'red light' career girls and illegal foreign workers, who packed into partitioned apartments in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Elaborating on its unsavory past image, Poole tells of how ash from the incinerator that once operated nearby at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) used to cover the building.

But renaissance is coming for Pearlbank! In 2001, the Singapore Institute of Architects recognized the design merits of the building, and declared it a "Singapore Housing Icon". A residents' management committee has been established with the aim of upgrading the building and evicting illegal tenants. Refurbishments to the building's lifts, electrical and plumbing services have been carried out and repainting is to be done next. In addition, bodies such as Zouk Disco and FHM Magazine have recently portrayed the building in a stylish new graphical light. There seems to be a rediscovery of Pearlbank's powerful beauty underway. The strength of the exterior of Pearlbank - the characteristics that can so move the observer - is its purity of form. It relies not on arbitrary colors, moldings or pediments. It is concrete; it is geometric; it is regular; and it tries to be nothing else. Pearlbank offers a quality that is rarely found these days: excitement of form.

from http://www.poole-associates.com/Poole%20Penthouse%20in%20ISH.htm

i would love to live here if they refurbished the entire building and every unit in there.

Great find Rark! Very interesting information of its penthouse - floor plans and pictures

Refreshing interior too. heh...

and I remembered clearly sometime ago, this building was heavily criticised here for being an eye sore.......

I still think it's an eyesore, but it's an interesting one ^ ^

It is some kind of "Elephant Man" of a building, it is ugly and fascinating at the same time, so you can't help but stare at it, even you feel almost ashamed to do so ;-)

Here's the recent transaction for Pearl Bank Apartment if anyone is interested.
PS... probably, change the thread title to Pearl Bank Apartment?

Land/Floor Area(Sqm), Price($), Date of Option Exercised / Sales Agreement Signed

123 280000 Jan-05
123 305500 Jul-05
123 345000 Jul-05
203 390000 Sep-04
163 395000 Dec-04
163 395000 Jul-05
163 410000 Sep-05
163 420000 Jul-05
163 455000 Jun-05
203 470000 Nov-04
365 768000 Feb-05

It looks much nicer once you get into it....and, the interior corridors are dramatic and so are the views.

u had taken some views from there right? can share the pics here? :)

I need to search for it...the views are old though, from 2003...I brought huaiwei and my cousin up. Unfortunately, security is tight now :)

Here's a peep into the future. What's going to happen around Pearl's Bank Apartment. Currently, those white/green blocks are not there.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2570/untitled16qk.jpg

Those blocks on the left are currently an open empty field (previously some rainbow coloured HDB flats used to be there).

not sure if its an entirely good idea to have so much housing on the hill, although that hill is really quiet at the moment.

I've always like Pearlbank ;) I remember telling one Sg forumer that I liked it and he was like - "Huh? Why?" :D Forgot who was that :?

I've always like its position on the hill and its shape which is something different from the rest of the highrises in Singapore ....I dunno I just like it ;) However I would love to see its refurbishment :okay:

I visited Pearlbank apts once. It looked rather old and drab but is clean enough. A circle of shops and offices filled the ground level. I think it has not been exactly boomtown for retail so you get offices for contractors there as well. One particular provision shop's decor (or lack thereof) will surely bring you back down memory lane to the 1970s.

I hear that the resident population is a mixed bunch and may not be too comfortable for some.

The convenience (Outram MRT, Chinatown) is obvious. But it is also a very green place if you crave for a nice place to walk. The hill top park brings you all the way to Upper Cross street where is there yet more food.

Some info about the apartment at the exhibition at URA

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7271/dsc0045319yr.jpg

is this a freehold property?

is this a freehold property?

Unfortunately no ...

how many years left?

msg #9 said PearlBank was completed in 1976. so it gives a general indication of the balance lease.

note: i am not in the property line, but i think we can't assume the lease expires in 1976+99 ... right?

I went to collect my comics at Chinatown this evening and saw Pearlbank from afar. I still feel it stands majestically, although those paint on its walls are really showing its age. It reminded me those few bocks of really old, seedy and rundown flats just across the causeway!

I am sure if Pearlbanlk is repainted, it will regain its lost glory. :)

msg #9 said PearlBank was completed in 1976. so it gives a general indication of the balance lease.

note: i am not in the property line, but i think we can't assume the lease expires in 1976+99 ... right?

Not exactly, as the lease starts when the developer buys the land, not when the building is completed. So I'd guess 1973 or 1974+99 :-)

Who knows there is an interested developer who is willing to buy enbloc and top up the lease (similar to Eng Cheong Tower case) to redevelop it? ;)

I went to collect my comics at Chinatown this evening and saw Pearlbank from afar. I still feel it stands majestically, although those paint on its walls are really showing its age. It reminded me those few bocks of really old, seedy and rundown flats just across the causeway!

I am sure if Pearlbanlk is repainted, it will regain its lost glory. :)

Or maybe be clad in blue glass - it will suddenly look space age ! :)

I think it should remain concrete and assume its status of concrete monster ^ ^
Anyway, too much glass kills the glass :-p
I'd like it to be repainted in white :-)

Someone commented it looks like a castle. White castle? :)

I think it should remain concrete and assume its status of concrete monster ^ ^
Anyway, too much glass kills the glass :-p
I'd like it to be repainted in white :-)

white? no white please! paint it colorfully...

Or maybe be clad in blue glass - it will suddenly look space age ! :)

nah...let it age gracefully :O

Ironically it is its gritty image that makes it pack so much punch into the cityscape...cos it is fat and ugly and proud of it :lol:

It seems no one will agree on what to do with it ^ ^

I think white against the blue sky looks great! If wana make the building looks chic, the inner wall can be painted with any bright color, take light yellow for example. :)

this 'thing' blocks skyline of cbd :( and it loooks real huge from here...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/shao_ye/skyline000001.jpg

Views are good! :happy:

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4068/dscn24505qf.jpg

The only building that i hope it isn't there is none other than that tasteless obiang greenish-brown building right at the centre of the foto ... People's Park Complex (http://sg.pagenation.com/sin/People%27s%20Park%20Complex_103.8423_1.2842.map). :ohno: It doesnt blend into anything.

I like it! :happy:

^^^ Oops ... no offence. just personal opinion. :)

actually, i m ok with the building but the color scheme ... hmm ... nvm. :)

No offence at all. Don't worry :)

I like the unique character of this building.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8955/dsc98417ex.jpg
Taken this evening.

Views are good! :happy:

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4068/dscn24505qf.jpg[/img]

:master:

No offence at all. Don't worry :)

I like the unique character of this building.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8955/dsc98417ex.jpg[/img]
Taken this evening.

What settings were used?

:master:

:dunno:


About the settings... F16. AWB. BULB.

Pearlbank, OCBC and S'pore Power Building are brutalist classics! :cool:

sorry for the late reply, this is the third recycle of my pearl bank pics, but as you know I'm a HUGE fan of the pearl bank apartments ... so here are the much coveted interior pics and view (from the inside) !

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/dogyears/stormoverpearlbank.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/dogyears/pano82.jpg

If you ever get the oppurtunity to go in, do so ! It's really amazing.

Somehow it reminds me of Kowloon Walled City....

... and Pearlbank made it to the headline recently. Someone was trapped in the lift right at top of the building!

Pearlbank offers 1 of the best bird-eye view in Singapore. It's a tall building and it's standing on a high ground. Don't think there are many places with this combination around in Singapore?

^^

Landmark Tower, which is nearby and located at Chin Swee Rd. Its that tall and old brown condominium.

Thanks RafflesCity,
I have never heard of Landmark Tower but managed to found a few pics from sg expats.com (http://www.singaporeexpats.com/singapore-property-pictures/condo/landmark-tower.htm). The building does look slender and tall but can't visualise the ground from the pics. will take note if i am around that area nxt time.

What abt My Faber Lodge? Another one shld be these few blocks of HDB-lookalike buildings nicely situated on a knoll along Braddell Road.
(I believe we used to call them HUDC or something)

^^

are they very ugly?

another 2 ugly buildings I can think of are Rajah Tower at Jalan Rajah and this tall apartment tower in Clementi.

heres another shot of this beast!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/pearltemasek.jpg

RC: Mice contrasting pic. :cool:

Rajah Tower?
What does it look like?

^^

are they very ugly?

another 2 ugly buildings I can think of are Rajah Tower at Jalan Rajah and this tall apartment tower in Clementi.

heres another shot of this beast!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/pearltemasek.jpg[/IMG]

Landmark Tower does look ok to me from those pics in s'pore expats.com.
In any case, it is a building dated back in 1985 so can't really compare the current league of skyscrapers lah. :)

Oh mine, PearlBank really looks like a face full of pimples when closes up. The building seriously need repainting and put away all those unsightly aircons.

LOL

some colour to contrast with its bleak facade:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/0904d.jpg

Hmm....if they were to include pearlbank into the lighting scheme, I wonder what could be done to bring it to life at night?? :?

:lol:

thats quite a creative idea!

^ A bit pity to let it stand up there like a tomb.....:lol::jk::jk:

I'd like to thank the more than 200 people whom attended Rojak #7 [by FARM] at Penthouse One, Pearlbank Apartments on Feb 10th 2007. It was a great evening.

Due to the overwhelming interest, Ed Poole [the owner] is willing to open the penthouse for viewing, upon request, and by appointment. Call +65 6536 3928 only during business hours, please!

Now that the 4,000 sq ft is sufficiently renovated, it is now safe to allow visitors.

http://www.pearlbankapartments.com has been re-activated !
interior photos are available on http://www.poole-associates.com

30+ building botox

How do I get photos uploaded?

Many thanks to the over 200 architects, designers, writers, poets and interested individuals whom attended Rojak #7 at Penthouse One, Pearlbank Apartments on Feb 10th 2007, organized by the people at farm.sg The presentations were fantastic. Penthouse One has been recently renovated and is now safe enough to allow visitors in. [For several years there were no handrails on some stairs and some floors unfinished].

The response was overwhelmingly positive, and of course the view mezmerises many people.

Ed Poole, the owner [an architect] will gladly open the penthouse for visitors. Call +65 6536 3928 during business hours, and a convenient time and date will be set. or e:mail to poole@pacific.net.sg.

You can view interior photos at http://www.poole-associates.com or in March a new version of http://www.pearlbankapartments.com will be on-line.

Some residence of the building are attempting to en-block the structure [sell it off for greater returns than individual sale] - a simple excercise in the classic Singaporean dream.......greed. The current GFA is lower than it was in 1972, and the building still maintains one of the highest density ratios in the city.

Because of this, it is the opinion of this writer, that the basic principle of en-block does not apply here, and thus the threat to this structure should be put to rest, so that the owners who reside there will continue to renovate their units to keep the building safe. For some bloggers on this thread that call it a run down slum - I invite you for a personal tour.

The exterior facade is going to see a major repair soon, but unfortunately this does not include the removal of mismatched window frames, grills and air con units.

As more people view the building from the top and can experience the AMAZING spaces of apartments, you will understand why this building is so unique and has been called a 'Singapore Housing Icon'. See the article at the opening to this thread.

Wow, so we can just call the architect to visit ?
Sounds great, how about a SSC meeting at the place ? ;-)

Sorry, what is this about? :nuts:

I'd like to thank the more than 200 people whom attended Rojak #7 [by FARM] at Penthouse One, Pearlbank Apartments on Feb 10th 2007. It was a great evening.

Due to the overwelming interest, Ed Poole [the owner] is willing to open the penthouse for viewing, upon request, and by appointment. Call +65 6536 3928 only during business hours, please!

Now that the 4,000 sq ft is sufficiently renovated, it is now safe to allow visitors.

http://www.pearlbankapartments.com is being re-activated mid Feb 2007.
interior photos are available on http://www.poole-associates.com

I certainly don't mind!:D

I've went into one of the apartments in Pearlbank, and I think that it's truly amazing, the way the apartments split into upper and lower levels each housing different functions and define the private and semi-private spaces shows how the design was carefully thought out, yet there remains a great deal of flexibility. Although it looks closed up from the outside, the spaces inside are very well litted and has an airy feel. This building may not look like the posh, sleek, and glass-cladded condominiums that most people would consider beautiful from the outside; but it gives an answer at the very root what is architecture about - to create spaces of dwelling for the people inside.

As for Golden Mile, I found it actually quite amazing as well. I wouldn't say it's ugly, neither that it is beautiful. But it is both ugly and beautiful at the same time because it's blalantly honest. The way the balconies are covered and the spaces extended to each owners liking collectively creates a mosaic which displays the diversity and eclecticism of our built environment. And that is why I think it is far more interesting than other buildings in Singapore, because it has transcend beyond tastes and the defination of what is beautiful and what is not.

Wow, so we can just call the architect to visit ?
Sounds great, how about a SSC meeting at the place ? ;-)

THAT'LL BE GREAT!!!



Oh yes, People's Park Complex is also a good example of architecture. Don't as me why, but I find the atriums... good....

Can I join? :)

yay i wanna go too!

Pengui, when you mean "just call the architect" are you refering to Arch-urban or the resident of Penthouse One, whom is also an architect?, Ed Poole

If you would like to view a penthouse, yes, just call 65 6536 3928 during biz hours to make an appointment - Poole Associates...a design firm is located in Penthouse One, come on over for a coffee and the great view !

early March the exterior roof deck of Penthosue One is being re-surfaced with new marble as the waterproof membrane is now deteriorating. Not bad...it lasted 32 years.

Pengui, when you mean "just call the architect" are you refering to Arch-urban or the resident of Penthouse One, whom is also an architect?, Ed Poole

If you would like to view a penthouse, yes, just call 65 6536 3928 during biz hours to make an appointment - Poole Associates...a design firm is located in Penthouse One, come on over for a coffee and the great view !

early March the exterior roof deck of Penthosue One is being re-surfaced with new marble as the waterproof membrane is now deteriorating. Not bad...it lasted 32 years.
I like the last sentence from your website:

"Poole Associates will not be pushed out of their premises by the extreme greed of other Pearlbank owners" says the owner of Penthouse One. The GFA for this building is now actually lower than what it was when constructed. Pearlbank remains one of the highest density sites in the inner city and is NOT in a state of disrepair. The purpose of enblock in this case is seriously flawed - the destruction of this landmark building is attempted solely based on GREED. The appalling attitudes of residents that do not care for the tremendous waste of the worlds resources in the destruction of relatively new buildings in Singapore should be met with contempt. A building from the 70's is not old !

Some relatively new and still-modern buildings in S'pore also were recently wasted by greed.... maybe if sand supply become completely halted would we realise what kind of resource wasters we are.

Hmm, not sure whether I will have an opportunity on business days... Till march, right ? Too bad, would have been a nice opportunity to couple it with Sze Hoong visit ;-)

Well if you guys plan something, lemme know, I'll see what I can do :-)

Somehow it reminds me of Kowloon Walled City....

I agree, it a huge cornucopia of lifestyles beautifully grouped as a building :)

Pity KWC was vacated in 1991 and torn down in 1993. You could see the planes landing at the old Kai Tak very clearly :)

btw...thank you to RAFFLESCITY for this post http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=447970

nice pics of PB Apts:okay:

There is no thread on the other iconic building here, Golden Mile Complex. So I give my 2 cents worth here.

I have actaully stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment there 8 years ago. I dont know if things have chaged. I like the design very much. If you get a corner apartment nearest to the Kallang River side, you will get a gorgeous water view as well as that of the national stadium through a cricular window (like a porthole of a ship). All the units have a nice very generous balcony and during national day celebrations, you can have your own party on the balcony to watch the flypass and the fireworks.

That said, the facilities are very much in disrepair. The swimming pool is in such a sorry state and the carpark is pothole infested. To get to the lift lobby on a weekend, which is located at the end of the building, you would have to jump over bodies of drunk Thai construction workers who congregated there in droves. This was my experience 8 years ago. If you dont mind all these, once you are upstairs in your unit, you are in your own oasis.

I loved staying there. I still wonder sometimes if I shd buy a unit there, preferably the penthouse.

There is no thread on the other iconic building here, Golden Mile Complex. So I give my 2 cents worth here.

There are already a couple of threads on Golden Mile Complex. You just need to search for these words and you would get these threads .... :)

1) Just wondering: Would you consider buying Golden Mile complex?
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=6175454#post6175454

2) Collective Sales/Redevelopment of Golden Miles Complex
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=10104479#post10104479

I don't know about you. But, I definitely wouldn't want to stay in that kind of place. :lol:

There is no thread on the other iconic building here, Golden Mile Complex. So I give my 2 cents worth here.

I have actaully stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment there 8 years ago. I dont know if things have chaged. I like the design very much. If you get a corner apartment nearest to the Kallang River side, you will get a gorgeous water view as well as that of the national stadium through a cricular window (like a porthole of a ship). All the units have a nice very generous balcony and during national day celebrations, you can have your own party on the balcony to watch the flypass and the fireworks.

That said, the facilities are very much in disrepair. The swimming pool is in such a sorry state and the carpark is pothole infested. To get to the lift lobby on a weekend, which is located at the end of the building, you would have to jump over bodies of drunk Thai construction workers who congregated there in droves. This was my experience 8 years ago. If you dont mind all these, once you are upstairs in your unit, you are in your own oasis.

I loved staying there. I still wonder sometimes if I shd buy a unit there, preferably the penthouse.

Is the penthouse still available for visiting? And is it during weekdays, office hours only?

There's an article in the 'papers today regarding en-bloc and how the value of the units in Pearlbank has risen tremendously due to all the en-bloc talk. The en-bloc committee claims they have about 70% of residence agreeing to the en-bloc.

Just went to Penthouse One. The owner Mr Poole was very hospitable and showed me around. The penthouse is both his residence and office. About 400 sq m spead over 3 floors. But it's split level and appears as if having 5 floors.

His studio, reception area and living areas are all inside, occupying different levels. All the walls are knocked out and inside redecorated. But one of the toilets still keep the "grooooovy" retro 1970s tiles. ^_^ There's a roof terrace, and a master bedroom that looks across the terrace to the fantastic endless views. Apparently the triple split units makes all the rooms very bright and airy. Double advantage since it's a corner unit, an extra window for every room at the edge.

Just went to Penthouse One. The owner Mr Poole was very hospitable and showed me around. The penthouse is both his residence and office. About 400 sq m spead over 3 floors. But it's split level and appears as if having 5 floors.

His studio, reception area and living areas are all inside, occupying different levels. All the walls are knocked out and inside redecorated. But one of the toilets still keep the "grooooovy" retro 1970s tiles. ^_^ There's a roof terrace, and a master bedroom that looks across the terrace to the fantastic endless views. Apparently the triple split units makes all the rooms very bright and airy. Double advantage since it's a corner unit, an extra window for every room at the edge.

:eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2:

Mr Poole must have spent a bomb renovating his penthouse! No wonder he is against en-bloc.

by someone-
"Wow, this is a cool building! It's like a luxury commieblock, I'd love to live there!
__________________
Lithuanian beer tastes like bleach!

i (like) that luxury commieblock description. was on my architectural tour last year but isn't this going to go en bloc as well?

Looks like pearlbank may be going enbloc soon.

I wonder how they'll pull down such a huge building

saw on their website that the deadline for the lastet en-bloc bid was on 1st July, but there's no update if the 80% vote was successfully obtained.

anyone with inside info?

praying hard it was NOT successful!

I wonder how they'll pull down such a huge building

The most magnificent way to pull it down , would be implosion . The building can split in half , then collapse accordingly . But i doubt SG will use implosion . Most likely conventional demolition methods, the top-down demolition , from the roof to the ground .

Oh btw , do you know that old HDB flats had been imploded using explosives b4? :nuts:

The most magnificent way to pull it down , would be implosion . The building can split in half , then collapse accordingly . But i doubt SG will use implosion . Most likely conventional demolition methods, the top-down demolition , from the roof to the ground .

Oh btw , do you know that old HDB flats had been imploded using explosives b4? :nuts:

I've seen a really small and old pic of one. How come no implosions how?

Pearlbank

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/1018765261_5aa3f4515b_b.jpg

For current updates on the status of Pearlbank please visit http://www.pearlbankapartments.com

The building reached 82.60 % before the en-block deadline and has been put up for sale. Knight Frank, the agents involved have not revealed any details about this since the 18th September deadline, leaving all Pearlbank owners and renters in the dark about their future.

Owner of Penthouse One has engaged lawyers Drew & Napier LLC to represent them at the Stata Title Board to place an objection. The results of the proceedings will be located on the URL listed above.

Will architect and owner Ed Poole, a PR of Singapore be jailed for refusing to vacate his privately owned and recently renovated penthouse?
Stay tuned...........

Oh no!!!

the building is ugly....but i think its not fair for the person.

well. india has more human rights than singapore.

You can say Unite d'Habitition is ugly. It's not really about the visual aesthetics only, but the concept and idea of the building

You can say Unite d'Habitition is ugly. It's not really about the visual aesthetics only, but the concept and idea of the building

actually i think this building must have looked pretty awesome on drawing boards and in rendering...but when it is done...it turned out to be something otherwise...

You can think whatever you want about the building but it was done in an era(and one of the few building around) where architects were given the leeway to experiment and to formulate something different rather than following a trend. Much much more valuable than the billion dollar kitsch we see now and in foreseeable future.

Seems like Pearlbank is getting a new coat of paint. Cream?

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/Picture_036.jpg

ewwwww.... just tear the building down. i have said this before, but when i first came to singapore, i thought that building is like the singapore's version of slums where illegals and squatters bunk in.

ewwwww.... just tear the building down. i have said this before, but when i first came to singapore, i thought that building is like the singapore's version of slums where illegals and squatters bunk in.

lol, blame those who love to conserve this conserve that...

This building is not conserved, although it was featured in URA's Architecture book. It enjoys uncontested views of the city skyline, since Chinatown in front of it is conserved.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/prl.jpg

It's like Unite d Habitation. Would you want to tear the Unites down?

Seems like Pearlbank is getting a new coat of paint. Cream?
Cream with orange/brown stripes, paint job to be completed by July. Looks pretty HDB-ish if you ask me, but at least it's better than concrete gray.

http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/PB-Paint3.JPG

Thank for for that rendering. It looks way better than the current colour scheme, which is a blight on the landscape. Any idea how much a paint job like that would cost?

Hey I didn't know this building, and its concept looks quite interesting, with multi level flats and different form of access ?

Could somebody try to describe the distribution of the flats ? As it doesn't look as only a simple walkway corridor on the inside, but also little stairs to access the flats ?

I try to gather different "housing building concepts" in below thread :

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=604687

If somebody could do similar drawings to explain how the building "works", or if there are available floor plans somewhere it would be cool ! :)

Could somebody try to describe the distribution of the flats ? As it doesn't look as only a simple walkway corridor on the inside, but also little stairs to access the flats ?
Originally, all apartments in Pearl Bank are two-story, but there are separate entrances for the upper and lower floors. The upper floor (eg. floor 18) has direct elevator access, but to get to the lower floor, you need to go up to 18 and walk down the stairs to 17 (HDB-style). But these days, many of the apts have been (illegally) subdivided into 2BR (upper) + studio (lower).

Hey I didn't know this building, and its concept looks quite interesting, with multi level flats and different form of access ?

Could somebody try to describe the distribution of the flats ? As it doesn't look as only a simple walkway corridor on the inside, but also little stairs to access the flats ?

I try to gather different "housing building concepts" in below thread :

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=604687

If somebody could do similar drawings to explain how the building "works", or if there are available floor plans somewhere it would be cool ! :)

http://www.pearlbankapartments.com


Some other interesting apartments in Singapore are the mixed use Golden Mile Complex and People Park Complex.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People's_Park_Complex
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Mile_Complex

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/pearl2006.jpg

Oh dear.... it looks terrible. I prefer it raw, suits the brutalist design. Just like Sg Power and Thomson Plaza. They looked good in rough stucco/plaster. Now in metallic cladding they look odd.

It looks much more cheerful now. Less depressing.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2667040787_aecc153f19_o.jpg

Now its charm is lost

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w170/vmaxxum/IMG_7536a.jpg
Another angle.

Well, i do think that this new coat of paint does give it a fresher look, while retaining the 'authentic' feel of the old building :)

When I first saw the demolition of Ocean Building and how they have to use a 500 ton capacity crane to lift 12 ton excavators, I also thought of how this building, so tall, if one day it would be demolished, what type of crane they would use...

Now that Hiap Tong has the AC700, the solution might be close, but on the borderline...

I could still remember the days when I used to pass by Outram Park and wonder how is it to be inside, and how I wanted to get a unit in this building. That were the times when Chinatown was without the tourist attractions like now, when the Outram Park HDB buildings were still around...

It's very sad to see Chinatown being a shell now, devoid of any heritage other than the buildings, a pure tourist attraction.

For Pearlbank, I think the grey finishing fits it best. Matches its Brutalist architecture.

It's very sad to see Chinatown being a shell now, devoid of any heritage other than the buildings, a pure tourist attraction.

For Pearlbank, I think the grey finishing fits it best. Matches its Brutalist architecture.

Those were the days when I could still smell 'Chinatown' in the air around it.

Now, all that can be smelt is 'Uniquely Singapore' (quite unique, huh, in some sense) and tourist traps...

That is why when some tourists ask for Chinatown, I would give them directions plus, advice that there are much more worthwhile places to explore except for that.

Those were the days when I could still smell 'Chinatown' in the air around it.
Now, all that can be smelt is 'Uniquely Singapore' (quite unique, huh, in some sense) and tourist traps...
Oh, bullshit. Sure, the bit around Pagoda St and Smith St is tarted up for tourists, but just cross the bridge to People's Park, Pearl Centre etc and it's about as Chinese as it gets. Half the restaurants here have only Chinese signs and menus, many vendors (many from the mainland, of course) speak only Chinese, and ang mohs are few and far between...

Got to agree with you. Chinatown is more than just the portions of brightly-painted shophouses. Many older folks live there. My colleagues regularly stop by to buy traditional Chinese stuff from the shops and the place is packed during CNY.

In fact there are a lot of mainland Chinese patronizing Chinatown these days. So in a way, it is just like the olden days when the ancestors of many Singaporeans walked through the same alleys and rows of shophouses. This is like full circle.

Midnight 01.08.08 The Pearlbank en-block committee term has lapsed. Pearlbank now has 0% CSA and must follow the new guidelines set out in October 2007, making future attempts to enblock more difficult.

www.pearlbankapartments.com will not give up the fight for conservation! Visit our website and or search facebook and youtube.

Watch for a new mini series on local TV channel : 5, called 'Architecture' airing at the end of 2008. Pearlbank will be one of 24 buildings featured

Thanks to everyone that has voiced their opinions regarding the architectural value of Pearlbank in the local vernacular.

The new paint job [being completed this week] in our opinion is rather gross - but alas, it's only paint. Perhaps it will revert to a more appropriate grey color scheme in 2014.

I hope the sale will be unsuccessful

Thank for for that rendering. It looks way better than the current colour scheme, which is a blight on the landscape. Any idea how much a paint job like that would cost?

It was in the range of $600,000 sgd for the outer rim alone. The internal rim costs apporx $350,000 each time. But these are not straight forward 'paint jobs' The cost also includes major facade repairs.

Were the facade repairs anything to do with a recent fire in one of the units? It was reported in the news a while back. Did that cause an overall repaint to the building?

Why was the sale suddenly unsuccessful?

Why was the sale suddenly unsuccessful?
"Suddenly"? They had been looking for a buyer for two years, but nobody was willing to sign up, and now the CSA had expired. :cheers:

A few arty-farty snaps from inside Pearl Bank. See here (http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Singapore/PearlBank) for the originals (in color).

http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Singapore/PearlBank/Inside_BW_Crop.JPG
http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Singapore/PearlBank/Inside2_BW_Crop.JPGhttp://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Singapore/PearlBank/LookingUp_BW.JPG
http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Singapore/PearlBank/InnerWall_BW.JPG
http://jpatokal.iki.fi/photo/travel/Singapore/PearlBank/LowerFloors_BW.JPG

Those are really great shots that capture its uniqueness well. It is indeed a landmark of sorts that should be retained.

Indeed artie fartie...n quite refreshing too :okay:

The building was put up for tender 2 times in 2011. No offers were ever made by any developer in the 7 years of en-block attempts ! Totally driven by a group of greedy en-block parasites.

ITS OVER. The building can not be put up for sale again until after 2014. By then there will be so many more repairs done, few will vote for trying to sell.

Simple math. $1.2 billion sgd to redevelop this tiny site does not make sense, when empty plots are available just next door. We are here to STAY !

The building was put up for tender 2 times in 2011. No offers were ever made by any developer in the 7 years of en-block attempts ! Totally driven by a group of greedy en-block parasites.

ITS OVER. The building can not be put up for sale again until after 2014. By then there will be so many more repairs done, few will vote for trying to sell.

Simple math. $1.2 billion sgd to redevelop this tiny site does not make sense, when empty plots are available just next door. We are here to STAY !

Pearlbank's architecture is beautiful in it's own nature (as seen from jpatokal's photos). I look forward to it's repairs and perhaps some upgrading?

Do keep us informed on any upgrading works there, ok? And feel free to post more photos of Pearlbank.

The building was put up for tender 2 times in 2011. No offers were ever made by any developer in the 7 years of en-block attempts ! Totally driven by a group of greedy en-block parasites.

ITS OVER. The building can not be put up for sale again until after 2014. By then there will be so many more repairs done, few will vote for trying to sell.

Simple math. $1.2 billion sgd to redevelop this tiny site does not make sense, when empty plots are available just next door. We are here to STAY !

Yes, congrats ! Saw a post on your facebook page by a well-wisher regarding this, was about to email you to confirm the good news and express my gladness that this beautiful building will still remain:)

Regards

Now that the 7 year enblock attempts are over, a sub committee has formed for determining upgrading works. First up is a new reception desk and improvements to the lobby.

Yes, congrats ! Saw a post on your facebook page by a well-wisher regarding this, was about to email you to confirm the good news and express my gladness that this beautiful building will still remain:)

Regards

A new sub committee has formed to determine upgrading works. First on the agenda is a new reception desk at the lobby.

Pearl Bank Apartment was recently featured on ArchDaily (http://www.archdaily.com/157679/ad-classics-pearl-bank-apartments-tan-cheng-siong/), and in an ArchDaily Architecture City Guide (http://www.archdaily.com/214147/architecture-city-guide-singapore/)

Thank you, ArchDaily, for putting my former home office and my then-girlfriend's bedroom up on display :nuts:

http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313982614-pba-office-jani-patokallio.jpg

http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313982608-pba-bedroom-jani-patokallio.jpg