The Story of 4 Hotels with Glorious Pasts

Four heritage buildings that have been transformed into luxury hotels.

The idea of giving an existing building a new function is something that has been done in human civilisation for quite some time. In the hospitality industry, the idea of preserving old and heritage buildings, and transforming them into luxury hotels has been an ongoing trend until now. Many places such as palaces, offices, banks, warehouses, stations, and other establishments around the world have been given a new purpose and now function as a luxury hotel. This concept is popular as it has the power to charm the market. Indonesia Design has chosen four luxury hotels from Asia all the way to Europe that have perfectly captured this very concept.

Asia: Singapore The Capital Kempinski Hotel - Transforming Colonial Grandeur

Singapore continues to charm the world with their ability to build and transform their country into becoming one of the front runners within the region. They value the existing establishments with its great architectural design and give them a new life in this present time. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore that opened on 1 October 2018, is just one of the many great examples. Located at the junction of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road, the new Kempinski establishment took over two historic landmarks: The Capitol Building and The Stamford House.

These two famous landmarks are part of Singapore’s architectural gems from the colonial era that went through a rejuvenation process by Perennial Real Estate and Chesham Properties to restore Stamford House, Capitol Theatre, and Capitol Building into a hotel, shops, residences, and a theatre. These two heritage landmarks have an interesting history. The Stamford House, for example, was originally known as Oranje building and functioned as a shopping mall. It was designed by Regent Alfred John (RAJ) Bidwell of Swan & Maclaren in 1904 for Armenian firm Stephens, Paul & Company and retail firm Whiteaway Laidlaw & Co. It was done in a variation of the Venetian Renaissance architectural style that was popular in commercial buildings during the Victorian period.

The other historic landmark was originally known as Capitol Theatre. It was a cinema and theatre adjoined to the fourstorey building known as the Capitol Building. Considered as one of Singapore’s finest theatres in the 1930s, this beautiful architectural gem was designed by British architects Keys and Dowdeswell in a neoclassical architecture style. Taking inspiration from the Roxy Theatre in New York City, this theatre was built by Messrs Brossard and Mopin, and it had its grand opening on 22 May 1930.

It took years of meticulous restoration and renovation to turn these two historic landmarks into one great complex. Acclaimed architect and Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Richard Meier was appointed to revive and intertwine the glorious design of the neoclassical style of the Capitol Building and the Venetian Renaissance style of Stamford House. He was responsible for infusing these two landmarks not only with a modern luxury touch but also with Kempinski’s signature bespoke hospitality.

The result is a restoration masterpiece where a contemporary interpretation of Art Deco meets a hint of Singaporean culture, all wrapped in a subtle luxury approach. Precise lines and geometric shapes in the interiors bring visual continuity to the design aesthetic. Elements such as travertine limestone columns, piano rosewood lacquer finishes and Italian marble floors pay homage to the richness and opulence of Venetian design. It is beautifully juxtaposed against muted warm tones, from the embossed wallpaper to the original Chengal wood flooring.

High corniced ceilings, dramatic archways and grand windows offer sweeping views of the city and an abundance of natural light that shifts throughout the day. Singapore’s national

icon, the Merlion, inspired the patterns on the lamps and cornices in each of the 157 rooms. To create this overall look, Richard Meier worked with renowned hospitality consultant Larry Van Ooyen who oversaw the design team during the entire process. The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore also showcases the final interior design work of Indonesia’s beloved Jaya Ibrahim.

Aside from its stunning eight room categories that boast architectural details, the hotel is also a place for gastronomic experiences. There are five outlets in this hotel, ranging from 15 Stamford by renowned three-michelin-star-chef Alvin Leung that brings Asian flavours into a modern setting, to the alluring The Bar at 15 Stamford with a great wine and rum collection. The slightly hidden Lobby Lounge was created to be an intimate setting for afternoon tea or evening cocktails, while Berthold Delikatessen and Frieda, are two of their German-inspired F&B outlets in a cafe style.

It has been a long journey for these famous historical landmarks, but now under The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore. These landmarks have once again gained its glorious state as a quintessential masterpiece that has conserved classic architecture with a modern touch and bespoke hospitality that delivers luxury at its finest.

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is a member of The Leading Hotels Of The World.