Blog : Colonial

Unique Heritage Buildings Evokes Memories of KL’s Beautiful Past

Unique Heritage Buildings Evokes Memories of KL’s Beautiful Past

/ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia /

/ Story & Photograph: Samutcha Viraporn /

Charming colonial buildings nestled amidst Kuala Lumpur’s sleek, glittering towers are beautiful reminders of the former mining town’s colorful past. It all began from where the two rivers, Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak, met. A confluence of ideas gave rise to ten awe-inspiring masterpieces.

 

Each heritage building has its unique story to tell. Spare some time to catch them up close and be transported back to the good old days of colonial Kuala Lumpur. Let’s pay them a visit one at a time.

 

– Sultan Abdul Samad Building –

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Built to house the British administration in 1897, the Sultan Abdul Samad features Moorish arches and Mughal-inspired onion-shaped copper domes. It’s a far cry from architect A.C. Norman’s original idea: to leave behind a classic British masterpiece.

Following state engineer Charles Edwin Spooner’s suggestion to construct something more in tune with the local culture and religion, the domes and arches became a beautiful contrast to the quintessentially British 41-meter clock tower.

 

– City Theater –

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Indian and Arabic architectural influences are just as evident on this former City Hall, with its cream-colored arches and the majestic dome gracing the front porch.

Designed by architect A.B. Hubback, the building was finally completed in 1904. As the local Malays started reclaiming their administrative rights, the building began losing its initial purpose and was eventually converted into one of the finest theaters.

 

– High Court Building –

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Located just next door to the City Theater is the former High Court. You’ll instantly notice the architecture of the two buildings are similar yet unmistakably distinctive in their own way.

Function clearly defines form; the High Court was where justice was served and this serious, sombre purpose was reflected through its more masculine features and the foreboding double-pillared corridors. It’s a completely different feel from the City Theater’s more welcoming, feminine features, like the frilly silhouettes in its arches.

 

– Government Printing Office –

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Take note of the sweeping long windows. Step indoors and you’ll notice a lack of obstructing pillars. This intentional design is crucial for its former purpose in 1899, serving as the government printing office.

As this was at a time before electricity was available, the printers needed all the natural light they could get to assemble each page of the newspapers. Besides news from back home in Britain, the printers went on to produce popular publications at the time like the Selangor Journal.

 

– Chartered Bank Building –

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Also designed by A.C. Norman, this building was first used to host the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, due to its close proximity to the police headquarters (where Bukit Aman currently is). Incorporating a similarly Mughal style, its horseshoe arches and scalloped windows are perfectly complemented by the four roof-top domes, made from Sarawakian timber.

KL’s tendency to flood resulted in one of the most peculiar stories in the city’s history, where in 1926 the drenched millions of dollars in the vault had to be spread on the opposite field to dry in the sun.

 

– Royal Selangor Club –

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There are two buildings in the city that followed a wholly British design, in honor of A.C. Norman’s initial intention with the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, The Royal Selangor Club is one of them. The clubhouse employs a classic Tudor style, defined by its signature black and white façade.

Due to flooding problems, the clubhouse was initially built on stilts. Today, it remains one of the most prestigious clubs in the country, serving as a socializing spot for the crème de la crème of Malaysia.

– St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur –

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This Gothic church, with its tall, sloping roofs and narrow, stained glass windows, is the other British-influenced building in the city designed by A.C. Norman. History buffs may notice that the stained glass seen in the church now do not have the distinctive style of those made in 1894, when the church was built.

The originals were removed in the 1940s when the Japanese waged war against the town and the British feared the precious, intricate glasses would get damaged. The ones seen today were installed much later after the war, and until today nobody knows where the originals are kept hidden.

 

– Central Market –

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Built in 1888, the former wet market was the main shopping spot for the town’s dwellers and tin miners. When the Art Deco style started gaining popularity in the 1930s, the market received a makeover reflecting the current trend, with its stepped arch and square motifs on the wall. This classic vintage style continues to grace its cheery turquoise façade until today.

 

– OCBC Building –

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Located in what used to be the bustling Old Market Square of Kuala Lumpur, the former headquarters of OCBC Bank is designed complete with quintessential Art Deco features from its narrows windows to its flagpole. Completed in 1938, the building’s claim to fame was its innovative move to include a basement parking area for bicycles, which until then were obtrusively parked on the pavement.

 

– Sin Seng Nam Building –

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Nicknamed “The Vatican”, this historic restaurant was started in 1928 by Chinese immigrants. Serving wholesome Hainanese dishes and British classics, the restaurant became a popular dining choice for all walks of life during the time, from civil servants to lawyers.

Despite their diverse history and purpose, these heritage buildings stood the test of time and continue to grace the landscapes of Kuala Lumpur with their old-school charm.

 

There’s a lot more to Kuala Lumpur’s history just waiting to be discovered; if you’re keen on spending a morning listening to intimate stories about the city’s colorful past – from the fainting women at St. Mary’s Cathedral to the infamous murder scandal – check out the KL Heritage Walk! The free guided tour is held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday morning. For more information, click here.

Link: http://www.malaysiaheritage.net/

The Colonial Style in Cambodia

The Colonial Style in Cambodia

The colonial style is apparent, but most of the buildings were designed with appropriate adaptations to fit in with the hot and humid climate.

/ Phnom Penh, Cambodia /

/ Story & Photograph: Virak Roeun /

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The “Place de la Poste” Square with the Cambodia Post building in background
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Neoclassical features on the front façade of Cambodia Post Building

The French colonial style of architecture is apparent, but most of the buildings were designed with appropriate adaptations to fit in with the hot and humid climate. They included design features, décor ideas, and ornaments well suited for the local environment, examples of which are obvious on the façade of the Postal Service Building. Built in 1895, Cambodia Post showcases wooden louver windows and doors, high ceilings and solid brick walls designed to keep the heat out. Opposite it stands the former Hotel Manolis, where Monsieur André Malraux, a celebrated novelist and first minister of culture of France, stayed in the 1920s. Since 1979 it has become a private residence. The Cambodia Post building looks extraordinarily good on a grand scale, but the abandoned Central Police Commissariat nearby is probably more elaborate in design. Its exterior appears to be neglected, but inside, the corridors and the rooms are never directly exposed to the elements and the heat.

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The former Hotel Manolis exhibits an architectural style prevalent during the French colonial era.
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Terraced houses reminiscent of old-world Europe lie opposite the Manolis.
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An original wooden staircase inside the Manolis
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A room number plate stands the test of time at the former hotel Manolis.
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The former water tank of the hotel Manolis
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Original tile flooring at the Manolis tells a story of its long and arduous journey through time.
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Vendors set up shop in front of the abandoned Central Police Commissariat in Phnom Penh.
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Mirror images of design details are evident throughout this building from colonial era.

 

 

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The entrance to the former Bank of Indochina

Le Bibliotheque, Cambodia’s national library is situated on Daun Penh Avenue, next to the luxurious Raffles Hotel Le Royal. The sights of beautifully crafted columns, porticos, and pediments evoke images of French neoclassical architecture in years past. Adapted to blend well in a new environment, the library building showcases locally inspired ornamentation rather than Greek influences. There are also traces of styles that characterize Art Deco architecture that followed in later periods, examples of which included reinforced concrete buildings adapted for better ventilation. The Psar Thmei, or Central Market is one of them. The market is not only interesting in terms of design, but has always been a vibrant and bustling commercial address right to this day.

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The National Library
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The Bibliotheque showcases French neoclassical architecture adapted to include locally inspired ornamentation on every column.
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The Royal Railway Station
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Parabolic arches built of reinforced concrete support the passenger terminal at the train station.
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The railway platform awaits the arrival of the next train.
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An entryway to the Psar Thmei central market
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Shop fronts before opening hours
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Oculus design culminates at the apex of the dome protecting the Psar Thmei central market.

The walking map of central Phnom Penh by KATours, a non-profit organization, is downloadable online here. Give it a try next time you are in Phnom Penh. It’s really useful if you like these buildings and their past glory days.

Reference

  • The History of Cambodia, From the French Colonial Period until the Present Day, Part 1 by Vandy Kaonn
  • The French Presence in Cochinchina and Cambodia by Milton E. Osborne
  • Modern Khmer Cities by Vann Molyvann
  • KATours internal documents describing the Post Office by Ester van der Laan
  • The Phnom Penh Map in the 1920s from the Library of Congress
  • The Master Plan of Phnom Penh 1925
Chinoiserie Chic / Timeless Wood Décor Charm

Chinoiserie Chic / Timeless Wood Décor Charm

Chinoiserie style brings out the charm of wood crafted panel and East Asian traditional décor.

/// Thailand /// 

Story: Attavanti /// Photo: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /// Architect: Kanit Tantiwong /// Interior Designer: Suwannee Chanthai

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We have seen many Chinese-style homes built on ground level. This one sits on higher ground. Naturally, it is more difficult to build a home on a slope. But the homeowner decided to give it a go to this land in Phuket.

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One of the hallway walls is covered in Chinese calligraphic tiles imported from China. The pieces demonstrate the evolution of one word – “Fu” meaning wealth.

The property spans across a land of almost an acre. The 5-unit complex is based on an O-shaped plan with the main villa at the center surrounded by single-story annexes scattered across the landscape. Inspired by arcade designs, a garden pathway runs along the edges of the roof providing access to all units.

According to Voranuch Saencharoen who owns the place, a grassy hill at the center court reflect traditional Chinese wisdom. “The house was originally belonged to a Western gentleman and his wife. At that time, the land was half an acre. When we bought the place, a Feng Shui master recommended us to expand the space to an adjacent land.”

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The main villa on the hilltop looks out over the contoured landscape with the bedroom annex for children to the left. The lush courtyard with tall trees descends slightly to other parts of the residential complex.

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Kanit Tantiwong, a friend of the family, was responsible for the design. He initially came up with a beautiful Modern Balinese design, but the owner insisted on going the Sino-Portuguese style. Most of Sino-Portugese buildings are shophouses, not detached house. As a result, the designer and the homeowner had to do a lot of research.

As the construction got underway, Voranuch was seeking for materials from both inbound and abroad. “To me, building this house is also an experience to learn new things. For example, I learned that white plaster was used in the old days to cover wall cracks but it’s sensitive to humidity. So, I had to search for a solution and finally found one.”

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Voranuch took care of the décor, while her other half, Thanawat Surachetkhomson was responsible for the structural enhancement and construction. Antique Chinese-style door panels were assembled from various origins, including Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. The roof was inspired by ancient Korean homes, which in turn was influenced by Chinese architecture. The roof tiles were custom made in Thailand, with some tweaks in design. A vintage-looking charcoal stove was inspired by one of Voranuch’s trip to Phuket Museum. Only this one is using gas instead of charcoal.

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A floor-to-ceiling glass opening allows natural light into the workspace. The office door is an old Chinese-style panel.
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Equipped with modern furniture, the living room differs from other interior spaces. Running-bond brick walls add a vintage feel.

Above all, seems like the charm of chinoiserie-style lies in the house’s old-fashioned doors and window. Ceiling-height windows were equipped with plantation shutters at the top and ventilation grids were added where necessary, creating a good balance between the old and the new.

 

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A sundeck and a veranda stretching from the main villa surrounded by an infinity pool in the backyard.

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The wood-crafted door and windows with elaborate details of Sino-Portuguese characters.

link: http://tantiwong-architect.com/

A Home-cum-Art Gallery amid the Bustle of Downtown Yangon

A Home-cum-Art Gallery amid the Bustle of Downtown Yangon

/ Yangon, Myanmar /

/ Story: Samutcha Viraporn / English version: Bob Pitakwong /

/ Photographs: Rithirong Chanthongsuk /

Despite being located in a vibrant prime location, this home-cum-art gallery in Yangon is a fascinating place with a serene atmosphere and qualities that delight and please the senses. Architecturally speaking, it’s a nexus of ideas from different styles, places, and times.

The white mansion mixes and matches the visual elements of Contemporary and Colonial styles of architecture. Plus, it puts an innovative spin on traditions of years gone by, resulting in charm, good looks that tell the story of ongoing change in modern-day Yangon.
The white mansion mixes and matches the visual elements of Contemporary and Colonial styles of architecture. Plus, it puts an innovative spin on traditions of years gone by, resulting in charm, good looks that tell the story of ongoing change in modern-day Yangon.

The calm and peaceful place is a short distance away from a busy market on Nawaday Road. Min Han, the homeowner, is on hand to give a warm welcome and show us around the premises.

The three-story home has many interesting features that apparently blend well together creating a building that works as a cohesive whole. Take for example the Modern-style wing that stands in perfect harmony with the nearby Colonial-style mansion. It’s a new addition to the original structure that’s zealously preserved.

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A vivid color painting and wood furniture in dark brown dominate the hallway on the first floor. Unique elements of design including large bay windows are preserved in every part of the Contemporary style wing.

Other than that, the floors have since been improved and refinished, while room dividers are remade to create a light and airy atmosphere on the inside. In front of the house stands a two-story family business building, where traditional Burmese snacks and light meals are sold, including Yuzana Pickled Tea Leaves.

Nearby, a fence beautifully crafted of stone masonry separates a parking space upfront from outside and protects the family home from the noise and hubbub of the big city.

home art gallery Yangon
The stairway under a high ceiling is bedecked with paintings and sculptures evoking fond memories of a private art gallery.

“In fact, I am not much of an artist. But I like collecting works of art, especially those of U Maung Maung Hla Myint, who is nationally renowned for his bright color paintings. Vivid color paintings make the space feel more lively,” said Min Han.

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The upstairs living room bedecked with bright color paintings is illuminated by a skylight above the stairway.

To create a sense of spaciousness, the architects put in a steel staircase with glass railings at the center of the house plan, resulting in unobstructed views of the whole interior. In general, the room is comfortable, airy and well-lighted, thanks to skylights above the stairway leading to the third floor. Together, they make the furnishings and other decorative details more noticeable.

home art gallery Yangon
The dining room of this home-cum-art gallery is adorned with beautiful works of art from the owner’s private collections.
The bedroom’s white interior contrasts with dark brown colors of wood beams, posts, and ceiling joists.
The bedroom’s white interior contrasts with dark brown colors of wood beams, posts, and ceiling joists.
home art gallery Yangon
The interior living spaces are well-lit thanks to transom windows set above the top edge of the wall and the doorway.

For a neat appearance, the system of electrical wiring and lighting is arranged in a tidy way pretty much in the same fashion as that of a typical art gallery. There are spotlights on the installations, which makes the interior spaces look very well organized. As a private gallery, the hallway also doubles as a rendezvous point for friends and relatives coming by for a visit.

A spacious sound studio in the back confirms that a music lover lives here.
A spacious sound studio in the back confirms that a music lover lives here.
The shower room is plain and simple. Attention to detail is reflected in the use of different materials separating dry and wet areas.
The shower room is plain and simple. Attention to detail is reflected in the use of different materials separating dry and wet areas.

The homeowner not only paid attention to detail but also actively participated in making design decisions every step of the way, resulting in perfect visual harmony from beginning to end. All told, it’s a delightfully warm home and an art gallery combined into one cohesive whole. And it conveys a great deal about the homeowner’s love of art and a taste for something different.

[Left] The upright structural support is crafted of wood posts. Where appropriate, all sharp edges are removed. / [Right] To create a light and airy feel in the interior, the stairway is built on a steel frame with glass railings. There are no risers between the treads for good ventilation.
[Left] The upright structural support is crafted of wood posts. Where appropriate, all sharp edges are removed. / [Right] To create a light and airy feel in the interior, the stairway is built on a steel frame with glass railings. There are no risers between the treads for good ventilation.

Architect: Spine Architects Co, Ltd


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