Completed in 1976, Pearl Bank Apartments may have been the tallest residential building in Singapore and possibly Southeast Asia (113m). Located in Chinatown with its other prominent neighbor, the People's Park Complex. Sitting on Pearl's Hill, the elevated building just outside Outram MRT station bears a distinctive horseshoe shape which shields its internal stairwells and common corridors from the elements while its external face provides breath taking views of Singapore's urban landscape.
The 38 story high rise apartment has 272 units with three types of split level units. 48 two bedroom, 184 three bedroom and 40 four bedroom apartments with an additional 8 penthouses on the top floor. Its complex unit arrangement gives each occupant a unique experience. Some have different views of the city dependent on the floor and location on the 3/4 circle floor plan. Some have external stairwells that only run into their unit providing them with private "back entrances".
The mid level holds a large open corridor space. This 28th floor open floor once contained mid floor stores and even a common library. Currently its underused and the only time its open for the residents is for viewing fireworks during National Day. There were plans to convert them to more apartments given its generous double volume space but the idea didn't come through. The money raised from the sale of more units could have gone to maintaining the building, which it is in dire need of due to old age and wear and tear.
As of writing, Pearl Bank Apartments has been put on en-bloc and the results of the tender for this site will be out on 18 September 2007. Lets all hope this deal fails and residents will be able to see how much more its worth preserving and maintaining this jewel in Chinatown rather than tearing it down.
On a personal note if this building still stands in 30 years time I really would want to live in a unit (preferably a 38th floor penthouse like that of Mr Ed Poole's, whom i would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for showing me around the apartment and letting me in his beautiful home)
Do visit his practice's website at http://www.poole-associates.com/
(his 6 man firm is in his home, yes the penthouse is very big!)
and do support his efforts in stopping the en bloc sale of Pearl Bank Apartments at http://www.pearlbankapartments.com/
2 comments:
The Pearlbank en-block committee term has lapsed as of midnight 01.08.08
Pearlbank now has 0% CSA !
The approach to architecture is bold and I am impressed! I wish to have my house designed like this one. This is really awesome! I'd like to hear from you soon. Thank you and more power!
Kuwait Apartments
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