Singapore's architectural landscape sees a remarkable transformation as Open Studio successfully re-envisions the mid-century New Bahru Hall. This former educational assembly space, dating back to the 1960s, has been skillfully converted into a dynamic venue primarily designed for pickleball, yet flexible enough to host a variety of cultural and artistic gatherings. The project embodies a sensitive dialogue between the building's historical integrity and contemporary demands, serving as a compelling example of adaptive reuse within the broader redevelopment of a modernist school complex into a vibrant commercial and residential hub.
The design philosophy championed by Open Studio's founders, Lam Jun Nan and Jax Tan, centered on the meticulous preservation and enhancement of the hall's intrinsic character. Their approach involved a delicate balance of restoring existing materials and introducing new, complementary elements. This thoughtful renovation not only safeguards the hall's unique material heritage, such as its rich teak paneling and distinctive mosaic flooring, but also thoughtfully incorporates modern interventions like galvanized-steel features and a custom-designed waffle ceiling. These additions ensure the venue meets current functional requirements while visually harmonizing with the original modernist aesthetic, thereby extending the building's legacy into the 21st century.
Preserving Legacy: A Blend of History and Modernity
Open Studio's renovation of New Bahru Hall masterfully integrates the building's historical essence with contemporary functionality. The architects embarked on extensive research into the 1969 structure and the hall's original layout, meticulously stripping away decades of non-original additions. This process unveiled and celebrated original features like the concrete pillars, previously obscured by timber cladding, and the clerestory windows, now free from partitions. By intentionally leaving subtle traces of wear, such as staple marks in the timber and visible floor repairs, the design subtly narrates the hall's long and varied past, allowing its history to resonate within its modern context. This approach ensures that while the space is thoroughly modernized, its authentic character and narrative are not just preserved but highlighted, offering a unique setting where history informs the present.
The core of Open Studio's strategy was to honor the hall's innate material richness, particularly its deeply stained teak paneling and the ecru mosaic flooring, which were carefully retained, repaired, and upgraded. Acoustic improvements were discreetly integrated behind the existing finishes to enhance the functional quality of the space without altering its visual integrity. New elements, including widened doorways and bespoke lighting fixtures, were crafted from galvanized stainless steel. This choice of material was deliberate, selected for its durability and its ability to naturally develop a patina that harmonizes with the aged original materials over time. The careful selection and application of materials reflect a deep respect for the building's heritage, creating a cohesive design that feels both historically grounded and forward-looking. The result is a space that respectfully acknowledges its past while boldly embracing its future as a vibrant community hub.
Innovative Interventions: Functionality Meets Aesthetic
While committed to preserving the hall's original features, Open Studio introduced strategic new elements that enhance both its functionality and aesthetic appeal. A notable addition is the new waffle ceiling, a design choice that addresses contemporary technical requirements such as improved acoustics and integrated lighting, while simultaneously echoing the modernist architectural principles of the original structure. This ceiling re-establishes visual order and clarifies the hall's proportions, adding an architectural rhythm that complements rather than competes with the building's inherent character. This thoughtful intervention ensures the hall is not only visually appealing but also acoustically optimized for its diverse uses, from dynamic pickleball matches to live performances, truly transforming it into a versatile community asset.
Complementing the new ceiling, Open Studio meticulously designed and installed custom pendant lights. These fixtures, arranged in a quartet of square metal lights, form a decorative yet symmetric grid pattern across the ceiling, reflecting modernist design principles. Tan emphasizes that these lights were conceived to meet multi-functional requirements, offering various lighting modes suitable for different activities while maintaining a simple geometric form that supports the space without visual excess. The integration of these custom lighting solutions further underscores the project's success in blending new elements with the existing structure. The positive reception to the renovation, highlighted by comments on the blend of nostalgia and contemporary refinement, confirms that Open Studio has successfully created a space that is both deeply rooted in its history and thoroughly prepared for its future.