Cover The Pender Road mansion's iconic dome and blood-and-bandages wall finish paint a distinct look
The Pender Road mansion's iconic dome and blood-and-bandages wall finish paint a distinct look
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A team of experts led by Goy Architects has restored the heritage mansion at 10 Pender Road, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology
Located on the secluded slopes of Mount Faber, 10 Pender Road was designed by Mok Wee Tek in 1909 as the Golden Bell Mansion. Commissioned by philanthropist Tan Boo Liat, who named it in honour of his grandfather—Tan Kim Ching, whose name means “golden bell”—this architectural gem is an exemplary model of Edwardian-style architecture, with certain adaptations to the local climate and cultural influences.
These characteristics include details such as Ionic and Tuscan columns, alternating red brick and white plaster wall finishes known as the “blood and bandages” style common in the late Victorian era, and star-shaped openings in the cornices and a dome resembling a Buddhist stupa.
After Tan’s death in 1934, the house was sold. Now owned by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), it has been serving as the Danish Seamen’s Church since 1985 and gazetted as part of the Southern Ridges conservation area in 2005.
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Above A glimpse of the eye-catching Pender Road mansion from the road
A glimpse of the eye-catching Pender Road mansion from the road
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Above The Pender Road mansion is now owned by the SLA and has been serving as the Danish Seamen Church since 1985
The Pender Road mansion is now owned by the SLA and has been serving as the Danish Seamen Church since 1985
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Throughout its century-long history, the building has hosted 200 famous dignitaries and historical figures, including Sun Yat Sen and Danish Crown Prince Frederik.
The heritage building’s story now continues thanks to extensive restoration and conservation work by a team of expert consultants, which included Goy Architects, Shing Design Atelier, MAEK Consulting, Towner Construction, Keon Consult, and QS Consultants. Their collective effort has breathed new life into the Pender Road mansion while preserving its historical integrity.
Read more: How Goy Architects used Midjourney to imagine a futuristic world with Asian roots
Above An aerial view of the restored Pender Road mansion
An aerial view of the restored Pender Road mansion
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Above The facade of the Pender Road mansion combines disparate design influences such as louvre windows and star-shaped cornice openings with Ionic and Tuscan columns
Above The majestic entrance of the Pender Road mansion
The facade of the Pender Road mansion combines disparate design influences such as louvre windows and star-shaped cornice openings with Ionic and Tuscan columns
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The restoration process adhered to the 3R Conservation Principles: maximum retention, sensitive restoration, and careful repair. Advanced technologies such as infrared thermography and timber resistography were employed to accurately identify sources of damage.
The architects retained the Pender Road mansion's original timber as far as possible, employing meticulous efforts such as partial replacement, prosthetisation, and patch repair for damaged parts.
Above White plaster and red bricks articulate the facade of the mansion
Above The restoration of the Pender Road mansion's details
White plaster and red bricks articulate the facade of the mansion
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Above The Pender Road mansion is a living artefact that showcases the multitude of influences at its time
The Pender Road mansion is a living artefact that showcases the multitude of influences at its time
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Drone imaging provided detailed assessments of the Pender Road property’s defects and water pathways, ensuring precise restoration of the roof configuration and gutter capacities.
The decorative elements, obscured by layers of paint, were carefully restored using hydraulic lime-based mortars, which are more compatible with historical fabrics. The original window frames were partially replaced, retaining as much of the original wood as possible.
Above The elegantly restored staircase leading to the second floor of the Pender Road mansion, where the serving priest and his family reside
Above The Pender Road mansion's second level living room framed by archway
The elegantly restored staircase leading to the second floor of the Pender Road mansion, where the serving priest and his family reside
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Above A dramatic shadowplay on the restored encaustic decorative tiles
A dramatic shadowplay on the restored encaustic decorative tiles
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The Pender Road mansion's restoration process revealed the use of traditional dovetail joint details, which were faithfully replicated to ensure historical accuracy. The encaustic tiles were carefully treated for longevity; damaged ones were used as repair materials, while some were replaced with faithfully recreated replicas produced by artisanal cement tile makers, Solo Design, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Today, this project stands not only as a living architectural artefact, but also as a successful case of leveraging both high and "low" technologies to sensitively preserve our heritage.
The star-shaped opening of the Pender Road mansion's corniche
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Credits
Photography: Khoo Guo Jie
Jakarta-born, Bandung-raised and Singapore-based, Asih Jenie trained in Visual Communication Design at Bandung Institute of Technology and Architecture at Parahyangan Catholic University. She brings both rigour and heart to design journalism, infused with a distinct Southeast Asian voice.
As a child, she doodled on the edges of her schoolbooks and never outgrew her fascination with all things well-made and well-told. Her 15-year career spans editorial roles and bylines in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia, across spatial design titles such as Dwell Asia, Cubes, Design Anthology, Habitus Living, and Home & Decor.
After a brief stint in public relations, she returned to publishing in 2023 to lead Tatler Homes Singapore, where she continues to tell stories about how we shape the spaces that shape us.
