When Sino Land and Far East Corporation submitted a tender bid for the site through a Land Sale initiative by Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2006, the land sale included the site of the Fullerton Bay Hotel as well as two conserved buildings, Clifford Pier and the Customs House. 

For this tender bid, the Developer The Singapore firm, DP Architects (DPA), had worked with the developer on several projects prior to this, who was required to submit a design proposal for URA’s consideration. When the Land Sale was launched, DPA saw the opportunity for a partnership with the developer to create a distinct development right at the heart of Marina Bay. 

The brief was simple, to create a world-class hotel while responding sensitively to the existing heritage buildings.  The project is a commercial and hotel development which comprises of the erection of a new six storey structure as well as the conservation of two heritage buildings. The site is anchored above the waters on concrete stilts and its arrival point is located at the historical Clifford pier.

According to DPA, the hotel was envisioned as an object that is light and transient, contrasting with the existing buildings. Playing on the lightness of the water, the bluish tones of the glass facade will give a shimmering and transient effect, as if emerging from the water. The volume is gently tapered, as a gesture to acknowledge the adjacent buildings.

“The conservation of the Clifford Pier, which is the main arrival point of the guests, meant the original building was retained and restored,” says Heng Chin Hong, project architect for DPA. “Where restoration was not possible, the elements were fabricated to resemble the original elements. The level of conservation was carried through even to the smallest detail of the red lamps which adorn the building facade and the rain water pipes in the building interior.”

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