Raffles Hotel Singapore by Aedas

Restored and refurbished by Aedas, Raffles Hotel Singapore has officially reopened in August 2019 since its opening in 1887. It integrates heritage splendor with modern spatial design, restoring the building back to its original glory and aiming to restore its vitality for the next 100 years.

With the cultural precincts within walking distance, and adjacent to the popular shopping district Orchard Road, Raffles Hotel Singapore registers its iconic presence in the heart of the city. Her interiors and her spaces are classic expression of an era of grace, conviviality and civility. The choice of material palette was part of the magic. State-of-the-art restoration techniques, original materials, and chemicals were applied to heal the deterioration.

Photo © Owen Raggett /Raffles Hotel

Besides being restored and enhanced both structurally and aesthetically, the Hotel is embedded with latest green technologies. Internal spaces have been provided with energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning, all precisely controlled from an in-room intelligent touch pad. Where practical, many of her common social spaces remain naturally ventilated and beautifully shaded by her iconic heritage trees and landscape.

The Aedas team took further steps to improve accessibility for a friendly, inclusive experience. Modern accessible features are melded un-noticeable into the vintage colonial architecture. Aedas also designed a high end Chinese restaurant Yi by celebrity Chef Jereme Leung for the newly restored Raffles Hotel Singapore. Adapted from the Chinese Creation Myths, the design story of Restaurant Yi depicts the creation of Heaven and Earth by the god Pangu.

Photo © Owen Raggett /Raffles Hotel

By story-telling and reinterpretation in a modern progressive way, Lead Interior Designer Aedas aimed to create a hidden world for guests to explore within this historical landmark.Located on level three of the hotel, the restaurant is built on 595 sqm area, featuring a bar, a main dining hall, two private dining rooms, and an experience room where chef will offer guests an up-close-and personal look at himself in action showcasing his dishes.

The restaurant entrance is where the guests’ journey begins. Aedas collaborated with Toronto based luxury art studio Moss & Lam to create an unforgettable art installation made from thousands of handcrafted floral elements. The entrance design depicts the Chinese mythology in the form of garden, where the bar is designed in a ’living room’ setting situated at the corner. One will find floral and refined natural materials in the finishes and furniture pieces that resonates with the concept of garden.

Photo © Owen Raggett /Raffles Hotel
Photo © Owen Raggett /Raffles Hotel

After going through the garden tunnel, guests are greeted with the main dining hall. A series of plaster ceiling sculptures create a blanket over the guests, reminiscent of the varying shades of the sky. A refined yet humble palette of natural materials like marble and timber in the surroundings bring the earth concept to life. The restaurant walls are cladded with soft hued lacquered surface, a moon gate on the beautiful textured stone dividers, and custom modern chinoiserie artworks, makes for a coherent narrative of nature.

Private dining rooms are for those special occasions. With operable acoustic wall systems between the rooms, private dining room provides space flexibility. Inspired by the egg shape where the god, Pangu was born from Chinese Creation Myths, a bespoke egg-shaped chandelier trickles down into the space from the champagne gold leaf dome. A Chinese style armoire and glass screens complete the room in a modern interpretation. Source by Aedas.