NUS Baba House is a conserved building within Blair Plain, an area gazetted for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in 1991. The townhouse has undergone a number of remodelling works since it was built in the 1890s. After it was acquired by the National University of Singapore (NUS), restoration work started in 2007 and the house officially opened in September 2008.
Before restoration works commenced, students from the NUS Department of Architecture recorded the original features of the building that were still intact. NUS Department of Southeast Asian Studies carried out an archaeological excavation at the site, as well as a survey of the iconography on the building.
A study was commissioned to ascertain the early colours of the paintwork on the wall and timber structures. The findings informed the decision to paint the building blue and restore the timber elements to their natural colours. Samples of the historical plaster that was rendered on the wall were sent for testing and the results determined the mix that was used for re-plastering.
Ceramic appliqué on front façade of NUS Baba House
The aim of the project was to retain the original spatial and visual qualities of the house while ensuring its physical integrity and safety for visitors. The architectural features were restored to different levels, allowing for a balance among several factors such as authenticity, material retention, modern practicality and safety.