La Maison Bleu
Built by Cheong Fatt Tze “one of China’s last Mandarins and
first Capitalists” this flamboyant masterpiece of 38 rooms, 5 courtyards and 7
staircases was acquired in 1990 with the aim of restoring it from its
dilapidated state into an authentic original form. This UNESCO World Heritage
Site has an eclectic style typical of 19th Century Straits Settlement
architecture: a Chinese floor plan combines with Gothic louvred windows,
Chinese qian-nian porcelain works with Stoke-on-Trent floor tiles, and Scottish
cast iron works with Art Nouveau stained glass windows. It is said that the
aura and “Chi” of the man pervades the whole building.
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| Ar. Lawrence Loh talks about the excellent 'chi' in the central courtyard |
For architects and lovers of our building heritage, it is
re-assuring to see that the restored building has found a new use and earns its
upkeep as a heritage hotel and events venue. It has recently expanded its
repertoire to include fine dining in the upstairs front rooms - done thoughtfully
and sensitively, this form of adaptive reuse will guarantee the preservation of
our heritage buildings for generations to come.
Old man Cheong would have approved of this.
