Restoring Elegance: KEIM Mineral Paint at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Architectural Heritage Reimagined
Nestled amidst Singapore’s eclectic architectural tapestry, the iconic Raffles Hotel stands as a testament to the city-state’s rich heritage. Originally a modest two-story building with 10 rooms in 1887, the hotel underwent significant expansions and enhancements, evolving into a luxurious establishment that earned the status of a designated national monument in 1987. The hotel’s colonial-style architecture, reminiscent of a bygone era, has been a focal point of the city’s commitment to preserving its historical legacy.
Historic Renovation: A Fusion of Past and Present
In a bid to seamlessly marry the historic charm of Raffles Hotel with the expectations of contemporary travelers, a comprehensive two-year renovation took place in 1989. This meticulous endeavor modernized the hotel’s 115 suites while delicately restoring the intricate facade. Fast forward to recent years, another round of renovation beckoned, calling for the restoration of the street-facing and courtyard facades to their pristine colonial-era white. The quest for a paint solution tailored to withstand Singapore’s tropical climate led the planners to KEIM and its portfolio, notably the KEIM Royalan mineral paint.
Precision in Paint Selection and Application
Initiating the restoration process in April 2018, applicators diligently executed numerous test coatings to pinpoint the exact shade of white under authentic lighting conditions. Following the meticulous testing phase, the grand renovation commenced two months later. The existing coatings were expertly stripped down to the substrate using the eco-friendly KEIM Dispersionsentferner (paint stripper). Subsequently, the facades were adorned with a new two-coat finish of KEIM Royalan, a mineral paint renowned for its durability and suitability for tropical climates. The extensive restoration endeavor unfolded over the course of a year, and in June 2019, the scaffolding was ceremoniously dismantled, revealing the restored splendor of Raffles Hotel.
Embracing Longevity and Aesthetic Appeal
KEIM Royalan, with its mineral composition, not only imparts a timeless aesthetic to the facades but also ensures longevity and resilience in the face of Singapore’s challenging weather conditions. The restoration of Raffles Hotel serves as a beacon, illustrating the seamless integration of historical preservation with modern functionality, a delicate dance between past and present encapsulated in layers of exquisite mineral paint.
