Worth the Wait… Your New Clubhouse

Worth the Wait…

Your New Clubhouse

At last, the newly renovated Clubhouse is set to open its doors and welcome Members. The architects behind the renovation, Zarch Collaboratives Pte Ltd, shared some insights into the thinking behind the design.

BEFORE

A NEW FAÇADE AND BACKDROP FOR THE POOL

The premise of the Clubhouse design stemmed from the peculiarity of the site being a building with no distinct ‘back of house'. Now Pergola sports a stunning new façade, which draws the eye upwards to encompass a view of the new veranda, al fresco seating area and expanded kitchen adjoining Arbenz.

In addition, the toilet layout was extensively remodelled in compliance with new Building and Construction Authority (BCA) code standards, accommodating more cubicles and a nursing room.

MERGER OF OLD AND NEW

An overarching objective that shaped the renovation was the seamless merging of the heritage-rich 90-year-old Clubhouse with the 30-year-old Arbenz and the new architecture. The design of the new took subtle hints from the old, including the rhythm of the aluminium feature that artfully screens off part of the kitchen while allowing daylight into the workspace. It also referenced the rhythm of fenestrations from the 90-year-old Clubhouse.

Paying homage to the previous Pergola timber structure, the new design features a unique method of imprinting timber onto off-form concrete. Materials congruent with Swiss landscapes such as gabion walls (stacked stones encaged in wire framework) and tiered planting were also used to enhance the surrounding terrain.

BEFORE

FEATURE WALLS AS FOCAL POINTS

To refresh our two anchor restaurants, Zarch Collaboratives created a new wine feature wall in Arbenz and a new bar in the Rifle Lounge. In Arbenz, the roof pitch accommodates a spectacular light box of empty wine bottles, which had been painstakingly collected by staff after being emptied and enjoyed by Members. The result is a bespoke installation art piece that artfully conceals the exhaust and mechanical and electrical ducts.

A talking point on the Pergola veranda is the Swiss flag-inspired framework. Clusters of four thin 75x75mm columns subtly reference the Swiss Cross without obstructing the flow of natural light.

CHRISTEN YOUR NEW CLUBHOUSE

Why not plan to host your Swiss and Singapore National Day celebrations, or your next gathering of family and friends, at Arbenz and Pergola? Look out in the Club’s e-newsletters for updates on official opening dates and changes to opening hours in view of the fluid COVID-19 situation.