Architecture
The Pearl Bank Apartments is a 38-storey hollow ¾ cylindrical tower, resembling a horseshoe, designed for a total occupancy of 1,500 persons. When completed in 1976, the building had the largest number of apartments contained in a single block, and had the highest density of any private modern residential building at 1,853 persons per hectare. It was designed by Singaporean architect Tan Cheng Siong of Archurban Architects Planners.
The 272-unit apartment block comprises three types of split-level units — 48 two-bedrom (130 m2 (1,400 sq ft)), 184 three-bedroom (176.5 m2 (1,900 sq ft)) and 40 four-bedroom (213.7 m2 (2,300 sq ft)) dwellings, with eight units to each floor — and an additional eight penthouses. There is a shopping area with seven units on the first storey, and the building has a four-storey carpark. The 28th storey is devoted for community use, known as the "Sky Park".
The effect of the split-level architectural approach in the spatial planning is expressed as an important facet of the building. Each apartment unit is further zoned into "public" and "private" areas to offer maximum exclusivity and views to the occupants. The utilities and service areas are located at the rear of the apartments, overlooking the building's central courtyard, to avoid any obstruction of the view. The opening in the circular structure faces west and minimises direct penetration of heat and light from the afternoon sun into the building. The slits in the circula slab also allow for effective ventilation into the internal courtyard.
The building's structure comprises ten radiating shear walls, which also serve as party walls between the units. These elements, along with the additional structural columns and lift cores, follow the radial form of the building and enhances the façade. Shanghai plaster is used on the outer rim of the building and painted plastered walls on the inner rim.
Originally unpainted, with the raw concrete visible, the building was painted cream with orange details in 2008.
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