Achieving a Natural Timber-Inspired Concrete Finish at The Pollen Collection 🪵🌿🏘️

The Pollen Collection is a landed housing development in Singapore with 132 units designed by W Architects. The architectural intent was to achieve a natural timber-inspired concrete finish while preserving the original character of the precast concrete.

RENUGLASS was engaged to carry out concrete staining works using Guard Industry products. The aim was to improve the overall surface appearance while maintaining a natural, low-opacity finish with timber colour and texture consistency.

A Design That Celebrates Concrete

The project features timber off form concrete elements as an important part of its architectural expression. Rather than covering the concrete with an opaque finish, the goal was to refine and enhance it so that the final finish would remain natural and aligned with the architect’s intended design.

The final appearance needed to reflect the warmth and texture of timber, while still retaining the honesty and character of concrete.

Surface Conditions on Site

Before the staining works began, the concrete surfaces presented several site conditions that required attention. These included formliner colour transfer, release agent stains, construction stains, colour variation, texture variation, visible repairs, exposed reebar, concrete lumps and slurry build-up.

These conditions would definitely affect the consistency of the final finish if not properly treated before staining.

Surface Preparation and Pre-Treatments

To achieve the intended finish, Renuglass carried out a controlled surface treatment process using Guard Industry products.

The surface was first prepared and cleaned with our concrete cleaner to remove contaminants, stains and residue. Localised treatment was also carried out on areas with visible inconsistencies and repairs to homogenize the surface finish and porosity before staining.

After preparation, ImperGuard Color Silicate Stain was applied with a 1:4 dilution ratio by our artisans. The application process was carefully managed to maintain the timber-inspired texture and avoid an artificial painted look.

As the final step, ProtectGuard CE water and oil repellant impregnation was applied to provide long-term protection while maintaining the breathability of the concrete.

Before and After Transformation

The difference can be clearly seen in the before-and-after transformation. After treatment, the concrete achieved a more consistent tone, a cleaner appearance and better visual continuity across the surface while maintaining its character.

RENUGLASS treatment also helped hide the mortar repairs while preserving the timber-inspired texture.

Protection Performance

As part of the finishing system, ProtectGuard CE provides added water and oil repellent properties to the surface while maintaining the natural appearance of the concrete, as it has no color and no sheen.

Final Outcome

Through careful surface preparation, controlled staining and final protection, the concrete finish at The Pollen Collection achieved the intended architectural result.

The completed concrete finish at The Pollen Collection reflects the project’s architectural intent — natural, warm and timber-inspired, while preserving the original character of the precast concrete.

For RENUGLASS, this project was not only about surface treatment and staining. It was also about achieving the right balance between technical application, material character and architectural vision.

Project Details

Project: The Pollen Collection

Architect: W Architects

Scope: Concrete Surface Treatment & Architectural Staining

Products Used: Guard Remover, ImperGuard Color, ProtectGuard CE

✨ Looking to achieve a natural architectural concrete finish for your project? ✨

Contact Renuglass for concrete surface treatment and staining solutions.☎️ 📩

Revitalizing the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum Facade

Hidden near the lush greenery of Kent Ridge, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) is one of Singapore’s architectural and cultural gems. Its distinctive off-form concrete facade — conceived as a  kind of “allegory of a natural rock form, appearing as a naturally carved out rock formed geometry”, as per famous Singapore Architect Mok Wei Wei — makes it stand out among modern academic buildings.

Over time, however, the museum’s exterior had weathered and dulled, losing much of its original vibrancy and texture.

RENUGLASS was appointed by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and LKCNHM to restore the facade and bring back its “oomph.”

The project called for a delicate balance between preservation and enhancement.

• The off-form concrete finish required a gentle, precise restoration method that maintained the building’s natural look without altering its texture or tone.

  
  

• Singapore’s tropical climate — high humidity and frequent rain — added to the logistical challenges of working on the building’s exposed surfaces.

Over four months, our team worked methodically on the museum’s facade, combining specialized restoration techniques with a deep respect for the architectural intent of the structure.

Our process involved:

• Careful surface cleaning and treatment to remove accumulated dirt, stains, and discoloration.

  
  

• Precision work to retain the raw off-form character of the concrete.

  
  

• Coordination with the museum and NUS teams to ensure smooth, safe operations throughout the project.

There were no shortcuts — just dedication, skill, and teamwork.

When the project reached completion, our team marked the occasion not with a formal ceremony, but with something more meaningful — a visit to the museum they had just helped renew.

For two hours, the team explored LKCNHM’s incredible collection — reading, discovering, laughing, and taking photos together. From the majestic sperm whale skeleton to the story of the Singapore tiger, each team member found something that resonated differently.

The day ended with a shared lunch, filled with stories, laughter, and reflections on what the project meant to each of them. It wasn’t just a renovation — it was a reminder of the beauty of teamwork, learning, and connection.

The restored facade now reflects the museum’s unique identity once again — natural, raw, and full of character. Visitors and passers-by can once more appreciate the striking design that complements the museum’s role as a guardian of natural history.

But for RENUGLASS, this project was also about something more: restoring connection — between craftsmanship, architecture, and people.

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Restoring the Brilliance of Singapore’s Fountain of Wealth

We’re proud to share the completed restoration project of the Fountain of Wealth’s glass panels at Suntec City, Singapore.

The Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 as the world’s largest fountain, is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.

Over the years, however, the glass that framed its beauty had lost its brilliance — clouded by years of calcium deposits and environmental wear.

RENUGLASS was entrusted with the task of restoring the fountain’s original clarity and elegance, ensuring that this national symbol continues to inspire and delight for generations to come.

The project presented multiple challenges:

• Severe surface damage — The glass panels were heavily stained with mineral buildup that conventional cleaning methods could not remove.

  
  

• High-performance standards — The client required a mock-up test to evaluate each contractor’s technique and results before awarding the project.

  
  

• Logistical complexity — The fountain’s operation and surrounding areas made day work impossible. All restoration had to be performed at night, one panel at a time, without disrupting the site or its visitors.

Out of five competing contractors, only RENUGLASS passed the client’s stringent mock-up test, proving the effectiveness of our methods and the precision of our craftsmanship.

Over a span of three months, our team restored 160 large glass panels through a meticulous, multi-step process. Working overnight, one panel at a time, we used specialized equipment and years of experience — not “magic products.”

What set our approach apart was not only technical skill but also patience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The transformation was remarkable.

The glass panels regained their original transparency and luster, allowing light to dance once again through the flowing waters of the fountain — just as it did when the landmark first opened.

Beyond the physical restoration, the project achieved something greater: the preservation of heritage and beauty at one of Singapore’s most visited and photographed sites.

At RENUGLASS, we don’t just restore glass — we restore clarity, beauty, and history.

This project stands as a testament to our dedication, expertise, and belief that true restoration is about more than just materials — it’s about preserving legacy and enabling people to see the world’s treasures as they were meant to be seen.

This is what our client thad to say about the works:

"Renuglass maintained high level of service quality, professionalism, and attention to detail throughout the entire contract period. The team are, responsive, and committed to ensuring that the works are completed to the highest standard without compromising on safety or efficiency."

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