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.

✨Call Us for a Free Assessment✨

☎️ 📫