110 YEARS OF 10, TANGSI; LOKE CHOW KIT MANSION

 

 10 Tangsi is a handsome building on Jalan Tangsi off Jalan Kinabalu in Kuala Lumpur. Originally known as Loke Hall, the building is one of many properties built by tin-mining magnate Loke Chow Kit. This is a different building from the Loke Mansion in Kuala Lumpur or the Loke Mansion/ Loke Villa in Penang. Loke Hall was designed in the British Regency style by Anglo-Indian architect A.K. Musdeen, and completed in 1907. Loke Chow Kit resided there for just a year, before selling the building to a group of European businessmen in 1908. The investors then turned it into the Empire Hotel. Empire Hotel was used by families of British army personnel when they visit Kuala Lumpur. The hotel changed its name to Peninsular Hotel in 1919, and operated until 1970. Then in 1973 it became the office of the Malaysian Institute of Architects, the body representing the architects in the country. That institute is known today as Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia, or PAM.

In September 2012, Loke Hall was gazetted as a National Heritage Building, under the name Rumah Agam Loke Chow Kit, or Loke Chow Kit Mansion. The building belongs to DBKL and open as a public building with spaces that can be rented by the public through DBKL. There will also be an educative gallery with details interpreting the story of the building, with information of the building before and after the completion of restoration. The painstaking restoration of 10 Tangsi is the effort of many people including the consultant architect, consultant conservator, consultant engineers, consultant quantity surveyor, DBKL's building teams and support coming from the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and top managements.This colonial building, magnificent with neo-classical architecture in the midst of a rapid metropolitan city, is one of the effects of British relics and occupation that have been given a new life after a century of cyclical tide.

 Whether we are aware or not, the building on Lot 11 of Jalan Tangsi has stood proud for almost 110 years, making it one of the heritage buildings that needs to be preserved and conserved.Hence, much can be learned from the remnant of this historic building, especially the value of growth of civilization and technology of the time that architectural structures with high aesthetic value were able to be produced.

 What is interesting about the architecture of this heritage building is that it has the influence of three countries; China, Europe and Malay. In fact it is also influenced by Chinese architecture in terms of the construction of courtyard in the middle part of the building as can be found on the design of the old houses of Melaka and the Cheong Fatt Ze Mansion in Penang.

 Additionally, assimilation of the influence of the authenticity of Malay architecture is still evident in this building such as the use of wooden stairs with engraved floral motif on the handle structure. Similarly, the use of mortise systems for the staircase also reflects the cultural value of Malay craftsmanship. 

The influence of European architecture is also seen dominating most of the structures of this building. According to history, the building which was also known as Loke Hall was built after the return of Loke Chow Kit from a tour to several European countries with the famous businessman at that time, Wong Loke Yew. The evidence can be seen on the head of the pole which is ornamented with latticework and the gable end at the edge of the facade roof in front of the building. Meanwhile, the design of baluster or handrails on the fence around the courtyard inside the building is said to be influenced by Chinese and European architecture. Additionally, the classic architectural concept of Palladianism which was famous in the 19th century which emphasizes equilibrium and symmetry also supports the impact of European influence on this building.