A journey of my theory of architecture. MY blog. Mei Yin's blog.
Field Trip: Asthetics, Ruins & Space
Kellie's Castle, A wish that never to be realized...
It is believed that this huge mansion of six stories high was originally built for William Kellie Smith's family and as the hub of the social life for the area's wealthy colonial planters and administrators. Completed with rooftop, wine cellar and elevator which believed to be the first at Malaya at the time, showing that William Smith was rich and was among the wealthy society at that time.Unfortunately, this mansion was never to be completed. On a visit to Lisbon, he succumbed to pneumonia and died. This mansion remained incomplete, a wish that never to be realized...
From the information, it is believed that the idea / concept that William Kellie Smith had for this mansion is to provide a home for his family after the birth of his son. He was trying to give protection besides the comfort at the mansion. From what i have found out during the site visit, there are tunnels and escape exists at every room that linked to outside. The mansion was built just beside the Kellas House where that was the first house of Smith at Malaya.
Besides, it was supposed to served as a hub for the society. As we can see, there is a rooftop courtyard which initially planned to use for parties. Smith was trying to make his mansion a place where wealthy people meets and in further, cooperate in business.
In addition as a meeting place, the huge building compound and size is also a signal of Smith trying to express his wealthiness to the society. The Moorish style of architecture which consisted of columns and arches add more into the 'luxury feel' of the mansion.
The mansion was restored to its original state because the authorities are trying to maintain the building as perfect as it was when Smith left. The mansion was left incomplete and therefore, the construction work was never continue because Smith's wife had sold the mansion and estate that Smith once owned to a British company. As for me, the incomplete part of mansion adding a sense of pitiful to the building. Pity in the sense of, this mansion was once Smith's dream house where family members and friends can gather and meet. But luck doesn't always on one's side, after he passed away, the mansion was left incomplete. A wish that never to be realized.. sigh.
In my opinion, it is beautiful.
1. the beauty of materials
The use of exposed bricks in the building gives an effect of combination between man made and nature. I like it :)
2. beauty as a home
The space within the mansion showing how caring Smith was to actually created spaces that linked both son and daughter rooms and how they connected to the master room where Smith and his wife supposed to be.
3. playing with sunlight and openings
In a particular room, there are holes on wall which i think were created for ventilation purposes. To my surprise, i saw sunlight penetrated through the holes to the room. It is interesting to see how light moving from this hole to another according the location of Sun.
4. the building technology
The technology used to build the mansion was brilliant. With limited help from mechanical devices, Smith managed to erect the building up to six stories with just man power.
5. beauty of views
The views from rooftop courtyard that foresee the estate which Smith once owned and the Kellas House. This can be understand that Smith has a vision of expanding his career but not forgetting where he starts from. From the small Kellas House to the Kellie's Castle where he stands.
Sketch
In this corridor, i can imagine if this mansion was completed, Smith and his wife will be standing along the corridor during sunset and enjoy the views around the mansion. Yellow represent warm and with the completion of mansion, warmness of a family can be feel.
In my opinion, the spaces in the mansion create a feeling of 'Wealth'. Huge mansion, columns, arches and long corridors; these are the elements that made the mansion giving a feeling of luxury. Although it is incomplete but from the spaces, luxuriousness can be felt.
As i stand in the castle, i can feel Smith tried to give the best for his family. The best environment for his children, the best home, the best place for them as they were in foreign country, away from home. Warmness of a home can be felt.
Yet Another Day ; Sunday, August 08, 2010
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The use of exposed bricks in the building gives an effect of combination between man made and nature. I like it :)
The space within the mansion showing how caring Smith was to actually created spaces that linked both son and daughter rooms and how they connected to the master room where Smith and his wife supposed to be.
