As part of an ongoing digital conservation effort, Vouse has partnered with the Ang Chin Moh Foundation for the digital preservation of Mount Vernon Complex, which was slated for redevelopment in 2019. Mount Vernon Complex sits atop what was once Singapore’s largest grave site. Spanning over 0.13 square kilometers, it contained various columbariums and funeral parlours. This project is the virtual documentation of Mount Vernon Sanctuary that was a funeral service hall at Mount Vernon. Using a combination of digital modelling from construction drawings and UAV photogrammetry, the virtual environment is recreated with accurate dimensions and real-life textures.

Mount Vernon Sanctuary, inclusive of its interior and exterior, as well as materials and tiles were photo-documented and arranged in a fully interactive and explorable PC app as well as VR app. Contact us for more information if you wish to experience the app.

About

Mount Vernon Sanctuary was Singapore’s only six-star rated funeral service hall provider as ranked by local media. Located at 121 Upper Aljunied Road, six well-appointed service halls sit in a park environment on the largest land area in Singapore for bereavement purposes. Combining customized and attentive services with the tranquility, serenity and dignity that Mount Vernon Sanctuary offers, many considered Mount Vernon Sanctuary the ideal place for private wakes or services.

In Sep 2018, however, the funeral service hall tenants had their leases terminated when their third and final extension ends. Redevelopment plans for the area were announced in 2013. After the funeral service providers move out, the 7.1 ha area will be transformed into Bidadari Park as well as two Housing Board projects.

History

Mount Vernon Complex opened in 1962, in response to calls from as early as the 1930s for a public crematorium, and a projection that the Japanese Cemetery would not be sufficient to handle the future number of cremations. In 1976, Phase One of the columbarium was built. Two years later, two more funeral halls were added.

In 2004, all this came to a stop as a new crematorium in Mandai was built to replace Mount Vernon. But five years later, Mount Vernon Sanctuary and Singapore Casket - which runs two other service halls - became the new players on the scene. When Mr Ang Ziqian won the tender to operate funeral parlours at Mount Vernon in 2009, the former crematorium was, in his words, “in need of a complete makeover”.

Doors and windows were falling off their hinges, and termites had infested the wood to the extent that insecticide had to be poured down 297 specially drilled holes. But over three months, Mount Vernon Sanctuary, which comes under the Ang Chin Moh Group, of which Mr Ang is deputy chairman, turned two of three crematoriums into six funeral halls in the middle of a forested hill.

Gameplay Footage