Following restoration, the two incomplete historical volumes (one being the main volume and one being a valuable side enlargement) are completed by a new third volume. Several 'cuts' are made in the new volume with the idea of completing the total building without being incomplete. A new concrete extension housing 4,400 mailboxes and sorting facilities were built.
The latest transformation of the Customs House is in part a faithful return to the original facade, while the addition by Studio Anne Holtrop shows it as a cultural and historic landmark, rather than a logistical building or a government office.
Rehabilitation of the Manama Post Office by Studio Anne Holtrop. Photograph by Maxime Delvaux / Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Rehabilitation of the Manama Post Office by Studio Anne Holtrop. Photograph by Maxime Delvaux / Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Project description by Studio Anne Holtrop
Manama post office is one of the oldest buildings in the area of Bab Al Bahrain, dating back to 1937 when it served as Customs House for the port of Manama. Nowadays with the many land reclamations and building developments that have started in the 80s, the current building marks the centre of the capital.
With this period of modernization and expansion, the Customs House was turned into the central post office and was completely wrapped in an added concrete and steel facade. Together with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities restoration works have started in 2014 to undo the many conversions and additions and bring back the original Customs House’s historic fabric.
After restoration, the incomplete two historic volumes (one being the main volume and one being a valuable side addition) are completed by a third new volume. Several ‘cuts’ are made in the new volume with the idea to complete the total building without being incomplete.
In its incompleteness, the volume fits mostly and leaves gaps at corners and connections that highlight its history of continuous alterations and building. The new addition is built with the same solid thickness of the 80 cm thick historic walls –cast this time case in white hand–hammered concrete.
