HIGH-RISE

LIVING ISSUE

THE HEIGHT OF CITY LIVING

euHABITAT

AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT
WITH FOUR TYPOLOGIES

DPAS RESIDENTIAL
PROJECTS
INDUSTRY

THE BENCH PROJECT

www.dpa.com.sg

TWIN PEAKS

IN DETAIL
THE EVOLUTION OF

MICA (P) 012/10/2012

IN DEPTH

VOLUME 4
NUMBER 1
2013
SINGAPORE

Volume 4 Number 1, 2013, Singapore

CONTENTS
Letter from the Guest Editor
Dear Readers,

The latest happenings in DP

Designing residential projects in Singapore has become more challenging in

recent years as the density is higher and apartment units are getting smaller,
leaving less room for creativity and design exploration. Nevertheless, these
constraints may also turn into opportunities to examine other aspects like
efficient, creative and flexible use of space, or the use of communal and
landscaped area.
In order to stay competitive in the local residential arena, we have to continue
to hone our design skills for high-rise residences. Besides achieving high
efficiency and saleable area for developers, we also need to explore new
design concepts and ideas. Projects such as Golden Mile Complex which
offers outdoor living with the provision of open roof terrace, River Place
which brought the idea of shophouse living into a condominium, Sky@eleven
which manipulated the unit layout to capitalise on the sites attributes and
achieve the dual view concept, and Jardin which promotes the garden living
concept by introducing duplex units with landscaped sky terraces, are some
examples where DP Architects pushed design boundaries.
In a highly reactive environment like Singapore where government rulings
are reviewed on a frequent basis such as the recent control of roof
terrace and private enclosed space designers need to keep up with the
changes quickly. Improving our knowledge and application of authority
and construction codes at the design stage is also crucial to achieve an
integrated and well-resolved design solution.

DPAs Design Heritage lecture

Child at Street 11

Short takes on new & notable projects

01 SBF Center
02 Khaya Residential College and
College of Alice & Peter Tan
03 COSL Singapore Support Base
04 Waterfront Waves
05 23 Olive Road
06 Alexandra Central
07 Mvenpick Hotel Heritage 1940
08 Nanjing Software Park
09 Paterson Collection
10 The Fullerton Pavilion

Featured projects

Twin Peaks
euHabitat

Design Solutions

The opportunities ahead are tremendous: the Singapore government has

recently announced that 700,000 new homes will be required, should the
population increase to an estimated 6.9 million by 2030. This will not only
allow us to capitalise on our market share in local residential projects, but
most importantly, to explore and create interesting designs in both public
and private housing in the coming years.

The Evolution of DPAs Residential Projects

IN FOCUS

Architecture Issues

The Changing Singapore Residential Model

Sustainable Design

Lighting the Way with LED

Wang Tse Lip
Associate Director, DP Architects Pte Ltd

Awards & events

SIT@RP Groundbreaking Ceremony

SIA Practice Convention 2013
The Bench Project

Chan Hui Min

Nartano Lim

Interview with Leo Mauricio, Aloysius Lian &

Cheng Sin Mei
Graphics

Writing

Editorial

DP personalities

Awaken the Dragon Festival 2013

Celebration of past projects

Leong Wei Lin
Toh Bee Ping

DESIGN IN PRINT TEAM

Tong Tong

Loh Yew Cheng

Lek Noonchoo
Fu Tingting

Additional contributors: Jackie Poh, Kyle Fulton,

Lee Boon Woei, Stephanie Yong, Widari Bahrin

Ridgewood Condominium, 1981

Cover image: Twin Peaks

| The latest happenings in DP

DPAs Design Heritage

| Short takes on new & notable projects

01

SBF Center
Singapore

commercial

Lecture by
Koh Seow Chuan

DP Architects founder and honorary chairman,

Mr Koh Seow Chuan, delivered an in-house lecture
titled DPAs Design Heritage on 23 November 2012.
Mr Koh considers integrity and talent to be the firms
cornerstones; he discussed in detail how two of DPAs
early projects, Peoples Park Complex and Golden
Mile Complex, have manifested that the architects role
is the manipulation of space for community needs.
He reiterated DPAs founding philosophy that good
architecture is to create spaces that uplift the human
spirit. Living up to its heritage as one of the pioneering
and best architectural firms in Singapore, DPA continues
to make contributions to the design environment, with
the aim to improve the quality of peoples life.

Spreading festive cheer at

Child at Street 11

SBF Center is a 31-storey

commercial development
located in the heart of the
Central Business District along
Robinson Road. Inspired by the
small, urban park that once sat
on the site, SBF Center aims to
bring back the enclave of green
by creating pockets of verdant
spaces interspersed throughout
the building. A series of terraced
gardens breaks down the imposing
building mass to a more intimate
scale. This collection of tiered
gardens forms an urban park which
can be enjoyed by the community.
Building corners are rounded to
mimic the organic environment.
Lines of nature are mapped onto
surfaces of various thickness and
density. This expression continues
to the roof forming a unique
roofscape. A sky terrace deck with
pool and gym facilities promotes
wellness of its users.

02

Khaya Residential College

and College of Alice &
Peter Tan

Continuing a friendship that began in 2007, DP Architects

brought festive joy and presents to the children at
Child at Street 11, a centre that provides education and day
care for children from low-income and dysfunctional families.
The Christmas wish list of the centres 65 children was
checked off by DPians within 15 minutes of its posting.
Others bought art supplies and gave cash for grocery
vouchers to support the centres daily needs. The
gifts were presented to the children at the centre on
20 December 2012.

Located in NUS University Town,

the design for the 38,000sqm
Khaya Residential College and
College of Alice & Peter Tan
is inspired by the traditional
Southeast Asian house. Deep roof
overhangs shade the exterior walls
and window openings to control
interior heat gain. The north-south
facing buildings have individual
podiums set away from each
other, maximising faade area for
cross ventilation. Architectural
elements including ventilation
blocks, louvred monsoon
windows, framed glazing with
vertical accents, and a unifying
railing and canopy across the
podium are kit-of-parts employed
to create a strong and coherent
visual identity for the colleges.

institutional

Singapore

DP 01

Short takes on new & notable projects

industrial

03

COSL Singapore
Support Base
Singapore

The Benoi Road office and industrial facility of COSL, a Chinese offshore oil-drilling
service provider, takes on a U-shaped layout which allows greater flexibility and
efficiency within the parallelogram-shaped site. The resulting large storage space in
the middle, which is adjacent to the harbour, allows effective transportation of goods
and materials via the waterway.
The factories and warehouse are aligned to the northern and southern part of the site.
Two L-shaped office blocks separate the office function from the courtyard-facing
leisure space and screen the storage area from the main road. The office blocks have
a panoramic view of the entire sites operations with the harbour as a backdrop.

residential

Singapore

06

Alexandra Central
Singapore

The 50,000sqm Waterfront Waves

is a private water-facing residential
development at Bedok Reservoir Road
that consists of eight 15-storey towers.
The project takes advantage of the sites
vast water body in the north and lush
greenery in the south.

Located at the prominent northeast corner of Jalan

Bukit Merah and Alexandra Road, and occupying
the former SAFRA Bukit Merah site, this 19-storey
development comprises a 13-storey hotel tower
atop a 6-storey retail and car park podium.
The four-star, 450-room hospitality development
features lavish landscaped facilities on the seventh
storey podium roof and spectacular views towards
the green southern ridges in the southwest and the
city in the northeast. The commercial component
offers hotel guests a mix of food and beverage
establishments and speciality retail shops, giving the
community more shopping and dining choices.

residential

The balconies of the faade facing Bedok

Reservoir are designed to resemble
undulating water waves. The towers are
strategically planned to maximise the
views of the reservoir while minimising
the solar effects of the western sun.
The carefully studied building orientation
places more than 94 percent of the
external walls away from the west.

05

23 Olive Road
Singapore

23 Olive Road is a tropical bungalow

located at Caldecott Hill. Addressing
the steep slope of the site, the
house is conceived as a series of
terraced pavilions. Blade walls are
employed to define the changes in
functional spaces and the varying
heights of the pavilions.
The L-shaped plan wraps around
the garden and allows a vantage
view of the swimming pool and
green from all rooms. The alternating
sliding timber screen enhances the
faade of the house, creating a
complex play of light and shadow
while providing privacy.

mixed development

04

Waterfront
Waves

hotel

08

Nanjing Software Park

China

Located in Nanjing Pukou, this 35ha development will house centres

of technology research and development, investment funding and
multimedia. The project employs low carbon eco-technology and
modern urban design strategies, and is guided by four key principles:
dynamic mixed-use, seamless connectivity, unique identity and
ecological design.
Two landmark towers form the gateway to the park, and a green belt
acts as a seamless pedestrian connector throughout the development.
Physical connectivity is provided by an extensive network of roads and
public transport nodes. Open networking spaces improve the porosity
of the technology park. Environmental sustainability is a primary driver
of the architectural design, and the project employs many strategies
such as the generous use of green walls to reduce heat absorption.

Courtesy of Mvenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa

07

Mvenpick Hotel
Heritage 1940
Singapore

master plan

A conservation project, the hotel comprises two three-storey colonial

military barracks that were built in 1940. Inspired by the historical heritage of
Singapore, the design brings together elements of tradition and modernity.

residential

The link between the two buildings is revitalised into a triple-volume space
framed by lattice patterns which are inspired by the rice grain. Thoughtful
interior details create a cosy, nostalgic experience: the floor joists of old
shophouses are introduced as ceiling rafters in the guest rooms, dim sum
carriers serve as baskets for toiletries, carpets with intricate batik-inspired
patterns that speak of the Peranakan culture, conservation doors that
reinterpret colonial architecture and the pitched roof on level three that
evokes memories of childhood homes.

Singapore

The Fullerton Pavilion, the first and only floating lifestyle destination
in Singapore, is a hybrid between a building and a marine vessel.
Measuring 6m tall with a spacious 23.5m diameter, it has breathtaking
views of Marina Bay. The design of the faade envelope starts as solid
opaque panels at the main entrance and gradually evolves into clear
glass at the dining area to take advantage of the 360-degree views.
The outer layer of the faade is made of laminated glass, providing
good acoustics. At the exterior of the faade frames, LED light strips are
integrated between the glass panels; the lighting can be customised to
suit different event and festive requirements.

Singapore

Located within minutes of Orchard Road, Paterson Collection comprises

two 19-storey towers that look towards the prestigious shopping belt. The
85-unit development is made up of two-bedroom and three-bedroom units,
and single level and duplex penthouses; all encased in full-height glass for
magnificent views from all corners of every apartment. Aluminium screens,
set away from the glass walls and arranged in a playful pattern, ensure
privacy. Two levels of amenities including pools, playground, gym, function
room and pavilions are located within a landscaped deck. A sky terrace
allows outdoor dining and houses a jacuzzi. The buildings respond well to
the site, surrounding views and orientation. The sleek and contemporary
form exudes style and elegance befitting a high-end residence.

commercial

09

Paterson Collection

10

The Fullerton Pavilion

Courtesy of The Fullerton Heritage

DP 03

Featured projects

YEAR: 2013

AREA: 40,500 SQ M

SINGAPORE

TWIN
PEAKS
THE HEIGHT OF CITY LIVING
By Kyle Fulton

Above: The Sky Loggia

located at the 36th floor.
Project Team:
(front row from left)
Jacqueline Pong,
Gani Wijoyo,
Ti Lian Seng,
Lee Siat Kiat,
Tan Teng Siew,
Nurul Sumeri,

To truly understand the future of housing in

Singapore, it is important to first consider the
past. In the 1950s, there was a severe shortage
of housing in Singapore; some 75 percent of
the population lived in crowded tenements and
unplanned settlements. Suburban new towns
were created to re-house the people. By the
early 1960s, this process was well underway,
with spacious new apartment blocks being built
throughout the island.

(back row from left)

Yanuar Kristanto,
Laurence Yap,

Standing proudly on the slopes of Leonie

Hill, Twin Peaks towers above the city,
commanding views along Orchard Road
and the Central Business District. It is a
futuristic vision of a Singapore to come,
where high-rise buildings embody the
tenets of high-density, high-efficiency
and high-end luxury lifestyle.

Dominador Licup,
Mark Villacampa,
Jeremy Ho,
(not in photo)
Roslinah Ahmad.

In theory, these new housing complexes were to

be self-sufficient communities that provide for all
the needs of the inhabitants. However, these areas
were not able to provide sufficient employment and
many residents began to commute into the Central
Business District for work.
Public transport made this journey short enough
that many residents of the suburban towns
preferred to shop and dine in the city. Overtime,
these towns came to serve as commuter
settlements with most daily activities taking place
outside the home.
This trend has continued. Today, we are served by
a transportation system and a city which can fulfill
almost all of our daily requirements. As such, some
Singaporean residents feel they do not require a
large home, but would prefer one that is better
DP 05

Featured projects

connected to the city. In a sense,

they are willing to trade private
space for the ease of interacting
in public space and the
convenience of proximity. Out of
this unique sociopolitical climate
has grown the need for a new
housing typology one which
blends the comfort and privileges
of a private condominium, and
the central location, services and
style of a hotel. With this in mind,
Twin Peaks was created.
Although situated on an
expansive site, the architects of
Twin Peaks decided to restrict
the developments footprint and
extend the towers vertically,

Above: The view from

the landscaped sky gym
at the 13th storey.

leaving more space for lifestyle

facilities. This resulted in the design
of two symmetrical 35-storey towers
that hold 231 units each. Not only is
this a highly efficient design, but one of
beauty that is balanced and composed
within its urban context.
The arrangement of the towers
promises residents panoramic views of
the Orchard shopping district, extending
from the living room into the heart of
Singapore. Twin Peaks position in the
city centre means it is an ideal location
for business and recreation with the
main commercial areas only a stones
throw away. Residents will spend less
time travelling and more time for the
things they enjoy.

To this end, Twin Peaks has many

lifestyle facilities for residents to take
pleasure in, including numerous
pools, sky gyms, gardens and
beautiful dining facilities. The
importance of these amenities is
expressed on the exterior where the
vertical volume of the buildings is
punctuated with the landscaped sky
gym, creating a signature void. There
is also a dedicated concierge service
on hand to support the residents
busy lifestyles. Residents may even
enjoy the privilege of housekeeping
and hospitality services extended by
the Mandarin Orchard Singapore.
In Twin Peaks, every effort has been
taken to make sure the residents

Left: Site Plan

R
O
Q

L
K

H
P

TOWER 2

Grand Entrance
Water Terraces

Guard House

Sheltered Drop-off Area

Concierge

Outdoor Lobby/Lanai

G Administrative Office

A
B

Entertainment Lounge

Reading Lounge

Laundry Room

Dining Suites

Function Deck

M Changing Rooms,
Steam Rooms &
Jacuzzi/Spa Pool

J
U

TOWER 1
F

I
G

Swimming Pool with

35m Lap Pool

O Childrens Pool

Lawn Deck

Q Pavilion Garden
V
N

15

30m

Outdoor Gourmet/BBQ

Art Garden

Play Area

Tennis Court

Sculpture

Twin Peaks is the first of a new generation of

residences which truly caters to a contemporary
city lifestyle
are afforded the luxurious lifestyle they
desire, one which begins as soon as
they receive their new apartment.
For this purpose, each unit comes fully
furnished with high quality furniture and
classic designer pieces.
Twin Peaks is a product of Singapores
unique sociopolitical climate and is the

first of a new generation of residences

which truly caters to a contemporary city
lifestyle. In designing this new typology,
the architects of Twin Peaks have
understood that todays urban dweller
needs a home that is fully integrated with
the city yet at the same time separate,
and have provided a luxurious escape in
which to unwind and enjoy the view.

Above right: Dining

suites by the 35m pool.
Right and far right: Units
are fully furnished with
high quality and classic
designer furniture.

DP 07

Featured projects

Townhouse
The first floor is mostly glazed, leading the eyes toward the
water and landscape. The borrowed scenery extends the
nature into the living spaces.

Condominium
The roof plane of the condominium is treated as a malleable
surface to link different condominium units.

euHabitat

AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT WITH

FOUR TYPOLOGIES
By Tong Tong

Project Team:
(front row from left)

Sited at Jalan Eunos in the Bedok area,

euHabitat is a condominium development that
boasts an integrated environment. Inspired by
the surrounding landscape, this development
is ecologically sensitive. It also aims to achieve
a character that is diverse and personal. The
concept brings together a collection of four
different lifestyles, catering to a variety of
living arrangements of contemporary families.
Four housing typologies are differentiated as:
Townhouse, Condominium, Suite and SOHO.

Inspired by different aspects

of nature, euHabitat addresses
the increasing desire to live in
harmony with nature

Angela Ng,
San Shang Jui,
Jeremy Tan,
Kam Yau Fat,
Ifshiel Tamayao,
(back row from left)
Arief Budi Ariyanto,
Joey Chua,
Fred Lee,
Majorette Roxas Dumo,
Asep Darmana,
Mou Zu Hui,
Austen Chan.

The townhouses are grouped around an

expansive pool of water, where the terraces to
each townhouse line the edge of the water. The
large pool at the doorstep not only creates a
pleasant comfort climate, but also reflects the
expanse of the sky above it. Here, architecture
truly embraces nature. The scenery changes
from moment to moment as the sun and clouds
pass through the sky. At the entry level of the
condominium, the covered gathering spaces
between adjacent buildings are naturally ventilated
and densely planted, accessible to the residents

YEAR: 2014

Suite
The concept for the suites is to see and be seen. The
spacious single bedroom suites are arranged to have direct
contact with the pool and landscape.

AREA: 57,800 SQM

SINGAPORE

SOHO
A metal feature wall wraps the elevation and continues over
the roof, and combines with the glass faade to create a
contemporary expression favoured for office architecture.

Left: This single

residential community
of four different
housing concepts
is set within a green
enclave.
Below left:
The entrance plaza
near the condominium.
The car park is buried
underground to free
the landscape of
vehicular traffic. The
entire development
is human-scaled and
pedestrian-friendly.

at all times. The walls and windows of the suites

are adapted specifically for privacy and sun
orientation. The horizontal aluminium louvres shade
the glass and visually unify the elevations of these
single-bedroom units. The interior is animated
by natural light filtering through the folding louvre
panels. The faade gently undulates as the
panels open and fold, creating a rippled surface
of contrasting light and shadow. As a result, it
allows the ability to modulate the sun and air,
and achieves both privacy and openness. As the
demand for flexibility has come to the fore, the
SOHO apartments provide a large space where
dining, cooking, meeting and recreation come
together. The open plan is changeable without
losing its coherence. Capitalising on the high
ceiling, the residents are given the opportunities to
individualise their own upper mezzanine space.
Inspired by different aspects of nature, euHabitat
becomes a dynamic residential community that
addresses the increasing desire to live in harmony
with nature. The mix of living units of different
sizes and types are distributed throughout the
site, offering a variety of conditions to meet each
tenants needs. A variety of interior and exterior
spaces are generated with varying degrees of
access and privacy. Thus each component
opens up its interior to the nature, embracing the
water, weather, sunlight and breezes, effectively
integrating architecture with the elements.
DP 09

Design solutions

DP Architects has been involved in residential design

since its early years as Design Partnership. The firms first
condominium project, also one of the first condominiums
in Singapore, Ridgewood Condominium, a 20-storey,
464-unit development was completed in 1981. It offered
a Hawaiian theme to the architecture and a garden
landscape for the residents.
In those days, living in a condominium was associated
with exclusivity and privacy, a prestigious address, an
assortment of on-site facilities and amenities, as well as a
more high-end style of living compared with the cookiecutter type of public housing that was predominant in a
young nation like Singapore. Today, condominium design
has become increasingly challenging as developers shift
towards marketing a complete lifestyle package rather
than simply an apartment unit.
Another challenge also originates from the growing
improvements within the public housing sector, as
older estates receive upgrading via the Neighbourhood
Renewal Programme, ensuring that residents are provided
with quality living through the addition of amenities around
the estate. In recent years, in line with the nations
strategy to transform HDB estates into a world-class
living environment, the government has also launched
plans to remake Singapores heartland. New towns like
Punggol and Sengkang are slated to become eco-towns
complete with waterfront public housing and amenities,
a typology that was previously reserved only for luxury
condominiums. There is also the rise of other high-rise
public housing developments such as The Pinnacle at
Duxton offering sky gardens and premium location, as
well as SkyVille and SkyTerrace at the Dawson Estate
area which offer flexible flat layouts that encourage
multi-generational living, all of which were selling points
previously identified with private condominiums.
Designers have to rise to the challenge of addressing the
narrowing gap between public housing and condominium
developments, and seek ways to enhance designs so as to
increase the attractiveness and marketability of our clients
developments. Using a selection of condominium projects,
Design in Print examines the evolution of DP Architects
design strategies and responses over the years.

DEVELOPMENT MIX
As the public housing market evolves over the years to
provide consumers with diversified offerings, and the
average buyer becoming savvier in evaluating the merits
of a potential home, designers today need to think out of
the box to offer the best of functionality, design features
and aesthetics.
On the macro level, looking at condominium developments
as a whole, it is important to capitalise on site advantages,
as sensitive site response can often contribute to the
uniqueness of a development.

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THE
EVOLUTION
OF DPAS
RESIDENTIAL
PROJECTS
By Leong Wei Lin

The Bayshore, completed in 1997, is designed

as an up-market condominium within a lush
tropical setting, which has good views towards
the sea. With a high level of visibility along East
Coast Parkway, the objective was to create an
identifiable architectural statement.

With increasing competition,

designers must step up to
the challenge to develop
new design strategies for
condominiums
0

30

60m
Above: The Bayshores

site plan showing the

formal arrangement of
towers.
Left: The sculptured
massing creates a
distinctive architecture
form.

The development has a relatively formal layout

with a strong symmetrical axis in the overall site
plan. The development is dominated by two
pairs of 30-storey blocks, each pair linked by
a 12-storey block. Articulation of the faade is
created by the interplay of building elements,
which results in a sculptured massing capped
by a cantilevered trellis. Typical unit layouts
are arranged symmetrically around the service
core. This example of non-differentiated unit
layouts is something less seen in todays
condominium developments. The success
of The Bayshore lies in the generous garden
setting which provides ample outdoor space for
the occupants.

30

60m

River Place, completed just two

years after The Bayshore, is situated
at a very strategic location at the
fringe of the downtown district,
where the site is bound by Havelock
Road, Clemenceau Avenue and the
Singapore River, as well as being
adjacent to the historical district
of Robertson Quay. The planning
strategy adopted responds to the
variety of urban conditions present

Above: River Places

site plan showing the
varying building grain
within the development.
Above right: View of
the overall development
showing the variety of
architectural forms.

in the unique site location, offering

three architectural forms within a
single development, which was not
commonly seen during that time. It
consisted of a high-density slab block
that contained the majority of the
required apartment floor area lining the
city edges, a low-density block at a
more intimate scale for the communal
open spaces and the riverfront, and
a taller point block as a focus. This

design approach gave rise to more

than a hundred different types
of apartment layouts, dispelling
any form of anonymity normally
associated with large housing
developments and catered to a
varied group of potential buyers.
This approach also offered each
resident a unique sense of place
and identity.

DP 11

Design solutions

In 2012, DPA completed Floridian, a

development situated along Bukit Timah
Road that redefines residential living via
a hospitality-oriented approach. The
experience celebrates the daily act of
returning home, taking reference from
the coastal lifestyle of Miami, Florida.
Comprising eleven 10-storey towers with
a total of 336 units, the towers fall under
different themes and, through subtle
differences in architectural language,
manage to have varying characters while
still belonging to a collective whole.
The Keys are positioned like a promontory
right in between the lap pool and main
swimming pool, and characterise the
entrance with the corner timber treatment
at the communal green platforms on
alternate levels. Adjacent to the lap pool, the
Downtown towers play up an urban quality
of clean solid lines and accent colours as a
reflection of the young urbanites lifestyle.
Aligned next to The Keys is The Verandah
which is distinctive because of the communal
rooftop terraces and gardens that embellish
the faade and roofscape with lush green
foliage. The Hideaway and Pavilion Towers
house most of the prime four and fourplus bedroom units and are defined by the
generous, screened balconies.

Distinctive characters of
the towers cater to a wide
demographic
Overall, the various towers with their varied
attributes and distinctive designs echo the
theme of Floridian living a touch of good living
with many lifestyle alternatives amid a lush
waterfront environment.

Courtesy of Far East Orchard

Right: The extensive

water bodies along
the spine of the
development is a key
feature of Floridian.
The corner timber
treatment at the
communal platforms
on alternate levels
characterises the
entrance.

Courtesy of Far East Orchard

Left: Floridians site

plan showing the
arrangement of the
residential blocks
around the water
bodies.

20

40m

Left: eCOs site

plan showing the
residential typology
mix with respect to the
landscape.
Legend:
SOHO
Suites
Condo
Townhouse

20

40m

Shop Units

Located along Bedok South Avenue 3 and

conceived as a community in a garden, eCO,
to be completed in 2015, offers 748 living units
with five residential typologies within a single
condominium development. This level of choice
addresses the present trend and future direction
of housing where multitude of needs have to be
addressed, and diversity of options becomes an
expectation within a single development. The
prestige of the Townhouses, comfort of the Condos
and Lofts, exclusivity of the Suites and flexibility
of the SOHO-style units come together in the

eCO, strengthening community relationships while

meeting the lifestyle choices of each individual.
eCO also offers 100 percent pool view for all
units, with tower blocks enjoying a desirable
north-south orientation. While the townhouses
take advantage of the site terrain, and are
located on the highest point of the site to enjoy
sweeping views of the mature heritage trees
along the east boundary, the resultant east-west
orientation of the units is mitigated by providing
ample louvre screening.

While site constraints and floor area efficiency

requirements do not usually allow for extensive
landscape and amenities, eCO atypically
manages to provide different pool types, such
as a 50m lap pool, childrens pool, a recreational
pool and aqua therapy pools. Taking into
consideration busy lifestyles, fitness opportunities
are also provided not simply by providing
exercise stations, but by crafting the verdant
landscape to incorporate an ecological nature
trail, bio ponds, and other themed gardens.

Right: Perspective view

of the units facing the
heritage trees.

DP 13

Design solutions

Left: Earlier

COMMUNAL SPACES, AMENITIES & LANDSCAPE

condominiums like The

Bayshore organised
extensive landscaping
and pools at the
ground level.

In the past, typically the larger developments would have the luxury
of extensive landscaping, and landscaping was largely limited to the
ground level.
Today, many developments provide landscaping not just at the grounds,
but also at sky terraces and gardens. Vertical greening has also
become popular in recent years. The advent of sky terraces, gardens
and vertical green while being said to address the wants of consumers,
can also be attributed in part to URAs and BCAs urban and Green Mark
guidelines. The responsibility of designers is not to simply maximise the
permissible bonus gross floor area afforded by such schemes, but to
utilise every square metre thoughtfully and with creativity.

Designers need to generate creative

interpretations of the residential
landscape to produce high-quality
differentiated offerings
One example that demonstrates creativity in

The experience of the scenic gardenscape

the use of greening and landscaping options

is Jardin, completed in 2012. The design of
Jardin incorporates two main ideas a vertical
garden setting and the French notion of living.
These concepts are pivotal architectural formgenerators, and encapsulate new pleasures of
high-rise living and modern lifestyles.

begins upon entry to the development, where

residents and visitors are greeted by a green
terrain that berms and elevates the building.
The combination of French and garden themes
epitomises the spirit of this exciting residential
property, that of providing quality and tasteful
living amid clever landscaping that challenges the
conventional notions of residential landscaping.

In Jardin, where architecture and landscape

merge into a living environment, the pleasure
of living in a high-rise garden environment is
materialised. At each alternate level, extensive
gardens extend from the loft units, serving
as deep communal balconies. Besides
functionally providing shade and buffer from city
noise, these gardens connect the units living
spaces, allowing for use as social spaces.

Right: Jardins roof

top amenities offer
opportunities for
socialising.
Below: View of Jardins
extensively landscaped
communal balconies.

Courtesy of Far East Organization

Courtesy of Far East Organization

Left: The Mintons

connecting bridges
between the
blocks overlook the
landscaping, such
as the Cascading
Waterfall and the
Amazonian Lily Pond.

On the other side of the size and scale spectrum,

currently under construction and to be
completed in 2014, is The Minton, a suburban
condominium development that reflects the
increasingly sophisticated demands of the
modern homeowner and markets a lifestyle
package for the whole family.
The Minton comprises ten 15-storey, eight 17storey apartment blocks and two basement
car parks with a total of 1,145 units including
24 units of penthouses. The designers have
taken full advantage of the site topography
in the use of open spaces and landscaping
whereby one can enjoy distinctively different

experiences, facilitated by bridges and sky

terraces connecting the blocks to support the
activities throughout the development that cater
to all ages and lifestyles.
Unlike older developments, The Minton follows
the increasing trend of providing not just the
basic amenities, but a much wider range that
is set attractively within a cleverly designed
landscape. It boasts of one of the largest
clubhouses in Singapore. Beyond the amenities
commonly found in most condominiums, The
Minton also has dedicated rooms for yoga,
billiards, table soccer, karaoke, piano and
table-tennis to name a few. Further commercial

facilities such as childcare and retail are housed

in the clubhouses annex building.
Other recreational and sports facilities
are strategically placed around the entire
development like an indoor badminton court,
playgrounds, an 82-seat library, a 50m lap pool,
a 20m heated pool, hydromassage pavilions,
onsen spas, fitness stations and a jogging track.
The extensive provision of communal facilities
goes above and beyond the typical facilities
found in most public housing estates, coupled
with exclusivity and privacy; and is made
possible by the critical mass of households in
this large estate.

Right: The sky terraces

connecting the
blocks accommodate
amenities such as the
onsen spas and hydromassage pavilions,
a gym and changing
facilities in specially
designed environments.

DP 15

Design solutions

UNIT CONFIGURATION
Condominium developments usually have the advantage of location, and,
oftentimes, the site affords beautiful vistas that designers capitalise on by
maximising viewing angles for as many units as possible.

whereby provision of prime views have to be balanced with the treatment

of the less desirable east-west facing faades. Creative, atypical unit
layouts is one way of achieving this with success.

Viewing Span

10m

Besides utilising tower orientation to capitalise on prime views, designers

also have to take into account other site factors such as sun orientation,

Balcony

Above: Pavilion 11s

typical unit layout which
shows the living room
space at the furthest
points of the floor plate.
Left: The staggered
towers allow for optimal
view angles.

Completed in 2009, Pavilion 11 consists of two elegant towers that

stand proudly on a gentle sloping site in a staggered arrangement for
optimum solar orientation and full capitalisation on the magnificent
views towards Orchard Road, the Central Business District, and the
nearby nature reserve.
Living rooms are deftly nudged slightly out of alignment, resulting
in 270-degree, unobstructed, extraneous views from the living area
balconies. Creative use and positioning of dedicated, private lifts allow
access to units via the living rooms; and the flowing seamless space
creates an expansive view beyond the balcony.

Among the tallest condominiums in Singapore, Sky@eleven was completed in 2010

and comprises four blocks of 43-storey apartment towers within a verdant landscape
in Thomson Road.
The blocks are planned in linear form to capitalise on the city view to the south and
MacRitchie Reservoir to the north. Privacy and exclusivity are reflected in the planning
of the typical vertical circulation core, where just two or three apartments share a
common lift lobby. Each apartment is dual-facing, ensuring good lighting and crossventilation throughout. By strategically stretching the unit layout, and situating the
entrance to open to the family space, long narrow corridors leading to bedrooms are
avoided while enabling all bedrooms and living spaces to have unobstructed views.
Such a layout is refreshing and conducive to home life as it brings family members past
common living spaces before entering the individuals space.
Left: Sky@elevens
typical L-shaped unit
layout showing unit
access at family area.
Right: Architectural
form enclosing
amenities and sky
terraces creates
a point of visual
interest.

Entrance foyer
Family space

10m

20

40m

Above: The Trilliums

site plan showing the
spacing and orientation
of the towers.
Left: The ground storey
approach to one of the
towers.

The Trillium is a premium high-rise

condominium situated within an urban setting
in River Valley and was completed in 2011.
Comprising three 29-storey towers and one
basement car park, the development is sited
on a long and narrow plot along Kim Seng
Road, surrounded by other high-rise buildings.
This created a potential issue of overlooking
units. Each tower was then designed with a
clover plan with only three promontory units
per storey for maximum 270-degree views
and privacy.

Unit layouts have to

maximise functionality
while optimising site
opportunities

Left: The Trilliums tower

orientation maintains
the privacy of each unit,
and overcomes the
constraints of a
slender plot.

The clover plan gives The Trillium its signature

trefoil form with it, each tower is articulated
as three slender stacks, thus avoiding the
massive-block effect. The towers are then
spaced apart at the maximum distance
possible with lush landscaping in between
to minimise the overpowering effect of the
towers over the Kim Seng Road streetscape.
The private lift lobby, balconies and living room
can be amalgamated into one continuous
deck by means of sliding doors, allowing
residents generous spaces for contemporary
outdoor sky-living.

DP Architects portfolio of condominium

projects dating from the 1990s to the present
demonstrates that designers abilities, adaptability
and creativity is critical when dealing with the
challenges over the years, be it site constraints,
urban and building guidelines, or changing
societal trends. With numerous residential
developments currently under construction and
in the pipeline, innovation takes priority so as to
continually refresh design solutions.

DP 17

Architecture Issues

The Changing
Singapore
Residential Model
By Widari Bahrin

Singapores high-density residential tower

blocks have evolved since the housing
crisis of the 1960s. Todays architects
must respond to Singapores complex
housing regulations, but also create
exciting and engaging places to live within
this tight urban setting. The Singapore
model for space-efficient, tropical
residential architecture is perpetually
being reconciled with the needs of
the population. With a commitment to
design integrity, DP Architects responds
to planning guidelines while providing
clients and developers with a product that
addresses the needs of the end user and
community. Here, the architects tread the
fine line between tightly controlled space
restrictions and functionality.
DPAs residential projects engage with
the exigencies which shape the way we
live. The eCO project in Bedok embraces
a multi-disciplinary approach to design,
fully engaging with external consultants in
order to make every square metre count.
Landscape and public spaces were a
special focus, driving the design of the

Right: With an
emphasis on
community and garden
living, the design
of eCO focuses on
shared, green, open
vistas.

overall development. Envisioned as

an eco-friendly development with an
emphasis on community and gardenliving, the design of eCO pre-emptively
focuses on the need for shared, green,
open vistas. Recently revised URA
guidelines related to Private Enclosed
Spaces and private Roof Terraces
will most likely result in a reduction of
outdoor private spaces. Architecturally
we may see a greater priority placed
on the quality of shared communal
spaces in response to this reduction.
Meaningful green space in eCO has
driven the design of its shared spaces.
Tenant allotments are provided to
encourage a sense of ownership
over the space. Tending a piece of
the garden becomes a community
activity. Near the top of the site is a

By Lee Boon Woei

In early 2012, DP Architects embarked on an exercise to replace in phases all office light bulbs with
energy-efficient LEDs. Our office in Marina Square is made up of three main studios, and Studio 1
is the first to make the switch. Led by our Environmentally Sustainable Design Department, the aim
is not just to save energy, but, more importantly, to encourage DPians to go green at work.

T8

(FLUORESCENT)

LED

20

watts
40,000
hours

The strategic location and design

of these highly accessible green
spaces in eCO contribute to its
highly successful commercial sales
at the end of 2012. Innovative
design solutions which take a
multi-faceted approach in reaction
to user demands and authority
guidelines remain critical in order
to keep up with Singapores rapid
pace of change.

Sustainable Design

Lighting the way with L.E.D.

T8

tree conservation area into which

the architects inserted a raised
timber deck creating an easily
accessible, usable space. This
otherwise unusable space, due to
a steep slope and restrictions on
Tree Protection Zones, becomes a
unique part of the garden journey
through the site.

40

watts
15,000
hours

The switch began late last year. Starting with our

Studio 1 office, all fluorescent and halogen lights
were replaced with light-emitting diodes (LED).
To ease the transition, three Nos were set at
the start: No replacement of existing light fittings,
No reduction in the lighting level and No major
disruption to the office processes.
Unlike fluorescent tubes which emit light in
all directions, LEDs radiate in a limited beam
angle; and as LEDs are sensitive to heat, it
was important to find the right bulbs that could
dissipate heat effectively in the existing fittings. It
took eight months of testing supplier samples to
evaluate the suitability of the office fittings and to

finally choose the ones that closely matched in

lighting intensity.
Besides using less energy than fluorescent tubes,
LED bulbs turn on instantly with no flicker and
emit virtually no Ultraviolet rays or Infra Radiation.
LED also has a better colour rendering index than
fluorescent light, which means it reproduces the
colours of objects more faithfully, an important
consideration for designers.
As lighting quality has not been compromised,
Im sure some of our colleagues are in the dark
about the switch. The $2,000 monthly savings in
electricity bills for Studio 1 alone, however, makes
a glaring difference. This switch also brought a
51 percent improvement in the lighting power
budget stated in the SS 530 guideline for energy
efficiency in buildings a full-marks guarantee in
the artificial lighting category of the Green Mark
Office Interior assessment.
The columnist heads the Environmentally
Sustainable Design Department at
DP Architects.

Awards & events

DP Architects at

SIT@RP
Groundbreaking
Ceremony
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) held a
groundbreaking ceremony on 29 January 2013 for its
new building located at Republic Polytechnic. The design
for the new SIT building is undertaken by DP Architects
with Maki and Associates of Japan. The 13,300sqm,
nine-storey building is expected to be ready by 2014.
SIT, Singapores fifth university, offers undergraduate
degree programmes for polytechnic graduates and
will have a building at each of the five polytechnics.
DP Architects has been commissioned to design and
implement three of the five SIT buildings.

SIA Practice Convention 2013

Leadership in
Architectural
Practice

The bench project

The To-Gather Bench

DP Architects is one of 25 local designers and artists
invited to take part in the bench project using wooden
plank seats from the former National Stadium as a creative
way to commemorate the national icon.
DPAs design, named The To-Gather Bench is a team
effort from Amirullah Zulkifli Hartono, Bayu Prayudhi,
Hans Park, Jazelle Ang, Koh Aileen, Seah Chee Huang
and Wong Rouwan. The design brings together wooden
planks and recycled concrete aggregates that made up
the seats at the old Kallang stadium, and steel gabion
modules to create a two-tiered bench that can be
reconfigured for different uses. The bench can be used for
sitting, standing, leaning, as stands for plants and as seesaw for playing, giving the community new possibilities of
gathering and bonding.

Courtesy of Singapore Institute of Architects

DP Architects director Mr Chin Thoe Chong was one

of the speakers at the Singapore Institute of Architects
Practice Convention 2013. The theme for this years
programme is Leadership in Architectural Practice and
Mr Chin was invited to present on the business model of
a large international practice.

The 25 commissioned designs and five winning public

entries were unveiled at an award ceremony held at The
URA Centre on 28 February 2013 and then exhibited at
design event SingaPlural from 8 to 15 March 2013. A
public exhibition in April will follow. Bench is organised
by cross-disciplinary design firm FARM, and presented by
the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Singapore
Furniture Industries Council.

Below:
The To-Gather Bench
can be configured
for different uses
and possibilities of
bonding.

Mr Chin began his presentation with the importance of

sharing the Singapore Experience, and discussed the
complexities and uncertainties of operating on foreign
soil. He also stressed the necessity of having different
strategies for different markets, and the importance of
good local partners, resource management and flexibility
to an effective overseas operation. He continued with
case studies of DPAs undertakings in countries as
diverse as Dubai, Indonesia, India and Myanmar, and
shared the firms strategies in adapting and sustaining
its business model in these territories.
The convention was held on 1 March 2013 at Furama
Riverfront Hotel.
DP 19

DP personalities

An interview with

I was inspired by the oldfashioned charm of loft

apartments in New York,
having spent three years
studying and working there.

- Aloysius

&
Tell us about your home.
A: Sin Mei and I moved into a resale five-room HDB flat in Chai Chee
about two years ago. I was inspired by the old-fashioned charm of
loft apartments in New York, having spent three years studying and
working there. Hence, we knew this was our home when we saw
the original cornices of this old flat, which we kept, as well as its high
ceiling and full-height windowed balcony. The overall look is clean and
simple. I wanted white to be the main colour because it gives a bright
and expansive feel.
SM: We specifically shopped for HDB point blocks because of the
spacious unit layout and the privacy of having only four units per floor.
Yet, the units are connected by a communal lift lobby that is quite the
gathering space for our neighbourly chats. Its an ingenious layout for
living, but sadly not replicated by HDB anymore.

Aloysius and Sin Mei playing with

baby Kate at their favourite corner

Design in Print
talks to associate
director Leo
Mauricio, and
married couple
associate
Aloysius Lian
and architectural
executive Cheng
Sin Mei about
where they live and
what makes their
house a home.
Interview by Toh Bee Ping

L: I have two homes. One is a house in Mugliston Park in Yio Chu

Kang. Ive lived there for two years now. Its a large house with a
garden, a frontyard and a backyard, and comes with a mango tree
and a coconut tree. The house is nestled in a quiet community of
mostly landed properties. The other is my house in Manila. It is my
pride because I built most of it with my own hands. Like my house in
Singapore, it is surrounded by greenery. My wife Vikki and I are both
blessed with green thumbs, and I spend many good hours tending
to the plants.

Which is your favourite corner?

A: That would be the balcony that we converted into an extension of
the master bedroom. The brick wall is my wifes touch; we love the
texture and the old-school charm. There is a comfortable couch that
I read, play with my iPad and listen to music on. Sometimes I just sit
there and watch my beautiful wife and baby sleep.
SM: This is where we used to sit and feed the baby at 4am in the
morning! Now we read to her and play with her here. Its the place
where the memories of our babys first years are forged.
L: In my Singapore home, the place where I wind down after work is the
living room sofa in front of the TV. Other times youll find me at the dining
room table, hunched over the drawings of my house in Manila, a work
in progress since 1997. Its a three-storey house with a patio at the back
surrounded by my homegrown jungle. The patio, after the bedroom,

is where I spend most of my time. The greenery and sound of water cascading from the
pond has a soothing effect; coupled with a mug of freshly brewed coffee... heaven lah. I did
almost everything: the carpentry, plumbing and electrical works. The house is 90 percent
complete; what is left is the covered roof deck I call Leos Eagle Nest (laughs).
One of the proudest features of our home is what I call the drama of the staircase. It
is easily noticed as you enter the house when you enter. Half of the stairs serves as a
display for knickknacks that Vikki and I have collected over the years in our travels. The
staircase wall is a gallery for our collection of artworks by Filipino artists, my son and me.
It was not only designed but built by me, down to the metalwork of the railing which l cut,
welded, painted and assembled.

Awaken
The Dragon
Festival 2013

What do you love about your housing choice?

A: We live on the eleventh floor and we have a very nice view, especially of the sunrise,
the treetops and the roofscape of Opera Estate. Good natural light is very important. It is
also very windy. There is a small green space right next to our flat where Sin Mei will take
the baby for a stroll every evening after dinner. The neighbourhood uncles and aunties
love to play with our baby.
SM: Although it has the bustle of an engaged neighbourhood and the low rumbling of
MRT trains, its not noisy. The lift lobby is a communal space for the four units. Our floor
is a multi-racial one; a Chinese, Indian and Malay family live in the other three units. They
were curious and excited when a young couple like us moved in. There is neighbourly
camaraderie not common in newer estates. To us, this is an idyllic place.
L: I lived in a high-rise apartment back in 2000 or so, but there was just not enough room
for gardening and my DIY carpentry projects. With the space that comes with landed
homes, I can work extensively on the house and the garden, get my hands dirty and
transform my home into a resort-style haven. It is also easier to wash my car!

The patio is where I

spend most of my time.
The greenery and sound
of water cascading from
the pond has a soothing
effect; coupled with a
mug of freshly brewed
coffee... heaven lah.

Courtesy of Awaken the Dragon Festival

Seventy DPians took part in a workshop on 28

November 2013 to learn about the art of pottery, the
history of dragon kilns in Singapore and to sculpt their
own clay work. This was one of many workshops held
around Singapore as part of a community art project,
of which DP Architects was a proud sponsor.
The workshops culminated in the historic firing of the Jalan
Bahar Dragon Kiln in January. A total of 3,000 clay pieces
produced by members of the public was fired in the kiln, the
first time in over thirty years that its entire length of 43m was
fired a significant event for Singapore ceramics,
arts and culture. The pieces were then
exhibited at the National Museum of
Singapore from 9 to 24 March 2013.
Awaken the Dragon Festival was
organised by Ms Michelle
Lim, a design lecturer at
Singapore Polytechnic,
and Post-Museum.

All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced without prior

permission. DP Architects accepts no responsibility or liability for any
errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or
damage arising from reliance on information in Design in Print. Any
opinions in Design in Print are solely those of the named authors
of the article in which they appear. Unless named as author, DP
Architects, Editorial Panel and other Contributors do not endorse any
such views and disclaim all liability from their publication.

- Leo

Copyright DP Architects Pte Ltd

MICA (P) 012/10/2012
Printed by SC (Sang Choy) International Pte Ltd
L028/03/2012
Published by DP Architects Pte Ltd
6 Raffles Boulevard
#04-100 Marina Square
Singapore 039594
T: +65 6338 3988 F: +65 6337 9989
E: ask_corpcomm@dpa.com.sg
W: www.dpa.com.sg
Photo Contributors:
Leo Mauricio,
Loh Yew Cheng,
Pocholo Mauricio,
Rida Sobana &
Yong Hock Seng
All photos are credited to the mentioned
photographers unless otherwise stated.
Leo relaxing at the patio of his Manila home

DP 21

The design of Ridgewood Condominium, one of the first condominiums in

Singapore, places a strong emphasis on good orientation and luscious landscaping.
With 75 percent of the land area devoted to both hard and soft landscaping, the
setting created is of a lush tropical garden.
The buildings are sited to respond to the gently sloping topography. Two major
open spaces are created: an open hilltop area and a lower tree-covered area where
the swimming pool, squash and tennis courts are located. In this lower area, the
presence of trees and plants creates a sense of privacy for the users of the facilities
and for the residents in nearby units.
In association with Hogan, Cobeen, Weitz and Associates of Hawaii.
Project team: Koh Seow Chuan, Gan Eng Oon, Loke Kwong Yoon,
Teo Koon Hai and Peter Lee

Ridgewood Condominium

1981