H+R Issue 01 | Hospitality & Residential - Architect & Interiors Design by Hotel & Resort Design Magazine

DP ARCHITECTS: DESIGNING SOCIAL CENTRES OF URBAN LIFE THE MINTON COMMUNITY IN A GARDEN | OUE TWIN PEAKS THE HEIGHT OF CITY LIVING | JARDIN A GARDEN HOME IN THE SKY ALEXANDRA CENTRAL AN ELEGANT SUBURBAN JEWEL | MÖVENPICK HERITAGE HOTEL A SENSORY EXPERIENCE

ISSUE

OCT - JAN | 2015/16

SINGAPORE . HONG KONG . MALAYSIA . INDONESIA . THAILAND

HRADI.ASIA

publisher’s note

PERSONAL AND PUBLIC SPACES IMBUED WITH MEANING What makes a home? What are the nuances or influences that govern this special space and make it truly ours? How do spaces devoted to hospitality factor into the need for personal space? How does one make oneself at home in a space designed for public use?

elcome to the inaugural issue of H+R (Hospitality + Residential). Bringing you Asia-Pacific’s latest and greatest in high-end hospitality and residential architecture, design and interiors, this first issue of H+R is presented as part of a two-for-one bundle, with our compliments, to readers of our sister magazine, Office Concept. Working on the issue, we felt it necessary to get right down to the heart of what propels this new magazine. What makes a home? What are the nuances or influences that govern this special space and make it truly ours? How do spaces devoted to hospitality factor into the need for personal space? How does one make oneself at home in a space designed for public use? The global landscape is changing at a mind-boggling pace, directly impacting the way in which we all live and thrive. Guiding us through evolutions in the built environment, architects and designers tap into these shifts to present us with creative solutions that better our lives and keep us tuned in to the dynamism of the times. On that note, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to DP Architects for participating in this special first issue and contributing their prolific projects to our pages. Reviving overall awareness of local context, heritage and natural environments, the established multidisciplinary firm has contributed much to the modern urban landscape of their native Singapore over the decades while simultaneously making their mark beyond its borders. Their spirited approach to environments, both public and personal, is truly an inspiration. As we verge on new sections in upcoming issues of H+R, we’ll aspire to collaborate with interesting architects and designers from all over the region as well as a host of exciting global brands for our Melange section. We hope you’ll accompany us on this thrilling journey as we continue to break new ground with H+R. Stay tuned - the best is yet to come.

Kenneth Khu k@kennethmedia.asia 08

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LEFT: The Minton by DP Architects.

contents

Tufty-Time by Patricia Urquiola B&B Italia

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Bell Table by Sebastian Herkner ClassiCon Eggâ&#x201E;˘ by Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen

team & partner

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Kenneth Khu DEPUTY EDITOR Pang Yin Ying EDITOR Mandy Chin design ART DIRECTOR Eric Phoon SENIOR DESIGNER Sandy Liew contributors WRITERS Adele Chong, Dorothy Lung sales & marketing SENIOR SALES MANAGER Edmond Lee SALES EXECUTIVE Kelvin Ong publication PUBLISHER Kenneth Khu enquiries ADVERTISING advertising@kennethmedia.asia EDITORIAL editorial@kennethmedia.asia CONTRIBUTION contributor@kennethmedia.asia SUBSCRIPTION subscribe@kennethmedia.asia

credits PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marc Tey, Mario Wibowo, Rory Daniel Except otherwise noted, all photos and drawings are owned by DP Architects Pte Ltd: JARDIN Courtesy of Far East Organization THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL Courtesy of Sino Land Company Limited acknowledgement EDITORIAL Bonnie Oeni, Toh Bee Ping LAYOUT/GRAPHICS Fu Tingting, Lee Hui Yee, Loh Yew Cheng COVER OUE Twin Peaks

website www.hradi.asia | www.kennethmedia.asia contact KENNETH MEDIA SDN BHD 1002 Block D Tiara Kelana Jalan SS7/19 Kelana Jaya 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia T: +603 7887 4525 printer PERCETAKAN IMPRINT (M) SDN BHD No.538, Jalan 20 Taman Perindustrian Ehsan Jaya, Kepong 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia permit number KDN PP18850/09/2015(034307) MCI(P) 029/01/2015 magazine H+R (HOSPITALITY+RESIDENTIAL) is published three times a year and is circulated throughout the AsiaPacific region. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. copyright notice All rights, including copyright, in the content of this publication are owned by Kenneth Media Sdn Bhd, Malaysia. You are not permitted to copy, broadcast, download, store in any medium, transmit, show or play in public, adapt or change any in any way the content of this publication for any other purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of Kenneth Media Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.

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Special Thanks to OUE Twin Peaks

mélange | products

2 3

IT’S THE BOMB

MAD FOR IT

FIT FOR A QUEEN

A recent addition to Schiavello’s iconic Bomba collection, this eye-catching design by Australian designer Ivan Woods is a celebration of simple forms and quality materials. Part of a trio of new coffeetable designs extolling the collection’s dynamic and versatile sensibility, the Bomba table exudes its palpable presence in any space thanks to its imposing American oak tabletop. Available in round, square or rectangular shapes mounted on tapered legs distinctively rendered in timber or aluminum, this piece is the perfect complement to Bomba’s elegant sofa system.

Created for leading Italian furniture retailer Poliform, the Mad Queen armchair showcases the softer side of Marcel Wanders, a Dutch designer widely known for his flamboyant sense of style. Expanding on the successful Mad Chair collection that turned heads in 2013, this upholstered armchair design is instigating a craze of its own by playing up the collection’s hallmark – bold structures coupled with refined details – as well as Wanders’ talent for panache.

Comprising plush turquoise blue upholstery and intricately crafted gilded legs that vaguely evoke Art Deco architectural elements, this prettily ornate stool from Jetclass Group, the Portuguese luxury furniture manufacturer, fuses the romance of yesteryear with modern aesthetic influences. Simultaneously proffering functionally and fancy detailing, the design is a standout piece from the Group’s well-received Spacium collection. Placed alongside corresponding Spacium pieces or more pared down designs, its regal presence is sure to be felt.

SCHIAVELLO.COM

POLIFORM.IT SPACEFURNITURE.ASIA

JETCLASS.PT

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MYTHIC PROPORTIONS

BOLDLY BASIC

RAW STYLE

With a reputation for unique lighting designs that tell a story, Roll & Hill is a New York-based company that places emphasis on craftsmanship and small-batch production. The Cora pendant light by designer Karl Zahn wonderfully exemplifies these qualities. Named after the goddess Persephone – known also as ‘Cora’ in the famous Greek myth – Zahn’s metal-wrought design is a modernist tribute to the narrative of Cora’s annual return to Hades, bringing with her the light and warmth of the earth.

An unapologetic celebration of minimalism, the Premium collection by Malaysian furniture company Bristol is all about the beauty of materiality and form. Available in solid American walnut or a combination of beech wood and veneer, its sturdy construction stems from the use of special Mitre joint cabinetry techniques. Via a unique ecologically sustainable process, wood grain is matched externally and internally culminating in a solid wood appearance that nicely accentuates the design’s striking format.

Malaysian furniture retailer Quel takes design fans for a spin with the aptly named Twister barstool. Featuring an adjustable ash wood seat poised atop a shapely mild steel base, this design boasts a memorable silhouette while radiating industrial chic. But whether Twister finds its home in a deliberately unfinished loft space or a plushly decked out living area, its characteristic look and feel is versatile enough to adapt to any given setting.

ROLLANDHILL.COM SPACEFURNITURE.ASIA

BRISTOL.COM.MY

QUELFURNITURE.COM

mélange | products

UBER UPGRADE

LEANER THE BETTER

IN PERFECT SHAPE

One of Patricia Urquiola’s first statement pieces for B&B Italia, the Tufty-Time sofa remains a true blue icon, maintaining its undisputed status as one of the brand’s bestselling seating systems. Launched in commemoration of its 10th anniversary, Tufty-Time ’15 takes the original sofa to bold new heights with a new feature for the textile version – large squares are joined by pleats, giving rise to a exciting new look that’s at once contemporary and classic.

Often defying convention, Moooi’s striking designs frequently turn heads. Jointly imagined by Bertjan Pot and Marcel Wanders, this aesthetically punchy barstool is no exception. A distant cousin of the Carbon Chair, also by the design house, the stool showcases upstanding craftsmanship through its lean form and the interwoven lines that culminate as its sturdy base. Unbelievable light, its portability also makes it a practical option for commercial and domestic spaces.

Created in the 1950s by Arne Jacobsen for the lobby of the famous Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Egg Lounge chair has emerged as one of the most prolific furniture designs ever launched. Its shapely seat, composed of a moulded foam shell, draws one’s eye immediately to a broad wingback and armrests that appear to envelop the sitter. Perched on a swivel base with a convenient tilt function, the chair’s capacity for comfort precedes it.

BEBITALIA.IT SPACEFURNITURE.ASIA

MOOOI.COM SPACEFURNITURE.ASIA

FRITZHANSEN.COM XTRAFURNITURE.COM

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MOOD LIGHTING

UNBEARABLY COOL

A FINE SHINE

Looking at the AEROS pendant lamp, it’s a hard job deciding what’s more breathtaking: the beautifully diffused light it was designed to cast or the actual lamp itself. Bedecked with an organic Fibonacci pattern, this sophisticated number by Ross Lovegrove for Louis Poulsen is guaranteed to set the mood in any home and hotel thanks to its form pressed aluminium shade and a subtle wire suspension that gives it the look of floating in space.

Taking a cue from its playful namesake, the Teddy Bear chair by Hans J. Wegner brings an exuberant sense of fun to living environments everywhere. Emulating the feel of being embraced by a furry beast from behind, this lounge chair’s outstretched armrests add much to its idiosyncratic design. Upholstered in a stark blue textile that bolsters its toyland associations, the chair comes with a matching footrest that lets you put your feet up once playtime is over.

Envisioned by Scandinavian designer Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, this starkly modern floor lamp livens up the drabbest of living rooms with its smart simplicity. A deft combination of clean lines and pared down materials, the lamp’s unique three-shade system delivers an intimate effect by directing much of the light downwards. Made of three-layered, mouth-blown opal glass, the shade’s glossy top and sandblasted matt underside also serve to screen much of the brightness, yielding a softly diffused ambience.

LOUISPOULSEN.COM XTRAFURNITURE.COM

QUELFURNITURE.COM

LOUISPOULSEN.COM XTRAFURNITURE.COM

mélange | products

OUTDOOR OPULENCE

WINGED BEAUTY

SULTRY SLEEPS

Created by Rodolfo Dordoni for the Spanish brand Kettal, the BOMA collection has everything that you could want in a versatile outdoor living room system, and then some. Developed especially for open-air use, the collection’s high-performance furniture centres on a flexible, streamlined aluminium frame that allows for a variety of different arrangements. BOMA’s textile upholstery exudes comfort and contemporary elegance, all the while proffering utmost durability and weather resistant qualities.

Japanese designer Sori Yanagi has a poetic sensibility that is beautifully embodied by his impressive repertoire of furniture works. The Butterfly stool is a notable design that brings out Yanagi’s talent for fashioning thoughtful forms. Simple yet visually evocative, its Eastern-inspired style finds good company with plywood moulding techniques popularised in the Eames era. Alluding to a butterfly’s outspread wings, the stool’s gentle veneer curves belie its sturdy, robust construction.

Part of the brand’s Glamour collection, this bed by Portuguese luxury company Jetclass stuns upon first sight. An elaborately crafted headboard steals the show, marrying contemporary influences with old Hollywood glitz. The bed’s mix of dramatic detailing and plush upholstery bring to mind images of 1950s screen sirens luxuriating in dimly lit boudoirs while delicate rococo touches allude to the romance of 16th century France. Perfect for a royal respite.

KETTAL.COM

QUELFURNITURE.COM

JETCLASS.PT

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JOY TO BEHOLD

SAVED BY THE BELL

SURFACE VALUE

Showcasing astute design thinking, the new Eurodisc Joy by GROHE reminds us that small details do indeed matter. Placing form and function at the fore, this revolutionary faucet is defined by a minimalist shape and an adjustable joystick that allows for precise fingertip control over the desired water temperature. Responsible and sustainable consumption of water and energy is also promoted through the integrated GROHE Ecojoy watersaving technology, making the faucet a green yet aesthetic choice.

Want a sculptural work that doubles as a functional piece of furniture? The Bell Tables, designed for Sebastian Herkner for ClassicCon, might be just what the doctor ordered. Available in two formats, this unorthodox table design comprises a transparent, tinted glass base topped with a solid brass fame, giving it the shape of a bell. A celebration of craftsmanship, each handmade table was conceived as a showcase of contrasts, exhibiting a poetic connection between fragile and solid materials.

Like the other signature pieces that make up Bristolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premium collection, this minimalist desk rendered in walnut veneer pulls out the stops with its pared down aesthetic and solid construction. A sleek combination of simple lines and robust materials, the Kanye deskâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s double-tiered tabletop allows for ample storage as well as extensive work periods. To boot, its organic exterior and neutral palette makes it perfectly adaptable to all manner of offices and work areas.

GROHE.COM

CLASSICON.COM SPACEFURNITURE.ASIA

BRISTOL.COM.MY

showcase | overview

LIVING ROOMS IN THE CITY

Designing social centres of urban life

It takes a lifetime to perfect a craft, especially if that craft has an indelible impact on the human condition, changing the way people work, live and play. In pursuing their craft, architects are tasked with a great responsibility of defining city spaces in a dynamic, inhabitable and sustainable manner. In this inaugural issue of H+R (Hospitality + Residential), we home in on the various architectural ways that living environments are created for people in the city, since we spend a sizeable portion of our lives inhabiting dwellings, permanent or temporary, locally or overseas. We look at the work of DP Architects, a premier architecture practice in Asia, and its pursuit to positively impact the lives of city dwellers, focusing on the various ‘homes’ it has built in the city for people – whether they are private dwellings or ‘homes away from home’ as in hotels. The selected residential projects are designed to celebrate the benefits of city dwelling, yet also offer spaces that break from the city – offering both community and a harbour for the comforts of private life. Each project is designed to capture the energy of its site, with connections to the city that are contextual and specialised. As architectural elements, hotels are designed to establish a unique personal identity, interwoven with the surroundings to celebrate local character while encouraging visitors to feel at home in a new place. As seen in the curated stories, DP Architects specialises in designing hotels that do just this, planning hotels that perform as a buffer between the room

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and the city for comfort and privacy. These urban hotels have been programmed to blend a range of different spaces for social engagement and civic vibrancy. Hospitality and residential projects are but a segment of this Singapore-based firm’s comprehensive portfolio. Founded in 1967, DP Architects has been involved with urban projects of immense scale and increasing diversity of function for over five decades, with each project an on-going exploration in shaping the public domain. Since its founding, DP Architects has been driven by a core human-centric philosophy to uplift the human experience and spirit through architecture of excellence and is now a leading architecture practice in Asia with 1,200 staff in 15 global offices. While many of the firm’s works have their roots in Singapore, the ideas and techniques of the firm have expanded to projects in Asia, the Middle East and beyond. DP Architects has since evolved into an industry-leading, multidisciplinary design practice that operates as the DP group of companies, where DP Consultants, DP Design, DP Engineers, DP Green, DP Healthcare, DP Infrastructure and DP Sustainable Design complement DP Architects to deliver fully coordinated, innovative design solutions.

www.dpa.com.sg

TOP: Wanderlust Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graphic-themed interior design breaks away from conventional hotel room design.

BOTTOM LEFT: Treetop Lofts at Resorts World Sentosa, built within the natural greenery of Sentosa island, offers guests a complete immersion in nature.

BOTTOM RIGHT: An architectural form encloses amenities and sky terraces, creating a point of visual interest for the Sky@eleven condominium.

showcase | residential

URBAN GARDEN LIVING

Strengthening community relationships through shared spaces

In the 1970s and 80s, living in a condominium was associated with exclusivity and privacy, a prestigious address, an assortment of on-site facilities and amenities, and a more high-end style of living compared with the cookie-cutter type of public housing that was predominant in a young nation like Singapore. As the public housing market evolves over the years to provide consumers with diversified offerings and quality living through the addition of amenities around housing estates, 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. Designers have to rise to the challenge of addressing the narrowing gap between public housing and condominium undertakings, and seek ways to enhance

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designs so as to increase the attractiveness and marketability of housing developments. In the past, typically the larger private developments would have the luxury of extensive landscaping, and landscaping was mainly limited to the ground level. Today, many developments provide landscaping not just at the grounds, but also at sky terraces and gardens. These communal gardens not only let residents reconnect with nature in this bustling modern city, but also introduce shared social spaces and provide opportunities to strengthen community relations. The advent of sky terraces, gardens and vertical green in Singapore can also be attributed in part to Urban Redevelopment Authority’s and Building and Construction Authority’s urban and Green Mark guidelines. The responsibility of designers is not to simply maximise the

LEFT: The Minton, a suburban condominium, takes advantage of the site topography in the use of open spaces and landscaping.

permissible bonus gross floor area afforded by such schemes, but to utilise every square metre thoughtfully and with creativity. Using a selection of condominium projects, H+R examines DP Architects’ design strategies in recent years that demonstrate creativity in the use of greening and landscaping options: Suburban condominium, The Minton, capitalises on the site topography to create open spaces and verdant landscaping, and provide a lifestyle package for the whole family; OUE Twin Peaks which is set apart from other residential developments around the Orchard Road area by its capacity to offer urban living in lush greenery with ample recreational amenities; and Jardin, where the possibilities of vertical greenery are fully expounded and the pleasure of living in a high-rise garden environment is materialised.

RIGHT: The communal high-rise gardens of Jardin connect the units’ living spaces and function as social spaces.

Community in a Garden The Minton

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive home property market, what is valued is a design that differentiates the living experience, in line with market trends. The Minton, a suburban condominium development reflects the increasingly sophisticated demands of homeowners and markets a lifestyle package for the whole family. The Minton, completed in 2014, comprises ten 15-storey and eight 17-storey apartment blocks, with a total of 1,145 units including 24 units of penthouses. Despite its size, the development is an example of a unique high-rise living concept, built on a creative interpretation of the landscape and the provision of differentiated amenities. All blocks are oriented in the north-south direction in three linear rows, ample spaces maintained between the blocks.

TOP: Site plan of The Minton, a suburban condominium situated at Hougang, Singapore.

BOTTOM: The Minton is a large-scale development with 18 apartment blocks, offering a total of 1,145 units including 24 penthouses.

showcase | residential

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THIS PAGE: The architectural language is modern with clean lines, with the extensive use of glass panels on the elevations. The open spaces and landscaping create different experiences, facilitated by bridges and sky terraces.

SINGAPORE

COMMUNITY IN A GARDEN

The design takes full advantage of the site topography in the use of open spaces and landscaping to create distinctively different experiences, facilitated by bridges and sky terraces connecting the blocks. Two of the three sky terraces accommodate spa facilities for residents, while the third serves as a landscaped deck connected to a bridge that links the different levels in this development.

Unlike older developments, The Minton provides not just the basic amenities but a much wider range that is set attractively within a cleverly designed landscape. The design reflects the increasingly sophisticated demands of the modern homeowner and markets a lifestyle package for the whole family. The development boasts one of the largest clubhouses in Singapore. Beyond the amenities commonly found in condominiums, The Minton has dedicated rooms for activities like yoga, billiards, table soccer, karaoke, piano and table tennis. Further commercial facilities are housed in the clubhouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annex building, including childcare and retail facilities. Other recreational and sports facilities, including lap and heated pools, hydro-massage pavilions, onsen spas and an 82-seat library,

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TOP: Recreational and sports facilities are placed amid greenery throughout the development.

BOTTOM: Sky terraces accommodate spa facilities for residents.

THIS PAGE: A feature design landscape deck bridges different levels of the development.

are strategically placed around the entire development. Set within an exclusive and private living environment, this extensive provision is made possible by the critical mass of households in this large estate. The Minton is located within walking distance to Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations and accessible via major expressways.

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Featuring clean lines, the development cuts a modern and elegant silhouette. The use of a spandrel glass faรงade, featuring bay windows and balconies, add rhythm and a sense of playfulness while breaking down the scale of a long faรงade. The extensive use of glass panels on the elevations adds class and sophistication to this suburban development.

TOP LEFT: The development provides extensive amenities set attractively within a cleverly designed landscape.

BOTTOM LEFT: The 82-seat library is one of the facilities not commonly found in condominiums. The wide range of amenities is made possible by the critical mass of households in this large estate.

RIGHT: Hydro-massage pavilions, situated at sky terraces, reflect the increasingly sophisticated demands of homeowners.

showcase | residential

The Height of City Living OUE Twin Peaks

Standing proudly on the slopes of Leonie Hill, OUE Twin Peaks towers above the city, commanding views along Orchard Road and the Central Business District (CBD). 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. To truly understand the future of housing in Singapore, it is important to first consider the past. In the early 1960s, suburban new towns with spacious new apartment blocks were created to address the severe shortage of housing in Singapore.

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THIS PAGE: The luxury residential development is situated at Leonie Hill, near Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier shopping strip, Orchard Road.

INSET: Site plan of OUE Twin Peaks.

SINGAPORE

THE HEIGHT OF CITY LIVING

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THIS PAGE: The expansive estate grounds is designed with a varied landscape, from simple manicured lawns to rich landscapes that provide pockets of quietude and the luxury of space.

In theory, these new housing developments were to be self-sufficient communities. However, these areas were not able to provide sufficient employment and many residents began to commute into the CBD for work. Public transport made this journey short enough that many suburban residents preferred to shop and dine in the city. 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 connected to the city. Out of this unique sociopolitical climate has grown the need for a new housing typology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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, OUE Twin Peaks was created. Although situated on an expansive site, the architects decided to restrict the developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footprint and extend the towers vertically, leaving more space for lifestyle facilities. This resulted in the design of two symmetrical 35-storey towers that hold 231 units each. The variety in the unit layouts provide ample selection for various types of households. Flexibility in combining selected adjoining units gives owners the luxury to expand their homes within this development. Not only is this a highly efficient design, but one that is balanced and composed within its urban context.

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TOP: The Sky Loggia, a communal space at the top level, offers panoramic views of the Orchard shopping district and opportunities for socialising.

BOTTOM: The vertical volume of the buildings is punctuated with landscaped sky terraces, creating a signature void.

On the façade, the timber look of the aluminium screens stands out charmingly against the lightness of the glass windows. Vertical expressions enhance the slender silhouettes, extending them towards the sky. The arrangement of the towers provides panoramic views of the Orchard shopping district. OUE Twin Peaks’ position in the heart of Singapore means it is an ideal location for business and recreation with the main commercial areas only a stone’s throw away. Residents spend less time travelling and more time on the things they enjoy. To this end, OUE Twin Peaks has many lifestyle facilities for residents to take pleasure in, including numerous pools, sky gyms, gardens and 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 to support the residents’ busy lifestyles. Residents enjoy the privilege of housekeeping and hospitality services extended by the Mandarin Orchard Singapore.

TOP: On the façade, the timber look of the aluminium screens stands out against the lightness of the glass windows.

BOTTOM: View of the timber-look aluminium screens.

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THIS PAGE: The design of two symmetrical towers restricts the developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footprint, leaving more space for lifestyle facilities.

In OUE Twin Peaks, every effort has been taken to make sure the residents are afforded the luxurious lifestyle they desire. For this purpose, each unit comes fully furnished with high quality furniture and classic designer pieces. OUE Twin Peaks is the first of a new generation of residences that cater to a contemporary city lifestyle. In designing this new typology, the architects of OUE Twin Peaks understood that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 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.

TOP: The development caters to a contemporary city lifestyle; each unit is fully furnished with high-quality furniture and classic designer pieces.

BOTTOM: The arrangement of the towers provides residents with a clear vista from the living room to the heart of Singapore.

showcase | residential

A Garden Home in the Sky Jardin

In Jardin, where architecture and landscape merge into a living environment, an innovative concept of modern living is introduced. The two key design concepts can be discerned in its name Jardin – namely the idea of a garden and the French notion of quality and tasteful living. Jardin allows the simple pleasure of living in a garden to be materialised in a high-rise environment, by literally bringing gardens right up in the sky. Through the creative employment of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore’s guidelines of sky terraces, Jardin’s integration of extensive softscape and hardscape, vertically and horizontally, renews the notion of high-rise green living.

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TOP: Nestled in the prime Bukit Timah residential district along Dunearn Road, Jardin, with its elevated garden terraces, rises dramatically from a landscape berm.

SINGAPORE

A GARDEN HOME IN THE SKY

BOTTOM: Typical plan shows that each loft apartment has access to a garden balcony.

24m

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THIS PAGE: The bold green outlook adds a strong presence to the development and a sense of richness for the main streetscape.

Garden terraces connecting the various levels act as multiple ground floors, bringing the greenery close to the living spaces despite the highrise conditions. These ‘sky-gardens’ enhance the streetscape of Dunearn Road and reinforce Jardin’s identity in the locale as a unique development. The architectural outlook of Jardin is defined by a dramatic face of ‘green’. The concept of high-rise greenery is manifested in various scale and effects, maximising the green effect. The experience of Jardin’s garden setting begins at the point of entry. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a landscaped berm that raises the building dramatically, providing a buffer away from the main road. The building is also set back by terraces of green, filtering away the noise and view of the main road fronting it. Various vertical spaces, such as communal lift lobby walls and columns are clad with vertical green to enhance the garden-like quality. At each alternate level, an extensive garden projects out from the loft units to serve as communal ‘green balconies’, providing shade as well as connecting the units’ living spaces, offering numerous possibilities for socialising. A different garden theme is conceived on each level. Along the sky garden edges and planter boxes, similar tree and plant types are planted to achieve a consistent look. The different themes, such as flower garden, fern garden and rock garden, are expressed in the plans and the selection of plants, creating differential experiences of sky-rise greenery. With a ten-storey height limit on the site, the roof top has been fully utilised to create an extensive club and recreation garden with a series of event pavilions and great views of the surrounding context for the residents’ enjoyment.

TOP: The roof top garden – with a pool deck, clubhouse and a recreation garden with event pavilions – offers residents great social spaces and views of the surroundings.

MIDDLE: Multiple communal garden terraces connect to various residential floors, allowing an extension of the residents’ living spaces into the lush greenery and vice versa.

BOTTOM: Section diagram illustrating the sky terraces as a purposeful and meaningful buffer, and various views from the development.

Various landscaping techniques inspired by the art of garden design are employed. One is the serial vision technique, where a sequence of landscape features is unravelled as one moves through the development. Elements, such as vertical green and feature walls serve as focal points of various areas as well as useful forms of orientation. Natural lighting from light shafts dramatises the sense of arrival. This sensory journey is further extended through glazed lift cars that allow views towards the neighbouring landscape as residents ascend to their units.

Shakkei, or ’borrowed scenery’, a Japanese technique that makes a small garden appear larger, has also been utilised. The balconies of residential units are organised with planters, borrowing views of the adjacent setting and maximising the lush landscape and pool view

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of neighbouring condominium Garden Vista. In this way, the visual experience from within Jardin’s living quarters is further enhanced beyond its physical confinement. In enhancing the design concept of Jardin, there is a conscious attempt to develop a sustainable maintenance strategy. This begins with the selection of appropriate plant species that will grow well in the local tropical climate. Furthermore a series of auto-irrigation and drainage systems has been integrated with the various planting zones. The combination of these garden-living design strategies epitomises this exciting residential development, where the possibilities of vertical greenery is fully expounded.

TOP: The Japanese technique of Shakkei is used to ‘borrow’ views of the lush landscape and pool view of neighbouring condominium Garden Vista, enhancing the visual experience beyond the living quarters.

BOTTOM: Varying landscape themes, plant types and materiality allow the creation of a highly differentiated experiences of skyrise greenery.

showcase | hospitality

NEW FRONTIERS Crafting new design strategies for mixed hospitality schemes

Singapore is transforming into a regional medical hub. The growth in the medical tourism industry is affecting the landscape of the hospitality industry, resulting in an evolved mixed-use typology that co-locates hospitality and healthcare requirements. Connexion is a mixed-use scheme innovatively incorporating a hotel and healthcare facilities, going beyond the usual office and retail components.

The modern world is increasingly connected, with the boundaries between work and play dissolving as accessible and reliable infrastructure allow people to multi-task. Beyond location, pricing, amenities, décor, branding, service quality and experience, travellers are now also looking for an integrated environment which allows them to rest, work, shop and play all at once.

mall, The Dubai Mall, with more than 1,200 stores, a 250-room luxury hotel, a cineplex, aquarium, ice rink and theme park. Other large-scale projects include Marina Square, a large shopping mall linked to three hotels; and Resorts World Sentosa, a S$6.5bn multi-use development that includes a Universal Studios theme park, a marine life park, a maritime museum, a casino and six hotels.

Besides the efficient functioning of a hotel, travellers are now drawn to vibrant lifestyle developments, where mixed components collectively become the draw. These components not only bring convenience, they bring vitality, and together they create value that the consumer is willing to pay for and enjoy. DP Architects has been a vital player in developing such mixed-use projects, including the design and development of the world’s biggest

DP Architects is no stranger to integrated hotel developments all over the world, at points pioneering and refining the form: Alexandra Central shows how vibrancy is created through the design of a retail-andhotel development in the Singapore suburbs, and the story of Trans Studio Bandung Complex in Indonesia explains how an integrated lifestyle entertainment hub injects new life into the neighbourhood.

These projects offer a glimpse of DP Architects’ hospitality portfolio and demonstrate how the firm’s design approach to hotels within mixed schemes has evolved with time. Yet in all examples, importance was placed on the creation of cohesive connections between the various elements of the complexes – allowing people to enjoy the spaces.

LEFT: One Farrer Hotel & Spa is a five-star urban resort situated within Connexion, an integrated commercial and healthcare complex.

RIGHT: Trans Studio Bandung Complex is an integrated lifestyle entertainment hub comprising a mall, two hotel towers and a theme park.

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SINGAPORE

THE INTERSECTION OF HEALTHCARE AND HOSPITALITY

The Intersection of Healthcare and Hospitality Connexion

Situated in the historically rich district of Farrer Park, Connexion is a mixed-use complex combining hospitality, conference, healthcare and retail facilities within one domain. Comprising the luxurious five-star urban resort, One Farrer Hotel and Spa; One Farrer Conference Centre; Farrer Park Hospital; Farrer Park Medical Centre; and Owen Link, a retail and dining zone; the functions of the 20-storey Connexion building are independently demarcated and embody their own identities and operational requirements.

TOP: First-storey plan.

BOTTOM: The 20-storey Connexion combines hospitality, conference, healthcare and retail facilities within one domain.

Seen as a beacon within Farrer Park as the first unique hybrid development, the complex was conceptualised, planned and designed to be visually striking, and transforms the urban appearance of its surroundings while retaining respect for and reference to its context.

site instinctively links these two distinct urban fabrics through the building form.

In response to its surroundings, between the pre-war heritage shophouses of the Farrer Park precinct and the modern urban residential developments beyond Race Course Road, the

The lower podium relates to the lowrise, densely sited shophouses, while the slender tower that rises above the podium is harmonious with the newer, more contemporary, high-rise developments. From either ground level or the 20th level, Connexion presents views that are truly Singaporean, reflecting both the history and on-going evolution of the city state, preand post-independence.

LEFT TOP: Retail and dining zone, Owen Link.

A â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connexionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of Different Urban Fabrics

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LEFT BOTTOM: The hotel lobby is designed with clean lines and emphasis on spaciousness.

The site also contains the original, contextually significant Owen Road, now internalised as the Owen Link pedestrian walkway, which physically connects these two urban fabrics. The building preserves this walkway by physically drawing it through the ground floor of the complex and making it a 24/7 public pedestrian link, further enhancing the connectivity through the complex.

brush, depicting the vestiges of rich history etched within the site. These lines give the building its shape while expressing the concept of connection.

Connecting Hospitality and Healthcare

The building functions as two separate parts – the hospitality and healthcare sectors – each with its own highly specified and specialised operational needs. Yet the essence of the design is to allow for these two

The design started from a concept sketch of two simple lines, which resonate with the strokes of a classical calligraphy

MIDDLE: Posh materials and earthy tones create an upscale yet relaxing feel.

RIGHT: Each Sky Villa is tastefully customised with art pieces and cosy furniture.

As the name ’Connexion’ suggests, the design intent was to ensure the harmony of various components within a cohesive architectural form, while having each element retain their own unique identity.

components to co-exist, while still permitting each element its own unique identity. These individual identities are enhanced by the thoughtful application of interior space concepts and design, to distinguish between the positioning of the hotel and the healthcare facilities. From the first storey, there are distinctive entrances and drop-off points for the healthcare and hotel, separate lift lobbies and individual access for all the car-park floors. The different design approaches to the interior treatments clearly inform visitors of their orientation within the complex. This is further reiterated by the use of two large bronze Apples of Life – green for the hotel and red for the healthcare facilities – that grace the two main entrances, which are features of the Farrer Park Company’s extensive permanent collection of Greater Asian 3D and contemporary art. Exceptional and Distinct Accommodation One Farrer Hotel and Spa encompasses three hotels under a single hospitality umbrella – the Urban Hotel, Loft Apartments, and Skyline Hotel & Sky Villas – as part of a strategic ‘hotels within a hotel’ concept to offer a differentiated range of five-star accommodation with 243 rooms, suites and villas in total. The challenge was to express the characteristic personalities of each hotel with a unique yet coherent, complementary design language. The Urban Hotel is designed to attract business travellers and families with its comfortable contemporary style, while the Loft Apartments are conceptualised as ‘walk-up apartments’ for extended stay travellers, with working, dining and relaxing areas on the upper level, and sleeping facilities on the lower level. The Skyline Hotel & Sky Villas is designed to be ‘a total environment’ for in-house residents, spanning the entire city block with great views from its three levels. The Skyline Hotel provides luxury and privacy with its own dining facilities, 24/7 gym, a complete Asian Wellness Spa, and bespoke meeting space. The Sky Villas are the crowning glory of the Skyline Hotel offering penthouse residential luxury accommodation, with each villa individually named after a

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TOP: Hotel guests enjoy panoramic views of the city.

BOTTOM: The modern chic décor reflects the comfort and intimacy of home.

TOP: The Presidential Villa epitomises the high life, with its designer finishes, outdoor Jacuzzi and magnificent skyline views.

BOTTOM: With a clean aesthetic defined by plush rugs, wood finishes and neutral tones, the Urban Hotel is ideal for business travellers.

local flower in Singapore, plus a Presidential Villa. The Sky Villas feature individual open air courtyards, lava rock grills, private wine cellars and Jacuzzis. Each villa houses exquisite examples of hand-knotted carpets and Asian antiques. The interior mood is kept modern and contemporary chic, with a neutral base palette which forms a receptive environment for the over 700-piece collection of art which has been specially curated and commissioned. Accents of colour from specially woven carpets, distinctive installation and 2D artwork, paired with backlit wall panels, cooling stone finishes, enhanced with an ever changing array of fresh flowers, give the public spaces a fresh, contemporary look. The Escape Restaurant and Lounge features a complete interactive kitchen, allowing for culinary specialties to be prepared directly in front of the diners.

Flip Flop and Sunset Bar, creates an inviting and stylish atmosphere for lounging and relaxation around the hotel’s Olympic-sized swimming pool or enjoying a treatment in the Spa Retreat with Japanese-inspired onsen relaxation water gardens. The Conference Centre – comprising a grand ballroom and three meeting rooms, plus the glass-walled

Garden Pavilion – is equipped with the latest sophisticated technology, such as direct fibre optic connectivity to the 18 operating rooms of the Farrer Park Hospital and the hotel’s innovative Origins of Food cooking studio which is further supported by the Local, Fresh and Seasonal deli-style restaurant and its own on-site 102sqm Farm at One Farrer.

TOP: The design begins with a concept sketch of two simple lines, giving the building its shape while expressing the concept of connection.

BOTTOM: The bronze sculpture, Apple of Life, graces the main entrance to the hotel.

The contemporary yet slightly retro décor of the ‘lifestyle’ pool-side restaurant and bar,

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THIS PAGE: Natural light floods the airy space of the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lift lobby.

Holistic Restorative Experience The healthcare components consist of a complete specialist full-service hospital and 189 medical clinics. Through its contemporary interior design, the hospital and medical centre are atypically designed, embodying the concept of top-notch medical care within a relaxing, sophisticated environment for recuperation, complete with convenient amenities. The Farrer Park Hospital features cutting-edge medical technology and user-friendly designed hospital wards. The prominence of clean lines and neutral colours maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while bursts of colour from the furnishings, art work and eye-catching light features are chic additions to the refined and serene environment. The hotel, hospital and their surrounds resonate with notes of serenity with 14 gardens over 20 levels, offering lush greenery, flowing waters and reflective spaces, to nourish the body and soul.

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THIS PAGE: Healing spaces, in various configurations, include a splendid city view as well as elegantly designed medical facilities.

Façade Expression The horizontal lines of the podium façade evoke the movement and energy of nature, softening the look of the complex while maintaining a modern and clean architectural expression. The façade treatment for each programme within the complex addresses its distinctive functional requirements. Due to its site orientation, the 20-storey tower is exposed to the eastern and western sun diagonally. As the medical centre is occupied mostly during the day, additional sunshading was crucial for this half of the building. Every window of the medical centre has three triangular sunshading panels tilted outwards against the eastern and western sun, which are hinged at the window frame and the overhang so that sunlight is blocked. They were kept triangular so that at eye level, the interior view would mostly be unblocked, and perforated to allow for the filtering of light. Colours were added to the sunshading screens to allude to the colour and vibrancy of the neighbourhood and to provide contrasting elements within a predominantly white canvas. The revolutionary concept of Connexion lies in its integration of healthcare with hospitality. The result is a uniquely amalgamated mixeduse development, with complementary services, all linked within a single building complex. The complex was designed by DP Architects, while the interior works were done by its subsidiary, DP Design.

Connexion, Hotel Fort Canning and Mövenpick Heritage Hotel are featured in greater detail in DP Design’s recently launched publication, DP Design – Designing Spaces. Highlighting the firm’s body of work within the interior design field over 30 years, the book explores schemes beyond typical typologies for interior design, and delves into unconventional interior work behind

TOP: Connexion’s sunshading panels reduce solar gain while minimising the need for artificial lighting.

large-scale retail developments, institutional projects and public spaces. Examples illustrate DP Design’s approach to interiors, which respond to a building’s intrinsic architectural form, functionality and user experience. Rather than treating interiors as isolated design projects, interiors are seen as extensions of the building’s architecture. The book, officially launched in October 2015, is on sale at bookstores.

showcase | hospitality

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THIS PAGE: The simple box of the hotel tower is perched at the edge of the podium and supported by two six-storey columns. Near the top of the tower, a cantilevered glass box slides out from the edge to give the hotel its signature form.

SINGAPORE

AN ELEGANT SUBURBAN JEWEL

An Elegant Suburban Jewel Alexandra Central

Alexandra Central is a mixed commercial development located at the prominent northeast corner of Jalan Bukit Merah and Alexandra Road. Occupying the former SAFRA Bukit Merah site with a land area of close to 8,000sqm, this landmark development comprises the 19-storey Park Hotel Alexandra, perched on top of a six-storey retail and car park podium, with landscaped hotel facilities on the podium roof. The upscale hotel has spectacular views towards the green Southern Ridges in the southwest and the city in the northeast. The retail component presents a mix of restaurants and speciality retail shops that serve hotel guests and the community. To create an animated display of movement and dynamism in the overall form, horizontal lines are expressed throughout the podium faรงade. From the porous faรงade expressed by horizontal aluminium louvres at the car park levels to the linear mullions in front of the glass faรงade at the retail floors, this horizontality serves as an integral, unifying element tying in the varied compositions of the different building components.

TOP: First-storey plan.

MIDDLE: The hotel development has spectacular views towards the Southern Ridges in the southwest and the city in the northeast.

BOTTOM: Glass faรงade at the retail floors showcases human activity and establishes visual connections with the streets.

The different components of the development are arranged in a characteristic 30-degree splay. The hotel tower is oriented to capitalise on views. The resultant east and west faรงades of the hotel are articulated with highly tinted double-glazed windows to minimise the effects of solar heat gain. The angled hotel tower is set back along the rear of the site to anchor its towering presence at the rear and allow the retail component to be flexibly arranged within the podium fronting Jalan Bukit Merah and Alexandra Road. The linear faรงade facing Jalan Bukit Merah forms the splay against the hotel tower and maximises the frontage. In contrast to the splayed linear edges of the hotel tower and the Bukit Merah faรงade, a sinuous curved faรงade sweeps along the entire length of the frontage facing Alexandra Road. This separates the exclusive doublevolume hotel lobby and drop-off area from the cylindrical glass volume that marks the main pedestrian entrance at the road intersection. To further accentuate the idea of dynamism, this volume is made up of contrasting, exposed vertical mullions, with glass panels anchoring the drum at this important junction, providing the public with a clear display of human activity at the retail levels. At the

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TOP: Lobby of Park Hotel Alexandra.

BOTTOM: Three levels of retail shops and restaurants serve hotel guests and the community.

THIS PAGE: The porous faรงade of the car park levels expressed by the aluminium louvres. This expression of horizontality, including the linear mullions in front of the

retail faรงade, serves as an integral element to tie in the varied compositions of the different components.

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LEFT: Park Hotel Alexandraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicular drop-off.

MIDDLE TOP: Alfresco pool bar next to the infinity pool on the podium roof.

other end of the site, an aluminium perforated screen with a customised pattern wraps around the circular ramp to round off the podium form. Perched at the edge of the podium, the box design of the hotel tower is supported by two six-storey columns. Near the top of the tower, a cantilevered glass box slides out from the edge to give the hotel its elegant signature form. To enliven the streetscape, the landscape design is based on a composition of organic and geometric forms to create a dynamic space. The distinction between public and private landscape areas is blurred and seamlessly integrated by the clever use of planting islands and continuous paving that extends from the sidewalk to the edge of the commercial development. Alexandra Central is designed to meet the demands of an emerging, bustling regional centre, serving business travellers from the Pasir Panjang and Alexandra Road business hubs, as well as the nearby one-north developments and tertiary institutions.

MIDDLE BOTTOM: Hotel facilities on the seventh storey landscaped podium roof.

RIGHT TOP: The hotel is suitably located to serve business travellers from nearby business hubs and educational institutions.

showcase | hospitality

Vibrant Placemaking Trans Studio Bandung Complex

Trans Studio Theme Park (Façade additions & alterations)

Trans Studio Mall (Façade additions & alterations)

Canopy Entrance

Located in Central Bandung along Jalan Gatot Subroto, the Trans Studio Bandung Complex is an integrated lifestyle entertainment hub composing of a mall, two hotel towers and a theme park connected to the western end of the mall. As part of the upgrade and expansion project, the existing Trans Studio Mall underwent overall façade improvements with updated entrances and strategic linkages to the new developments within the site. The design approach for the mall upgrading and two new hotels placed great importance on the creation of cohesive connections between

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Mall Plaza Canopy

Hotels (The Trans Luxury Hotel & IBIS Hotel) Gateway

the different elements of the development. The orientation of the six-star The Trans Luxury Hotel is such that the hotel overlooks the adjacent open plaza, maximising views facing the theme park, the landscaped grounds as well as Mount Tangkuban Perahu in the distance. Due to the intentional massing design of the hotel blocks, a natural public pedestrian linkway leading to the plaza was created. The hotel’s grand ballroom is situated on the mall’s existing roof, transforming the roof deck into a semi-public outdoor landscaped extension of the pre-function area. There is

TOP: Element diagram showing the integrated components within the complex.

also a new F&B belt along the perimeter of the mall which creates a vibrant stretch of lively activity as visitors walk between the hotel and theme park. The luxury hotel, while being part of a cohesive development, successfully depicts a strong sense of individuality with its bronzetinted reflective glass cladding, setting it apart from the adjacent IBIS Hotel. The main lobby of the hotel was designed with grandeur in mind – the ceiling of the porte-cochère features an elaborate design, with intricate laser-cut patterns at the column claddings.

INDONESIA

THIS PAGE: The design approach placed great importance on the creation of cohesive connections between the different elements of the development.

VIBRANT PLACEMAKING

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THIS PAGE: The two hotel blocksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; massing design and orientation serve to unite the components of the lifestyle hub into a cohesive whole without losing their individual identity.

The new hotel developments and improvements to existing facilities demonstrate sensitivity to the site context and user needs. As Bandung typically experiences cooler year-round temperatures as compared to other Indonesian cities, the mallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing open plaza has become a popular location for outdoor concerts and events. To enhance the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience and offer greater comfort, a large elliptical ETFE canopy spanning 1,000sqm was introduced to shelter the plaza and the 12m clear height allows for pleasant daylighting and natural ventilation. The upgrade and expansion project serves to inject new life into the area, attracting families, tourists and locals alike to enjoy the public spaces as well as bringing greater pedestrian traffic to the mall. On the other spectrum, set amid the landscaped grounds, the hotel stands as an exclusive and definitive icon within the neighbourhood.

TOP: The inclusion of a grand ballroom transformed the roof deck into a semi-public outdoor landscaped extension.

BOTTOM: The large elliptical ETFE canopy spans 1,000sqm to shelter the popular outdoor plaza.

showcase | hospitality

RECONFIGURING THE PAST Modern dialogues with the past

The past informs the present, which in turn informs the future. In order to chart hospitality developments made in the present and their evolution in response to a changing future, it is necessary to take stock of Singapore’s past, which impacts DP Architects’ conservation work as a homegrown firm. Singapore’s story of rapid urban development is well-established. As a young nation, Singapore’s focus in the early years of its independence was nation building, placing emphasis on modern and innovative forms of architecture and urbanism, supporting the economic postindependence progress of the city-state. As a hub for finance, tourism and trade, present-day Singapore is synonymous with

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gleaming skylines of glass and steel towers. However, much of Singapore’s valuable colonial building stock was destroyed in this drive towards modernity, and it was only in the 1980s that authorities and architects began to concern themselves with the preservation of Singapore’s remarkably varied built heritage as a result of the country’s social diversity and colonial past. The discovery of alternative paradigms in the past enabled DP Architects to rethink the status quo and see if things could be done differently – through uncovering and reconstructing the past.

and The Fullerton Bay Hotel reconfigure existing heritage buildings to present guests with a blend of the historical and the contemporary, re-introducing rich stories of the site to create new understanding and memories for local and overseas visitors. Such memories ensure continued education on the sites’ unique character, legacy and cultural context. The three projects on the following pages demonstrate that DP Architects’ understanding of historical details and close collaboration with stakeholders proved crucial in designing successful hotel environments that respect and also reimagine the past in creative ways.

With sensitivity and intelligence, restoration and adaptive reuse projects such as Hotel Fort Canning, Mövenpick Heritage Hotel

LEFT: The meticulously selected furniture and display pieces at Mövenpick Heritage Hotel create a sensory experience of nostalgia.

RIGHT: The architectural heritage of Hotel Fort Canning is celebrated by stripping away the claddings of yesteryears to reveal its original architectural details.

SINGAPORE

A PROJECT OF REVITALISATION AND REINVENTION

A Project of Revitalisation and Reinvention Hotel Fort Canning

Hotel Fort Canning and its environs have been the stage to a deeply layered history that is both geographic and national. To reconfigure this 1926 British Colonialstyle military building as a contemporary urban hotel, the architects worked both retrospectively – carefully considerate of the structure’s evolution with reference to that of its site – and in an anticipatory manner, employing techniques that would creatively reinterpret the past in light of new function. Specifically, the ephemeral architectural elements of glass and lighting work to expose and celebrate the layers of this history.

TOP: First-storey plan.

BOTTOM: Hotel Fort Canning is adapted from a military administrative-use building erected in 1926.

At 60 metres above sea level, Fort Canning Park is the highest point within Singapore’s Central Area. This geological elevation has made the hill a centre of regional authority for centuries: archaeological excavations evidence the park as having once been home to palatial residences of 14th century Malay kings, for which the site came to be known as Bukit Larangan, ‘Forbidden Hill’; Sir Stamford Raffles built his first residence and botanical garden here in the 1820s with the founding of Singapore as a colony; the park owes its current name to a later GovernorGeneral who transformed the hill into a fort and military command headquarters; and the site became home to the Singapore Armed Forces following the nation’s independence in the 1960s. Hotel Fort Canning is adapted from a military administrative-use building erected in 1926, a structure later host to the Fort Canning Country Club. In the conversion of this building into a hotel, the architects have designed each of the building’s elements as reflective odes to this diverse history: for instance, a shallow pool in the lobby recalls the baths of the hill’s 14th century palaces; and guestroom balcony planters extend the exterior inwards, drawing from the mid-1800s botanical gardens first established by Raffles.

As a conserved heritage building, design work for the hotel necessitated extensive restorative measures respectful of the building’s original architectural qualities – this included the revival of the façade, reprogramming a closed lobby once again as an outdoor porte-cochère, stripping columns and ceilings of supplemental cladding to reveal former structure, and repairing timber elements at the grand central staircase, cross balustrades, beams and trusses. In addition to refurbishment, the architects performed interior layout alterations to accommodate new hospitality functions – partition wall rearrangements to incorporate 86 guestrooms within the existing column grid, and replacing outdoor verandahs with perimeter wall bathrooms, for instance.

LEFT: The colours and materials of the interiors were deliberately chosen to evoke subtle elegance, creating a contrast with the heritage of the building as well as the greenery of the park.

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In each of these cases, lighting and glass are implemented to juxtapose original architectural elements with new visual and functional details. These work to capture the minimalist characteristics inherent to the building’s initial use for military operations; rather than relying upon artwork and fabrics as critical components of interior design, the architectural details themselves provide the rich textures and articulations of a comfortable internal environment.

RIGHT: The Lobby Archaeological Pits, filled with 14th and 19th century artefacts unearthed at Fort Canning Park, celebrate the history of the inhabitants of the park and of Singapore itself.

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LEFT: Conservation doors held within frames of glass serve as visible thresholds between old and new internal spaces.

Lighting works in an exhibitionist manner, commemorating elements of the building’s original structure: lit coffers open up the ceiling to frame underlying beams; lights embedded in the floors transform each column into a feature on display; the asymmetry of the 1920s central hall is retained and emphasised by a lit cove designed along one edge of the ceiling. These illumination techniques extend to the exterior, where lights produce a nightlong display of original horizontal and vertical façade segments. In a second consistent architectural theme, glass detailing performs as a backdrop to establish striking moments of transition between new and old. Frameless, electric glass doors sit inside heavy timber portals to contrast the historic with the modern at the lobby; these also work to place the building’s central column on display as a specialised feature. Four glass-enclosed archaeological pits are embedded into the floor of the reception space to showcase 14th and 19th century pottery and earthenware excavated from the hill. In the guestrooms, verandahs are creatively transformed into bathrooms

RIGHT: Deluxe Garden Rooms feature French doors that open to a private landscaped patio.

and sitting areas to counter the narrow transverse dimensions of the building. Here, grand doorways float in a frame of glass to highlight the once-existent transition from inside to outside – this becomes the room’s focal point in a unique reciprocal relationship of ‘framing the frame’ to expose the space’s altered function by means of architectural detailing; a similar technique is employed to hold a heavy portal within a plane of glass at the ground floor passageway leading into new reception and lounge spaces. On the exterior, window glazing units added atop the balustrades in the 1990s were recessed to highlight this rich architectural façade element and establish hierarchies between the historical and the contemporary. In all these ways, the architects of Hotel Fort Canning employ lighting and glass in a process of architectonic layering that communicates the evolutionary nature of the building’s development. These design techniques of stratification and exhibition highlight differences to clearly pose old against new, dramatically altering the way which we understand the structure, its spaces and its history.

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LEFT: A play on textures and patterns adds visual interest to a transitional space.

SINGAPORE

A SENSORY EXPERIENCE

A Sensory Experience Mรถvenpick Heritage Hotel

Mรถvenpick Heritage Hotel is the result of a sensitive and dedicated conservation of two three-storey pre-war buildings located on Sentosa island. The compound has a rich heritage of housing military forces: being part of an existing military barracks built in 1940, it also held the distinction of housing the First Malay Artillery Regiment of Singapore. To celebrate the heritage of the site, the design team delved deep into the historical heritage of Singapore and its rich colonial

RIGHT TOP: First-storey plan showing the heritage wing.

RIGHT MIDDLE: Mรถvenpick Heritage Hotel is the result of a sensitive conservation of two three-storey pre-war buildings on Sentosa island.

history to imbue the hotel with a mix of tradition and modernity. Beginning with the architecture, heritage doors were given new life, and ventilation grilles were restored and used to conceal services. Space planning was creatively thought through to bring back the communal atmosphere of the colonial barracks by creating an uninterrupted flow of space throughout the food and beverage areas at the first storey.

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THIS PAGE: The former link between the two barracks is revitalised into a breathtaking triple-volume space framed by lattice patterns inspired by the humble rice grain and culminates with a eight-metre full-height green wall.

Tablescape, the all-day-dining restaurant, has low partitions that dichotomise the dining experience, offering terrace views for families and pool-front dining with cosy, romantic booths. The design featuring colonial pillars, greenery and sculpted stone is a blend of hardscape and softscape; tradition and modernity. The combination of the function rooms, The WoW whiskey bar at the East Wing and Tablescape at the West Wing creates an eclectic dining experience for guests and visitors. The sprawling function rooms spill over through the verandah onto the Merlion Terrace, and can be easily reconfigured for an intimate bespoke dining experience with a show-kitchen, to business seminars or banquet settings. The whiskey bar is also perfect for casual brunches over the large wooden

table, honed from a singular native tree trunk. Vintage bicycle chairs that recapture a bygone era are displayed at the entrance and galleria. Attention to detail was a key contributor to the success of the interior design. With the imagery of visiting or staying at a favourite relative’s manor house in mind, the designers projected themselves as potential residents, and attempted to

recreate a sensory experience redolent of luxurious lifestyles of the 1940s. Conveying timely elegance in the language of our forefathers, artefacts of our rich local heritage were introduced to enchant guests with sentimentality and familiarity.

every time they visit. The floor joists of old tropical houses were introduced as ceiling rafters in the living area to echo shophouse designs of the past. The conservation doors separate the living and sleeping areas, and also create a sense of progression from the bedroom to dressing area to the bathroom. The same design approach is manifested in The alignment of the balcony glass respects unique room types to charm returning guests the colonial façade while keeping the with the novelty of sleeping in a different room elements and the bustling noises at bay. For the interior furnishings, the focus was on handicraft as a means of expression. The designers chose to reinterpret patchwork blankets from our grandmothers’ time into the design for the headboard, which also doubles as acoustic paneling. The artwork also took cues from the traditional Chinese coin design, emerging as a modern take on the traditional. Coupled with the cannily selected furniture, the atmosphere is one of cosiness and nostalgia. Additional touches include thoughtful details such as dim sum carriers for toiletries, mossframed mirrors that bring the verdant green into the interior, and antique phones and accessories scattered throughout the property. Old rustic roof tiles were reinvented as room signage, and the corridor carpet pattern was inspired by intricate batik designs. The design direction was carried through from concept to implementation right up to the interior staging, as well as colour schemes for the day-to-day operation of the hotel. Selection of plants for display throughout the hotel was also given special attention, where the designers eschewed the typical stately centrepiece arrangements, but instead chose hardy, backyard garden variety of local plants in cluster settings, much like how the mistress of the house would do in the past. Overall, the Mövenpick Heritage Hotel experience is about celebrating the genius loci, weaving context and culture to create a sense of the familiar for the relaxation and enjoyment of its guests.

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TOP: Conservation doors separate the living and sleeping areas.

BOTTOM: The interior design focuses on creating a cosy environment with a warm colour palette.

THIS PAGE: The furniture creates a cosy and nostalgic atmosphere enhanced with details such as moss-framed mirrors that bring the verdant green into the interior.

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THIS PAGE: The outward tapering of the hotel block’s glass façade captures the reflection of the adjacent historic structures and the surrounding bay waters.

DESIGNING THE INTERSECTION

SINGAPORE

Designing the Intersection The Fullerton Bay Hotel

New Beginnings The Fullerton Bay Hotel project mixes conservation with new construction to redevelop a segment of the historic Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore. It consists of the revitalisation of the Clifford Pier and Customs House buildings, as well as the design of an additional six-storey hotel block. The project focuses on the intersections between new and old, preserving existing structures in a manner respectful of the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original architectural elements. Examples include: the introduction of electrical and mechanical systems into the existing structures, introducing air-conditioning to bind the internal environments of the three buildings; solar panels inserted on the roof of Customs House, heating water used in the new hotel block; and glazed, transparent linkways connecting the three buildings.

Customs House

TOP: The Art Deco-style Clifford Pier, originally opened in 1933, now serves as the main entrance to the complex.

Fullerton Bay Hotel

BOTTOM: The Fullerton Bay Hotel comprises the conserved Customs House and Clifford Pier, as well as a new hotel block.

Clifford Pier

The new hotel block is built on piles over the bay. An outdoor, central atrium opens to the bay, such that the bay waters are brought into the space. The form of the additional six-storey guestroom structure is shaped in response to the flanking Clifford Pier and Customs House buildings. Its height establishes compositional hierarchies: being double the height of its historic neighbours, it draws attention to the hotel block to highlight the project’s primary function; it also performs as a proportion-balancing agent between the historic low-rise buildings and the high-rise towers of the city beyond. The height of its internal atrium matches the historic rooflines as a connective visual datum between the project’s parts. The gentle, outward tapering of the glass façade captures the reflection of the adjacent historic structures and surrounding bay waters, and frames views of these buildings from the guestrooms within. The architects programmed the guests’ entrance in a way that celebrates the

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transition from past to present. As the site’s only vehicular access fronts Clifford Pier, this structure was adapted as the new complex’s lobby: one proceeds through a glazed linkway with views of the bay and enters upon the atrium of the new hotel block. This is the hotel’s most tangible link to history, acting as an intersection in time where past and present meet as visitors move beyond this point to the modern linkway incorporated with a hotel lounge, and towards the voluminous atrium of the main hotel building.

F E

TOP: The hotel block is built on piles over the bay and the form is shaped in response to the flanking conserved buildings.

BOTTOM: Diagram showing the hierarchical relationship of the low-rise historic buildings at the water’s edge, to the contemporary mid-rise hotel, up to the high-rises of the city.

THIS PAGE: The Fullerton Bay Hotel project mixes conservation with new construction to redevelop a segment of the historic Marina Bay waterfront.

Refurbishment A number of Clifford Pier’s existing details were retained or reconstructed. Stone steps uncovered below-grade during construction, for instance, were transformed into a feature, framed beneath a plane of glazing at the building’s entrance. Other features include delicate roof support brackets as well as cast-iron downpipes and scupper drains. Meanwhile, new details harmonise with the existing building, such as glass fins which support monolithic glazing panels inserted within the arched bays of Clifford Pier; these are transparent so as to retain the architectural rhythm of the original Art Deco façade. Dining and kitchen programmes were inserted into the building’s expansive interior space, left open and porous by means of half-height walls to preserve the clarity of the original architecture and to ensure that the character of the main hall with concrete trusses was maintained. Similarly, a new main entrance is set back from the original to establish an entrance portico while maintaining the entrance’s original aesthetic.

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LEFT: Outdoor waterfront dining at Customs House.

MIDDLE: Clifford Pier, with its original concrete arched trusses, was transformed into the hotel lobby.

At Customs House, glass enclosures were set back 1.5 metres from the building envelope at the first storey to establish a double-volume public corridor around the base of the building, connected by covered linkways to the rest of the development. A third storey was added to contain much of the mechanical service equipment, surrounded with a landscape trellis. Much like the historic pier did with traders in 1933, the Fullerton Bay Hotel welcomes travellers. It is a site of intersections â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in time, scale and topography. Instead of designing each building in isolation, the relationships between the buildings were detailed to allow the project to be read as a unified whole. This architecture now traces the physical and cultural heritage of the port and piers, while performing as a world-class contemporary hotel.

RIGHT TOP: Ground-level pedestrian spaces activate the waterfront.

RIGHT BOTTOM: The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main entrance is set back from the original to establish an entrance portico. The glazed fanlight at the old entrance was conserved, retaining the original stained glass where possible.

style | hunter douglas

A NEW SHADE OF STYLE 82

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Shedding new light on how window shadings can drastically impact domestic spaces for the better, Hunter Douglasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pirouette is versatility and elegance personified.

THIS PICTURE: Pirouetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s versatile configuration heightens the presence of natural light in a variety of ways.

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LEFT: Piroutte’s opened vanes, attached with a sheer backing, block up to 86 percent of the sun’s rays, protecting furniture and reducing glare.

leading creator of high-quality window coverings for well over a century, Hunter Douglas has definitely come a long way since developing the first lightweight aluminium blind in 1946. A standout pick from the brand’s impressive product range, the Pirouette window shadings exemplify Hunter Douglas’ penchant for innovation, showcasing versatility, user-friendly features as well as a fine selection of fashionable fabric options that complement any setting. With an abundance of plush, soft textures to choose from, the creation of relaxed domestic spaces is quite literally just at one’s fingertips. To ensure that windows of varying heights have consistent vane alignment from window to window when ordered in the same fabric and vane size, all shadings are custom built in accordance to the given framework. Further ease is facilitated through Hunter Douglas’ Invisi-Lift™ system. Via a single operating cord, handheld remote or wireless wall switch, variable light control is achieved through the suspension of the shading’s soft vanes. There are a variety of key concerns when considering the right kind of shading; in any given interior environment, the ability to control external light is obviously critical with respect to preserving one’s beloved furnishings and reducing glare. Pirouette’s designers have resolved this issue with aplomb, kitting out the shading with several different ways of optimising natural light. Attached to a sheer backing, soft adjustable horizontal fabric vanes give homeowners the option of drawing natural light deeper into the room, allowing for an intimate, softly diffused ambience. The sheer backing reduces glare and filters harmful UV rays; up to 86 percent of rays are blocked when the vanes are open while up to 99 percent are obscured when the shading is fully closed. Appeasing design-conscious homeowners, Pirouette easily takes on several flattering looks in one, transforming cascading folds to contoured vanes with the leisurely pull of a cord.

TOP: Proffering softly diffused lighting, Piroutte turns home areas into intimate havens.

RIGHT: Soft fabric vanes are swiftly transformed into cascading folds at the pull of a cord.

Learn more at hunterdouglas.asia

style | carpets inter

CREATE YOUR OWN FLOORING DESIGN 86

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TOP: The 3D Virtual Stimulator by Carpets Inter can be downloaded from App Store.

looring plays a significant role in the design of a room. Selecting the right carpet is the key to success. Carpets Inter has continually searched for ways to increase the efficiency of the carpet tile design process. For that reason the company has developed the Carpets Inter 3D Virtual Simulator. With the 3D Virtual Simulator for the iPad and iPhone, clients can visually experience Carpets Inter’s comprehensive carpet tile catalogue. Automatically updated by its in-house design team, this app ensures that clients are up-to-date with its latest offerings. A floor design can be created with a mere touch of the finger. The tool will enable clients to select the desired room scene, design, and colour. By changing the carpet installation within the room, a client can see how the selected design looks in the room. Other functions include: 1. Zoom In/Out - Pinch two fingers in to zoom in and pinch out to zoom out. 2. Tap and Hold - Tap on the carpet floor and hold to see the details of Carpets Inter’s products such as fibre type, pile weight, item code and colour. 3. Double Tap – Tap twice to walk along the path or corridor. 4. Single Tap – Tap once to select and pick the desired item. 5. Drag – Press and drag to rotate the room or look around the room scene.

BOTTOM: The 3D Virtual Stimulator App by Carpets Inter is compatible with Apple iPad and iPhone devices only.

TOP RIGHT: Choose your favourite design layout, pattern and colour, and view the resultant 3D visual of the room scene.

Learn more at carpetinter.com

style | grohe

A CLEAN FINISH Putting the emphasis on bold, purist design and cutting-edge technology, GROHEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new range of sophisticated faucets will make bath time the best time.

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orld renowned for creating exceptional experiences through their dynamic range of sanitary fittings, GROHE is a company that knows a thing or two about making a bathroom look and feel so much better. Directly reflective of the brand’s prowess in combining aesthetics and function, Essence, GROHE’s stunning new collection of bathroom faucets eschew ostentation and clunky add-ons in favour of a crisp, pure look that sets its products well apart from run-of-the-mill alternatives on the market. Sporting a sleek, chrome finish, the faucets’ slim appearance is the pleasing result of building around GROHE’s new 28 mm cartridge, giving rise to the collection’s minimalist disposition. That said, a pared down outlook doesn’t mean skimping on indispensible product features: fitted with a swivel spout and an adjustable GROHE AquaGuide mousseur, Essence is all about doing less with more and granting users greater freedom and facility. Featuring four washbasin faucets ranging S to XL, the collection has something for everyone. Boasting a slimmer body, the ‘S’ version is a beautifully proportioned highlight with its spout height of 111mm and a delicate lever designed explicitly with ease of use in mind. The three larger variants within the same line are crafted with cylindrical sections of varying diameters that allow for softly flowing transitions, making waves with fans of seamless utility and timeless design. Bound to surpass fleeting trends, Essence is, aptly, a new and improved take on another classic - the first-ever purely cylindrical GROHE line.

LEFT: Conceived by the award-winning GROHE design studio, the Essence collection plays up the beauty of minimalist forms, endowing bathrooms with a clean, seamless ambience.

TOP RIGHT: Equipped with the GROHE EcoJoy ® mousseur, each Essence faucet reduces flow volume without compromising on the water experience of users.

Learn more at grohe.com

style | haworth

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TOP: A balance of flattering forms and pleasing colour combinations, the stylishly designed Zody fits seamlessly into home and office environments.

IN FINE

Taking the lead from science, Haworth’s high-performing Zody task chair is light on your back and heavy on personal comfort and wellness.

FORM Learn more at ap.haworth.com

iven the number of hours one spends deskbound both at home and in the workplace during the course of a day, it’s not surprising that a great deal of design-thinking goes into conjuring up a decent task chair. The chair-strapped among us will be pleased to learn that Haworth, the premium office furniture brand, has taken the prep work a step beyond with the Zody. Devoting equal attention to personal comfort, sustainability and topnotch engineering, the innovative task chair embodies a unique ‘form follows science’ strategy that culminated from over two years of intensive research and development in collaboration with The Human Performance Institute of Western Michigan University. At the working heart of the Zody, the revolutionary PAL back system represents the fruits of Haworth’s efforts. Merging asymmetrical lumbar adjustment, passive pelvic support and various ergonomic refinements, the system incorporates a height-adjustable lumbar pad that supports the lower back and corresponds to the user’s preference for lighter or heavier loads. For additional support, users may opt to combine the pad’s benefits with an ergonomically designed, adjustable headrest that alleviates neck strain when in work or recline mode. As a nod to Zody’s science-driven impetus, retired chairs can be returned to Haworth for recycling through the company’s green-friendly Takeback program. And the best part? A paradigm of exemplary design, the Zody looks as good as it makes you feel.

style | interface

A NEW WAY OF THINKING Interface offers innovative solutions for the hospitality sector.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The conversation feels more personal because it is like buying materials for their own property. They value trust and commitment coming from us as a working partner supporting their maiden project. We assured them that they can leave all their flooring concerns to us.â&#x20AC;? Farrah Looi, Business Manager, Interface Malaysia

TOP: Floral patterns from Over The EdgeTM, in a custom blue/orange combination, complement the lobby walls and furniture.

odular carpet may not be the traditional option for a hospitality interior but it is fast becoming an alternate one with some pretty impressive reasons behind it. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Interface proudly believes with its huge range of hospitality patterns and personalised design service available. In one of their recent projects, Citadines DPulze Cyberjaya Apartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hotel in Malaysia, Interface set these features into play. The main brief was to support the Peranakan design theme in the serviced apartments. From that note, Florence Sam, Marketing Development Manager Hospitality Asia, Interface, worked with The Ascott Limited, DPulze and Wow Design Studio, to cleverly pick out the products and the colours that would best fit the requirements. Although Interface manufactures carpet tiles, their valuable service lies in the design consultancy that they provide. Their hospitality styles are built on the basis of providing the customer with a personalized experience. The customer may choose from a range of standard products if they prefer but the real magic happens when they look into the custom styles. How does this process work? The custom hospitality styles come with a range of patterns and colour components that can be selected to specifically fit any design theme or requirement. Currently with two sister products that boast a total of 146 patterns, a distressed rug collection, a highly-textured transition product and a range of room-specific products, all in combinations of cut and loop options, the design capabilities are truly boundless. You might actually find yourself spoilt for choice. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the Interface consultants come in. While working on the Citadines project, a host of colours and patterns were picked out to fit the theme of the serviced residences. A blue overall colour scheme determined the colours used. In the lobby, a floral pattern was selected from the highly-textured Over The Edge to welcome visitors to the establishment. These patterns resemble the traditional Peranakan motifs that you would see on fabrics, tiles and kitchenware. As you move into the corridor areas you will notice more floral and organic patterns that were picked out to provide continuity of this theme into the living areas. A Cut AboveTM in a baby blue and grey, tone-on-tone colour scheme was picked out to build on the texture of this style. The guest rooms themselves carry a separate design theme that sets them apart from the public areas, while still maintaining a holistic look. Some rooms were fitted with Urban RetreatTM, a highly successful global product from Interface. Its organic patterns resembling natural elements like stone and moss helped create a calming space befitting for a room. A custom colour palette was created to specifically align

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TOP LEFT: A Cut Above with ornate patterns in a baby blue and grey, tone-on-tone palette.

“On top of their countless design options, Interface provides a host of technical features like antimicrobial treatment and stain protection that battle against bacteria and stains.”

with the overall theme of the hotel, matching the teal from the walls and the browns from the furnishing. In other rooms, a butterfly pattern was used to create area rugs, working in conjunction with hard flooring to add depth and variation. Interface also understands that another big concern of hospitality establishments is its maintenance, and there are all ready to provide that assurance and support. Farrah Looi, Business Manager, Interface Malaysia says that unlike the usual corporate projects where they mostly deal with designers, architects, and contractors, she worked directly with DPulze, the owner of the establishment. She adds, “The conversation feels more personal because it is like buying materials for their own property. They value trust and commitment coming from us as a working partner supporting their maiden project. We assured them that they can leave all their flooring concerns to us.” On top of their countless design options, Interface provides a host of technical features like antimicrobial treatment and stain protection that battle against bacteria and stains. Being modular in nature, they provide an added ease of maintenance. A common scenario you may find in hotels or serviced apartments is the spillage of food and drink, which leads to staining. If an irreversible stain is encountered, all that needs to be done is a simple change in the affected tile. For hotels that are concerned about carpet maintenance, Interface representatives can provide guidance on how their products should be maintained to reach their full potential and lifespan. Looi says, “Towards the completion of the project we did a carpet cleaning training to their housekeeping team to show them ways of lengthening the mileage of their carpets.” On top of service and design, Interface is also a strong advocate for sustainability, and this shows in their products. With the usage of 100% recycled yarn and carpets that offer carbon offsets, among other initiatives, Interface not only provides beautiful designs but also gives back to the environment and society. With a fresh take on flooring in the hospitality sector, personalised service and evident benefits that support their revolutionary applications, Interface strives to provide the best flooring solutions by challenging tradition and inviting a new way of thinking!

TOP RIGHT: Butterfly patterns from Over The Edge accentuated in blue, teal and white.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Global product Urban Retreat features an organic colour transition, blended in a teal and brown colour scheme.

Learn more at interfacehospitality.com

scene | schiavello Theme:

Book launch - ‘The Power of Workspace for People & Business’

Venue:

Flutes Restaurant, Singapore

Website: Schiavello.com

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choice | ode to art

THE BOOK OF LIFE D

avid Kracov’s free standing sculpture, “Book of Life” is the most direct demonstration of his love for life and the value he gives to the importance of human principles, especially in the life of children all around the world. Butterflies are a prominent feature in Kracov’s work who believes they represent “the delicacy and value of a child’s life”. Therefore, in this piece each of the hand-painted butterflies represents the one child that has been given a chance at a new life, a new hope and a new perspective. And the book represents each one of us with all our different backgrounds, coming from different generations and our versatile experiences. When all butterflies fly out of the pages of our memories, we also transform with them starting to live a new life. That is the reason why the spirit of caring, helping and encouraging each other with love, hope and protection is being reflected through layers of his colourful butterflies transformed out of the pages of his “Book of Life”. “The pages of this Book are filled with poems, excerpts of diaries, and songs, written by children.” the artist told Huffington Post UK. David’s passion for children extends far beyond his frames, however, leading to his pioneering the unexplored genre of “Lifesaving Art.”

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TOP: David Kracov, Book of Life (s), 44.5 x 28 x 41 cm, Laser Cut Metal.

Learn more at odetoart.com