The Interlace Singapore : Architecture Information

OMA unveils design for The Interlace residential complex in Singapore Sep 2009 Ole Scheeren of OMA introduces a new residential typology to Singapore with The Interlace, a large-scale complex of interconnected apartment buildings stacked in an innovative hexagonal arrangement, developed by CapitaLand and Hotel Properties Limited. The Interlace is located on an elevated eight-hectare site, bounded by Alexandra Road and the Ayer Rajah Expressway, amidst the verdant Southern Ridges of Singapore. With about 170,000m2 of gross floor area, the development will provide 1,040 apartment units of varying sizes with extensive outdoor spaces and landscaping. The site completes a green belt that stretches between Kent Ridge, Telok Blangah Hill and Mount Faber Parks. Designed by Ole Scheeren, partner of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), The Interlace breaks away from Singapore's standard typology of isolated, vertical apartment towers and instead explores a dramatically different approach to tropical living: an expansive interconnected network of living and communal spaces integrated with the natural environment. Thirty-one apartment blocks, each six-stories tall and identical in length, are stacked in a hexagonal arrangement to form eight large-scale open and permeable courtyards. The interlocking blocks form a vertical village with cascading sky gardens and both private and public roof terraces. The design capitalizes on the generous size of the site and further maximizes the presence of nature by introducing extensive roof gardens, landscaped sky terraces and cascading balconies. Above-ground vehicular circulation is minimized, liberating large green areas within the development. The Interlace incorporates sustainability features through careful environmental analysis of sun, wind, and micro-climate conditions on site and the integration of low-impact passive energy strategies. While maintaining the privacy of individual apartment units through the generous spacing of the building blocks and far-ranging views, the design also features communal spaces for shared activity. Extensive residential amenities and facilities are interwoven into the lush vegetation and offer opportunities for social interaction, leisure, and recreation. Ole Scheeren said: "The design addresses concerns of shared space and social needs in a contemporary society and simultaneously responds to issues of shared living and individuality by offering a multiplicity of indoor/outdoor spaces specific to the tropical context." Patricia Chia, CEO of CapitaLand Residential Singapore, said: "This is a great opportunity to create and build a residential destination at the Gillman Heights site that will challenge the present architectural definition of living spaces. While developing the dramatic external form, we have also given much attention to creating comfortable internal spaces. The name, The Interlace, reinforces the interconnectivity of the community with the surrounding natural environment. Ole Scheeren has created a new landmark for Singapore." The design is led by Ole Scheeren together with Eric Chang, Associate of OMA. Scheeren is responsible for the office's work across Asia, including the China Central Television Station (CCTV) headquarters and the Television Cultural Center (TVCC) in Beijing, and the MahaNakhon Tower in Bangkok. His previous work includes the Prada Epicenters in New York City and Los Angeles. Singapore Residential Development images / information from OMA Sep 2009 Singapore residential development architects : Office for Metropolitan Architecture Singapore Residential Development : previous page image : Residential Complex Singapore © OMA / Ole Scheeren Ole Scheeren Singapore Development - Foster + Partners Newton Suites Singapore : Residential architecture Rem Koolhaas Singapore Tower Building About CapitaLand Limited CapitaLand is one of Asia's largest real estate companies. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, the multi-local company's core businesses in real estate, hospitality and real estate financial services are focused in growth cities in the Asia Pacific and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and in Europe. The company's real estate and hospitality portfolio spans about 120 cities in over 20 countries. CapitaLand also leverages its significant asset base, real estate domain knowledge, financial skills and extensive market network to develop real estate financial products and services in Singapore and the region. The listed subsidiaries and associates of CapitaLand include Australand, CapitaMall Trust, CapitaCommercial Trust, Ascott Residence Trust and CapitaRetail China Trust. About Hotel Properties Limited Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) was listed on the Stock Exchange of Singapore in 1982. Starting with just the Hilton Hotel in Singapore, HPL has expanded rapidly over the years. Today HPL has interests in 21 hotels spanning 9 countries and has established its position as a niche property developer of prime residential properties.