Double vision

When tempted by a large building site, developers and property owners will often try to maximise the returns by cramming in as many apartments as possible.

However, high-density housing is only one of the ways to approach a development. Look Boon Gee of Look Architects was asked to come up with a design for a condominium on a prestigious housing district site, close to up-market cafes, markets, shopping areas and the city's popular Botanical Gardens.

"The trend in private housing is to build bigger condominiums of between 100 and 500 apartments, meaning opportunities to buy apartments in smaller developments are limited," says Look.

The owner saw an opportunity for a boutique development that would appeal to mid-career executives, expatriates, people working for larger corporations and small families with older children.

To meet the requirements of this demographic, Look's concept provided for an urban living environment combined with the idea of retreat and repose.

"We visualised a concept whereby the apartments would provide the occupants with a getaway after a hard day's work a quiet and personal retreat," says Look.

Architecturally, the challenge was to work within building regulations that imposed a height restriction of 12 storeys.

"The design also had to recognise the fact that the building would be situated on the corner of a busy intersection," says the architect.

"Visually, Duet's street facade is designed so it appears to face the street, stands out from other nearby buildings and looks welcoming. However its occupiers benefit from clear sightlines the other way, across to the city's famed Botanical Gardens."

Indeed to make the most of its grounds and views, it was decided to locate Duet's living areas at the back of the building, overlooking the courtyard. This provides protection from the view of passersby and from the noise of the street junction. To achieve this layout, bedrooms had to be located on the street side of each apartment, with acoustically treated windows ensuring a quiet environment.

To create privacy for laundry areas and a through-breeze for kitchens, a vital consideration in Singapore's tropical climate, these spaces face an open service well in the centre of the building. Service lifts are on the street side of the building, whilst glass-fronted bubble lifts for residents come from the underground carpark into the open air, providing increasingly dramatic views over the pool and gardens.

Duet's two 12-storey towers of 42 units form two sides of a square, creating a private courtyard where residents can enjoy swimming pools, gardens, barbecue and play areas. Whilst the raised pool creates an ethereal, infinity pool effect, it also serves a practical purpose in creating sufficient space underground for the residents' car park. The third and fourth sides of the courtyard are protected by another apartment building and a public reserve. A gymnasium, shop and laundry are also included in the complex.

Large apartments of between 150 and 180m² occupy the first 10 levels. Each has three bedrooms, open-plan living and dining spaces, balconies, a study and maid's room. The top two levels of each tower are double-storey penthouses, complete with balcony and roof terraces. Each tower is divided by the lift shaft into two halves, identical on the exterior.

Inside, the apartments are designed with functional, well-proportioned spaces and neutral colour schemes, making them easy to furnish and live in.

Story by: Trendsideas