The folding stuff meets the green stuff

MOD’s re-casting of the typical Wealth Hub as a “Banking Conservatory” was to challenge the conventions associated with a high net-worth banking experience

The garden lounge. - The folding stuff meets

Designed by Colin Seah, Ministry of Design

From the designer:

Design description:

Located in Singapore’s downtown Orchard Road district, MOD’s re-casting of the typical Wealth Hub as a “Banking Conservatory” was inspired by the site’s soaring glass-lined atrium – MOD’s response was to create a focal point that would anchor the entire experience.

We created a lush thriving indoor conservatory and paired it with a series of lifestyle-inspired spaces nestled within or organised around it.

An observation deck, feature bar, banquette seating, lounge niches and garden meeting pods replace conventionally staid waiting areas & formal meetings rooms.

Verdant and lush but yet carefully choreographed greenery, shrubs and trees evoke an atmosphere where everything seems to flourish in a natural and sustainable manner, a nod to the ideals of wealth management.

Although drawing from the virtues of biophilic design, the scheme aims to create a cultured conservatory and not a wild forest.

Introducing a measure of control and order amidst nature’s abundance, we created a series of carefully detailed planter box arrangements, sinuous in shape to allow for pathways and meeting spaces to be carved out in-between the landscape.

These planters are finished in a gold tinted metal and edge lit.

Garden discussion pods. - The folding stuff meets

A series of Garden Pods have been nestled amongst these and create alternative discussion environments to the conventional meeting room.

All landscape design was created in collaboration with acclaimed Landscape designers ICN.

Distributed over 4 levels, the Wealth Hub also houses a series extensive support, administration and back-of-the-house spaces for a large team – a figurative backstage area to support the main show.

However unlike a typical bare bones backstage zone, these spaces have been designed as a seamless extension of the main Banking Conservatory, providing a conducive work environment for WMC employees.