M'PIR brings you a collection of gorgeous nail shades and finishes, with the all familiar OPI, your long wearing Gelish by Harmony as well as Morgan Taylor, a professional nail lacquer which was seen all over the runway at NY Fashion Week.
For fans of gel-polish nails, have a try at their Angel Pro Gelly mani/pedi that is amazingly gentle and contains none of the harmful ingredients Formaldehyde, Toluene or DBP.
Pamper yourself with great treatments for your hands and feet.
Whether you are looking at achieving a crystal clear radiant look, firm and toned body contours or for some cosmetics procedures to enhance your overall look, Allure Beauty Saloon has it all.
They understand maintaining your natural beauty, needs a lot of hard work and determination. Therefore they listen to your needs and tailor make a customised beauty regime that specifically addresses your beauty concerns and works effectively within your time and budget. They use their expertise to deliver you the best service.
Angela, the founder of Allure Beauty Saloon has an exceptional artistic flair. She started learning eyebrow embroidery from a well-known eyebrow specialist from Hong Kong in 1994. Today, she has over 16 years of experience in eyebrow embroidery and has several thousand satisfied customers from Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Indonesia and even Europe. She was also the first person in Singapore to introduce the creative eyebrow embroidery skills using the stroke by stroke techniques which have become Allure’s Signature Eye Brow.
Their staff are experienced, committed and passionate in enhancing and bringing out your natural beauty.
Pretty Ballerinas is a brand of ballerinas and flat shoes launched in 2005. Although the name is relatively new, the shoes have been made in the same village on the Mediterranean island of Menorca by the same family since 1918.
Each shoe shape is named after a female screen or music icon to help you remember which shape suits you best.
In 2009 Pretty Ballerinas launched its "pretty young princess" collection – versions of its ballerinas aimed at the younger customer.
Pretty Ballerinas is known for its huge array of styles and colours and the unusual way materials are combined.
The stores are designed like tiny chocolate boxes with signature details of French antique gilt mirrors, chandeliers, pink shelving and leopard print sofas.
Robinsons, Center Point Shopping Center, 176 Orchard Road
True Religion will open its third standalone store in Singapore next month at Paragon.
The new store will be modelled after their concept store in Japan, with a lighter natural colour palette and interior finishing comprising mainly of hand-hewn timber for more of a rustic character.
True Religion was founded in 2002 by industry veteran Jeffrey Lubell. The founder, chairman and chief executive officer built the brand based on the principles of quality, American-made authentic denim with timeless appeal and a vintage aesthetic. The brand offers a wide range of styles in nearly every category and embraces the motto: “It’s all about the fit.” True Religion clothing is made for and by people who don’t follow trends, they set them.
Following the success in the men and women’s divisions, the brand now includes well-made, stylish jeans for children and toddlers and followed suit with knit, woven and denim-related sportswear. True Religion continues to lead the premium denim market.
You will step into Bangkok Jam and you will fall in love with the restaurant’s refreshing take on Thai dining - from its modern bistro-styled interior to its cosmopolitan treatment of Thai fare. It embraces Asia’s "City of Angels", better known as Bangkok and its metropolitan qualities that make it a melting pot of culture, style, language and cuisine.
By weaving Western spices and cooking styles with classically Thai spices, herbs and cooking methods, Bangkok Jam dishes out contemporary Thai and pan-Asian cuisine that is unique yet familiar. Some hot favourites that will have you coming back for more are their juicy and flavourful Peek Gai Tod and crispy chicken wings marinated in fish sauce and fried with pandanus leaves. Then there is also its appetite-whetting Tom Yum Soup that is rich in flavour and filled with fresh ingredients.
Note di Sicilia is a new fine Gelateria - Bar - Lounge at Quayside Isle. Enjoy a traditional gelato made with fresh Italian milk, sorbetti made from seasonal fruits as well as Italian spring water and the famous Sicilian granita.
In a sumptuous Italian place, you will discover their signature cocktails and frozen shooters.
The greatest luxury of all is simplicity: honest flavours, authentic techniques and ingredients, traditional craftsmanship and the complete absence of gimmickry. This authenticity and commitment to excellence is what sets Italy’s master gelato makers apart.
They use a special tool for stirring gelato that mechanically reproduces the manual technique practised by the Mastri Galatai from the 17th century onwards.
Segafredo Zanetti has opened a new outlet located at Robertson Walk.
This is their biggest store to date which can comfortably sit about 70 people, either within the store in air-conditioned comfort, or at their open-air terrace.
You will be able to enjoy all things Italian ranging from their signature coffee to desserts (made-in-store gelato, waffles, tiramisu,
etc) to main courses (Napoli-style pizza, salads and lasagne). An even more comprehensive list of menu items awaits you in the coming months as they strengthen their kitchen unit.
In addition, they now feature a walk-in cigar humidor room (with a 100 selection of cigars) along with an extensive selection of wine, spirits and liquors to match.
This truly makes their new outlet a destination right the way through from the day until the night.
Masons is fully owned by Verve Holdings, who also own the brands Wings Bar, Verve Pizzeria, Verve Pizza Bar and Verve Gelato and is jointly owned by Brit Rob Coldman and Singaporean Karen Yeo.
Masons offers high quality, affordable European cuisine with a strong French influence.
It pays tribute to the rich history and heritage of Gillman Barracks. Taking styling cues from the grand colonial past, the building built in 1935, has also been restored to re-capture the essence of colonial luxury, offering a stylish yet relaxed dining experience. The restaurant has four sections - the main restaurant, the verandah, the bar and the outdoor alfresco area.
Masons aims to be the preferred dining choice for visitors to the art galleries in Gillman Barracks, as well as local people who are looking for a combination of great food and a unique ambience, at an affordable price. It boasts an extensive food & beverage menu. The feature bar serves over 45 classic cocktails including some of the very best Martinis in town and has temperature controlled storage for an impressive range of well known and boutique wines from around the world.
The menu has been designed to appeal to all tastes and all budgets - from their Executive set lunches and a casual all day dining selection, to more stylish and elegant European cuisine from their main dining room menu - Masons has something for everyone.
Afternoon Tea at Masons is a prestigious event and an opportunity to celebrate the elegance of the building's colonial past. Available from 3pm - 6pm, it is the perfect way to rest tired feet, discuss art and fully soak in the greenery and serenity of Gillman Barracks.
Masons unique tranquil and elegant setting, makes a stunning wedding venue and is available for private event that hire with catering for up to 150 guests.
The Little Big Club is a 4-level family theme park providing a series of exciting experiences through popular global children’s characters. Located in Nusajaya, just a 20 minute drive away from Singapore.
The Little Big Club features a series of rides, play structures, various interactive activities which follow the HIT Entertainment characters theme. Key features for this theme park include an interactive and engaging ride for young children.
An exciting mix of globally renowned characters, the Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park is home to LAT’s Place, the first live animated themed restaurant in the world. The restaurant brings the world of legendary local cartoonist, Dato' Mohd Nor Khalid or Dato' Lat's famed Kampung Boy (Village Boy) character to life.
Also discover the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town outside of Japan. The park consists of various walk-through attractions, interactive activities and rides which follow the Hello Kitty theme. Key features include, Black Wonder, a hi-tech interactive themed experience and Kitty House, an iconic Hello Kitty house complete with living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.
Basilico is a family-friendly Italian restaurant that has recently opened at the Regent Hotel. Seasonal ingredients are put together by their Italian chefs to create scrumptious and hearty regional fare. Featuring sleek and chic interiors, the 235-seater restaurant serves antipasti, hand-made pasta, rotisserie meats, wood-fired oven pizzas and Italian desserts.
With their two Italian chefs combined wealth of experience, you can be assured of only the best in terms of taste and authenticity.
Basilico was named after the humble and understated herb: Basil. Known for its classic association with pesto and tomato sauces, Basil has long been regarded as the “gold standard’’ of true Italian taste for its sweet flavour. In ancient times, the herb was also a symbol of love as Italian suitors signaled their loving courtship with a sprig of ‘Basilico’ in their hair.
Basilico Restaurant Chef Angelo Ciccone brings a depth of culinary experience, creating all-time Italian favourites such as Costolette D’ Agnello alla Griglia con Olive Taggiasche, Pomodori Arrosto, Basilico e Crostone di Melanzane (grilled lamb chops with taggiasche olives, cherry tomatoes, basil and eggplant crostone), Pizza con Proscuitto, Rucola e Parmiggiano (pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, parma ham, arugula and shaved parmesan) and Lasagnette con Ragu’ di Manzo, Basilico e Crema al Parmigiano (lasagnette with wagyu beef ragout, basil and parmesan fondue).
Chef Angelo Ciccone is already well-known in the Four Seasons Group, having chalked up an impressive resume working at prominent Italian restaurants in Four Seasons Hotel London properties.
Latte e Miele, which means "milk and honey" in Italian, was inspired by the biblical paradise "Land of Milk and Honey" where there is abundant sustenance, joy and happiness. Stepping into Latte e Miele will evoke a feeling of goodness and pleasure as you leave the parched office landscape, dusty roads and chaotic traffic behind to enter an oasis of gelato and other tasty treats.
Their gelato is made every morning at their shop with 100% natural ingredients and no added preservatives. Each flavour is strictly handcrafted in small quantities to ensure the freshness and quality of it. Rather than using the commercialised pre-mixes commonly used in many gelaterias, they choose to stick with traditional Italian recipes and methods, which involve a careful balancing of sugars, cream, fresh milk (and sometimes eggs) to achieve that perfect smoothness in texture and exquisitely intense flavour. The moderate use of cream in gelato also results in its having less than half the fat content of regular ice cream.
Enjoy fresh artisan gelato at your parties, with their portable gelato display cabinets specially imported from Italy for this purpose. You can have your own ice-cream stand for your wedding, birthday or other special events.
Established artists from the Philippines whose practices investigate how their work, lifestyles and realities make up a complex society are featured in The Drawing Room, a gallery founded in Manila by director Cesar Villalon Jr. in 1998.
The Drawing Room supports interdisciplinary art processes, presents works at international art fairs, and also collaborates with public art institutions in Manila and the region to exhibit and acquire Filipino contemporary art.
The CLAN, is a new dining European set to take the culinary world by storm.
Nestled in a hundred years old building in the conservation area of Bukit Pasoh and amidst the CBD area. The restaurant has 2 levels, exhibiting minimalistic chic and elegant ambience respectively. The 1st level has an open concept kitchen where you get to view the live action of the chefs while enjoying your meal. The warm and cosy ambience sets the mood for all occasions.
European cuisine takes on a modern face, and the dining experience is nothing short of sensorial. The great locale of the restaurant, amidst the city central and within walking distance of Chinatown helps to make this a favourite for the city suits.
You can expect creative and contemporary renditions of familiar recipes, and innovative pairings that may raise an eyebrow or two, but win sceptics over by teasing their taste-buds into submission. Featured dishes on the menu include Kurobuta pork belly, spiced braised lamb shank, 48 hours beef short ribs on lava stones and chocolate Lava with home made gelato.
A marriage between French philosophy of natural seasonal flavors using fresh produce and modern culinary technique results in a honest, sincere and flavorful expression of the cuisine which makes one crave for more.
The restaurant makes the perfect venue for an evening soiree, to impress a date or to entertain business associates from out of town.
The Godfather does not trifle with quality, especially in the creation of the world's finest gelato. Advocating luxurious indulgence, his spirit of perfection drove his men the world over in search of top quality ingredients to craft a gloriously palatable gelato.
Pioneering gelato so unique is not a job for the faint of heart, yet its rewards remain substantial. Having mastered usage of Alfero Gelato's all-natural imported ingredients, the Godfather looks on in satisfaction as you entertain your guests in his humble indoor and outdoor seating quarters.
Making its foray into Asia, Italian delicatessen Ci Gusta! has opened its flagship outlet at Anchorpoint Mall on October 15, 2011.
With new concoctions introduced every month, the conceptual Italian brand promises to keep customers refreshed with yoghurt tenero and gelato desserts in a wide range of fruity, nutty and alcoholic flavors.
Ci Gusta! stands for “We Like It!” in Italian and is synonymous with authentic Italian artisan desserts made with premium ingredients.
Offering bursts of flavour with each mouthful, the sweet delights are highly customisable with premium toppings such as honey sesame crunch, biscotto, brownies and fresh fruit salad to ensure that every dessert is prepared just the way you like it.
Brunetti brings together a luscious array of everything we treasure in Italian cooking, in an enticing café space – a Gelateria, Cioccolateria, Pasticceria and more. Famed for its mouth-watering cakes, freshly baked breads, delightfully sinful chocolates and flavourful gelatos, Brunetti satisfies every Italian craving.
Brunetti Cakes began trading at the Faraday street location in 1985. The Angelé family acquired the business in 1991 and transformed the lovely café that it was into a truly authentic roman Pasticceria.
The Angelé family comes equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience in Pastry and Cafés. The founder, Mr Giorgio Angelé began his training in Rome at the ripe age of 10. In 1956, at the age 23, Giorgio came to Australia with the Italian Olympic team as a pastry chef. After working for a few years, Giorgio was then given the opportunity to migrate to Australia permanently.
Since then Giorgio has always been involved in the pastry industry and you can still find him at Brunetti baking a delicious selection of European style sweets and desserts.
Over the years, Brunetti in Carlton has become one of Melbourne's most iconic places to visit to indulge in a delicious Italian style coffee from the Bar, cake from the Pasticceria, gelato or tempting savoury from the Paninoteca.
The arrival of this famed brand in Singapore has us all licking our lips in anticipation!
The Skin Pharmacy was founded by two pharmacists, with more than 15 years experience in the beauty and pharmaceutical industry. All the products with The Skin Pharmacy label are their own special formulations, with particular emphasis on natural and active ingredients that work and are safe.
The Skin Pharmacy was set up with the belief that no two skin types are the same. Skincare products should be made to match different skin types and consumers should be able to choose what goes into, or out of, their products.
At The Skin Pharmacy, you can get that personalised service of having your own skincare products made to match your needs.
The Skin Pharmacy is the first boutique pharmacy in Singapore specialising in skincare. Located on the first floor of City Square Mall and at basement 1 of nex (Serangoon Central), their unique pharmacy features an open concept laboratory where you can watch your skincare products handmade in front of you in a ‘sushi bar’ like ambience.
The Skin Pharmacy products are made in small batches, ensuring a high level of quality.
If you cannot find what you want on the shelf, ask the pharmacist to make something personalised for you on-the-spot. We can even modify existing products to suit your personal needs. For example, add extra moisturisers to our Natural SPF 30 Sunscreen. Or your favourite scent or colour to the Natural Shower Gel. Or have a 2-in-1 serum blended specially suited for your skin type.
And if you are not sure what your skin type is, ask the pharmacist to do a computerised skin analysis for you. You can also get your skincare medications dispensed here.
The Skin Pharmacy supports the eco-friendly initiative. As far as possible, The Skin Pharmacy incorporates biodegradable ingredients into its formulas. Shopping at The Skin Pharmacy is an experience by itself. Look, touch and feel the products on display and get your skincare concerns answered here.
#01-22 City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road & #B1-69 NEX 23 Serangoon Central
Angels and more – Charlie’s is themed around the Charlie’s Angels. Housed in eclectic and historic architecture, Charlie’s is located amidst the hustle and bustle of exciting Boat Quay. With the rustic old shop houses and the modern new skyscrapers, it boasts of a breathtaking river view whilst dining al fresco or indoors.
The exciting food theme of tapas, Mexican traditional fare and grills will take you across continents to satisfy your taste buds for all things Latin. Let them invigorate your taste buds with an explosion of senses aroused by their much raved about BBQ glazed ribs. Simply natural tang and thyme infused marinade amalgamated with a delicious and mouthwatering taste of perfectly cooked tender and succulent baby back pork ribs. Meat that falls off the bone and sauce good enough to drink, need they say more.
They are very proud of their range of delicious smoothie-style flavoured margaritas which includes their bragging rights of their premium 100 per cent Agave tequila. No Mexican bar dare declare authenticity without Jose Cuervo shooters, a selection of beers and their fine range of malt whiskeys, but watch out for those house specials as those Mexican shots may get you screaming ”Arriba Andelay”!
The ambience boasts modern and chic with décor that is comfortable and relaxing. The music is piped into three different zones to appeal to different tastes. Similarly, the sports telecasts are projected in three different areas and can play differentiated telecasts to meet different customer requirements. Inside the bar soccer fans can have their pick whilst cricket fans will be appeased outside.
Certainly you do not want to miss out on the latest and most hip place in all of Boat Quay? So come and check out Charlie’s for a true dining experience that’s really quite unforgettable!
Lippolis has been producing and marketing high quality gelato and pastry products for over 20 years and specialise in products that are organic, natural, gluten-free and sugar-free.
The Lippolis brand is recognised as the widest range of semi-finished products to meet even the most demanding requests all over the world.
They have only very recently opened at Chijmes and you ought to check out some of there exotic sounding flavours including buffalo milk, mozarella cheese & pineapple as well watermelon. Have you tried their Brownie with gelato? Warm and oozing with chocolatey goodness, coupled with cold sweetness of gelato... Are you tempted yet? Get stuck in!
Arteastiq, a cozy tea lounge hidden behind the Marxx furniture gallery, which overlooks one of the busiest stretches of Orchard Road and serves up the wonderful fruit/floral/dessert teas with sugar cubes and biscuits presented on a pretty serving board – superb visual aesthetics.
They have recently renovated their space so it can now accommodate double the number of thirsty tea-drinkers and they’ve also introduced an all-day brunch menu served until 8pm.
Great and delicious wraps, sandwiches, cakes, cheese tarts, fruit tea, alcoholic tea, gelato tea, and more!
Their gelato is handmade daily using the finest ingredients according to Italian artisanal methods. Moderate use of cream and careful balancing of sugars result in 70% less fat than average American-style ice cream. Following the success of their 1st outlet at Market Street Carpark, Latte e Miele has now opened it's second store in the vibrant Katong area.
Pasta Inc was incorporated in 2008. The birth of Pasta Inc was primarily due to their enthusiasm and flaming passion to bring you the best authentic flavors of Italian Pasta and Italian cuisine.
Led by a group of young, creative and aggressive entrepreneurs, dedicated managers and staff, they aspire to serve you top notch service with delicious food, and bring you an unforgettable dining experience.
Pasta Inc is nestled in quaint Tanjong Pagar, along Keong Saik Road. Their neighbourhood is also known as the Bukit Pasoh Conservation Area, having being conferred a conservation status in 1989. Their location offers both old world colonial charm of a bygone era, as well as city buzz and convenience.
The Bukit Pasoh Conservation area is also home to several boutique hotels, restaurants and cafes, giving it a laissez-faire, artistic flair. Celebrating the spirit of our neighborhood, Pasta Inc features a modernist, chic interior embellished with colourful paintings. Friendly staff and a cosy ambience greet you the minute you step through their doors – a respite from the humidity of the five-foot way outside.
Their floor area of approximately 1,000 square feet can accommodate up to 40 comfortably seated diners. Pasta Inc also now boasts a private room for a cozier setting, also perfect for quiet business luncheons in the city. At Pasta Inc, they seek to savour and pamper their clients’ taste buds. Hence, their menu is carefully sculpted to house a variety of Antipasti, Insalate, Zuppe, Primi Piatti, Secondi Piatti, Dolci E Gelato and Bevande.
That’s not all - their wine list has been carefully selected to complement their dishes, so as to elevate your dining experience to perfection. At Pasta Inc, they strive to serve you the perfect dining experience where you will come back seeking for more.
Peperoni Pizzeria's second branch recently opened at Binjai Park. Besides the bigger bar which lines part of the exterior, the 100-seater affords more space between each table, giving diners more privacy without doing away with the cosy conviviality that makes Peperoni so endearing. Antique fixtures adorn these walls, adding a touch of the past to the retro-styled outlet.
In conjunction with the opening of the second branch, Peperoni started serving breakfast on weekends. Heart and familiar breakfast platters and freshly squeezed mixed juices are the way to go to start the weekend.
Takeaway pizzas are extremely popular. All pizzas come fresh and piping hot straight from the open pizza kitchen that sits in Peperoni. The large wood-fired oven here gives all their pizzas that authentic smoky flavour.
Aside from the variety of pastas and pizzas available, there also many scrumptious snacks to choose from. Provision have been made for the little ones, with a kid's menu that includes small pasta/pizza, a drink and a gelato/sorbet for dessert. They also offer many Belgium beers of varying alcoholic intensities. The slection ranges from a light, summery peach-flavoured fizz to more robust, unrestrained brews. Every item on the menu is nett, which means that guests need not worry about extras like GST or service charge when the bill arrives.
The combination of good food and booze in a vivacious ambience delivers a delightful dining experience every time!
Welcome to ReStore, a cosy space where you can take time out to sip freshly brewed coffee on a vintage couch and let your mind wander, while being surrounded by beautiful vintage furniture. Delight your senses with warm smells of freshly baked bagels. ReStore was started by Meg and Hwee Min, a pair of vintage furniture lovers who used to live next door to each other. They decided to make a business out of what they love to do and do best, that is, hunting down old furniture and restoring them - hence the name!
Together they created ReStore, a cosy space where you will find beautifully restored one-of-a-kind vintage furniture. At the same time, Meg has a passion for gourmet food which stems from her parent's family restaurant in Tokyo. Her waffles and bagels are so delicious that they decided that the shop could do with a little cafe where customers can shop for vintage furniture while indulging in delicious waffles and bagels.
Meg is from Japan, by the way, and has lived in Singapore for 4 years. Her overstocked home (and fridge) is living testimony of where her passions and talents lie. Hwee Min, the other half of the business, toiled in advertising for 6 years before calling it quits. A short break turns into full-time furniture-hunting and waffle-tasting. Loitering around HDB void decks and industrial estates to pick up old furniture is her specialty.
They specialise in vintage furniture that has been lovingly restored. A good polish, wood restoration, reupholstery, they do whatever it takes to bring back the former glory of a piece of old furniture. They only take in quality pieces, those that are made of good wood, for example, and give them a new life with gorgeous new upholstery and the results are usually amazing!
Whether you have a vintage theme for your home or just want to inject a bit of character to a room with a few vintage accents, you may just find what you're looking for at ReStore.
Juup represents kiss and not only do they wish to express that exuberant feeling of love and joy, they want to make your nails absolutely beautiful and kissable.
Using only the best products, such as OPI, Precision, OopsJ! polish, Cuccio Spa products, Charisma competition acrylic powders and AnGel organic gel systems, they want to give their customers the best at a fraction of the price. Juup Nails only hires nail technicians and nail artists who are well-trained and professional in each area. They do not only know how to beautify, they will educate you on the facts that you need to know about the often forgotten hands and feet.
They do not rush through a 40 – 50 minute treatment so that they can squeeze in more clients. They believe each customer is important and the quality of each treatment is crucial. Over there, you can feel the difference and be absolutely delighted when you leave. Plus, it seems like you are doing the treatment in the comfort of your own home! No passerbys staring at you from those shopping centre windows so you can feel free to relax and have a little of your very own quiet time.
They offer complimentary drinks, light snacks, entertainment airing up to date shows, relaxing ambience, over 250 colors to choose from and customizable treatments for each one. Each customer is different and they understand that. They offer different scrubs and different lotions for you to choose, even for the classics!
They also allow customers to book the whole spa for your own private events, birthday parties, hen nights and even if its just a private gathering. You can bring your own drinks, movies to screen or they could provide you the food, snacks and entertainment. Just let them know what you need and they definitely can provide.
8A Marina Boulevard, #B2-71/72 Marina Bay Link Mall
Coccogelo incorporated in Singapore in Q1 2010. It is a newly established home-grown brand that will focus on selling artisan gelato as its primary product in addition to gourmet coffee, a series of frozen desserts and confectionery items. Gelato in Italian literally means "frozen", the basic differences between Gelato and ice cream it doesn't contain as much air, and is therefore more intense in flavour. In part, Gelato is healthier than ice cream since it is made with all natural ingredients and contains fewer calories and less butter fat. As a key team player in Coccogelo, you will be get to work together produce a specialise menu that consist of series of semifreddo and frozen desserts. This exciting new Gelato Parlour has just opened along the main stretch of Katong.
Mission: Inventing Good PREMIUM IMAGINATIVE Gelato
Ken Yeang's visions for ecoskyscrapers-massive towers whose systems and appearance are interwoven with plant life-have become a touchstone in contemporary discussions of sustainable architecture, a way to re-imagine a stubborn building type for a green future. For Yeang, the idea is not new. He has been exploring ways buildings can borrow from and reflect natural ecosystems for nearly 30 years. Though he has built extensively, a new project-the 15-story Solaris office building in Singapore-is set to push his more audacious visions closer to reality.
The site of Solaris is part of a Zaha Hadid-master-planned office park in central Singapore called Fusionopolis 2B. A March 2008 competition held by the Jurong Town Council, which presides over the semi-suburban area, asked entries to adhere their envelopes, footprints, and massing to the Hadid plan. Yeang's Asian office, Malaysia-based TR Hamzah & Yeang (he is also a partner at London office Llewelyn Davies Yeang, won the competition with a distinctively green articulation of Hadid's fluid envelope. The facade is covered with sun-shading louvers to mitigate the tropical heat of the region, and the entire structure is interpolated by a continuous band of vegetation, running in a spiral from the basement to the roof.
Scheduled for completion later this year, the building was initially slated as a research and development space for high-tech companies, but is now planned mostly as office space for an array of IT and media firms.
Project Architect Mitch Gelber says that the project was conceived to both look and function as green. The firm is applying for Platinum certification in Singapore's Greenmark program (their equivalent of LEED certification) for strategies like rainwater reuse and recycling, lowflow efficient plumbing fixtures, strategic use of photovoltaic film, and carbon-footprint considerations in the use of building materials. The building is a paragon of sustainable building techniques.
But it is the spiral ramp that will set it apart. Like a ribbon that unfurls through the structure, it represents a new expression in Yeang's expanding green vocabulary. In physical terms, the ramp is impressive: at least 10 feet wide throughout, the full length of the band runs nearly an entire mile.
According to Gelber, this means the amount of planted area winding its way up the building has a larger square footage (about 90,000 square feet) than the footprint of the site itself (about 75,000 square feet). Yeang and his firm are working with in-house landscape architects to determine the ideal plants for each portion of the spiral, according to its different exposures to sunlight. The ramp is designed to be self-sustaining, using the building's rainwater collection for irrigation and placed within a waterproof masonry bed to isolate it from the rest of the structure's less organic systems. It will absorb heat that would otherwise go into the building, create an ecosystem that is integral to the structure, and provide a series of semi-public, landscaped spaces for the building's tenants, making their office environment both healthier and more connected to the natural world.
Solaris is set to become one of the most complete manifestations of Yeang's long - developing ecological pursuits. He wrote in an e-mail to GreenSource that "a green building should look like what the term indicates - 'green'. It should look like a human - made ecosystem - a balance of organic and inorganic mass that works as a whole and is connected to the landscape at the ground. It should look, I believe, indeterminate, fuzzy or hairy."
Gelber elaborated on this concept: "When people think about green buildings, what are they thinking about? A solar panel, or a tree on the roof, or some combination of that? This project contributes to that ongoing discussion."
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