http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/...51629,00.html?

Published August 11, 2011

Built to measure up

Pontiac Land, 2 architects are pulling out all the stops for their projects, reports NICHOLAS YEO


IN THE last decade, Singapore's real estate developers have been unveiling almost-Gatsbyesque apartments designed by top-notch local and foreign designers. With the standards already so high - what's next?


Luxe touches: The Robin Road project discards the idea that high-rises be compartmentalised and boxy while Hana boasts a cantilevered pool on each floor

BT talks to private developer Pontiac Land - no stranger to the luxury market - and two architects about their new projects and perspectives of the luxury residential market in Singapore.

Coming back from a long hiatus in the mainland luxury sector is Pontiac Land - with the launch of freehold Ardmore Residence, situated at the old Pin Tjoe Court in Ardmore Park, and 99-year leasehold Hana, at the corner of Tomlinson and Cuscaden roads.

Ardmore Residence, designed by Amsterdam- based UNStudio, will be a development of 58 units averaging some 3,300 square feet each. Hana will be a smaller development, with 29 units, each of about 3,500 sq ft occupying the entire floor plate. It will be designed by Singapore and Australia-based Kerry Hill Architects, 'whom we have been working with for 10 years on this project', says Wei-lin Kwee, vice-president of Pontiac Land Group.

'For us, a major factor in our decision of choosing architects and designers is the chemistry between us and them, we give a lot of feedback and its important to have architects who will invest time and energy to work with us.

'An example of the special working relationship is with Paul Rudolph, who designed the Colonnade. He worked closely with my uncles who even brought him out to eat chilli crab!'

Both Hana and Ardmore Residence have been entrusted to Shimizu Contractors. According to Ms Kwee, it was necessary to do so as the curvy designs by UNStudio required a builder of good reputation and quality.

'It's very important when purchasing an apartment to find out who the contractor is.'

Ardmore Residence will have double volume balcony space while Hana boasts a cantilevered pool on each floor. As for the fittings, 'we will always look for items that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally designed', she says.

'We have chosen Dornbracht for the bathrooms and Vizug, Liebher and Poggenpohl fittings for the kitchen area. Ultimately, we seek to offer space, privacy and exclusivity, all of which are luxuries in land-scarce Singapore.'

The use of foreign architects does not end with Pontiac Land. Jumping onto the bandwagon is SC Global, which BT understands is working with New York-based Carlos Zapata Studio for its 35-unit Ardmore Project.

Despite the increasing presence of foreign architects, local architects are still getting their fair share of the luxury residential market - one of whom is Chioh-hui Goh, principal of boutique architecture firm Studiogoto and former director of SCDA Architects.

He is working on a luxury 17-storey, 32-unit residential project in Robin Road. 'The idea is based on interlocking of any two units with benefits of both a double storey loft ceiling and a very sizeable outdoor terrace,' Mr Goh says. 'It discards the idea that high-rise apartments should be all compartmentalised and boxy, due to structural constraints.

'This project allows us to explore a more volumetric spatial expression both externally and internally. For Robin, we are exploring concepts that re-interpret high-rise buildings.'

Mr Goh wants to translate the free flow of space normally experienced in low-rise buildings to the high-rise. The Robin Road development will consist of mid-sized units that range from 1,400 sq ft two bedroom units to about 1,900 sq ft three bedroom units.

The intention is to reduce the number of bedrooms to increase the size of each one. BT understands that most of the units will also be offered for lease.

However, luxury apartments are not exclusive to smaller niche developments. Currently designing a 180-unit project at mixed development South Beach (alongside Norman Foster) and other high-end properties such as 8 Napier and Orchard View is Tony Ang, managing director of Aedas.

For 8 Napier - situated at 8 Napier Road - it was all about 'the bespoke architecture that responds to the formal buildings along the embassy row', Mr Ang explains. There was also extensive use of clear glass to take in the generous views of the greenery surrounding the site.

'There is an integration of art and landscape into the architectural design of the project.'

Mr Ang also notes that the new things that a potential buyer of these luxury apartments look for are integrated fixtures: lighting, sound, security systems of high specifications besides the usual wardrobe, sanitary and kitchen fittings.

However, it does not stop there. Mr Ang says that Aedas is looking into new materials, such as a new form of translucent ETFE that can be used for large canopies and that complies with the fire code.