Tag: architecture

These Homes In Singapore Are Indisputably The Gems Of Singapore Property

There is a saying that home is the person or place you want to return to over and over again.

In a land-scarce city like Singapore, home comes in a the form of a HDB flat, condominium or for some, landed property or perhaps even a bungalow.

However, did you know that Singapore is also home to some of the most breathtakingly-huge and rare houses?

Here are three of these stately residences that are indisputably the gems of Singapore property.

1. The Screen House – K2LD Architects

Situated just beside the zigzag house in Singapore is this unique contemporary residence, also known as The Screen House.

The striking features of the house are the use of various geometrical elements: a linear block and a curvilinear pavilion that is elevated above the prevailing shared gardens.

The use of parallel lines and smooth textures around the house creates the illusion of wide and comfortable spaces.

Additionally, the use of timber screens along the linear block allows the rooms to breathe while providing the necessary privacy for the homeowners.

The architectural element that clearly stands out is the curved pavilion located midway between the house.

Likewise, the use of wooden panels reflects the strategy of blending in with nature as it overlooks that trees and garden in the property.

Given the structure and location of the curved pavilion, the swimming pool takes a unique shape, maximising the available space.

Given that most of the living quarters and swimming pool are somewhat reclined deep within the landscape of the house, it has been dubbed as achieving the act of “disappearance”, by providing privacy to both the homeowners and their neighbours.

2. JKC2 House – ONG&ONG Pte Ltd

Luxury is clearly evident in every part of this house, which also known as JKC2 House by ONG&ONG Pte Ltd. Despite its rather lacklustre name, the luxurious residence in Bukit Timah comprises of three structures that border a spacious courtyard.

Given the humid weather of Singapore’s climate, the upper pods open up to the pools below to create a feeling of vastness. Furthermore, the house’s unique structure demanded painstaking attention to every detail.

Every single piece of tile, glass and aluminium padding has to follow a certain template and was all custom-made. Additionally, the curvilinear staircase was laser-cut from thick pieces of steel, welded together and hand-polished.

This unique house clearly reflects the seamless integration of defined geometries and fluid lines and curves.

Final thoughts

These houses are undeniably the gems of Singapore property. Each of these stately residences is clearly the pinnacle of living. Imagine extravagant living spaces coupled with expansive open spaces and natural surrounding greenery.

(Header image credit: 9 Legit & Totally Gorgeous Airbnb Places In Singapore That Are Worth Every Cent

Forget Hotel Staycays, R&R At These 9 Local Airbnb Spots Instead – And They Are #HouseGoals

Planning a staycation or just like looking at beautifully designed houses? Whether you are looking for a mad pretty apartment to stay in, a place for a family vacation, or even a luxurious space for a company retreat, this is the article to read. Here at Discover SG, we’ve compiled a super list of 9 amazing local Airbnb places to rent in Singapore!

1. Huge Loft at Bukit Batok

This loft at Bukit Batok is not your conventional Airbnb. It was previously an office space that was revamped into a rental home.

Don’t expect your usual overnight rental though, this place charges by hour blocks.

Fully equipped with all forms of entertainment, you can always be sure that your guests will never be bored.

This loft has a foosball table, pool table, large screen projector, dartboard, PS 4, Xbox Kinect, DJ console, KTV set and even a functional bar counter.

Loud noises and music are actually permitted here, which is definitely great for parties and events. There is even a bedroom on the second floor. The only downside of this place is that it may be a little hard to find, so do make sure to get clear directions from the host!

Book at: Loft at Bukit Batok
Location: 10 minute bus ride from Bukit Batok MRT
Price: $450 for 5 hours, $650 for 8 hours (Weekdays)/ $850 for 8 hours, $1100 for 12 hours (Weekends)
Cleaning Fee: $80
Minimum Stay: 5 hours

2. Decadent Pool Villa in Tiong Bahru

Thought private pool villas can only be found in Bali? Think again.

This beautiful villa is located at Tiong Bahru and comes complete with its own private pool as well as sunbathing deck.

With high ceilings and minimal furnishing, this place is clean, airy and spacious.

At a little over $300 a night, this villa is really a steal for a large family.

Book at: Decadent Pool Villa
Location: Within walking distance of Outram Park MRT and Tiong Bahru MRT
Price: $316 per night
Minimum Stay: 2 nights

3. Three-bedroom FERRETTI 630 YACHT

Fancy living it up in the middle of the sea and enjoying the waves?

With a deck that gives you a bird’s eye view of the sea, you will see that Singapore’s scenery is actually quite awesome.

As it goes, yacht rentals are expensive but worth every penny. Imagine the stories you can tell from hosting a yacht party!

This yacht has 3 bedrooms and can house up to 16 people, which makes it perfect for a short family holiday or a party with friends.

If you are up for an adventure in the sea and do not want to settle for a cruise, this yacht might just be what you need.

Book at: Ferretti 630 Yacht
Price: $1299 per night
Cleaning Fee: $200
Minimum Stay: 1 night

4. Apartment Near Orchard Road

This modern double storey house is like a huge luxury hotel.

However, it comes at only a fraction of the price of a luxury hotel, and has a lot more space to boot.

Besides the awesome location behind Paragon Shopping Centre, this Airbnb’s furnishing and decor will leave jaws hanging.

With plenty of good reviews from previous inhabitants, you can be assured of quality service and an awesome stay.

Book at: Orchard Road Apartment
Location: 2 minute walk to Orchard Road
Price: $899 per night
Cleaning Fee: $200
Minimum Stay: 3 nights

5. Singapore Hobby Studio

An ideal place for parties and events, this place does not even come equipped with your usual bedrooms or even a bed.

There are, however, many coaches and bean bags for you to rest on.

This office-like space has almost all forms of entertainment. It has a pool table, a Playstation loaded with games and also many different board and card games. There are multiple TV screens and even a wide screen projector.

Just a short walk away from the Alexandra IKEA building, you do not have to worry about being hungry as there are plenty of food options around the area.

Image credit: AirbnbIf a fun night of games and activities is what you want, this could just be the place for you.

Book at: Singapore Hobby Studio
Location: 5-7 minute walk from Alexandra IKEA
Price: $800 per night
Minimum Stay: 1 night

6. Designer Apartment near Orchard

This apartment has a live-in helper to maintain its cleanliness. She sleeps in a room separate from the main home to afford residents their privacy.

Daily breakfast is cooked by the helper, which may be convenient for you if you are staying with a big family.

Do note that this apartment is an extremely popular place that is often fully booked, so do try to book this place way in advance!

Book at: Orchard Designer Apartment
Location: 5 minute walk to Farrer Road MRT
Price: $601 per night
Minimum Stay: 3 nights

7. CBD Penthouse with Private Pool

Here’s another house with a private pool! This time though, the pool is a lot bigger and it is also open air.

Located on the second floor of the penthouse, the pool is surrounded by many lounging chairs for suntanning purposes. It also boasts breathtaking views from its balcony.

The interior of the house is very well received by guests, with many lauding its cleanliness as well as furnishing that were well maintained.

Book at: CBD Penthouse
Location: Near Chinatown MRT (5 minute walk)
Price: $589 per night
Cleaning Fee: $80
Minimum Stay: 2 nights

8. Central Business District (CBD) Skyline Loft

This skyline loft is located in the Central Business District (CBD) area overlooks a gorgeous view of the cityscape.

With full length windows, the highlight of this loft is definitely the scenic views you can admire from anywhere in the home.

The master bedroom is also designed such that you are able to enjoy the view from the bed.

The downside of this place is that it requires a minimum stay of 7 nights. That being said, it didn’t deter us from featuring this pretty home that costs less than $300 a night!

Book at: CBD Skyline Loft
Location: Near Tanjong Pagar MRT (3 minute walk)
Price: $250 per night
Cleaning Fee: $80
Minimum Stay: 7 nights

9. Modern Asian Designer Terrace in Central Singapore

This is not your regular and affordable Airbnb, because it’s stunningly gorgeous.

If you’re organising an event or are ready to splurge some company cash on a team retreat, this will be the perfect house.

There is a private elevated infinity pool on the second floor, 3 bedrooms, and tons of mad pretty furnishing.

For slightly more than a thousand bucks a night, you get a huge and well equipped house with an enormous collection of books to feed your hungry soul. Best of all, these books are free of charge! Sounds like a built-in home library?

Each bedroom looks like it was ripped right out from a resort, with balconies that offer beautiful views as well.

Book at: Modern Designer Terrace
Location: Serangoon (within walking distance of Lorong Chuan MRT)
Price: $1249 per night
Cleaning Fee: $180
Minimum Stay: 2 nights

This list contains just some of the beautiful homes that owners rent out in Singapore. Depending on your budget and reason for stay in a local Airbnb, we guarantee that there are many more of such gems in Singapore just waiting to be discovered.

Sometimes, to satisfy that #wanderlust, you don’t even have to leave shore. Just look around you, and you will find that there are many homes you can stay in that will make you feel like you’re on a holiday.

Disclaimer: All prices and surcharge fees are correct at time of publication.

Also, read You Wouldn’t Believe That These Opulent Homes Exist In Singapore

Check Out These 4 Crazy Big Houses Where The REAL Crazy Rich Asians Live

They say home is where the heart is. If this is true, then these gorgeous and opulent homes (or rather, super huge bungalows) in Singapore will absolutely steal your heart away.

Set amidst lush gardens and away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, it seems as if these grand mansions are in an entire world of their own!

Here are some of the few unbelievably grand and opulent homes you can find in our little Singapore island.

1. The Willow House by Guz Architects

This impressive-looking house is truly a garden house.

It is designed to take advantage of its hilltop position, by creating a open-concept to make the most of the prevailing breezes.

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With its terrace roof garden seemingly forming an amphitheatre around the house, this is truly being right in the heart of nature.

[caption id="attachment_17791" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: 5 Apartments In Singapore That Are Role Models ‘Cos They’re So Green

5 Apartments In Singapore That Are Role Models ‘Cos They’re So Green

Today, there are more than 1 million public housing flats in 23 towns with over 80% living in HDB flats. With a focus on eco green living, other “vertical villages” like high-rise and high-density private condominiums and apartments are on the rise as well.

But, are these ‘green’ apartments merely just buildings with expensive solar panels and high technology mechanisms?

Well, we debunk this myth by introducing 5 high rise apartments that are role models because they’ve successfully incorporated eco green living in Singapore.

You’d totally want to live in a home like that.

1. The Topiary

Located at the west of Sengkang New Town along Fernvale Lane, The Topiary Fernvale EC is the first Executive Condominium launched in Sengkang.

It is equipped with full Condo facilities including aerobic/yoga rooms, hydrotherapy beds and even an onsen!

Designed by DP Architects, The Topiary was built with sustainable materials, and its building configuration and site orientation promotes natural ventilation and daylighting.

Not only can residents enjoy the common sky terraces outdoors, but they can also enjoy energy-efficient air-conditioners indoors that all units come with!

The Topiary
Address: 11 Fernvale Lane

2. Punggol Waterway Ridges

We all know Punggol is increasingly popular with many up and coming developments. But what we may not know is that many of these developments promote sustainable living.

One of these is Punggol Waterway Ridges, which was recently awarded the HDB Design Award in September and is due for completion this December.

Located along Edgefield Plains and on the northern bank of the Waterfront town, residents can enjoy waterfront living while conserving water!

Punggol Waterway Ridges
Address: 669 Edgefield Plains

3. SkyTerrace @ Dawson

Located in Dawson Estate in the Alexandra area, this project has ecologically conscious technologies like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, bio-retention basins and solar energy systems.

[caption id="attachment_17260" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Image Credit: SCDA Architects[/caption]

At SkyTerrace @ Dawson, there are five towers ranging from 40 to 43 storeys and elevated gardens with lush greenery.

These link through bridges, allowing residents to enjoy the natural environment and enjoy interaction with fellow residents.

Sky Terrace @ Dawson
Address: 89 Dawson Road

4. Casa Clementi

Landscaping in public housing has definitely reached a whole new level.

Casa Clementi in Clementi Avenue 1 has an award-winning landscaped deck that links ten blocks in the estate.

Not only is the green roof multi-functional with paved open plazas, but there are also children’s play stations and perimeter pathways.

These pathways can double as a 660m jogging track. They serve many purposes – as a water irrigation system, and also to conceal the carpark.

Residents can unwind in this gardenscape after a long day and enjoy the feel of what may otherwise be mistaken as a private condominium!

Casa Clementi
Address: Clementi Ave 1

5. NTU North Hill Residential Hill

Who would have thought that a residential hall in a school could be so popular?

Not only are these NTU’s residential halls the first public high-rises in Singapore to use a “Lego-style” construction method, but they are also one of the newest eco-friendly high-rise buildings.

There are sustainable features such as energy-saving lighting and solar-powered systems. One of the green features is that all rooms in the residential halls have special “Low-E” glazed windows. These windows reflect heat using a special coating.

NTU North Hill Residential Hall
Address: 50 Nanyang Walk

Singapore has definitely upped its green game in the recent years.

The next time you’re looking for a new home, you may want to consider if it is eco-friendly!

Also, read The Only Guide You Need To Exploring Lavender: Food, Cafes, Fitness & More!

Here’s Your Chance To Truly #FlipTable, Swap Books & More At This Year’s Archifest!

The 10th Archifest returns this year with a Pavilion designed by DP Architects. Themed “Exhale”, the festival will be held from 23 September to 9 October in the heart of the CBD at Raffles Place Park.

The theme ‘Exhale’ aims to examine the rapid pace of life within our dense city and to challenge people to dictate their own rhythm of life.

Take time to slow down and breathe while you enjoy the installations and events happening at the festival.

This temporary structure is not to be missed, so what are you waiting for? Come on down and explore the eye catching Pavilion at Raffles Place!

Highlights

Organised by Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (Sila), there are more than 30 events lined up at Archifest this year.

From talks, to workshops, and exhibitions, discover great things at Archifest 2016 with more than 100,000 visitors expected this year.

Of course, the best things first:

#FlipTable

Feeling all stressed up at work? Well, design consultancy Chemistry has the right solution for you.

Set against the backdrop of Raffles Place, the team designed #FlipTable. And it truly allows you to flip a table!

Have a go and finally put your words into action!

https://youtu.be/wcAvmzup2YA

In all seriousness, it’s actually an interactive installation that provides an avenue for you to vent your frustration in a creative manner.

Take a deep breath and exhale while you do some damage at #FlipTable. It’s all about harnessing negative energy into a positive form.

#FlipTable
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 23 Sep Fri, 27 Sep Tue, 3 Oct Mon
Time: 11.30am –  2pm

Book Swap & Beer

Books & Beer is Singapore’s first travelling book swap service. You’re invited to bring up to 10 pre-loved books and exchange them for another book!

No books to swap? Simply drop by and browse some books, courtesy of ORO Editions and ONG&ONG Group. These books are free for you to take home.

Bring your own beer and beverages and enjoy your time with Books & Beers!

Book Swap at Books & Beers
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 24 Sep Sat
Time: 3pm – 6pm

Barter Market

Barter Market is a collective effort between local makers, artists, and crafters in our community.

The goal? Take money out of transactions.

Bring a little something so you can trade your item for goods or services. No better way to bond with humans, we’d say! Nothing like good old bartering.

Barter Market
Location: Raffles Place Park
Date: 9 Oct Sun
Time: 2pm – 6pm

RGB Pavilion With A Psychedelic Selfie Tunnel

With a structure so vibrant and colourful, this is hard to miss.

The Pavilion is composed entirely of construction site materials; so it’s “zero waste”. There are rows of multi-coloured safety netting and over 70 tonnes of scaffolding pipes.

This structure is a breathtaking 22m tall! Here’s how small we’ll look:

There’s so much to do at Archifest 2016! With so many exciting programmes happening this weekend till 9 Oct, be sure to mark this event down on your calendars!

Archifest 2016
Date: 23 September to 9 October
For full details of events and happenings at Archifest, visit their official website Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance to Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!