Pinnacles of Perfection

There was a buzz in the property market in Singapore. Since Urban Suites was launched in end December 2009, international and local homebuyers and sophisticated investors have snapped up 90% of the 165-unit development. These buyers are from countries including Singapore, China, Canada, Australia and Indonesia.

Creating a Green Zone for a Cooling Effect

Intimate roof terrace and spa pool.

But what makes this premiere property stand out is the fact that it was designed with a reverence for its surroundings. The architects from Kerry Hill Architects took into consideration the fact that the apartments were framed both by high-rise buildings as well as beautifully conserved shop houses, and designed the structures to afford a panoramic view of the city while creating intimate but open, communal garden spaces resulting in a healthy spatial relationship with its immediate neighbours.

Great care has been taken to ensure that the original trees and dense vegetation around the site are conserved. A mature Pong Pong tree was given a full-crown transplant and now sits near the entrance with a new lease of life. Urban Suites’ lush landscape has created a tranquil oasis for its residents amidst the bustle of the surrounding city life.

Extensive thought and planning were invested in the greening of the landscape. There is a Caesalpinia grove and the Outdoor Fitness Corner is shaded by trees. The reflecting pool and basement courtyard are surrounded by Bamboo. At the podium, there is a fern garden and, as a tribute to urban farming, there is even a herb and spice garden.

All these not only enhance the aesthetics of the development, they also contribute to cooling the entire estate.

Designs that Maximise Nature Gifts

The architecture of the residential towers also aids the cooling effect. The buildings are enveloped by an outer framework that functions as a sun-shade. This intricate “second skin” also visually extends the internal spaces and creates a gentle transition between the exterior and the interior. Being a highly-urbanised location, the “second skin” also enhances privacy while affording views out.

Large balconies allow maximum use of daylight and access to natural winds, while providing a spectacular view of the city’s skyline.

The apartments are laid out to capitalise on natural ventilation and daylight as an energy-saving measure. The towers are angled to minimize walls directly facing West. The units are, therefore, sheltered from the harshest glare of the sun, allowing residents to enjoy sitting at the veranda at anytime of the day.

Stairs and common lobbies are naturally ventilated and the towers are deliberately elevated from the ground to provide continuous landscape and favourable microclimate.

Cooler buildings mean less money spent on air-conditioning but the developer has added more features to ensure even greater cost-savings. Motion sensors with LED lights have been installed in various common areas, energy-efficient water heaters have been fitted and inverter air-conditioners with minimum two National Environment Agency (NEA) green label ticks are used to reduce energy consumption.

The 50-metre lap pool that merges seamlessly with the sloping lawn and landscape beyond.

In a world where the green message isn’t spread as widely and shared as loudly as it should, Urban Suites is a welcomed nod towards the need to leave the generations to come an Earth worth inheriting.

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