Singapore residential development gets top architecture gong

Rather, the unique construction that won the top architecture gong at this year’s World Architecture Festival in Singapore is actually a cluster of 31 unit blocks named The Interlace — because the towers do just that.

The creative minds behind The Interlace, architect Buro Ole Scheeren from Germany and Netherlands-based OMA, opted for a medium-density design that features apartment “towers” that are only six storeys high — small fry for Singapore where sky-high living has become the norm.

The Interlace has got the top gong at the architecture “Oscars”. Picture: Picture: Iwan Baan

The Interlace has got the top gong at the architecture “Oscars”. Picture: Picture: Iwan BaanSource:Supplied

The creative minds behind The Interlace, architect Buro Ole Scheeren from Germany and Netherlands-based OMA, opted for a medium-density design that features apartment “towers” that are only six storeys high — small fry for Singapore where sky-high living has become the norm.

The Interlace covers 170,000sq m and includes 1040 apartments. Picture: Iwan Baan

The Interlace covers 170,000sq m and includes 1040 apartments. Picture: Iwan BaanSource:Supplied

What makes the complex much more complex is how the apartment blocks are perched together in groups of four. And there’s a whopping 1040 apartments in it.

Placed together in a unique formation, the residential blocks create a hexagonal shape which makes room for eight communal courtyards on the site.

Described by Mr Scheeren as a “vertical village” the winning project also has a 50m pool on site, a clubhouse, reading rooms, gyms and games rooms and even a space for communal karaoke. For fitness junkies living on the densely populated island there is also a 1km running track.

The unique complex was designed as a village rather than just a building. Picture: Iwan Baan

The unique complex was designed as a village rather than just a building. Picture: Iwan BaanSource:Supplied

Described by Mr Scheeren as a “vertical village” the winning project also has a 50m pool on site, a clubhouse, reading rooms, gyms and games rooms and even a space for communal karaoke. For fitness junkies living on the densely populated island there is also a 1km running track.

Rather than sky-high towers, The Interlace is a cluster of 31 six-storey blocks. Picture: Iwan Baan

Rather than sky-high towers, The Interlace is a cluster of 31 six-storey blocks. Picture: Iwan BaanSource:Supplied

Finished in 2013, The Interlace, which covers a huge 170,000sq m surface area, won favour with the panel of judges thanks to its “radical and alternative approach” to contemporary living.

The mixed-use structure is located within a green belt area of the city-state’s southern ridges.

Professor Sir Peter Cook, founder of architectural group Archigram, and one of the design event’s jurors, told CNN: “It’s very difficult, with so many beautiful, quite worthy projects.”

“I think you look for a power of impact. It’s something you know you’ll remember in two years’ time. It’s a game-changer.”

“So much of architecture is predictable, particularly housing. Another block, another block, another block. But this isn’t ‘ho-hum here we go again’,” he said.

And Australia also got a look in at the global event with a Sydney site earning a prestigious nod.

SJB Architects won the Mixed-Use Development Award for its Casba project in Danks St, Waterloo which includes 65 residential units and 3000sq m of retail space.

Retail and residential development Casba snagged the Mixed-Use Development Award.

Retail and residential development Casba snagged the Mixed-Use Development Award.Source:Supplied

SJB Architects won the Mixed-Use Development Award for its Casba project in Danks St, Waterloo which includes 65 residential units and 3000sq m of retail space.

Casba also won the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s coveted NSW President’s Award this year.

Casba also won the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s coveted NSW President’s Award this year.

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