SINGAPORE - SKY HABITAT BY ARCHITECT MOSHE SAFDIE

Sky Habitat is a major project in Singapore by Canadian architect and urban planner Moshe Safdie, following on from Marina Bay Sands; it features a large infinity pool and public spaces at the top.

Set on an 11,997 m² site in the heart of Bishan Central, one of the most sought-after residential areas, the development comprises 509 luxury units across two 38-storey towers in Singapore.

The key features of Sky Habitat are:

One of Singapore’s most sought-after residential areas, in the heart of Bishan Central
Excellent access to public transport (Bishan MRT station, Circle Line & Bus Interchange)
Proximity to retail and entertainment venues such as Junction 8, NEX, AMK Hub, etc.
Renowned schools such as Catholic High School, Raffles Institution and other international schools
A three-dimensional design featuring residential units, private terraces and communal gardens
An iconic development comprising 509 residential units
Stunning views of the greenery in Bishan Park
Lush vertical greenery, optimal orientation, naturally ventilated apartments
1-bedroom studio / 2-bedroom studio / 3- and 4-bedroom flats and penthouses available
Designed by the world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie (Marina Bay Sands)

For 40 years, architect Moshe Safdie has been exploring the possibilities of fractal surfaces to design his high-density buildings.

Having made his name with Habitat 67, a housing complex in Montreal, he is now back with Sky Habitat, a 38-storey building featuring a multitude of green terraces and walkways offering breathtaking views of Singapore.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon have found their spiritual heirs: the Sky Habitat twin towers, built in the “Garden City”, Singapore.

The 509-unit complex features a distinctive geometry, comprising a multitude of independent balconies and walkways connecting the two 38-storey towers.

The Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie explains that, over the past 40 years, he has explored the possibilities offered by “fractal surface patterns, a spectacular intensification of the structure that results in a network of open-air gardens, and streets and communal green spaces that interconnect in the air”.

For the architect, the desired densification is therefore not at the expense of the future residents’ quality of life. On the contrary, the Sky Habitat project places great emphasis on comfort and amenities. “For the Bishan project [named after the Singaporean neighbourhood, ed.], we have incorporated numerous features to significantly expand amenities for families and enlarge communal spaces, primarily by providing generous community gardens and open spaces, both at ground level and at height, including terraces and gardens for more than half of the residences," explains his firm.

Rather than two separate towers, the design proposed by Moshe Safdie offers a complex of stacked and intertwined apartments, connected across three levels by walkways, which are just as green as the private balconies. "The overall mass is porous and open to air and light, allowing the breeze to sweep through and light to flood in," states the architectural brief. The layout therefore provides views for residents, both from their homes and from the communal spaces.

The result?

"A more human and delicate urban fabric than in traditional buildings," according to the architects.

Nevertheless, the concrete structure is designed to be “highly streamlined”: it is optimised to promote airflow between the façades, an important detail in Singapore’s tropical climate.

At ground level, above a podium car park, 72% of the space is dedicated to lush gardens, outdoor activity areas, swimming pools and footpaths. "Whilst offering an unprecedented quality of life, which mitigates the perception of density and congestion and maximises contact with nature, the complex resembles a village-like settlement, echoing the contours of the surrounding hills and integrating architecture and vegetation into a unique experience," concludes Safdie Architects.

The target market is the upper-middle classes: for rental, expect to pay €2,000 per month for an 80 m² flat, whilst for purchase, a 157 m² property will cost €772,000 (or “just” €4,917 per m²).

Source: maisonapart.com