MARRIOTT BAR

DESCRIPTION

The Marriott Hotel occupied the distinct location of Tang’s Plaza in Orchard Road, Singapore. Established since the 1980s, the hotel has become one of the most recognized landmarks along Orchard Road. The space was tucked on the side of the building, with its own discreet entrance that leads directly to the bar. The bar connects to the hotel lobby. Our concept was for a bespoke bar that would cater for the discerning whisky lover; a space that would evoke the rich, dark and smoky interiors of the bars akin to the Japanese bars seen in the cult movie “Lost in Translation”.  

CONCEPT

Our design inspiration was primarily derived from the Japanese whisky bars that have been immortalized by the Bill Murray movie. Evoking a nostalgic ambience of the Japanese whisky bars depicted in the cult movie, we envisioned the interiors of the bar to be cozy, contemporary and sophisticated.

The bar would have silky seating with plush fabrics that would allow long and deep conversations. A high bar table surrounds a back-lit open display of the whisky collection for the bar. Subtle lighting fills the contemplative mood of the space.

SINGAPORE FLYER, VIP LOUNGE & TICKETING ARENA

DESCRIPTION

Singapore Flyer is a established tourist attraction in Singapore. In its review of the existing functions, Straco Leisure has commissioned a design competition to address the areas of the Guest Lounge and a rethink of the ticketing area at the front entrance foyer.

CONCEPT

Our design concept was inspired by the iconic status the Flyer represents. Situated at a strategic location at Raffles Avenue, the Singapore Flyer showcases a unparalleled panoramic view of the city scape.

At the center of the Flyer was a lush oasis of flourishing plants and greenery. The central green space provided for a visual feast as much as a relaxing and tranquil back drop for shoppers to stroll around the open walkway at its peripheral.

We saw this green space as an much an icon as the Singapore Flyer. Our concept would be to bring this natural setting to the interior spaces of the Guest Lounge and the Ticketing area at the entrance foyer.

GUEST SERVICE LOUNGE

The space was for the purpose of providing a comfortable and classy area for waiting guests. A feature green wall fronts the reception and provides the perfect sense of arrival.

As an exclusive lounge, our design sought to provide a warm and intimate setting for these guests. The selection of materials, flooring, lights and furniture would be based on a bespoke palette of rich natural materials of marble, soothing lights and comfortable lounge furniture for the elite clientele.

TICKETING AREA AT ENTRANCE FOYER

The current space seemed similar to a transition space with ad-hoc shops serving a myriad of customers. From coffee to finger food, the customers would linger in this area as they await.

The central ticketing arena was a destination that the public went to for tickets for the flyer and associated recreational services offered at the flyer. It would also house all administration and offices within the space.

We proposed a central iconic ticketing booth that straddled the existing structural columns. Mirror cladding was proposed to the imposing structural columns. The ticketing booth was designed organically to reflect similar aspirations of blending with the green environment. The facade was tiered with staggering planter boxes that would allow plants to flourish.

The final design proposal was to allow the public to queue seamlessly, collect the tickets as well as await in the surrounding seats. The F&B outlets could still be located at the areas under the escalators to provide the necessary services for the  guests.

MODE HAIR GALLERY

DESCRIPTION

The hair salon was located at the new trendy business financial district of Singapore – the Marina Bay Financial Centre. The basement shops boasted a myriad of new concept shops and eateries. Mode hair gallery was to be the first salon catering to this fast growing area for corporate business – the next Raffles Place.

CONCEPT

We conceptualised a strong identity for the branding of the salon. The logo was based on a monochromatic theme that was fitting to the corporate image of the salon. The target audience would be the discerning executive with good taste and style.

Based on a similar palette of black and white, the interiors were an extension of the branding of the salon. The reception was designed to be bold and dramatic.  

The salon would be the first in Singapore to incorporate technology into hair styling. Ipads were used to capture customer’s image before and after the hair treatment. A photo studio was incorporated at the rear of the salon to facilitate the process.

As the name suggests, the salon featured as an art gallery as well, with the introduction of art on the white washed walls. The art work was a platform for emerging artists to showcase their works and provided a talking point for both the stylist and the customer. The open concept of the salon gave the public a sneak peak into the changing interiors of the salon.

SAO MAI MIXED DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION

BRIEF

Sao Mai development was situated in the town of Long Xuyen that is about 200km from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The project was a called for a mixed development consisting of a retail development, with basement parking, a podium with swimming pool and two tower blocks – one a hotel development and the other a office block development.

The strategic site meant the project would be the flagship development of the town, with majestic views to the city across the river.

The proposal was awarded First Prize in the nation-wide competition.

CONCEPT

Our design encapsulates the essence of a destination of choice. Designed to take advantage of the site as a water fronting location, the office and hotel towers have clear visibility to the river. The retail component brings the buzz and vibrancy to the ground and makes this an exciting location for both work and play.

ACCESS

Accessibility to the site is via the main Tran Hung Dao road. The ingress roads designed with separate and distinct drop off for the hotel and office. Direct drop off for retail shoppers is at the center of the shopping complex.

The lobbies for hotel and office are separate with access to the building above as well as car park in the 2 basements provided. Drivers can enter the basement directly upon drop-off via the ingress and egress roads located on the periphery of the site.

RETAIL

The retail levels span from 1st to 5th, with 2 basements for car parking. A central void opens up the retail mall upon arrival from the drop off at the center of the building, allowing shoppers a clear visual connection to all floors above. F & B outlets as part of the retail offering are located at the side facing the river allows maximum frontage to the river and acts as the preferred stage for lively outdoor activity.

HOTEL & OFFICE TOWER

The hotel tower is a 20 level iconic building. The distinctive facade treatment accentuates and distinguishes the hotel building from the office block. The interiors are designed to be inviting for the modern traveler – comfortable furnishings with a touch of class and style. An extension of the interior space towards the outdoors is achieved with balconies that face the soothing eastern sun and afford all rooms the magnificent river views.  

The office building at 15 stories has the main facade facing the southern and eastern orientation. A distinctive modern curtain glazing clad the office building on the main facades, and allows for maximum visibility to the river; making it an attractive destination for tenants.

At the podium level where the hotel and office buildings congregate, the facilities are distinct yet complimentary. An infinity edge pool allows hotel guests to enjoy relaxing times while taking in the views to the river. An outdoor landscape deck allows activity to spill outdoors, with a cafe catering for office workers and hotel guests alike. Within the hotel, a gym and spa facility compliments the outdoor activity. Functions rooms are provided for the business and private usage. In the office, there are further provisions of meeting rooms for conferences and business use.