UNStudio distinguishes ardmore residence as living landscape

UNStudio distinguishes ardmore residence as living landscape
image © iwan baan
all images courtesy of UNStudio

dutch architect ben van berkel of UNStudio has led the design of the recently completed ardmore residence in singapore. the 36 storey tower aims to break out of the monotony of the replicated skyscrapers that dominate the skylines of 21st century asian cities, joining the new generation of vertical architecture with tailored silhouettes, integral plantations, and luxurious amenities for residents that combine to form a living landscape.

a vertical landscape towers above singapore in contrast to its neighboring
image © iwan baan

the dwelling is well located in the vicinity of the high-end shopping district, orchard road. its orientation lends to panoramic views of both the downtown urban fabric and green landscape beyond. the connection between the construction and nature is firmly established by the layered composition within the garden city. at ground level, tall spaces are left open by elevated apartments, freeing the earth for gardens and passageways. rising above, articulation in the façade creates a vertical topography composed of organic apertures.

(left): ardmore residence appears to be carved out a single monolithic material that emerges from the site
(right): the first apartment is located on the eigth floor, facilitating visual connections to the urban fabric
image © iwan baan

the tower’s skin is composed of four storey sections from which large glazed openings and balconies are carved. the undulating pattern incorporates structural elements and sun-shading with an uninterrupted aesthetic. this unified system continues indoors as window seats and soffits appear to emerge as if carved from a monolithic material.

 
the undulating façade repeats every four floors
image © iwan baan

‘the highly textural façade of the ardmore residence works in unison with the organization of the individual apartments, affording both extensive daylight to the unique residential spaces and panoramic views over the city of singapore. the façade further generates a unique reading of the building in the neighborhood, with its layered contours extending the appearance beyond four façades and providing a variety of profiles and perspectives.’ ben van berkel, a founding principal of UNStudio

landscape is an essential element of the partii
image © iwan baan

embodying the idea of a ‘living landscape’ the layout of each suite encourages versatile indoor-outdoor occupancy. transparency offered by the windows gives residents connection to the ground while in their homes. this theme is expressed at a larger scale at the street level, where the eight storey base provides visual connection to the contextual urban fabric.

interior design of the show suite by terry hunziker
image © iwan baan

view from the livingroom
image © iwan baan

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project info:

name: ardmore residence
location: singapore
year: 2006 – 2013
client: pontiac land group
location: singapore
building surface: 15.666 m² of apartments, plus 4.400 m² carpark

building site: 5.625 m²

programme:  36 storey residential tower

status: construction completed

credits:
UNStudio: ben van berkel  with wouter de jonge and holger hoffmann, imola berczi, christian bergmann, aurelie hsiao, juergen heinzel, derrick diporedjo, nanang santoso, joerg petri, kristin sandner, katrin zauner, arne nielsen

advisors:
local architects: architects A61, singapore

structure: webstructures, singapore

mechanical & electrical consulting engineers: j roger preston, singapore
façade: ove arup, singapore