the interlace by OMA / ole scheeren forms a vertical village in singapore

the interlace by OMA / ole scheeren forms a vertical village in singapore
image © iwan baan

designed by ole scheeren, former partner of OMA, singaporean apartment complex ‘the interlace‘ has opened its door to residents, six years after the project was first commissioned. the development, made up of 31 apartment blocks, each six storeys tall, comprises an extensive and integrated network of private and communal spaces. rather than clusters of isolated towers, the scheme reinterprets ideas behind contemporary living, with horizontally connected volumes establishing a better connected and less isolated residential environment.

stacked in a hexagonal arrangement, the units are articulated around eight generously proportioned courtyards forming a unified topography where terraced gardens are positioned across the stepped volumes. blocks are arranged on four main ‘superlevels’ with three ‘peaks’ of 24 storeys, while multi-story openings allow light and air to weave into and through the landscape. imagined as a ‘vertical village’, the 170,000 square meter project provides 1,040 residential units that are both spacious and reasonably priced.

the development is made up of 31 apartment blocks – each six storeys tall
image © iwan baan

a primary pedestrian route leads residents from the main entrance through the courtyards as primary points of orientation and identification. circulation is grouped according to the population density around each plaza, while a system of secondary footpaths brings inhabitants to their private front doors. the idea of community life within a contemporary village is emphasized throughout through an extensive network of gardens. a variety of public amenities are interwoven into the landscape, offering numerous opportunities for social interaction and shared activities within the natural environment.

a variety of public amenities are woven into the landscape, offering numerous opportunities for social interaction
image © iwan baan

a central square, theatre plaza, and water park occupy the more public and central spaces and contain shared amenity areas such as a clubhouse, theater, gyms and a 50-meter lap pool with sun deck. surrounding courtyards provide shaded outdoor play and picnic areas with lower blocks around its perimeter. the waterfall, lotus pond, and rainforest spa complete the eight main courtyards. and offer residents further areas of recreation in a more relaxed and contemplative atmosphere.

stacked in a hexagonal arrangement, the units are articulated around eight generously proportioned courtyards
image © iwan baan

from an environmental perspective, sustainability features are incorporated throughout the project through thorough analysis and the integration of low-impact passive energy strategies. through stacking the apartments, the design generates a multiplication of horizontal surfaces populated by extensive roof gardens and landscaped terraces that offer more green space than the size of the unbuilt site. water bodies have been strategically positioned within defined wind corridors, encouraging evaporative cooling, while vehicular traffic and parking is accommodated in a single layer below the landscaped ground level.

blocks are arranged on four main ‘superlevels’ with three ‘peaks’ of 24 storeys
image © iwan baan

‘the interlace opens a space of collective experience within the city and reunites the desire for individuality and privacy with a sense of togetherness and living in a community,’ explains architect ole scheeren. ‘social interaction is integrated with the natural environment in a synthesis of tropical nature and habitable urban space. the design generates a multiplicity of qualities and choices for its inhabitants – a sense of richness and freedom in the choices you make.‘

aerial view of the vast residential complex
image © iwan baan

in recognition of its contributions to the urban realm and social sustainability, the project has been chosen by the council on tall buildings and urban habitat as the winner of the global urban habitat award 2014. judges praised the design for its ‘exemplary integration with its surrounding environment; and its ability to add to the social sustainability of its immediate and wider context, environmentally, socially, and culturally.‘

see designboom‘s previous coverage of ‘the interlace’ in singapore here.

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project info:

project: the interlace
type: residential
status: commission 2007, completion 2013
client: capitaland singapore
location: singapore
site: 8 hectares at alexandra road/depot road
scale: 170,000 sqm
program: 1,040 residences 144,000 sqm, clubhouse / amenities 1,500 sqm, retail 500 sqm, ancillary / MEP 24,000 sqm, basement parking 2,600 spaces

design architect: OMA, designer and partner-in-charge ole scheeren
architect of record: RSP architects, planners & engineers pte. ltd., singapore
structural engineers: arup, beijing (concept/SD structural engineering); RSP architects, planners & engineers pte. ltd. (structural engineering); t.y. lin international pte ltd., singapore (civil and structural engineering, construction engineering)
MEP engineer: squire mech pte ltd., singapore
sustainability: arup, hong kong (concept/SD)
landscape: OMA (concept/SD) / ICN design international pte. ltd., singapore
lighting: lighting planners associates (s) pte ltd., singapore
façade: arup, singapore
quantity surveyor: langdon & seah singapore pte ltd
graphic design (logo): 2×4, new york
photography: iwan baan