DP architects alternate the garden levels of jardin in singapore

DP architects alternate the garden levels of jardin in singapore
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

the design of ‘jardin’ by DP architects incorporates two main ideas – a ‘vertical’ garden setting and the french notion of living. ‘these concepts are pivotal architectural form-generators, and encapsulate new pleasures of high-rise living and modern lifestyles,’ says the singapore-based studio. ‘extending the desire of enjoying a garden setting in front of one’s abode, ‘jardin’ allows this simple pleasure of living in a garden to be materialized in a high-rise environment, by literally bringing gardens right up in the sky.’

at each alternate level, extensive gardens extend from the loft units, serving as deep communal balconies

at each alternate level, extensive gardens extend from the loft units, serving as deep communal ‘balconies’. besides functionally providing shade and buffer from city noise, these greeneries connect the units’ living areas, allowing for use as social spaces.

street view of jardin along dunearn road at the former yeo hiap seng factory’s location in singapore
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

the experience of the scenic gardenscape begins upon entry to the development, where residents and visitors are greeted by a terrain that berms and elevates the building. the firm believes that ‘the combination of french and garden themes epitomizes the spirit of the residential property, that of providing quality and tasteful living amid clever landscaping that challenges the conventional notions of residential landscaping.’

view of the landscaped berm and the layers of garden terraces
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

by negotiating planning code guidelines and the relationships between softscape and hardscape, extensive façade-length terraces have been built into every alternating level to create double-height garden spaces accessible to each of the building’s residences. a number of techniques in landscape design are explored to provide a blend of experiences by which the greenery evolves about a user.

view of flower garden on the first storey
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

view of the rock garden on the fifth storey
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

such practices include serial vision, developed by architect and urban designer gordon cullen in the english townscape movement, which considers the garden as a sequence of spaces that reveal themselves to a meanderer in succession: in this project, elements such as green walls or feature walls— serve as focal points for the reorientation of the visitor along various axes of travel; shafts of natural sunlight are employed to vary visibility. the complexities of the area channel a sensory journey. circulation is planned with a series of scenes and settings unravelling as one moves from one program to another through the development.

the rooftop garden offer residents great views of the surroundings 
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

projecting gardens at alternating levels of the work serve as communal ‘green balconies’ — sites of social interchange in the open air. the roof hosts a club and recreation nursery with a collection of event pavilions that also intend to cultivate gatherings.

one of the array of themed gardens created to provide residents with a refreshing experience
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

the facility’s 18,000sqm, ten-storey block offers 140 units with accessibility to these extensive vegetative zones, as well as the 8,600sqm site’s landscaping. the units vary among eight different floor plans ranging in size from 70sqm to 150sqm. the architects conclude by saying, ‘in the design of these high-rise gardens, a multitude of contemporary lifestyles and desires is encapsulated – luncheon on the grass; dining in the garden; a lazy sunday afternoon slouching in the shady cabana; parties on roof or garden decks; and open-air showers.’

illuminated night view of jardin
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

silhouettes of the foliage create delightful effects on the ceiling
photo © rory daniel / far east organization

sketch of the sequence of the landscaped journey

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