Reflections at Keppel Bay

With its iconic architecture, the residential complex Reflections at Keppel Bay in the historic Keppel Harbour is a pioneering, modern residential unit on the Asian coast, reflecting the new urban lifestyle on the south coast of Singapore. Like reeds swaying in the wind, the designs by American architect Daniel Libeskind are notable for their narrative formal language. The six curved reed-like towers enter into a fascinating symbiosis as they rise up from the water. Behind the glass façades are 84,000 m² of living space in eleven villa blocks and 1,129 apartment units. The artistic composition, with towers of different widths and openings and gaps between the buildings, seems to bring the complex to life.

Along the waterside promenade are low, aluminium-clad buildings containing the villa blocks. Behind them the graceful high-rise buildings emerge to form a unique structure linked by bridges. The 24- to 41-storey towers are topped by roof lines – lush gardens and spaces with a panoramic view of the neighbouring golf course, yacht bay and Mount Faber. The complex has every possible outdoor amenity. At the foot of the towers is an exclusive clubhouse and a 100,000 m² Olympic pool, and the building is surrounded by lush parkland designed by prize-winning New York architects Hargreaves Associates.

Individuality and personality are the watchwords in the complex. There is nothing uniform, and each apartment is different, offering alternative views of the surroundings. Great importance was attached to the bathroom design. The Starck 3 range from Duravit is simple and innovative. Wall-mounted toilets and bidets are closed off at the sides to form elegant design objects. They are complemented by matching Starck 3 washbasins with narrow, rim surrounds, as well as Architec basins.

The developer Keppel Land sought to minimise environmental burdens during the planning, design and construction of the complex. Apart from the Green Mark criteria, a certification system for environmentally sound building in Singapore, the buildings have energy-efficient features such as double glazing and low-energy glass, which reduce the heat transfer to the interior. Occupants are provided with a “Green Guide” and energy-efficient air conditioning and refrigerators. An intelligent filter system with underground tanks collects rainwater, which is recycled to irrigate the parkland. Even the tops of the towers have an energy-conscious design, with the aeroplane warning lights powered by solar energy. The building also has a pneumatic waste collection system for efficient and hygienic disposal. At night the Reflections is lit up by a spectacular lighting concept created by Japanese illumination specialists Lighting Planner Associates: altogether a “shining” example of sustainable modern high-rise architecture with individual living comfort.