As open spaces decrease in ever-crowding emerging cities, we pay homage to some of the best architectural designs from across the region
Reflections at Keppel Bay
Reflections at Keppel Bay – a 186,000-square-metre residential development in Singapore – may have just missed out on winning the World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival Awards in September, but it has won over the hearts of architectural enthusiasts across the region. Thanks to the vision of designer Studio Daniel Libeskind, a stunning family of six high-rise glass skyscrapers tower above the entrance to Singapore’s historic Keppel Harbour, providing vistas of Sentosa and Mount Faber. Alternating between 24 and 41 storeys high, each of the six curved buildings is crowned with a garden and sloping rooflines, while 11 low-rise spacious apartment blocks look onto lush gardens and swimming pools along the property’s 750m shoreline.
The Residences at the St Regis Bangkok
No stranger to accolades, The Residences at The St Regis Bangkok walked away with the Best Residential Architectural Design in October’s annual Thailand Property Awards. Designed by New York-based Brennan Beer Gorman Architects, the 45-storey property is home to 53 luxury units which, despite whopping $2.2m to $7m price tags, have nearly all been snapped up. With one of the most desirable addresses in Bangkok, the residential and commercial project is the latest development in Thailand to challenge Singapore’s monopoly as Southeast Asia’s top luxury investment destination.
One KL
While the Petronas Twin Towers may dominate Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, the award-winning One KL has become an icon in its own right. Towering at 155 metres high, the 94-unit condominium project has set new standards within architectural circles, introducing many firsts for Malaysia, including biometric access control and high-speed private lifts. However, the most impressive feature is the weaving of 95 glass-edge infinity pools into the building’s façade. Yes, that’s right – each duplex apartment has its own swimming pool.
The St Moritz Penthouse & Residences
With Indonesia minting millionaires at one of the fastest rates in Asia, it is no surprise that Jakarta is home to several luxury residential developments. Fitted with a wedding chapel, a hospital and Sea World, The St Moritz Penthouse & Residences is a leader in its field. Located in the central business district of West Jakarta, St Moritz – which scooped up the Best Condo Development award at the prestigious Southeast Asia Property Awards last year – boasts some of the largest apartments in the capital. Things got a little fancier this year, when the new presidential suite opened units with private gardens and open-air hot tubs.
Bitexco Financial Tower
The architect behind the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City drew inspiration for his design from Vietnam’s national flower, the lotus. Coming in at 262 metres high, it is hard to miss the Bitexco Financial Tower, which anchors the city’s skyline and is located in the heart of its business district. Its 68 floors are home to commercial real estate and restaurants. For visitors, the main attraction is the observation Sky Deck on the 49th floor, which provides uninterrupted 360-degree views of the city.
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