Belle Vue Residences by Toyo Ito
SINGAPORE, 3 SEPTEMBER 2010: International award-winning architect Toyo Ito is in Singapore for a presentation of his latest project, the Belle Vue Residences.
Belle Vue Residences is Ito’s first and only residential condominium to-date in Asia, outside Japan. Nestled in the lushness and serenity of Singapore’s prime Orchard-Oxley neighborhood in District 9, Belle Vue Residences is an exclusive 176-unit freehold luxury development that is an eloquent interplay of architecture and nature.
Configured on sprawling grounds of almost 250,000 square feet (sq ft), Belle Vue Residences’ lyrical and freeflowing lines and spatial design mirrors the patterns of nature’s organic forms, in an accentuated style of curved geometry for which Ito is famously known. Under this concept, Ito’s approach to sensibilities accepts changes such as movement, rhythm, transmission and mixture. Toyo Ito explains, “To achieve good design for this development, I saw no need to create deliberate shapes.” He adds, “My instinctive conceptual design for Belle Vue Residences, upon seeing the site, was that it should parallel a natural branching pattern, to accentuate the beauty and value of the site.
My inspiration was to create a dwelling environment that enables us to rediscover our intimate relationship with nature, extending the tranquility of the outdoors into personal living spaces.” Belle Vue Residences’ organically-shaped layout emulates a tree’s branching pattern, creating a spatial experience where each apartment enjoys the dynamics of light and wind, and its own unique views.
This approach creates more wall surfaces that face outwards for greater natural light and ventilation, seamlessly integrating its interior and exterior spaces. The nine apartment blocks of Belle Vue Residences are also built to a comfortable human scale where structures rise gently within a sensitively-cultivated and green environment of pathways, tropical gardens and gentle water features achieving rare ambient tranquility in the heart of the city. Belle Vue Residences’ two-storey clubhouse, designed as a bridge over landscaped pools, features a viewing veranda, multi-purpose function room, leisure lounge and theatrette.
At the lower level, a gymnasium and relaxation foyer look out to an elegant sculpture courtyard garden. The architect’s preoccupation with details is reflected in the Toyo Ito collection of exclusively crafted range of bathroom accessories and interior fixtures that have been included in each apartment, to create reciprocal relationships in the space and accentuate the harmonious quality of Belle Vue Residences’ organic design. “We are honoured to work with Toyo Ito on his first and only residential project in Asia outside Japan. Toyo’s mastery of curved geometry and domains captured the calm, wayward and soulful essence in nature.
The architecture is fully liberated here, creating a unique and truly beautiful property in Singapore,” says Mr Edmund Cheng, Deputy Chairman of Wing Tai Holdings. Mr Cheng adds, “I have long anticipated this rare opportunity to materialise projects of such distinctiveness in architectural qualities; I am delighted with this wonderful collaboration with Toyo.
For Belle Vue Residences, we have not only succeeded in preserving the rich history and heritage of the site, but through brilliant architecture we have added a spatial dimension to the natural environment experienced through the human scale. In a way, I think we have paraphrased nature, and taken the concept of city living to an unprecedented level.” Belle Vue Residences is the epitome of luxury living.
The size of a 3-bedroom apartment starts from 1,600 sq ft and a 4-bedroom apartment begins at 2,000 sq ft. The development is ready for residents’ occupation and scheduled for launch in the coming weeks.
About Toyo Ito
Toyo Ito is a world-renowned Japanese architect known for his innovative and groundbreaking designs. With a career spanning several decades, Toyo Ito has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field of architecture. Notable awards include the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest honour in architecture, and the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
In his exploration of new forms and spatial conditions, Toyo Ito’s current architecture builds upon his postmodern work. He embraces innovation and seeks to create environments that reflect the philosophy of limitless possibilities.
Toyo Ito’s influence extends to Singapore, where he has left his mark on prominent projects. Notably, he has contributed to the architectural landscape with projects in Singapore that seamlessly integrates functionality and aesthetics.
With Belle Vue Residences, Toyo Ito’s exceptional design philosophy is brought to life in the heart of Singapore. This luxurious residential development showcases his signature style of organic forms and seamless integration of nature and architecture. Belle Vue Residences exemplifies the visionary approach that Toyo Ito brings to his projects, offering residents an unparalleled living experience that embodies elegance, tranquillity, and the perfect balance between urban living and personal sanctuary.
Besides Belle Vue Residences, 嘉御苑 stands out as another notable architectural masterpiece that harmoniously blends nature and modern living. With its distinctive curvilinear design, The Crest stands as a testament to Toyo Ito’s innovative approach to creating spaces that inspire.