Sited on the scenic Keppel Harbor in Singapore, the Reflections at Keppel Bay complex took its inspiration from the strong elemental forces of the area. Surrounded by water and the lush vegetation of the region, the six towers of the complex seek to provide not only views from each of its residential units to the natural beauty beyond, but to also create an intriguing formal juxtaposition between the towers and their surroundings.

The project brief required that the development achieve a density to meet the client’s goals on the available site, as real-estate costs in Singapore are high. To meet the number of desired units, a set of differing typologies was developed to provide variety in the design and create a unique development while creating a dense complex. Eleven low-rise villas of 6–8 floors each occupy part of the site, creating a gradient to the height of the towers. The towers are one of two forms: either 24 stories and 117 meters in height, or 41 stories and 175 meters in height. Pairs of towers are united with sky decks to provide green space and facilitate connections between them.

The nine sky decks in the complex range from 15 to 24 meters in span, and are full-story trussed steel matrix construction which were assembled at ground level and were strand-jacked in sequence from the highest to the lowest level, to finally maneuver the structures into place. The decks are landscaped, connecting them with the densely planted environment around it and providing a unique experience of a garden in the sky for residents.

The forms and materials of the towers are intended to respond to the surrounding water and air, reflecting back the environment. The crown of each tower is made up of a complex lattice which evaporates into the air, creating a connection between the tower and the sky around it. Each crown, approximately 40 meters in height, is created from cold-rolled tubular steel sections. Within the crown structures are housed three levels of sky gardens that are integrated with the penthouse units. The façade treatment is of varying reflectivity, creating a stippled effect along each surface, much like the water around it.

The artful composition of ever-shifting building orientations, along with the differing building typologies, creates an airy, light-filled grouping of short and tall structures. These forms create an experience where each level feels unique as it is not in alignment with either the floor above or below. There are no residence types which are placed next to one another or seen from the same perspective; the result of this design is a fundamental shift in high-rise living where individuality and difference is not sacrificed.

Comprising more than 1,100 units, the complex is a neighborhood, and the architecture is intended to create a community for its residents. To support the community in a sustainable manner, several conservation measures were taken: energy-efficient lighting and appliances were installed; a rainwater harvesting system is used for irrigation; motion sensors and automatic plumbing fixtures were installed in public spaces; and a large amount of softscaping was employed to reduce heat reflection and improve rainwater collection, which was also in alignment with the goals of integrating the buildings with their context. The project earned Singapore’s Green Mark Gold Award through its implementation of sustainable strategies.