Breaking the Skyscraper Mold: An Architectural Revolution
In Singapore’s dense urban landscape dominated by vertical towers, The Interlace stands as a defiant architectural statement. Completed in 2013 on an elevated 8-hectare site along Depot Road and Alexandra Road, this 1,040-unit residential complex represents a radical reimagining of high-density living. Designed by Ole Scheeren of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), the development famously rejects isolated towers in favor of a horizontally connected “vertical village” .
The complex’s iconic form – often compared to Jenga blocks – consists of 31 identical six-story apartment blocks arranged in a hexagonal pattern around eight expansive courtyards. Stacked up to four levels high at the center (reaching 24 stories), these interlocking blocks create a cascading terrain of living spaces integrated with nature. This innovative arrangement earned The Interlace the prestigious World Building of the Year award in 2015 and the Urban Habitat Award in 2014 .
“The design addresses concerns of shared space and social needs in a contemporary society and simultaneously responds to issues of shared living and individuality”, explains architect Ole Scheeren. The arrangement creates permeable sightlines through the complex while ensuring nearly all units enjoy panoramic views of Singapore’s Southern Ridges – a lush green belt connecting Kent Ridge, Telok Blangah Hill, and Mount Faber parks .
Engineering Sustainability Through Design Innovation
Beyond its striking aesthetics, The Interlace pioneers sustainable design principles tailored to Singapore’s tropical climate:
- 112% Green Coverage: Through cascading sky gardens, vertical planting, and rooftop terraces, the development achieved more green space than the original unbuilt site – an unprecedented feat featuring over 1,200 trees, 14 supertrees, and 700 plant species .
- Passive Climate Control: Strategic placement of water bodies within wind corridors enables evaporative cooling along wind paths, reducing ambient temperatures in recreational areas. The hexagonal arrangement creates shaded courtyards while allowing cross-ventilation throughout living spaces [citation:9].
- Sunlight Optimization: The deliberate gaps between stacked blocks ensure all apartments receive abundant natural light – a stark contrast to conventional towers where lower units languish in shadow .
- Underground Innovation: A single-layer basement parking accommodates 1,132 vehicles while open-air voids bring light and air to semi-sunken levels, connecting them visually with upper courtyards through vertical planting.
Community Fabric: The “Vertical Village” in Practice
The Interlace transcends architectural novelty by fostering genuine community interaction through meticulously planned spaces:
- Eight Themed Courtyards: Each hexagonal cluster features distinct recreational zones:
- Water Park: 50m lap pool, family pools, children’s play pools
- Spa Valley: Rainforest setting with spa lagoons, jacuzzis, and steam rooms
- Play Hills: Outdoor exercise corners and children’s play stations
- Bamboo Garden: Contemplative spaces with reading nooks and rock gardens
- Theatre Plaza: Venue for performances and outdoor screenings
- Community-Centric Facilities: Beyond standard amenities (tennis courts, gyms), the complex features community gardens, barbecue pits, dog runs, and a perimeter jogging track doubling as emergency vehicle access. Universal design principles earned it Singapore’s Gold Plus (Design) award, with specialized units for aging in place .
- Unit Diversity: Ranging from 807 sq ft 2-bedroom units to 6,300 sq ft penthouses with private roof gardens, the development includes unique 3-4 bedroom Garden Houses offering landed-home experiences within a condominium setting .
Table: The Interlace Unit Distribution and Features
| Unit Type | Size Range | Key Features | % of Total Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Bedroom | 807 – 1,216 sq ft | Efficient layouts, balcony access | ~35% |
| 3-Bedroom | 1,608 – 1,776 sq ft | Study/family spaces, enhanced privacy | ~40% |
| 4-Bedroom | Varied | Spacious layouts, multiple bathrooms | ~15% |
| Garden Houses | Up to 3,520 sq ft | Private gardens, landed-home experience | ~10% |
| Penthouses | Up to 6,300 sq ft | Private roof terraces, premium finishes | Limited |
Strategic Location and Connectivity
Nestled between Queenstown and Bukit Merah, The Interlace enjoys prime connectivity:
- Transport: Located 2km from Queenstown MRT with shuttle services to Harbourfront MRT (VivoCity)
- Green Access: Directly opposite the Southern Ridges trail network connecting multiple parks
- Education: Proximity to international schools (ISS) and SP Jain School of Global Management
- Employment: Near Alexandra TechPark, Biopolis research hub, and Mapletree Business City
The development sits within Singapore’s “Prime Hexagon” growth corridor, bordered by transformative projects like the Greater Southern Waterfront (9,000 upcoming homes) and one-north innovation district .
The Living Experience: Design Meets Daily Life
Resident testimonials reveal how The Interlace’s architecture shapes community:
“Instead of knowing neighbors only on your floor, you interact with people across multiple levels. The courtyards become natural gathering spots after work – it feels like a kampong (village) in the sky.” – Tan Mei Ling, resident since 2015
The Type A3 2-bedroom layout exemplifies thoughtful design: A squarish kitchen positioned away from bedrooms prevents cooking odors from permeating living spaces, while the Type B1 3-bedroom features entrance via balcony for enhanced privacy . Garden Houses include ground-floor bedrooms suitable for multi-generational living.
Despite its avant-garde design, The Interlace offers relative value within District 4, transacting at ~$1,400 psf compared to neighboring projects at $2,000-$2,200 psf. With 85 years remaining on its 99-year leasehold, it presents a compelling investment opportunity amid surrounding developments .
Legacy and Future Vision
As Singapore’s urban landscape evolves, The Interlace remains a benchmark for sustainable, community-focused high-density design. Its success demonstrates that residential developments need not sacrifice human connection or environmental integration for density. With upcoming transformations in the Greater Southern Waterfront and surrounding districts, this architectural icon continues to challenge conventional thinking about urban living – proving that stacked blocks can indeed build community. As Scheeren envisioned, it stands not as isolated towers, but as an “interactive network where life unfolds vertically and horizontally amidst greenery” – a revolutionary vision realized in concrete, vegetation, and communal spirit .
Table: Traditional vs. Interlace Design Paradigms
| Aspect | Conventional Towers | The Interlace Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Social Space | Isolated balconies | 8 interconnected courtyards + sky terraces |
| Greenery | Ground-level gardens only | 112% site coverage with vertical gardens |
| Unit Views | Limited views for lower floors | Panoramic views for majority of units |
| Community | Vertical isolation | Horizontal connectivity across levels |
| Microclimate | Wind tunnels at ground level | Regulated airflow through wind corridors |
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