[UPDATE] Nyon shines with outsized character and innovative design

By Timothy Tay

/ EdgeProp Singapore |

October 29, 2020 6:00 AM SGT

SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - While boutique condominiums are dwarfed by larger-sized projects on the market, successful boutique developments manage to pull off innovative designs despite their smaller land size. These outstanding developments feature design concepts that align with the demands of their target market.

The Top Boutique Development Award at the EdgeProp Excellence Awards 2020 was presented to Nyon, a 92-unit development by Aurum Land. Boutique projects in this category are defined as private residential developments with fewer than 100 residential units.

This is the second time Aurum Land is receiving an award for a boutique development: the homegrown developer clinched the Top Boutique Development (Completed Project) for The Orient at the EdgeProp Excellence Awards 2018.

Don't miss out to check out the hottest new launch condo and new landed property in Singapore

Small size, big character

Typically, the biggest challenge in designing boutique developments is the relatively limited land size, which restricts the number of amenities and allocation of green spaces, says Lee Nai Jia, deputy director of the Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies at the National University of Singapore. Lee is also one of the judges for the EdgeProp Excellence Awards 2020.

The architecture and design of Nyon were inspired by Peranakan themes and colours. (Picture: Aurum Land)

“Well-designed boutique developments showcase innovation by the developer in managing the constraints of the site and come up with an exceptional product. We understand that it is a challenge to accommodate many amenities in boutique developments, but it is still possible to creatively utilise the space to create a high-quality product for home buyers,” says Lee.

He says that Nyon clearly showed to the judges its innovative ways in overcoming developmental challenges, and this made it possible for the developer to weave a story that highlighted the property’s unique identity. “This means that the developer is able to bring out the character of the area where the project is located and highlight certain unique features that are critical in contributing to an excellent development,” says Lee.

Peranakan heritage retold

Located in the highly desirable Amber Road neighbourhood, Nyon’s overall aesthetics borrows heavily from traditional Peranakan design motifs and colours. The name of the condominium is a play on the word “nyonya” — a name for Straits-Chinese women in the Peranakan Chinese community.

Aurum Land collaborated with Singapore- based architectural firm Park+Associates and interior designer Second Edition on the boutique development. Nyon sits on a freehold site of 28,409 sq ft and comprises an 18-storey residential tower. It has a mix of one- to three-bedroom units from 484 sq ft to 1,582 sq ft. There are four 3-bedroom penthouses from 1,281 sq ft to 1,615 sq ft. Units feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. Units above the fifth level will either face East Coast Park or overlook the low-rise houses that populate the Katong and Mountbatten estates.

Nyon comprises a mix of one- to three-bedroom units from 484 sq ft to 1,582 sq ft. (Picture: Aurum Land)

The residential block features a white textured façade that represents a lace veil that wraps around the building. According to the architect, this design is a starting point for residents to connect with their new home and lifestyle and makes the condo more easily recognisable.

“A human-scaled yet volumetric first storey also resembles the identity of the East Coast area, which evokes old times. Spaces in the development are layers, progressing from enclosed to open, creating a different sense of space for users,” says Park+Associates.

Peranakan-inspired themes decorate nearly every corner of the boutique development. Besides the white feature façade around the residential block, the floors in the common areas feature bright and colourful tiles that are inspired by Peranakan porcelain tiles. The swimming pool also showcases a batik-inspired motif that pays homage to the patterns on the traditional kebaya.

Designing spaces for homeowners

Nyon features architecture that blends indoor spaces and outdoor green areas, and this is showcased throughout the ground floor. Landscaping lines the perimeter of the site, and the highlight is a central lawn at the base of the residential block. This design encourages social interaction and highlights permeable connections with outdoor zones, such as a courtyard area.

The idea is replicated on the sky terrace on the 14th floor, which features amenities such as patio lounges and a dining area. The common area is decorated with lush shrubs and small trees that enhance the greenery and frame the sea-facing view.

Aurum Land’s 92-unit development Nyon features architecture that blends indoor spaces and outdoor green areas. (Picture: Aurum Land)

“The provision of greenery was maximised by allocating about 40% of the ground floor area to landscaping and plant coverage. Overall, the development achieves a high green plot ratio of more than 118,403 sq ft, compared to the entire site area of 28,409 sq ft,” says Aurum Land.

Aurum Land says that through this, it hopes to encourage more extensive greening efforts within the Amber Road neighbourhood, not only to beautify the area but also in recognition of the “intrinsic value of greenery in enhancing our quality of life and overall well-being”, the developer says.

For Lee, Nyon stood out for its ability to fit in so much character in the development. Aurum Land also successfully included greenery wherever they could, but it was not done haphazardly, he says.

“The provision for greenery and landscaping was clearly done with the end-user in mind while keeping with the broader idea of the development concept. I feel that they accomplished this very well in the design of the ground floor area, despite the limited available site area,” says Lee.