Singapore’s transformation from struggling nation to successful exemplar in the past 50 years has been nothing short of miraculous. As it gears up to celebrate the start of its next 50 years, we look back at a few examples of how Keppel Land’s innovations helped to shape the nation.
A new way to build
If you’ve ever exited an MRT station in Singapore and gone straight into a shopping centre without having to brave the hot and humid weather, you’ve probably reaped the benefits of technology pioneered by Keppel Land.
Bugis Junction was one of the first mixed use developments in Singapore, and was the first such property to be constructed above an existing MRT line, giving people who work in the building easy access to public transportation and amenities such as fitness centres and restaurants.
When Keppel Land developed Bugis Junction, it pioneered the use of a laser pointer system to detect excessive vibration that could affect the rail line during the construction. That system is now routinely used by the authorities for construction works carried out near existing MRT lines.
The cool factor
Bugis Junction also broke the mould in other ways: It was Singapore’s first glass-covered and fully air-conditioned shopping street. The bold design’s high operating and material costs initially raised some eyebrows, but the model eventually proved to be successful.
Today, other landmarks in Singapore, such as Gardens by the Bay, also use the groundbreaking stratified cooling method.
The cutting-edge of luxury
The luxuriousness of condominiums in Singapore today is also partly due to Keppel Land’s track record of pushing the envelope in its developments. The Mayfair in Jurong and Palm Gardens in Choa Chu Kang, both completed by Keppel Land in 2000, were the first mass market condominiums to feature private lift lobbies.
Palm Gardens was also the first condominium to have a two-lane bowling alley, while The Luxurie in Sengkang, completed by Keppel Land last year, was among the first residential developments to feature private lap pools in its ground floor units.
Your home, your rules
Keppel Land has continued to roll out thoughtful innovations in its properties. The Glades at Tanah Merah, a condominium by Keppel Land and China Vanke, has a unique, movable wall system that allows homeowners to extend their living room or bedroom space as needed.
The homes also have beds, workstations and tables that can be concealed in the walls to maximise the rooms’ space.
Keppel Land has patented the SLIM movable wall system, and the apartments’ extraordinary configurability might well set the benchmark for flexibility in Singapore’s homes.
Shaping the skyline
Keppel Land’s most important contribution to Singapore, however, might be the way that it has helped to shape the country’s skyline.
Reflections at Keppel Bay, for instance, is one of Singapore’s most iconic developments, with its six curved towers that soar to different heights. The condominium has put Singapore on the world map by winning several international awards, including a Gold award at the prestigious FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Awards 2013.
Just as Singapore’s journey is still ongoing, Keppel Land does not plan to rest on its laurels. In shaping the future, it is committed, as always, to innovative breakthroughs that will improve the lives of those who live, work and play in its buildings.