Groundbreaking for New Concept Restaurant at The Jewel Box
Unveiling of the Country’s Most Creative and Innovative Architecture


S
ingapore, 28 February 2008 – On 1 March, in yet another breakthrough from Mount Faber Leisure Group, work will commence on the transformation of the current Altivo into a brand new concept restaurant. The new structure will be carefully integrated into the natural surroundings of Mount Faber, and is targeted to be completed by year end. This is one of the country’s most forward-thinking and dynamic architectural projects.

The location of The Jewel Box is unique as it’s probably the only F&B and entertainment spot in Singapore that can boast of being embraced by nature and at the same time, having a panoramic view. Taking on the project is a carefully selected and outstanding team of architects from K Y T A, which includes a Japanese expert as its key members. The Japanese, in general, are reputed for their strong belief in quality and painstaking attention to detail, and these characteristics of the project team are part of the reason they were chosen. K Y T A has visualised an arbour that arcs gracefully and seamlessly into the environment, so visitors are able to enjoy leisure strolls in lush, open surrounds.

The new structure is a forward-thinking architectural piece with a thoughtful nod to the Green movement in its design aesthetics, building methods and use of materials. For one, it is an organic structure that is designed to be cohesive with its natural surroundings, with a strong focus on highlighting the beauty of its environment. K Y T A even worked with National Parks Board to integrate into the design three existing mature Angsana trees situated on site. The trees’ positions and the spread of their branches were carefully mapped out in the blueprint, following which the ‘ribs’ were carefully inserted into free and appropriate spaces.

The most prominent feature of this green architecture is the giant arcs, or ‘ribs’, curving elegantly into the sky. The powerful structure inspires awe and the sense of wonder one feels in the face of nature. The structure will be constructed entirely with glue-laminated timber, uncommon in Singapore since wood is rarely used in architecture here. This is the first time glue-laminated timber is used on such a statuesque structure in the country. As its name suggests, each giant ‘rib’ is composed of smaller pieces of specially-farmed timber glued together.

This innovative technology is highly sustainable because it allows for large and structurally sound beams of timber to be manufactured from smaller sections, which means that the trees specially farmed for building are cut at optimum times for use without negative impact on the environment.

For the new structure, Hiba wood has been chosen. Used in Japan for the building of Shinto shrines and also to make bath-tubs, Hiba wood is prized for its antibacterial and insect-repelling properties, and is also known to be resistant to rot and humidity.

The new structure has in its core a floating crystal bar deliberately designed to look man-made. The clear slab resembles a crystalline ice block juxtaposing against the organic nature of the glulam structure and the natural surrounding. Surrounded by glass on all sides, patrons dining within will experience the illusion of being outdoors, under the lush canopy of the three existing Angsana Trees yet enjoying the cool comforts of an indoor environment.

Consulting Chef for the new concept restaurant is Jereme Leung. He has founded and heads the renowned modern Chinese dining concept Whampoa Club, which gave birth to two award winning restaurants located respectively at the Three on the Bund complex of Shanghai and at The Financial Street of Beijing. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Science in 2000, ranking him as one of the ‘World’s Best Chefs’. He is the third among a handful of Chinese chefs to receive this award and stands alongside internationally recognised names such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Wolfgang Puck. The lauded Chef Leung, who has been responsible for multiple successful fine-dining Chinese restaurants in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Thailand, will now return to his adopted homeland as consulting Chef of this new gourmet establishment.

Overhead, special attention is paid to the Teflon shelter extending over the structure. Dotted with a mesh of energy-saving LED lights, from a distance, it looks as if fireflies are hovering over the structure. In practical terms, Teflon is resistant to weathering, offers thermal insulation and low friction (so rainwater slides off easily without pooling).

On the ground level below the crystal core, guests will be able to savour international cuisine, including some local favourites, in the sidewalk bistro. The extended timber decks provide lovely respite. Stroll alongside Mother Nature and admire the elegant koi pond or take in marvellous views of the harbour and surrounding flora and fauna.

The finish of the new structure is based on a prima vera concept, which simply refers to how the natural look of the materials will serve as its decoration. The Latin term means primary veins and is used in relation to how the natural colours and veins in marble and natural stones are the decoration in themselves. Keeping materials raw and unfinished is logically sound since it helps minimise waste and is fitting with the theme of nature.

The timber used will be varnished to increase its longevity, but it will retain the natural grain patterns and tactile qualities. The floor of the crystal core will simply be kept as off-form concrete as a minimalistic reminder of its artificial quality mentioned previously. The glass walls will be unaffected save for discreet aluminium fins that creates dimension and which are also necessary for sieving out noise. The Teflon cover will be left a simple off-white to blend against the sky and to complement its mesh of tiny, twinkling lights.

The new structure will be a masterful extension to The Jewel Box and is as powerful and breathtaking as nature itself. Mount Faber Leisure Group has devoted much thought in the construction of the $7.5 million structure. The Jewel Box is constantly evolving as part of the Group’s effort to keep the iconic hilltop destination unique to its visitors. Says Mount Faber Leisure Group CEO Ms Susan Teh: “Tourism is one of Singapore’s most important industries and it is one that is increasingly sophisticated. As the country’s second most visited paid destination, it is important for us to keep innovating and remain relevant. This new creation will be another icon of this must-visit destination which will continue to attract international tourists and locals.”

About The Jewel Box
The Jewel Box is located at 109, Mount Faber Road and is owned by Mount Faber Leisure Group. The architecture resembles a musical jewel box whose luminous lustre can be witnessed from afar. Visitors can unwind in the excitement and splendour that is the essence of The Jewel Box, and enjoy an unforgettable experience set against a majestic view of the Singapore's harbour view and city skyline. The iconic hilltop destination houses several F&B establishments including: Glass Bar, an air-conditioned fine-dining restaurant with glass walls offering a spectacular view of the surrounding nature and harbour; Faber Rock, an open-air area where guests can dine under the evening sky; Faber Hill Bistro which is located a short walk away from the main building and set amidst lush greenery and ideal for a cosy, casual meal; and the current Altivo Bar, an alfresco area where guests can enjoy casual meals, finger food and cocktails.

Mount Faber Leisure Group’s vision is to turn Mount Faber into a world renowned destination with highly a differentiated customer experience through uncompromising customer service quality. This is achieved through our constant creativity and innovativeness in enhancing the experience of our visitors.

The Jewel Box: Awards and Accolades
• Awarded Top 1000 Performing Companies in Asia Pacific, 2006 by Dun & Bradstreet
• Awarded Top 10 Best Family Experiences, 2006 by Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
• Achieved Singapore’s Second Most Visited Paid Attraction, 2006 by STB
• Achieved Best Reinvented Attraction Award, 2006 Association of Singapore Attractions
• Winner of Souvenir Awards, 2006 by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
• Awarded Distinguished Excellence Award for Marketing Excellence by IAAPA
• Awarded Best Toilet for the World Toilet Category by French International Website
• Voted as one of the Seven Wonders of Singapore, 2007 by The Straits Times


ANNEXE

K Y T A Company Profile
K Y T A is a young partnership formed as a result of the merger of two practices, namely YML Architects and Tan Gek Meng Architects. Both these practices have been operating for more than 8 years. Principal Tan Gek Meng started work with the HDB before leaving for the public sector after 4 years. In the private sector, he has worked with the likes of Akitek Tenggara and the renowned practice of Denton Corker Marshall. He has worked with Denton Corker Marshall for 5 years, being their Singapore Director for 3 years. Mr Tan has some 22 years of practice experience having worked with all building types and has extensive regional experience having worked on projects in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Mr Norihiko Kudo is principal consultant/designer in the firm. He has had extensive experience with Kenzo Tange Associates having worked on numerous projects throughout the group’s overseas offices especially in Singapore and Australia. Mr Kudo has had more than 32 years of experience having worked on projects ranging from masterplanning to architectural commissions, from residential, government offices, schools to civil projects.

Together the twosome has some 55 years of practical experience collectively. The vision is to create an architecture that is sensitive to human needs and the local context, addressing climatic and cultural issues. At the same time, this architecture shall draw upon the best technology and construction practices worldwide, thus creating something unique without mimicking the west.

The practice is multi-disciplinary combining skills in:
• Architecture
• Interiors
• Urban Design
• Planning
• Project Management
• Landscape

Currently the practice is involved in a number of residential, condominiums, commercial, institutional and interior projects.


Curriculum Vitae

NORIHIKO KUDO, DESIGN PRINCIPAL
Born 1951
Technical High School of Tokyo Institute of Technology
Architect Licence (Japan) Class II

PRACTICE EXPERIENCE
1974 – 1981 Soken Architects
1982 – 1990 Kenzo Tange Associates
1991 – 1998 Kudo & Yap Consultancy
1998 – Current K Y T A

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Norihiko Kudo studied Architecture at the Technical High School of Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan. Upon graduation, he worked for Soken Architects from the year 1974 to 1981. In 1982, he joined the architect firm of the world renowned Kenzo Tange Associates as its principal design architect and stayed till 1990. During this period, he was placed in charge of the King Faisal Foundation Headquarters in Saudi Arabia. After this project, he was transferred to Singapore to take charge of the OUB Centre project located at Raffles Place. At the same time, he was also involved in the office tower for Guan Bee Building located at Cecil Road. Other projects that Norihiko Kudo was involved in included the Field District Centre in Bologna, Italy; City Telecommunication Centre in Singapore and the New Tokyo City Hall in Japan. After the completion of the OUB project in Singapore, Norihiko Kudo was sent to Sydney, Australia to take charge of the mammoth World Square project. Mr Norihiko Kudo was also a member of the Kenzo Tange’s design team that won the prestigious competition for the New Tokyo City Hall Complex.

In 1991 Norihiko Kudo together with Yap Meow Liong decided to return to Singapore to set up their own consultancy practice under the name of Kudo & Yap Consultancy Pte Ltd. Their experience include both local and regional works, involving masterplanning of town-ships in Malaysia, offices in Kuala Lumpur, masterplanning in Indonesia, masterplanning in China, factory in Sri Lanka and local residential works. In 1998, Kudo & Yap merged with K Y T A to form full fledge architectural practice offering multi-disciplinary services in Architecture, Planning, Interiors and Landscape Architecture.

Norihiko Kudo’s forte is his design sensitivities, which when coupled with his regional experience, allows him to provide a good balance between the local needs, conditions and technical requirement with design acumen.


TAN GEK MENG, PRINCIPAL
Born 1959
Bachelor of Arts (Architectural Studies), Singapore 1983
Bachelor of Architecture, Singapore 1985
Registered Architect, Board of Architects, Singapore
Member, Singapore Institute of Architects

PRACTICE EXPERIENCE
1985 – 1989 Housing & Development Board
1989 – 1990 Sim & Associates Architects, Planners & Engineers
1990 – 1991 Akitek Tenggara II
1991 – 1993 CESMA International Pte Ltd
1993 – 1998 Director of Denton Corker Marshall Group
1999 - K Y T A Architects, Interiors, Planners & Landscape

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Gek Meng’s practice experience straddles both the public and private sectors of the architectural practice in Singapore. Gek Meng obtained a bursary-scholarship from the Housing and Development Board in his fourth year of study and joined the HDB upon obtaining his degree. After completing his bond with the Housing and Development Board, he joined the private sector and was involved in a wide range of projects with private and public sector clients. In 1993, he joined Denton Corker Marshall and was quickly promoted from Senior Architect to Associate, then to Senior Associate and Director. He has been involved in a wide variety of projects ranging from Masterplanning of Industrial parks, New towns and Housing and Tourism Development, to architectural projects ranging from Public Housing and condominiums to houses to Sports Complexes, Mosques, Polytechnics, Office buildings, Shopping Centres, Hotels and Resorts, Serviced Apartments and Interior Design.

Gek Meng has had substantial regional exposure having dealt with work in Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia. He has a broad-based practical experience dealing with the full scope of an architect’s work from design, design development, documentation, contract administration, project management and authorities submissions. Gek Meng is a hands-on man with excellent design and technical skills with the ability to straddle any of these functions.

The practice maintains links with the Denton Corker Marshall Group, an international renowned practice headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and has an arrangement to co-operate on projects within the region. It also maintains links with Kenzo Tange Associates from Japan with an understanding to co-operate on appropriate projects.


Key Consultants

Civil & Structural Engineer – PKP Consultants

Mechanical & Electrical Engineer – PTP Engineers

Quantity Surveyor – KH Lim Quantity Surveyors



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