Victor Fong, Author at Goody Feed

You may not believe it, but Singapore is actually a pretty good place for city and architectural porn. For us non-architects, this means Singapore is surprisingly IG-worthy when it comes to buildings. And if you like staycations or just don't have time to visit overseas, the Singapore Zoo seems like it will be a new spot for IG-worthy staycation spots in Singapore. Ya, of all places, Singapore Zoo. The 4.6 ha site used by the zoo for back-of-house operations will have a resort with 338 rooms, including 24 elevated seed-pod shaped tree houses. This will open in 2023. Image: WOW Architects But don't think you'll stay bored in the hotel after feeding the gram, because there will be nature walks, native wildlife spotting tours, recycling workshops and even camping opportunities. Image: WOW Architects That sounds pretty vague, so here's a concrete example given by them: working with keepers and feeding animals. Yeah, that's right, you get to be Zookeeper for a day. And just a reminder that the site is 4.6 ha; this resort is supposed to allow you to fully explore the Mandai Precinct, which will take 2 to 3 days. Image: WOW Architects If you can't wait already, the previously announced bird park relocation will be ready next year. And... let's continue on to something a little grim. The Environmentalist in you is screaming At this point, you're probably wondering how this impacts the natural heritage, and if the wildlife will be lost for the sake of money. This project actually started way earlier in 2017 and has resulted in roadkills including several deer, a pangolin and a leopard cat. It is also part of a larger Mandai eco-tourism project. It is probably not a coincidence for Mandai becoming a place infamous for roadkills since I can imagine wildlife felt like they were driven out of the place. I can't really tell you if this will be bad since I'm just a writer and there are more qualified environmentalists already fighting the case. Those roadkills sure aren't helping resort manager Banyan Tree Holdings and landlord Mandai Park Holdings position, but here's what they promise for the environment. Guests to learn about the environment The resort will "engage guests to promote environmental awareness, sustainable best practices and the conservation of biodiversity". What it is in practice remains to be seen, but the given solutions are signs around the premises and short briefings given to guests. If anyone pays good money for a vacation, I bet they aren't expecting a lecture, because that's probably what the short briefing is. Incorporating nature and super low energy The resort will be biophilic, which means connecting with and a love of nature and they intend to have the buildings and landscape "become one". Thus, it will only occupy previously disturbed areas in the 4.6 ha site. In fact, it is claimed that half the trees on the site, of which 40% are high conservation value, will be retained. And with extensive replanting, the resort is actually expected to have twice the number of trees. To allow wildlife to move across the site, the resort will be elevated several metres above the ground, and below the upper canopy layer of the surrounding trees. Image: WOW Architects Low-Energy Resort It will be the first "super low energy" resort in Singapore, maximising natural ventilation with a mixed air-conditioning mode and utilising solar panels, among other features. Those 24 treehouses not use traditional air-con compressors, but will use passive displacement ventilation that cools the air using chilled water. Image: WOW Architects WOW Architects, the architectural designer, will work with specialist consultancies to adhere to sustainable design and development. Mandai Park Holdings will also be working with a group of academics and professionals along the design and development process for various expertise like landscape, education, sustainability, ecology, horticulture and acoustics. And for us, we can only hope that it's really not just about the money.

Victor Fong

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