Singapore's Mandai Rainforest Resort, designed by local firm WOW Architects, has officially opened. This new hospitality destination aims to immerse guests in nature, featuring unique designs like treehouse pods and bark-imprinted walls. The resort is part of a larger government-funded initiative to enhance the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a 126-hectare area home to various wildlife parks.
The project faced initial opposition from environmental groups concerned about development in one of Singapore's last green forest patches. In response, WOW Architects focused on sustainable design and minimal environmental impact, achieving Singapore's Green Mark Super Low Energy certification.
Key Takeaways
- Mandai Rainforest Resort, designed by WOW Architects, is now open in Singapore.
- The resort features sustainable design, including treehouse pods and passive cooling systems.
- It is part of a larger $3.5 billion SGD investment in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
- The design emphasizes integration with nature to promote environmental awareness.
- The hotel achieved Singapore's Green Mark Super Low Energy certification.
Integrating Nature into Design and Construction
The Mandai Rainforest Resort is located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, overlooking a reservoir. The design by WOW Architects prioritizes a deep connection with the natural surroundings. Studio co-founder Wong Chiu Man stated that the project was part of a significant investment to build local natural attractions.
Addressing concerns from organizations like the Nature Society, which highlighted the area's biodiversity, the architects implemented several strategies. These included minimizing tree felling, preserving existing habitats, and integrating a rainwater collection system. The goal was for the building to be "reabsorbed within the jungle" over time.
"This development, the Mandai Rainforest Resort, is part of a $3.5 billion SGD (£20 billion) investment to build all the [local] natural attractions," Wong Chiu Man, co-founder of WOW Architects, told Dezeen.
Project Scale
The Mandai Rainforest Resort is part of a larger $3.5 billion SGD (approximately £20 billion) investment by the Singapore government. This funding supports the development of natural attractions within the 126-hectare Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency
A core element of the resort's development was its commitment to sustainability. The hotel is the first in Singapore to achieve the country's Green Mark Super Low Energy certification. This certification, awarded by the Building and Construction Authority, recognizes buildings that achieve at least a 60 percent energy saving compared to the 2005 building code.
Passive cooling techniques are integrated throughout the design, reducing the need for artificial air conditioning. Guests can also monitor their energy usage through interactive controls in their rooms, promoting a greater awareness of environmental impact.
Architectural Features Mimic Natural Forms
The resort's architecture actively reflects its rainforest setting. Its six-story structure curves and winds around the site's largest trees, designed to resemble a vine. This organic approach ensures that the building does not impose a rigid form on the landscape. Instead, it appears to grow from the environment.
Concrete used for the exterior was chosen for its suitability in Singapore's humid climate. This concrete features imprints of bark from felled trees, serving as a "living memory of the forest," according to Chiu Man. This detail connects the building materials directly to the natural history of the site.
"The shape of the building has no defined shape, because it's like a vine – it creeps through the jungle," Chiu Man explained.
Unique Guest Accommodations
The resort offers a variety of rooms, including 24 elevated treehouse pods. These pods are designed to resemble seed pods from local plants, providing a unique lodging experience within the forest canopy. They are linked to the main building by raised walkways, offering guests an immersive view of the surrounding nature.
Each room, ranging from 36-square-meter double rooms to 44-square-meter family rooms, was designed to maximize views of the landscape. Glazing on the north-facing facade specifically overlooks the reservoir, providing scenic vistas for guests.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a major nature and wildlife destination in Singapore. It includes established attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise. The new resort adds a crucial hospitality component, further enhancing the visitor experience and promoting conservation efforts.
Interior Design and Amenities
The interior of the Mandai Rainforest Resort continues the organic theme. Wooden furniture throughout the hotel subtly references the jungle. From the open-air lobby, a spiral staircase, which Chiu Man describes as resembling the "spinal column of a living creature," leads to the upper floors. This central feature is accompanied by elevators and a winding external ramp.
Corridors are designed with openings to facilitate natural ventilation, aligning with the resort's passive cooling strategy. Beyond the main rooms, the resort also offers specialized accommodations and facilities.
- Treehouse Pods: Elevated luxury rooms modeled on seed pods, with ensuite bedrooms and sheltered terraces.
- Pool Pods: Private pools housed in nest-like structures, oriented for sunset and sunrise views.
- Wellness Pods: Spiky, wood-clad volumes dedicated to spa treatments.
Dining and Recreation
At the basement level, guests can find a light-filled restaurant and dining area. This level also houses a gym, a spa, meeting rooms, and event spaces. For outdoor recreation, the rooftop level features an outdoor pool and a private dining area, offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
The design team believes that integrating nature into the building will foster stronger connections between people and their natural environments. Chiu Man emphasized the educational aspect of the resort.
"Education is a big part of what we're trying to do here, so we're trying to change people's mindset about comfort [and] about their place in nature," Chiu Man stated.
This approach aims to encourage guests to become "citizen ecologists" by increasing their awareness of environmental issues and their role in conservation. The resort represents a blend of luxury hospitality and ecological responsibility, setting a new standard for sustainable tourism in Singapore.