The most meaningful public project we’ve completed to date, this project is a homage to heritage: referencing the rise of a local economy, rubber plantations, old train stations and Singapore Botanic Garden’s role in the making of this history. The construction of the kiosk; its expression of a barrel-vault within a slim steel frame, constantly set within greenery, is a pavilion we hope many visitors will visit and enjoy.
The Boardwalk, a ribbon flitting above Eco Lake, alternating barrier and information, twisting when a meaningful view opens up on the lake, helps point to the rich ecosystem of flora and fauna that is hosted at SBG. Working in a garden is such a delight. Thanks to the SBG team who worked hand in hand with us over this time.
Photos by Khoo Guo Jie.
Nestled within lush landscape, the lightweight steel structure harks back to the tapping patterns of the rubber plantation and economy that used to be at the Botanic Gardens. The Kiosk uses glass in a simple pitched roof structure, with a ventilated jack roof that allows constant ventilation.
The interiority of the Visitor Kiosk is a barrel-shaped trellis, different from its exteriority, giving the views outward layers and shade.
A winding path from the Botanic Gardens MRT Station at the Cluny Gate leads to the Kiosk, where the entrance walkway is reminiscent of arriving at old railway stations and tracks.
The glass facade allows the structure to integrate into the garden.
The closeness of lush landscape right against the Kiosk make it disappear into the surroundings. The choice of lumber benches and graphics complement this.
At night, the Kiosk lights up to lead visitors into the garden and acts as nnavigation and a beacon.
In the evening, the internal barrel aluminium trellis highlights a cosier and warming silhouette in the garden, lit by concealed light. This continues to serve the visitors at night.
Seen from across the EcoLake, both Kiosk and Boardwalk complement each other to anchor the Bukit Timah Core of the Botanic Gardens.
The Boardwalk is a floating platform built above Eco Lake, its balustrade alternating barrier and information, twisting when a meaningful view opens up on the lake.
The information panels integrated into the organic, twisting balustrade helps to point to the rich ecosystem of flora and fauna that is hosted at EcoLake.
Concealed footlights help to illuminate the boardwalk in the evening.
