Azure Canopy Residence
Biophilic Serenity Meets Quiet Luxury in Bishan
I recently explored a 4-bedroom executive apartment in Bishan called Azure Canopy Residence. The homeowners worked with RevoSpaces to transform a standard layout into a biophilic haven. They combined quiet luxury with eco-friendly principles, creating a space that promotes well-being through nature-inspired elements.
Biophilic Serenity Meets Quiet Luxury in Bishan
Azure Canopy Residence proves that biophilic design goes beyond decor. It transforms an apartment into a living system, encouraging healthier airflow, softer lighting, and a closer connection to natural elements. If you dream of blending modern comforts with nature’s subtle beauty, this project offers a blueprint for how to do it effectively.
Location: 4-bedroom executive apartment in Bishan
Design Theme: Biophilic quiet luxury with natural textures, circadian lighting, and an organic flow
Key Features: Vertical moss walls, circadian light wells, reclaimed teak elements
The main goal was to integrate nature into a modern living environment. The design team focused on fresh air circulation, controlled humidity, and natural light transitions. The homeowners wanted a home that felt connected to the nearby Bishan Park, with minimal barriers to the outside world.
Client Background & Pain Points
A family of five lived in this apartment for several years before deciding on a major renovation. They had three primary concerns:
- Compartmentalized Layout
Older partition walls blocked the view of Bishan Park. The main living zones felt cramped, and the flow from room to room was disjointed. - Climate Fatigue
Singapore’s humidity wore down their existing wood surfaces. Ventilation issues led to frequent condensation and warping. - Sensory Overload
Mirrors and glossy finishes created visual clutter. The family wanted calm, organic surfaces that reduced glare and felt more restful to the eye.
After consulting with RevoSpaces, they embraced a plan centered on “biocentric luxury,” meaning an elevated but nature-focused style that uses earthy materials.
Renovation Plan & Design Approach
RevoSpaces coined a “biocentric luxury” strategy to guide the planning. I spoke with one of their lead designers, who explained the three main pillars:
- Spatial Reconfiguration
The team removed non-load-bearing walls, opening the apartment’s center to create a light well. This structure employed prismatic glass to scatter sunlight, producing patterns similar to filtered light under a forest canopy. - Material Palette
- Walls: Limewash finishes that absorb moisture and resist mold
- Flooring: FSC-certified teak laid in a chevron pattern, paired with underfloor cooling channels
- Accents: Recycled copper panels designed to oxidize gracefully over time
- Biophilic Integration
- An 8m² vertical moss wall with hydroponics for air purification
- Circadian lighting that changes from a warm 2,700K in the evening to a crisp 5,000K during the day
These elements balanced function and nature, encouraging the family to reduce air conditioning use and enjoy more natural light.
Execution & Challenges Faced
Structural Harmonization
The apartment had load-bearing columns in key areas. Installing a 6-meter light well required precise steel reinforcements. Laser mapping ensured the columns remained stable while the new skylight-like structure was introduced.
Microclimate Engineering
Cross-ventilation channels hid behind custom cabinetry, which reduced the family’s reliance on air conditioning by about 40%. Antimicrobial grout in wet areas prevented mold buildup, essential in humid climates. The design team also installed a rainwater-fed vertical garden for the moss wall, which required an 8-week wait for Building and Construction Authority (BCA) approvals.
Regulatory Navigation
BCA regulations on water usage and drainage added complexity. The vertical garden needed an efficient irrigation loop, which the design team addressed with concealed piping. They also had to follow guidelines for drilling near structural beams, to avoid compromising the building’s integrity.
Key Highlights & Features
Living Gallery
The living room serves as a gallery-like space where floating teak shelves showcase mineral specimens and fossilized wood. Tunable LEDs behind these displays shift color temperature through the day, emulating sunrise, midday, and sunset light tones.
Sensory Kitchen
The open-concept kitchen features petrified wood countertops with embedded leaf motifs. A concealed herb garden sits under the windowsill, featuring an automated misting system that keeps herbs fresh. The kitchen merges visual elegance with practical systems for healthier cooking.
Primary Sanctuary
The main bedroom exudes peace with a handwoven sea grass canopy above the bed. The ensuite bathroom features a basalt soaking tub and a live-edge teak vanity. These surfaces add a tactile dimension, inviting touch and creating a spa-like ambiance.
Cost Breakdown
Below is the approximate cost allocation in Singapore dollars:
| Category | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Biophilic Systems | $75,000 |
| Custom Carpentry | $110,000 |
| Climate Engineering | $45,000 |
| Artisan Finishes | $60,000 |
| Total | $290,000 |
Below is a quick chart illustrating each category’s share of the total budget (each “*” represents around 5%):
- Biophilic Systems:
**********(about 26%) - Custom Carpentry:
**************(about 38%) - Climate Engineering:
*******(about 15%) - Artisan Finishes:
********(about 21%)
Biophilic Systems covered the moss wall, hydroponics, and circadian lighting. Custom Carpentry involved built-in cabinets, hidden ventilation channels, and shelving. Climate Engineering addressed underfloor cooling and specialized ventilation systems. Artisan Finishes included limewash walls, reclaimed teak detailing, and oxidizing copper panels.