The opening of the client’s sixth Orchid Bowl outlet at SAFRA Punggol was aimed at meeting the changing needs of its customers. The client wanted a creative design to complement the implementation of a new bowling system. The futuristic interior design is aesthetically refreshing as it is one of the first bowling centres in Singapore to have adopted this look.
PROJECT SITE
The bowling centre is situated at Punggol, a town in the north-eastern part of Singapore. Punggol represents the new concept in housing for 21st century living. It is supported by an integrated transport network, clustered amenities, sustainable housing features, as well as scores of commercial, social and recreational facilities, replete with a waterway running through.
Punggol was a fishing village for the early Malay and Chinese immigrants who settled there. Fishing, poultry farming, as well as fruit and vegetable planting were the main sources of income back then. The rivers that bounded the town provided the catch for fishermen who hawked them at the nearby marketplace.
Today, the town is being developed as the future of housing with waterway features and sustainable concepts among other exciting features. Kyoob-id’s plan was to retain a semblance of Punggol’s rich history and blend it with its dynamic vision of a waterfront city as seamlessly as possible. In addition, they wanted to bring the external environment—such as the natural foliage that exists outside the centre’s walls—into the interior.
The result is a modern interpretation of a waterfront city. References to the past—such as fruit planting and meandering riverbeds—are interpreted through modern perspectives, underscoring Punggol’s vision of a modern waterfront city in the making. A colour palette of orange—for its reference to Orchid Bowl’s corporate identity—as well as blue waters—for its connotation of waters and riverbeds—was chosen.
DESIGN FEATURES
At the entrance, a dynamic wall featuring intersecting polygons in various textures—wood, tinted mirror and frosted back glass—greets customers. The polygons, derived from computer renderings, are modern illustrations of leaves, particularly those from fruit trees—a throwback to Punggol’s historical past.
Inside, two towering tree displays with a modern twist are showcased right in front. Circular grooves that sinuate around the tree barks emit glowing blue LED light. These grooves are reminiscent of meandering riverbeds that bounded old Punggol back then as well as serve to portray the waterway features that are the highlights of the new town. On top, clusters of fabric acoustic panels are cut in polygonal shapes to emulate the leaves from the fruit tree, giving reference to its rich origin. The fruit tree installation has also managed to bring noise levels down significantly. The flooring inside comprises a mixture of carpeting and vinyl antislip tiles that simulate the bends of a riverbed. The flooring layout mirrors that of the ceiling, giving a sense of consistency to the perspective.
One of the new design features of the bowling centre is the flat ceiling of blue LED lights that parallel the ball return and gutter tracks on the bowling alley floor. Most if not all the bowling centres in Singapore are currently designed with staggered ceiling. The feature ceiling is the first of its kind implemented in bowling centres in Singapore. The lighting is designed to light up the bowling lane subtly, without causing distraction to the bowler. It is also dynamic and gives a futuristic tone to the centre.
The reception area is encased in a rotund setting with a round counter table, topped with a circular cap above. Composed of black galaxy solid surface material, the counter table sits on top of a bended wavy textured panel that hints of rivers and waters. Curvy seating follows the shapes of bowling balls and pins. Wall graphics show bowling balls and pins in a starry illustration. Customers can also expect cosmic lighting to be turned on during Fridays and Saturdays, adding on to the leisurely weekend mood.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Orchid Bowl @ Punggol
Location: 9 Sentul Cres, Singapore
Completion Date: June 2016
Client/Owner: Family Leisure Pte Ltd
Gross Floor Area: 1,960 square metres
Interior Design Firm: Kyoob-id Pte Ltd
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: FH Wong International
Quantity Surveyor: BEC Consultant
Interior Fit-Out Contractor: Kyoob-id Pte Ltd
Images/Photos: Infinitude
