A brand new co-living space at the heart of Singapore’s innovation hub

January 26, 2022
|
By 
Angelyn Salvador

The newly opened lyf one-north is not just another staycation spot in Singapore. It is the first co-living space that caters to young entrepreneurs, millennials, and other professionals who are seeking a dynamic environment with a work-live-play-learn vibe.

The seven-storey property is designed by local architecture firm WOHA, and is located in one-north district master-planned by Zaha Hadid Architects. Ascott Residence Trust, a real estate company, acquired the 200-hectare estate for $62.4 million to build the property at the heart of Singapore’s research and innovation hub. According to Mr. Bob Tan, Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited’s (ARTML) Chairman, the acquisition is an investment that allowed them to leverage on development profits while expecting a higher yield in the long term. The chairman appreciates Singapore’s safe environment for construction which gives them the assurance of building quality and strong operating performance. 

In 2018, JTC awarded the concept and price tender to build, own and operate to Ascott Residence Trust based on three key factors: design concept, community-building programming, and general building requirements including architecture, urban design, sustainability, and energy efficiency. As Singapore drives toward a net-zero framework, it is vital for developers to meet the BCA Green Mark scheme that encourages industry stakeholders to adopt sustainability in their plans and reduce their carbon footprint.  

The concept is designed with next-generation travelers in mind. The aerial view of the building mimics a lightning bolt that symbolizes energy and vibrancy. The project is situated around a variety of public plazas and green terraces. Two towers connected via a link bridge allow cool air to circulate on the ground level and provide a shaded recreational space. It also features a holistic layout based on a dynamic and collaborative community. The creative use of the communal spaces will pave the way for comprehensive programs promoting social bonding, wellness, personal development, and networking. 

The co-living space is brimming with unique and instagrammable facilities that will impress both the young and young at heart. The property’s communal lounge is the epitome of a “work hard, chill later” lifestyle. The comfortable chairs are inviting enough for guests to sit and work then relax after at the indulging couches.

Guests staying longer don’t need to worry about their laundry as the space features a Wash and Hang facility that does the job. They can sit back, chill and grab a drink while waiting for their newly cleaned clothes. Other facilities include a 25-meter lap pool, hang-out corner at the rooftop, gym, social kitchen, and more, all designed with millennials in mind.

Lyf one-north is located at Nepal Hill amid 400 companies, 800 start-ups, and over 20,000 professionals. The property offers 324 units over a gross floor area of more than 73,447 square feet and is managed by The Ascott Limited (Ascott) under the brand lyf (short for ‘live your freedom’) which is targeted at the growing millennials segment. This development project captures the rising demand for co-living spaces and promises a unique, world-class, and novel experience to its occupants and guests. Ms. Beh Siew Kim, ARTML’s CEO believes that there is a strong demand for the property, given the thriving innovation ecosystem and limited lodging supply in the vicinity. Lyf one-north is Ascott’s second lyf property in the country.

Photos courtesy of Dianne Doctor

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]