$7.5 million makeover for Altivo @ The Jewel Box
1 March 2008
109 Mount Faber Road
The Jewel Box Singapore

Groundbreaking for New Concept Restaurant at The Jewel Box

Unveiling of the Country’s Most Creative and Innovative Architecture

On 1 March, in yet another breakthrough from Mount Faber Leisure Group, work will commence on the transformation of the current Altivo into a brand new concept restaurant. The new structure will be carefully integrated into the natural surroundings of Mount Faber, and is targeted to be completed by year end. This is one of the country’s most forward-thinking and dynamic architectural projects.

The location of The Jewel Box is unique as it’s probably the only F&B and entertainment spot in Singapore that can boast of being embraced by nature and at the same time, having a panoramic view.

Taking on the project is a carefully selected and outstanding team of architects from K Y T A, which includes a Japanese expert as its key members. The Japanese, in general, are reputed for their strong belief in quality and painstaking attention to detail, and these characteristics of the project team are part of the reason they were chosen. K Y T A has visualised an arbour that arcs gracefully and seamlessly into the environment, so visitors are able to enjoy leisure strolls in lush, open surrounds.

The new structure is a forward-thinking architectural piece with a thoughtful nod to the Green movement in its design aesthetics, building methods and use of materials. For one, it is an organic structure that is designed to be cohesive with its natural surroundings, with a strong focus on highlighting the beauty of its environment. K Y T A even worked with National Parks Board to integrate into the design three existing mature Angsana trees situated on site. The trees’ positions and the spread of their branches were carefully mapped out in the blueprint, following which the ‘ribs’ were carefully inserted into free and appropriate spaces.

The most prominent feature of this green architecture is the giant arcs, or ‘ribs’, curving elegantly into the sky. The powerful structure inspires awe and the sense of wonder one feels in the face of nature. The structure will be constructed entirely with glue-laminated timber, uncommon in Singapore since wood is rarely used in architecture here. This is the first time glue-laminated timber is used on such a statuesque structure in the country. As its name suggests, each giant ‘rib’ is composed of smaller pieces of specially-farmed timber glued together.

This innovative technology is highly sustainable because it allows for large and structurally sound beams of timber to be manufactured from smaller sections, which means that the trees specially farmed for building are cut at optimum times for use without negative impact on the environment.

For the new structure, Hiba wood has been chosen. Used in Japan for the building of Shinto shrines and also to make bath-tubs, Hiba wood is prized for its antibacterial and insect-repelling properties, and is also known to be resistant to rot and humidity.

The new structure has in its core a floating crystal bar deliberately designed to look man-made. The clear slab resembles a crystalline ice block juxtaposing against the organic nature of the glulam structure and the natural surrounding. Surrounded by glass on all sides, patrons dining within will experience the illusion of being outdoors, under the lush canopy of the three existing Angsana Trees yet enjoying the cool comforts of an indoor environment. This 120-seater new concept dining will be mastermind by internationally acclaimed Singaporean chef Jereme Leung.