Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2024
Eco-Luminance Oasis Retails Shop
by Rix Yap
- A' Design Award 2024 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Verde Light
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 30,772
- Verification code F2B5EF4FBD · Verify this award
About Eco-Luminance Oasis Retails Shop
Verde Light: Where light meets nature. Step into Verde Light's visionary showroom, a harmonious fusion of biophilic design and industrial chic. Natural light dances with greenery, creating an immersive experience. Seamlessly transitioning from exterior to interior, the space, beckons you to explore. Beyond a showroom, it's a versatile hub for relaxation, events, and art. Nestled in an industrial landscape, Verde Light's oasis stands as a testament to sustainability. Illuminate your space with purpose, Verde Light, where every light tells a story.
Rix Yap's Eco-Luminance Oasis Retails Shop presents an exemplary meditation on the harmonious integration of organic life within commercial retail architecture, demonstrating how biophilic design principles may transform transactional spaces into contemplative environments that nurture both commerce and wellbeing. The designer appears to engage with contemporary movements emphasizing experiential retail, wherein atmosphere and sensory engagement supersede conventional merchandising approaches, creating destinations that invite prolonged dwelling rather than efficient transaction. The central living tree emerges as both literal and metaphorical anchor, its branching form suggesting growth, renewal, and the persistent vitality of nature even within constructed environments, while simultaneously providing visual orientation within the open-plan arrangement. Technical accomplishment manifests in the sophisticated layering of illumination strategies, from accent spotlighting that highlights specific merchandise to ambient pendant clusters that establish overall atmospheric character, each fixture seemingly selected for both functional performance and sculptural presence. The material palette demonstrates refined restraint, allowing warm wood grains to converse with cool concrete surfaces while metallic elements provide rhythmic punctuation without overwhelming the subdued chromatic harmony. One observes careful attention to human scale and comfort through varied seating options distributed throughout, suggesting spaces for consultation, contemplation, or casual respite amid the curated product offerings. The cabinetry backdrop rendered in sophisticated dark tones provides visual depth and contrast while establishing display zones that frame merchandise as objects worthy of aesthetic consideration. Iconographic references to Japanese concepts of ma, the meaningful void, and wabi-sabi appreciation for natural imperfection seem present in the generous spatial allowances and celebration of material authenticity. The composition invites viewers to consider how commercial environments might transcend their transactional purposes to become spaces of genuine aesthetic experience and human connection with both crafted objects and living nature.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Verde Light’s company vision is going beyond mere illumination. In their pursuit of exceptional lighting, they embrace both light and shadow, to enhance every texture, color, and form for the pleasure of their clientele. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Verde Light explores veneer lighting that incorporates nature driven materials and premium LED components, aiming to extend the lifespan of light fixtures and minimize electronic waste.
Design Issue:
Despite being a trendy lighting brand with a compelling vision, Verde Light lacks a distinctive spatial identity that resonates with a broader audience.
Design Concept:
The primary goal of the design concept is to establish a unique spatial identity that enhances Verde Light's brand equity.
Design Strategy:
1. Biophilic Design: Verde Light's founders envisioned their new showroom as a fusion of biophilic and light industrial aesthetics. Consequently, the design incorporates green elements and natural lighting to brighten the interior environment. A central large potted plant serves as a tribute to mother earth and her positive influences. The sound of rain falling on red brick paving stones, which then collects in a specially designed water pond in the yard, further reinforces the integration of nature within the space.
2. Blending exterior and interior spaces: A significant emphasis has been placed on creating a facade that seamlessly connects outdoor and indoor spaces. Large open window panes allow natural sunlight to flood the interior, while carefully placed bamboo plants on the sidewalks blend with the interior decor. Strategically positioned outdoor furniture visually extends into the interior space, creating a harmonious transition.
3. Spatial Experience: The new showroom is designed to transcend its role as a retail store. Beyond showcasing products as the main highlight, the space offers various areas for customers to experience how lighting can transform spatial perceptions through different illumination strategies. The overall ambiance is crafted to project the image of a cozy, inviting home, enhancing the retail experience.
4. Multi-functionality: In addition to serving as a lighting showroom and office space, this versatile environment can also function as a relaxation hub, host events, and serve as a pop-up art gallery. This adaptability is facilitated by mobile furniture and a clean backdrop suitable for projections.
5. Site adaptation: Situated within an industrial estate, the showroom stands out as an oasis amidst a concrete jungle. The architectural facade is adorned with green and natural elements, making the building a visual standout and reinforcing Verde Light's commitment to nature and sustainability.
This comprehensive design strategy aims to not only address the spatial identity issue but also create an engaging, multifunctional, and environmentally conscious space that aligns seamlessly with Verde Light's core values and aspirations. - Dimensions & Packaging
- GFA : 5500sqft
Two story retail shop - Tags
- Sustainable, unique, timeless
- Production Technology
- Red bricks as pavers for outdoor walkway:
Red bricks are a durable and classic choice for outdoor walkways.
Ensure proper installation for stability and longevity.
Consider incorporating patterns or designs for visual interest.
Natural wood as window frame with dark lacquer:
Natural wood adds warmth and a connection to nature.
Dark lacquer provides a modern and sophisticated finish.
Regular maintenance is important to protect the wood from weathering.
Cement Screeding floor finishing:
Cement screed provides a smooth and contemporary flooring option.
It's versatile and can be used in various design styles.
Consider using rugs or carpets for added comfort in certain areas.
Planter boxes and indoor design elements:
Planter boxes can introduce greenery, improving indoor air quality.
Choose plants that thrive in indoor conditions and complement the overall design.
Consider incorporating natural materials like stone or wood for indoor design elements.
Ventilation Blocks as Feature Wall:
Ventilation blocks allow for air circulation while adding a unique design element.
They can be strategically placed for both form and function.
Consider incorporating integrated lighting for dramatic effects.
When working with natural materials, it's essential to consider their maintenance requirements, lifespan, and compatibility with the overall design concept. Additionally, integrating sustainable practices in sourcing and construction processes can enhance the eco-friendly aspects of your project.
It's recommended to work closely with architects, designers, and contractors to ensure the proper selection and installation of these materials for a successful and sustainable design outcome.
Smart Lighting Control:
Use smart lighting systems that allow control through mobile apps. This enables users to adjust lighting levels, colors, and ambiance remotely.
Consider integrating voice control systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free operation.
Color Temperature Control:
Smart lighting systems often offer a range of color temperatures, allowing you to adjust the warmth or coolness of the light based on the time of day or desired mood.
Consider incorporating tunable white lights for spaces where adjustable color temperature is important.
Energy Efficiency:
Smart lighting technology often includes energy-efficient features, such as dimming capabilities and motion sensors that can automatically turn lights off when not needed.
This can contribute to energy savings and sustainability.
Automation and Scheduling:
Create lighting schedules for different times of the day or activities. For example, you can set the lights to simulate sunrise in the morning or create a cozy ambiance in the evening.
Automation can enhance security by simulating presence when you're away.
Integration with Other Smart Home Devices:
Ensure compatibility with other smart home devices, creating a seamless and integrated experience. For example, lights can be synchronized with smart thermostats or security systems.
Explore options for compatibility with popular smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Echo.
User-Friendly Interfaces:
Choose smart lighting systems with user-friendly interfaces to make it accessible for all users.
Consider the ease of setup and customization to tailor the lighting experience to individual preferences.
Upgradability and Future Compatibility:
Select smart lighting solutions that allow for future upgrades or expansion. This ensures that your system can adapt to evolving technologies and user needs.
Integrating smart lighting into your design not only adds a layer of convenience but also aligns with the contemporary and sustainable aspects of your project. It's essential to collaborate with technology experts during the planning and implementation phases to ensure a seamless integration of smart lighting systems into your overall design. - Design Challenge
- To full fill client budget and their expectation.
To design and change the structural within the singapore building code. Try to reuse all the old elements but expose to be feature or hide it to be part of the new wall. - Project Duration
- Design stage : 1 month
Construction stage : 5 months
Singapore - Operation Flow
- Choose Low-Maintenance Plants:
Choosing for plants that are well-suited to the local climate and require minimal care.
Consider drought-resistant plants for outdoor spaces to reduce water consumption.
Implement Drip Irrigation:
Install drip irrigation systems for outdoor plants to optimize water usage and minimize waste.
Use rain sensors to avoid unnecessary watering during rainy periods.
Select Native Plants:
Choose native plants for outdoor landscaping as they are adapted to the local environment and require less maintenance.
Mulching:
Apply mulch around outdoor plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Regular Pruning:
Schedule regular pruning to maintain plant health, encourage new growth, and shape plants for aesthetic purposes.
Composting:
Set up a composting system to recycle organic waste, creating nutrient-rich compost for the plants.
Natural Pest Control:
Use natural and organic pest control methods to minimize the impact on the environment.
Introduce beneficial insects that can control pest populations
LED Lighting:
Choose energy-efficient LED lights for both indoor and outdoor spaces. LED lights consume less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lighting options.
Automated Lighting Controls:
Implement automated lighting controls to optimize energy usage. Use sensors to adjust lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light availability.
Regular System Updates:
Keep smart lighting systems and software up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and take advantage of the latest energy-saving features. - Research
- Market Analysis:
Research the current trends and demands in the lighting industry in Singapore.
Identify key competitors and their offerings in terms of product range, pricing, and customer service.
Sustainable Lighting Solutions:
Differentiate the lighting shop by focusing on sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solutions.
Offer a range of LED lights, smart lighting systems, and solar-powered options to cater to environmentally conscious consumers.
Customization Services:
Provide customization services for lighting fixtures to meet the unique preferences and needs of customers.
Offer personalized design consultations to create bespoke lighting solutions for both residential and commercial clients.
Smart Home Integration:
Specialize in smart lighting systems that can be seamlessly integrated into smart home setups.
Provide expertise in setting up automated lighting controls, voice-activated systems, and other smart home features.
Educational Workshops:
Differentiate your shop by organizing workshops and seminars on lighting design, trends, and energy efficiency.
Position your business as a source of knowledge and expertise in the industry. - Inspiration
- Inspired by the idea of lights merging with greenery, we envisioned a space where the vibrant hues of nature blend effortlessly with artificial lighting. This fusion transforms the traditional boundaries, creating a dynamic environment where the artificial coexists with the lively.
Our creative goal is to provide a versatile space that effortlessly accommodates multiple functions. By incorporating dual merging elements, we not only offer a visually stunning atmosphere but also ensure organizational efficiency. Comfortable artificial lighting serves as the backbone of the design, contributing to a welcoming space.
"Verde Fusion" epitomizes innovation and uniqueness, offering a transformative experience where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors dissolve, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. - Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Lim Guan Wen,
Image #2: Photographer Lim Guan Wen,
Image #3: Photographer Lim Guan Wen,
Image #4: Photographer Lim Guan Wen,
Image #5: Photographer Lim Guan Wen
Video Credit : Ng Lee Foong - Patents
- For copyrights: "Copyrights belong to R+ Studio, 2023"
Colors of Eco-Luminance Oasis Retails Shop
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Sustainable Interior Design for Retail and Commercial Spaces
We transform retail and commercial spaces into sustainable, biophilic environments that enhance brand identity and customer experience. Our award-winning approach seamlessly blends nature with modern functionality, creating unique spatial experiences that drive business success.
G0E23 ShopGrand Interview about Eco-Luminance Oasis Retails Shop
Achieving a harmonious fusion of biophilic design and industrial aesthetics in the Eco-Luminance Oasis was both an exciting challenge and a delicate balancing act, especially within the regulatory framework of Singapore’s building codes.We began by establishing a core design concept, to reconnect city dwellers with nature, while embracing Singapore's forward looking and industrious spirit. The goal was to create a retail environment that felt like a living, breathing oasis amid the dense cityscape.To comply with Singapore’s Green Mark certification criteria, we strategically used reclaimed steel and exposed concrete finishes to represent industrial strength but softened them with biophilic elements such as natural wood paneling and vertical green walls.Further, to meet Singapore Civil Defense Force’s (SCDF) fire safety codes, we ensure materials selected are fire-rated and carefully treated to meet the stringent criteria. In accordance with Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) regulations, spaces were designed adhering to minimum headroom and circulation clearance while integrating natural ventilation strategies. Where mechanical ventilation was necessary, we used systems rated for energy saving and low noise pollution, keeping in line with BCA and National Environmental Agency’s (NEA) guidelines.Throughout the process, we worked closely with certified green building consultants, SCDF officers, and qualified persons (QP) to ensure that the design didn’t just pass inspections, but actively enhanced the wellness and comfort of all users.
The seamless transition between the exterior and interior spaces was a deliberate move to blur the boundaries between nature and the built environment, which is the key design strategy for Eco-Luminance Oasis.Living in a high-density city like Singapore, people often crave moments of calm and connection to nature. We wanted the shop to feel like an urban sanctuary, where visitors could experience an immediate sense of relief and openness. The use of large window panes was inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, where shoji screens and open spaces create a constant visual and sensory connection with nature. We adapted this concept into a modern retail setting. Singapore's abundant natural light was another key factor. The large, glazed facades let daylight flood the interiors, reducing reliance on artificial lighting, an energy-efficient move in line with Green Mark’s guidelines.The large windows create visual continuity, offering uninterrupted views of lush greenery both inside and outside. This dissolves the hard edge typically found between urban exteriors and interior retail environments, making customers feel like they’re walking into a curated extension of the natural world, rather than an enclosed store.Clusters of bamboo are used to create natural thresholds, breaking up the space without solid partitions. This keeps the environment open and breathable but also helps define distinct zones for exploration and interaction.
The smart lighting integration in Eco-Luminance Oasis was a cornerstone of our sustainable design vision. We wanted the lighting system to do more than just illuminate, but to enhance the customer experience, respond intuitively to the environment, and minimize energy consumption without sacrificing aesthetic quality.We re-imagined how people experience indoor lighting by mimicking the natural progression of daylight to promote comfort and well-being. The goal was to create dynamic lighting that shifts in color temperature and intensity throughout the day, offering a subtle circadian rhythm alignment to make the space feel more alive and attuned to human natural cycles.In terms of automated lighting controls and energy-efficiency, we introduced a centralized smart control system using Building Management System (BMS) interfaces with the lighting to automate schedules, monitor energy usage, and allow staff to make real-time adjustments via a mobile app or control hub. The system collects data on energy consumption patterns, helping to fine-tune settings for maximum efficiency over time.
The Eco-Luminance Oasis was envisioned from the start as more than a retail space. We wanted it to be a multi-functional environment with the ability to transform into a showroom, a community hub, and a flexible event venue, all while reinforcing its core identity as a lighting-focused retail concept.Flexibility and zoning are the key considerations for the spatial planning. We adopted an open, fluid layout, with movable display modules that can be reconfigured to create open areas for workshops, talks, or product launches.Zones were defined with natural transitions such as clusters of bamboo, lighting feature installations, or material shifts in the flooringto subtly guide movement without fixed partitions.Every transformation, whether for retail or events, is rooted in eco-conscious design language with natural materials, greenery, and sustainable systems remaining as a constant backdrop.Even during events, we maintain product presence subtly, key lighting fixtures remain active, or integrated into displays, reinforcing the brand’s expertise in lighting solutions without feeling like a traditional showroom.
The water feature wasn’t just an aesthetic choice, it was deeply intentional, both in its sensory impact and its role in reinforcing the biophilic design ethos.The gentle sound of rain is something almost every Singaporean has a nostalgic connection to, whether it’s the rhythmic patter during monsoon season or the calming stillness that comes after a downpour. We wanted to evoke that emotional memory, grounding visitors in a familiar sensory landscape that brings comfort and serenity.Biophilic design is a multi-sensory experience. The soft sound of rain hitting the bricks adds an acoustic layer that promotes relaxation and mental restoration, which are key goals in biophilic spaces.
The material palette in Eco-Luminance Oasis was meticulously curated to create a textural dialogue that not only reinforces our sustainability ethos but also delivers a multi-sensory, immersive aesthetic experience. We wanted materials that speak to each other, balancing warmth and rawness, nature and industry, while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.At the core of the design was the desire to merge the organic with the urban, crafting a space that’s both inviting and honest. The material selections were pivotal in expressing this balance, natural wood with dark lacquer brings in warmth, tactility, and a sense of crafted elegance, while cement screeding provides an industrial, raw honesty, grounding the space and adding textural contrast.The sourcing of the wood is from FSC-certified sources, ensuring responsible forestry practices while the dark lacquer was a low-VOC, water-based finish, chosen to minimize off-gassing and promote better indoor air quality. To top it off, low-carbon cement mixtures, incorporating recycled aggregates helps to reduce the material’s embodied energy and carbon footprint.
The decision to incorporate mobile furniture in Eco-Luminance Oasis was a pivotal move that evolved quite organically as we deepened our understanding of the space’s potential as both a retail showroom and a community-centric, multi-purpose venue. What started as a simple desire for flexibility turned into a core design strategy, shaping how the space functions, feels, and engages users.From the outset, the vision was to create an urban oasis, a space that wasn’t just about selling products, but about experiencing light and design. With this, we imagined hosting product showcases, community workshops, talks, and even pop-up events. This meant the layout couldn’t be static.Early sketches focused on open-plan flexibility, but we soon realized that for true adaptability, fixed furniture wouldn’t be enough. We needed elements that could move and transform.It became clear that versatility wasn’t just a nice-to-have feature, it was essential to delivering a space that could continuously evolve with different needs.The mobility and flexibility allows for the optimization for circulation and accessibility. During high-traffic moments, such as product launches or design talks, furniture can be scaled back to open up clear circulation routes and maximize capacity, in line with universal design and fire safety codes. Conversely, for intimate events, the space can be compacted, creating cozy zones with comfortable seating arrangements that feel personal and inviting.
The Eco-Luminance Oasis was purposefully designed to be a beacon of calm and sustainability within an otherwise gritty, utilitarian industrial estate. Crafting a façade that stood out as an architectural statement, while also respecting and harmonizing with its context, was a delicate yet rewarding challenge.The industrial estate’s visual language is dominated by raw concrete, corrugated metal, and functional geometries. Rather than ignoring, we embraced it, taking cues from the material honesty and clean structural lines prevalent in the area.Our aim wasn’t to create contrast for contrast’s sake, but to reinterpret industrial materials through a biophilic lens, so the building still felt anchored to its site.The vision was to soften the harshness of the surrounding built environment, offering a sanctuary-like presence, but not something that felt out of place. We needed to balance boldness with belonging.
The central large potted plant in Eco-Luminance Oasis was always envisioned as more than just décor, it’s a symbolic anchor, an experiential centerpiece, and a strategic design move that plays a crucial role in shaping spatial flow and customer engagement.We wanted the central potted plant to act as a living, breathing tribute to nature, reinforcing our biophilic concept right at the heart of the shop. It’s a visual manifesto, an immediate, tangible reminder that nature belongs even in industrial settings.Positioned at the central nexus of the showroom, the plant acts as an organic landmark, orienting visitors as they navigate the space.It’s strategically located where sightlines converge, giving visitors an intuitive sense of arrival and orientation, helping them decide where to go next.The central large potted plant also offers abreak in pace, it allows visitors to breathe, absorb the sensory environment, and reset before continuing their exploration.
The success of the project highlights a growing demand for retail spaces that nurture well-being, foster mental restoration, and create sensory-rich experiences, beyond pure transactional interactions.We envision future retail spaces in Singapore integrating nature-centric elements, green facades, living walls, water features, and natural materials, not just as aesthetic choices, but as strategic design interventions to improve user experience, enhance productivity, and boost emotional engagement