Melrose Eco Village

The apartments for the kids are designed as “villages” that dot the landscape. Instead of grouping them according to age, we grouped them according to gender, forming a communal “kampung spirit” within each cluster where the elder children could look out for their younger friends within a semi-enclosed setting that also helps caregivers in surveillance. The toddler and infant apartment is accorded their own area with a different kind of supervision given solely by caregivers. A meandering trail then connects these kampungs together, offering handicap access as well. Tuition pods are distributed along the trail, creating a “learning village” where kids can study within nature in the comfort of individual tuition pods.

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In view of climate change, we retained part of the existing block harness the existing infrastructure while minimizing carbon footprint. The new buildings are then constructed with sustainable materials such as cross laminated timber. Most of the existing trees are also preserved to ensure minimum disturbance to the existing natural conditions, while allowing for effective shading in each “kampung”. The abundance of outdoor spaces such as urban farming, sensory gardens, outdoor learning and entertaining, we therefore hope to heighten the awareness of environmental consciousness within the children and instill in them values that will make them responsible adults for tomorrow.