One to Know
French architect Jean Nouvel’s newly designed residential development; comedian Kumar’s upcoming stand-up performance; chef Andrew Walsh
Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel (pictured above right) is well known for his sculptural, experimental monuments that take their cues from their surrounding landscapes—sometimes existing in harmony with them, other times contrasting against them. Over the course of his 30-year-plus career, he has designed more than 200 projects, including the space station-like National Museum of Qatar and Le Louvre in Abu Dhabi, the glimmering Torre Glòries skyscraper in Barcelona, and the eccentric Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Now, he brings his exceptional creative acumen to Singapore with the latest addition to his portfolio—residential towers Nouvel 18 in the heart of District 10.
The towers’ most striking aspect, however, is its iconic facade, which is set to become a fixture along the city skyline. Reminiscent of the architect’s other high-rise projects such as the 100 11th Avenue residential tower and 40 Mercer Street Residences in New York City, Nouvel 18 is modern, glass-clad and grand. The two towers also join a slew of other vertical green concepts in Asia’s Garden City, such as Capitagreen, Tree House and Eco Sanctuary.
Comprising 156 units across 36 storeys, including two-, threeand four-bedroom suites as well as penthouse suites, the property boasts a covetable address along Anderson Road with close proximity to Orchard Road, schools, private members’ clubs, hotels and MRT stations. Residents will enjoy designer fittings, Miele appliances in the kitchen, sweeping views of the city from the windows, and housekeeping and concierge services.
Taking inspiration from the verdant surrounds of the Ardmore district, the property incorporates gaps in its shell to accommodate greenery. The buildings also comprise eight “Sky Gardens” with a variety of themes, from wellness and meditation to fitness and gourmet cuisine.
Peaceful and relaxing, the gardens feature swimming pools and water features as well as recreational facilities that enrich residents’ lifestyles. More importantly, the gardens reduce heat gain into the buildings and, in turn, the complex’s energy consumption. The tone is set the moment you approach the property, with a driveway lined with lush greenery—signalling that you are entering a verdant retreat.
With comedy, you can get away with blue murder, notes Singapore’s veteran drag queen and comedian Kumar in a nod to the power of the performance medium. Known for his hilarious anecdotes often constructed from Singapore’s sociopolitical landscape, he believes that it is the perfect way to discuss the country’s policies. “People are always looking to laugh, particularly so when you talk about the rules and laws that are implemented in society,” he quips.
Later this year, audiences can look forward to a brand-new show at the Esplanade Theatre. Titled Vote Kumar, the one-(wo)man standup comedy, which revolves around the topic of the general election, will also touch on the recent hysteria caused by Covid-19, as well as the frustrations of everyday citizens, from transportation woes to the lack of health subsidies. Through his performance, Kumar hopes to spark important conversation among the audience and instil a sense of self-reflection during these unprecedented times. Referring to Singapore’s ruling political party, he says with a guffaw: “Some people in the audience don’t know if it’s appropriate to laugh when I make fun of the PAP. But you can lah!”
Andrew Walsh, chef-owner of modern European restaurant Cure on Keong Saik Road, has expanded his reach overseas with Ember Beach Club at the new One&only Desaru Coast in Malaysia, the global hospitality group’s first resort in the region.
While being similar to Cure when it comes to serving exceptional food in an amazing setting, Ember Beach Club brings a different energy to the table. Walsh has designed the menu to “showcase the freshest catch straight from the waters of Desaru and the best produce from Malaysia and Singapore, all carefully prepared with Asian influences on our open-fire grills”.
Helming the kitchen is French chef Mickael Cornutrait, who has worked in Malaysia for almost 10 years, and has also cooked with Walsh at Cure and Butcher Boy. “He understands the local culture very well,” Walsh notes.
Together, they have crafted a menu of imaginative offerings, including Hokkaido scallops dressed in a zingy white soy ponzu and topped with fresh radish and yuzu; grilled seabass bathed in a flavoursome green curry sauce and served with fragrant coconut rice; and grilled Wagyu rib-eye accompanied by black pepper sauce and shallot jam.
Ember Beach Club is a passion project for Walsh and his team, and they cannot wait to debut the concept to the world. Walsh sums it best when he says, “We’re so excited to get cooking!”