Villa Mistral
Sentosa Cove, SingaporeLuxurious Single Residence
With sweeping curves and a strong forward thrust, Villa Mistral in Sentosa, Singapore exudes how a designer can strategize the way he positions elements for static objects to resemble movement.
One of two adjacent bungalows which stands out on its own character, Villa Mistral measures 680 square meters and defies the monotone box-type form for a building by mimicking a boat. Named after the seasonal strong, northwesterly wind that blows across the Mediterranean, Villa Mistral is a sleek yacht swathed in all white with a metallic tinge.
These structural elements are expressed both externally and internally, communicating the sense of a powerful vessel driving in water.
Nestled in Sentosa — Malay for “peace and tranquility” — off the coast of Singapore, Sentosa Cove is the most exclusive marina residential community offering tropical resort living.
A mere fifteen-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of mainland Singapore, it blends ultramodern design with the soothing harmonies of the water. The frangipani-lined residential enclave has about 2,000 oceanfront villas, waterway bungalows, hillside mansions and upscale condominiums designed by award-winning architects who have set a new standard in residential architecture in Singapore.
When the first land parcels were unveiled in 2003, it heralded a new era of luxury living, where residents could live on the waterfront, the waves lapping just a few metres away. The premium residential district of Sentosa Cove is the centrepiece of a billion-dollar masterplan, whose allure is only increased by the fact that it is the only place in Singapore where foreigners can buy a landed house — the reason why this cohort comprises 60% of all Sentosa Cove’s property buyers.
Composed of natural materials, Villa Mistral embodies an island character that makes it stand out among other pitched-roof houses in the vicinity.
Fully furnished with pieces from brands like Minotti, Poltrona Frau, Kartell, B&B Italia, Zanotta, and sculptures by Massimo Mercurio.
Set in Chinese-dominated Singapore, it observes feng shui, the ancient philosophy associated with good fortune. The design was approved by a feng shui master.
Fitted with a pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, roof lounge and terrace, living and family lounges, home theatre, wet and dry kitchens, dining, bedrooms with ensuites, home lift and a yard.
Features energy-efficient large glass windows and skylight, LED lights, a terracotta roof, low-emissivity glazing, LED lights and luminiscent mosaic tiles that absorb solar light and give off a gentle glow at night.
Property is guarded by a system of security cameras which goes way beyond the minimum requirement by code.
SECTION DRAWING OF VILLA MISTRAL SHOWS THE BUILDING’S OVERALL UNIQUE IDEA. Total GFA: 677.75 sqm, Site Area: 880.40 sqm
The street elevation of Villa Mistral combines timber and concrete in a façade penetrated by windows of varying scale to generate a strong rhythmic quality. This is complemented by the forward-thrusting angularity of the building which leads the eye towards the water which is only barely glimpsed at this stage.
FLOOR PLAN OF THE GROUND LEVEL. Floor Area: 255.51 sqm
There is a carefully orchestrated sequence of arrival designed to heighten expectation and ensure maximum drama with the final reveal of the view. Floating concrete slabs form a footbridge linking the porte cochère across a pond with the entry vestibule. Here a sculpted travetine wall, screening the stairwell drives the circulation to either side, delays the final dramatic tableau.
FLOOR PLAN OF THE SECOND LEVEL. Floor Area: 139.61 sqm
Villa Mistral is over four levels, including a large entertainment room in the basement. Dining, dry kitchen and living are on the entry level, while level two is composed of bedrooms and a roof terrace overlooking the canal. The bedrooms on level two, including the master bedroom, are to the side with one at the rear, streetside, with views back to the ocean.
FLOOR PLAN OF THE THIRD LEVEL. Floor Area: 33.81 sqm
Meanwhile, the top floor features a spacious open concept of a living and dining lounge facing the pool. Ideal for hosting large parties, the attic lounge opens to a large roof terrace facing the spectacular view of Sentosa Cove. The jacuzzi is designed in the middle to offer respite from the tropical heat.
Security cameras, beyond minimum requirement by code, monitor the entire property.
The home automation system is linked to the alarm system to provide additional safeguards. When an alarm detects a fire, or a certain level of smoke, then all the lights in the house could be set to blink to alert the occupants. Audio and video components could be closed down to alert the homeowner to a possible fire or burglary. Again, this is beyond minimum requirement by code. 
Remote control activates motion sensors and security cameras and turns on exterior night lights. Smart control of lights is used to set preferences to limit children’s access to entire house’s audio, video and security systems. Also beyond minimum requirement by code.
The building is equipped with lightning protection.
Building is equipped with a household shelter in the basement, providing protection against disasters such as blasts and fragments during an emergency.
A fire hydrant is installed at the entrance.
Class A fire extinguishers are provided for each floor.
Fire and smoke detectors are installed to alarm occupants from possible danger.
The unprotected opening of the building is controlled within the safe zone by the set back from neighbouring building.
Building material is fire-rated with the minimum period of fire resistance required by code.
Frequently used in Italy, travertine is a white or light-colored calcareous rock deposited from mineral springs. The word ‘travertine’ is derived from the Italian travertino, a derivation of the Latin tiburtinus ‘of Tibur’. Its namesake is the origin of Tivoli, a district near Rome.
Like marble, travertine is a form of limestone, though not as exorbitant. In ancient times, Romans used travertine on the main parts of buildings where marble use would be too much of a luxury. For example, steps would be made of travertine while the columns or sculptures were made of marble.
Among the famous buildings that use this type of stone are the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris, the Theater of Marcellus, the Cathedral at Pisa and the Roman Colosseum, the largest building in the world constructed mostly of travertine.
Frequently used in Italy, travertine is a white or light-colored calcareous rock deposited from mineral springs. The word ‘travertine’ is derived from the Italian travertino, a derivation of the Latin tiburtinus ‘of Tibur’. Its namesake is the origin of Tivoli, a district near Rome.
Like marble, travertine is a form of limestone, though not as exorbitant. In ancient times, Romans used travertine on the main parts of buildings where marble use would be too much of a luxury. For example, steps would be made of travertine while the columns or sculptures were made of marble.
Among the famous buildings that use this type of stone are the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris, the Theater of Marcellus, the Cathedral at Pisa and the Roman Colosseum, the largest building in the world constructed mostly of travertine.
Since the seventh century, teak wood — whose tree, Tectona grandis, is native to the tropics — has been used to adorn the residences of the rich and powerful. Burmese teak is a mainstay in shipbuilding as it makes for an excellent ship wood due to its ability to ward off dry rot. While it is found in Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and Malaysia, the most precious and valuable teak is known to come from Burma.
Wenge was utilized here for the doors and joinery panels, it is a rich, dark wood with an elegant and exotic appeal.
The street elevation of Mistral combines timber and concrete in a façade penetrated by windows of varying scale to generate a strong rhythmic quality. This is complemented by the forward-thrusting angularity of the building which leads the eye towards the water which is only barely glimpsed at this stage.
Villa Mistral won the A’Design Award for Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category and the Asia Pacific Property Award for Best Architecture, Single Residence Singapore for 2016-2017.
