The Air Circular Campus and Cooking Club in Singapore, designed by Dutch studio OMA, has undergone a transformation that showcases the studio’s commitment to sustainability and preserving the building’s original modernist design. The 1970s building, originally a clubhouse for the Civil Service Club, has been carefully altered to minimize construction waste and enhance its connection to the surrounding green space.
OMA’s intervention includes the addition of a cylindrical orange steel frame at the rear of the building, which houses a staircase, bar, kitchen, and machine room. This striking feature cuts into the rectangular structure, creating a visually dynamic element. The front facade of the two-storey building has been modified to open up the ground floor dining spaces, seamlessly connecting them to the lawn area designed for picnics and outdoor events. The upper floor now boasts newly added windows that offer panoramic views of the lush green surroundings.
To further integrate the Air Circular Campus and Cooking Club with its natural environment, OMA has incorporated a one-hundred-meter curved walkway with timber decking. This walkway serves as a link between the building and the car park, with deep steps that double as terrace seating. Additionally, a secondary path branches off from the main walkway, leading visitors to an ingredients garden. Here, guests can learn about the sustainable cultivation of food specifically for the restaurant.
In keeping with the studio’s commitment to sustainability, OMA collaborated with product designer Andreu Carulla to create fixtures and fittings throughout the building. These elements were crafted using recycled materials such as styrofoam, timber, and plastic bottles sourced from a former art installation. By repurposing these materials, OMA not only reduces waste but also adds a unique and environmentally conscious touch to the interior design.
Overall, the Air Circular Campus and Cooking Club exemplifies OMA‘s innovative approach to adaptive reuse and sustainable design. By making minimal changes to the existing structure and incorporating thoughtful elements that promote a connection to nature, OMA has successfully transformed the building into a vibrant and environmentally conscious dining destination.