http://www.straitstimes.com/Life%252...ry_315578.html

Dec 18, 2008

THE POWER LIST 2008 LIFESTYLE

8. Wong Mun Summ, 46, and Richard Hassell, 42, Woha founding directors


Architects Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell have been picking up awards for their latest condominium project, Newton Suites. -- ST PHOTO: ALAN LIM

Named Designers of the Year at the recent President Design Award, Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell are architects who are on top of their game. Their works are seen as cutting edge without being ostentatious.

The duo, both single, are especially proud of their most recently completed condominium project, Newton Suites.

The 36-storey tower in Newton Road, which boasts plenty of sky gardens and greenery growing vertically, won an Award for International Architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects and also a design award at this year's SIA-NParks Skyrise Greenery Award from SIA and the National Parks Board.

Newton Suites was also a finalist at the World Architectural Festival and for the International Highrise Award this year.

They were also invited to speak at the World Architectural Festival, which is considered the architecture Oscars.

Mr Wong says: 'Newton Suites was an exemplary building for the architecture industry for densely populated cities.'

Unfazed by the bad times which mean fewer projects, Mr Hassell says: 'This is a good time for us to be doing more research, such as creating zero carbon housing estates.'

Woha's current projects include Wilkie Edge, the office and retail space near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, and Ilumna, an entertainment centre in Bugis.

Tay Suan Chiang