This Newly Opened Container Park Offers Perfect Views of the Changi Airport

Changi Airport is known for merging lush flora and fauna with top-notch architecture throughout the terminals. Their next goal is to build a massive green hotel to be completed and fully operational by 2028. To be built within the airport area, the new hotel is perfect for tourists wanting to explore the popular attractions within Changi's vicinity, including the world-famous Jewel Changi, Changi Village, Changi Beach Park, and so much more.

Slated to rise in the public area of the airport, Hotel Indigo Changi Airport will be connected to Terminal 2 via a linkway – offering convenience and relaxation to travellers. It boasts 255 rooms and amenities like a rooftop day club, bar, and an infinity pool that overlooks the stunning views of the airport boulevard, runway, and skyline!

One of the highlights of the hotel is the seven-story rainforest called “Floating Forest.” Continuing the concept of the Changi Airport, this part of the hotel will feature hanging plants and trees – welcoming every guest with stunning greeneries.

Targeted to be the first-ever zero-energy hotel in Singapore, the establishment will have solar panels, hybrid cooling systems, naturally ventilated corridors, and rainwater-harvesting technologies.

As of writing, no exact opening date has been announced yet. But if you’re looking for accommodation options for your travel plans this year, you can also check out YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport in Jewel or the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, which is directly connected to Terminal 3.

For future updates, follow Changi Airport’s Facebook and Instagram.

Imagine waking up to a house that anticipates your needs before you even step out of bed – with an air purifier cleansing the air you breathe, a robot vacuum tidying the common areas, and most importantly, a coffee machine brewing a fresh cup to kickstart your day. It may sound like fantasy, but in today’s fast-paced world, technology has seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, transforming the home from an ordinary space into a smarter sanctuary where you can control most, if not all, of its features through your smartphone.

In Singapore, where life moves fast and innovation is a must, homes are evolving into havens of convenience, comfort, style, and efficiency. If you’re ready to future-proof your space and give it an upgrade, we’ve curated a list of smart home essentials and devices you can buy to complete your home – from speakers and lighting to instant pots and smart pillows.

For your home’s security: August Home Smart Lock Pro with Connect

Are you the type who seldom forgets if you locked the door or not? Worry no more with August Home Smart Lock Pro which works with Alexa for voice control. This gadget also allows you to monitor, lock, and unlock your door using your phone. With its DoorSense feature, you’ll be notified if your door is locked securely. The big plus? You can also track the activities at your doorstep with a 24/7 activity feed.

S$575.60, Buy here

For your living area: Philips Hue Smart 6-Inch LED Downlight

Lighting can instantly improve the ambiance of your space and you can set the mood easily with Philips’ Hue Smart LED Downlight. By adding a Hue Bridge to your purchase, you can control the lights in your home even while you’re away and set up different automations. Voice commands can also be easily set up with Alexa or Google Assistant.

S$268.35, Buy here

For your living area: Amazon Echo Studio or Google Nest Audio

Whether you have movie nights in the living area or love listening to music, having a smart speaker helps you indulge in an immersive experience. Take your pick between Amazon Echo Studio or Google Nest Audio.

Echo Studio highlights a spatial audio processing technology, a fine-tuning playback feature that adapts to the acoustics of a room, and Dolby Atmos technology that adds clarity and depth to the sound.

Meanwhile, Nest Audio features a compact design that can blend flawlessly with your home’s design. It has a woofer, tweeter, and tuning software so you can count on crisp vocals. It also adapts to the environment, so your music sounds better and your audiobooks clearer.

S$199.99, Buy Echo Studio here | S$139Buy Google Nest Audio here

For your kitchen: Instant Pot RIO 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Smart Cooker

Highlighting a slimmer and modern design, the Instant Pot RIO has an anti-spin and non-stick pot for easy stirring or sauteing sans the spills. With 13 smart cooking programs, RIO lets you prepare quick and easy meals faster while also saving up on energy.

S$269, Buy here

For your kitchen: Bosch Fully Automatic Coffee Machine VeroCup 300 Silver

A shot of espresso can instantly brighten your day. With an Intelligent Heater inside, the VeroCup promises a flavourful espresso experience thanks to the constant brewing temperature. With its OneTouch function, you can enjoy an espresso or a cappuccino with the touch of a button.

S$1,999, Buy here

For cleaning: ECOVACS DEEBOT T30 PRO OMNI

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just lounge around while a gadget cleans your space efficiently? Make it happen with the DEEBOT T30 PRO OMNI, ECOVACS’ first tangle-free DEEBOT that features a powerful suction for deep carpet cleaning, an auto-lift mopping system that detects carpets, and TrueMapping 2.0 that ensures intelligent path planning for navigating the room.

S$1,299, Buy here

For your bedroom: Dyson Purifier Cool Air Purifier TP07

Breathe in clean air from morning ‘til night with Dyson’s air purifier that’s made to capture dust and allergens. This smart home essential features three sensors that diagnose and react to air quality and make sure there are no pollutants in the air. Using the MyDyson app, you can control and monitor the air quality using your phone or do it hands-free with compatible voice services.

S$799, Buy here

For your bedroom: Neuro Code SMART Pillow

A pillow that lulls you to sleep? It exists! Neuro Code’s SMART Pillow has changed the game with its built-in speaker that produces 13 different sleep waves so you can fall asleep faster while improving your deep sleep. This bedroom must-have is made of high-density memory foam to help ensure proper neck support while sleeping.

S$588, Buy here

For your bathroom: KOHLER Veil Intelligent Toilet

If you’re ready to purchase a big-ticket item, you can go all out with KOHLER’s wall-hung intelligent toilet that helps you save on floor space. With this smart home must-have, you can count on features like a self-cleaning function that uses UV light, a warm-air drying system, and an automatic deodorization system.

Buy here

For your bathroom: Simplehuman Rechargeable Foam Sensor Pump

Say goodbye to bulky soap dispensers cluttering your countertop and hello to Simplehuman’s Foam Sensor Pump. This device features a patented air-induction pump designed to inject the perfect number of micro-bubbles into the soap, creating a creamy foam. It also offers volume control, allowing you to dispense the precise amount of soap you need – simply place your hands closer for a small drop or move them farther away for more.

S$155, Buy here

A 1.6-hectare space filled with lush greenery will welcome you at Bueno Vista community node, which is perfectly located along the southern section of Rail Corridor that offers a wider space for recreational activities within the city.

Launched last April 22, the community node’samenities include a children’s playground equipped with biophilic elements, a fitness area for adults, “plug-and-play” community lawns for various sports activities, and a 500-square-metre space for other events.

As part of the development, vegetated swales at the node were also planted to recall the original stream and marshland landscape before the railway was built.

A collaborative effort between NParks, Ho Bee Land, JTC, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, the Bueno Vista node community aims to bring nature and heritage closer to Singaporeans and transform the Rail Corridor into community space.

A brand new concept hotel in Singapore is set to be introduced by JTC and startup Tiny Pod this year with the upcoming launch of the first-ever co-living train hotel at Launchpad @ one-north this year, innovating a new experience for guests.

Transforming decommissioned SMRT train carriages, Tiny Pod is set to turn them into eight rooms equipped with attached bathrooms and LCD panels playing real-life footage of the train’s journey for an immersive experience for guests.

Aside from the train carriages, train benches will also be repurposed as outdoor public benches displayed along the recreational green space, complete with food and beverage vending machines right beside the train hotel.

Along with Tiny Pod, JTC has also shown its support to other stakeholders located at Launchpad @ one-north, including MDesign and Medistation.

The renovation for the project started last month and is expected to be operational by September this year.

For updates and more innovation projects, follow JTC’s Facebook and Instagram. You can also check out their website.

It is no secret that Singapore is a city brimming with upscale malls and lavish stores that sell with a high price tag. However, beyond the opulence, there are small vintage stores that offer antique finds and rare home decor perfect for adding that final touch to your room’s aesthetic. If you’re on the hunt for cool bric-a-brac products, these thrift stores in the Lion City are worth visiting.

By My Old School

With a 1,000-square-foot store located at Commonwealth Drive, By My Old School is one of the top vintage stores to explore in Singapore. It boasts a diverse range of rare items, from homeware and gadgets to typewriters and nautical artifacts. In addition to selling vintage treasures, the store also offers rental services, allowing customers to temporarily acquire items for projects or short-term needs.

To order, email bymyoldschool@gmail.com or call +65 987 92088.

Location: By My Old School, Blk 115A Commonwealth Drive, #03-24 S149596

Studio Yono

While the mid-century style may belong to the past, it remains a relevant design type that continues to be embraced by contemporary homes. Even pop star Troye Sivan and social media personality Emma Chamberlain have incorporated elements of this style into their homes, proving that it is a timeless style that transcends generations.

If you have a penchant for timeless mid-century collectibles, make your way to Studio Yono on Yong Siak Street. This boutique offers a curated selection of vintage tableware, furniture, and chairs that are guaranteed to add charm to any home. Beyond home decor, Studio Yono showcases art and design pieces from respected European artists, including paintings, vases, and more. Email info@studioyono.com for more details.

Location: Studio Yono, 1M Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641

Second Charm

At Second Charm, you’ll discover a wide array of second-hand items that have stood the test of time. From chairs boasting various shapes and sizes to retro-inspired mirrors and tables, there’s something to suit every corner of your home. What sets this shop apart is its offering of custom-made items, allowing you to request specific sizes or designs tailored to your preferences.

For more information, contact secondcharm@secondcharm.net.

Location: Second Charm, Blk 21 Kallang Avenue #05-165 Mapletree Industrial Building, Singapore 339412

Hock Siong and Co.

The notion that second-hand items have been a part of someone else’s story adds a unique charm to them. Despite their previous use, they remain sturdy and functional, which is perhaps the most appealing aspect of acquiring vintage items.

At Hock Siong and Co., you’ll discover beautiful antique products that rival brand-new pieces. From elegant marble tables to intricately carved planters, vintage typewriters, traditional Chinese cabinets, and captivating paintings, there’s something to pique everyone’s interest. Call +6281 8338 to order.

Location: Hock Siong and Co., 153 Kampong Ampat, #01-02/#01-03 Junjie Industrial Building, Singapore 368326

Jennifer’s Vintage and Antique

Jennifer’s Vintage and Antique is one of Singapore’s most beloved vintage stores. It sells a wide variety of items, from old paintings and hand-spin sewing machines to lanterns and wooden cabinets. If you’re a collector of figurines, you’ll be glad to know that this store sells gold figures that will add charm to a TV table or a dining table. Contact +96 337 309 to book your appointment.

Location: Jennifer’s Vintage and Antique, Blk 229 Toa Payoh lor 8 Singapore, Singapore 320027

Continuing to redefine the concept of urban living, Ascott Limited (Ascott) expands their portfolio of properties in Singapore with the opening of Citadines Science Park. The new property is “set to provide guests with a sanctuary amidst the bustling urban landscape,” as mentioned in their press release.

The park is located conveniently in the heart of Singapore Science Park and near popular attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay, which is perfect for leisure and business travellers looking to explore the city and rest right after.

Designed by Serie + Multiply Architects, together with Ascott’s in-house interior design team, the hotel takes inspiration from a greenhouse, incorporating natural light and creating a sense of openness and calmness.

The hotel boasts a total of 250 studios, lofts, and one-bedroom apartments with chic, monochromatic interiors that embody the concept throughout the space.

Citadines Science Park also has several amenities, including a self-service laundry area, a fully equipped 24-hour fitness gym, shared working spaces, and meeting rooms for a productive stay. Open from 6 AM to 10 PM, the hotel likewise has a 25-metre outdoor infinity pool and an outdoor garden by the pool for BBQ.

Book your stay today! For room rates, you may check here.

Location: Citadines Science Park, 7 Science Park Drive, Singapore