origins

eco-id: noun (ref. to dwelling place and id)
enabling poetry in architecture

eco - prefix - (oikos) comes from the ancient Greek word "oikos" (house).
It is mostly used as a prefix. In this sense, it is added to existing words to create another word with a new meaning, mostly related to an awareness of the surrounding habitat resulting in better living as reflected in our design philosophy.

id - noun - (psycho)
That part of the mind which comprises the inherited instinctive impulses of the individual together with memories and phantasies evolved in early infancy (cl ego) abbrev idiem. eco.id probes conceptual depths to seed their projects with individuality and verve for inspired designs.

Progressive Portfolio
The name eco.id gives a hint of the kind of design work it produces. It actually grew from an existing company which was set up in London by Sim Boon Yang and partners when the former was working there. Helmed since 1996 by Sim Boon Yang and Calvin Sim, two army buddies, eco.id architects and design consultancy has grown by leaps and bounds from Singapore.

Calvin reveals that it was a hotel job in Manado that birthed eco.id in Singapore as the client wanted them to set up their own company if they took on the job. Several people have asked if eco.id is ecological in its approach because of its namesake. Explains Boon Yang: “The agenda in London was more purist. It had this philosophy that was not ecologically friendly in its designs, but rather had an approach that encompassed an awareness of the environment and was more sensitive to alternative ways. It had to do with breaking away from conventional and stylistic approaches. Says Calvin, “In Singapore, we try to be more progressive and modern in our approach here. “A good piece of work should transcend time and be forward looking.”

Both directors get very involved in each project, regardless of its magnitude. Theirs started as a very niche market. One of their first residential projects in Singapore which they visualised as ‘a bunch of bungalows stacked on top of each other’, took eight months of progressive designs before final approval. To try something different, they came up with slices of landscape integrated into the design of the building, they had mature trees growing on the apartment balconies, rather than the ubiquitous bougainvillea. Another feature added was the very big roof screen that acted as a trellis holding solar panels that provide hot water for the building.

This design approach that encompassed habitats and sensitivity to alternative ways has augured well for eco.id. Its portfolio has since grown to include luxury residential and hospitality projects which are sophisticated and enduring and have won top design awards. Most of eco.id’s catalogue of projects now consists of international work (primarily Hotels). Read more in green initiatives.