Landscape escapade

SINGAPORE - A spa set in reforested lush foliage on Sentosa and Changi Airport's butterfly garden have been recognised for their stunning landscaping.

They are among the 57 winners of the fifth Landscape Industry Association Awards of Excellence 2013. The awards were given out by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of State for National Development on Thursday at a gala dinner at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel.

The competition comprises nine categories including implementation in residential and non-residential projects; greenwalls; and playground and amenities. Best, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit prizes are given out.

The awards were first held in 2005 and 2006. There was then a three-year hiatus due to other industry events and the economic slowdown. It was held again in 2009 and has since taken place biennially.

There are judges for each category and this year's panels included Singapore Botanic Gardens director Nigel Taylor and Mr Melvin Tan, Wildlife Reserves Singapore's director of horticulture and landscape.

Landscape Industry Association chairman John Tan hopes that the awards will raise the profile of landscapers responsible for greening the city.

He also hopes that industry players will improve their standards when incorporating greenery into buildings.

Mr Tan, 53, says: "The awards are not just a competition. It was started to allow landscape companies to benchmark themselves against the standards in the industry.

"This will push them to excel in their implementation, maintenance and design skills. It's also good to have the public appreciate the good work that these companies have done to maintain the 'City in a Garden' vision."

Life! takes a look at the Best and Gold winners in each category.

cherylw@sph.com.sg

natashaz@sph.com.sg

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