THE ART & DESIGN OF IKIGAI
Tomoko Kawao
Japanese calligrapher
Tomoko Kawao, one of Japan’s most high-profile shodō (calligraphy) artists today, is behind the art of Ikigai. She started her practice of the art at six, taking up shodō classes in which she discovered her talent. In 2004, she took up apprenticeship with the shodō master Shoshu, embarking on the path to become a shodō artist after graduating from the university.
Now an artist in her own right, Tomoko has won multiple awards in Japan and abroad. Her works have appeared in the Rugby World Cup official movie and the opening film for NHK’s popular historical drama “Yae no Sakura”. She has also written signs for the Kyoto and Hankyu Arashiyama train stations, as well as the title of NHK’s new show, “Kyo koto Hajime”.
One of her masterpieces – Correlation (Ko-ō) series – focuses on brush movements in the air. Apart from two dark points of each piece of work, the myriad lines created were traces of ink dripping onto the paper from her brush above as it moved through between the two points. The other and more recent Hitomoji series sees the artist include herself as part of the characters and completed work.
What did you hope for Ikigai to convey?
As a concept, the idea of living in the present moment.
How does Ikigai reflect your philosophy of art?
What challenges did you face?
As I created this piece, I made a conscious effort to focus on the flow of the writing, from start to finish, to not once let the brush stop moving. As I expressed in an earlier series of works titled Ko-ō, the droplets of ink that fall onto the work are a way of tracing the brush’s movement through space. Though each written character is a separate form, they are all connected by a single thread of movement. I liken this to the temporal movement of our lives – something that’s impossible to backtrack on, and also impossible to jump forward through. I want to express the spirit of living truly and powerfully in the moment.
What kind of emotions emerged and empowered you when you created this work?
While I am creating a work, I focus completely on it, to the point where I cannot hear anything around me. In this moment I feel I am truly alive. Then once I have finished a piece of calligraphy, any sense of achievement I funnel into energy for my next one.
“I was reminded
Just how essential
calligraphy is to my life.”
What are the differences between writing in English and in kanji characters?
Obviously there are linguistic differences between English, which is a phonetic alphabet, and kanji, which is an ideographic script whose characters each carry a distinct meaning. But when writing in English, I think of an entire word as if it were a single kanji character, and express it in such a way that the brush strokes and the flow of the form are unbroken.
What does Ikigai mean for you?
Through this work I was given the opportunity to think about my own ikigai, and once again, I was reminded just how essential calligraphy is to my life.
What is your ikigai and when and how did you find it?
In my junior high school and high school days, I became quite ill, and calligraphy was what got me through that time. Later, at university I came to a point where I was considered giving up the practice forever. That’s when I realised that I truly could not live without it.
How has it guided your personal and artistic journeys?
I believe that the expression I can accomplish through calligraphy is a link between me and the society. This is where my ikigai comes from. My next duty is to think about how I can give something back to the art form itself.
Yip Yuen Hong
Award-winning architect
Ikigai is designed by four-time President’s Design Award winner Yip Yuen Hong and finds its unique place in Novena, the storied neighbourhood that is a juxtaposition of modern swanky architecture and cafes, and heritage shophouses and old bungalows.
Yuen Hong is an advocate and a practitioner of a solutions-driven design approach in which simplicity takes centrestage. That simplicity from distilling complex requirements to create a space that brings excitement and magic is thus, his ikigai.
My Ikigai is distilling complexity
into a simple form that delights
What is the design concept behind Ikigai?
My concept is to create something of great serenity, of quietude and calm. It’s because I’m reacting to the noise that we have, the sort of visual noise that we have in abundance. From the user’s point of view, you’d be looking for clean, very no-fuss kind of look. Very subtle, very understated.
How does your design philosophy speak to the brief for Ikigai?
My tendency is to go for a simple and authentic expression. The vision is to create a sense of luxury with a minimal palette and finishes.
I’ve limited myself to using char wood, which is reinforced concrete with char wood texture. It [char wood] is a materiality that’s not much used or seen in this part of the world. What I’m trying to do is use this material and continue it all the way to the inside, with different types of wood, different tones of granite.
The idea is to have the two extremes in materiality – on the one hand something very brutalist, while on the other side, something very polished. For instance, when we use granite against char wood, this contrast of the polished versus the brutalist – from two different ends of the spectrum – result in something that’s very elegant.
It’s not easy to do, but this is what we’re striving towards. We want to create some kind of delight and excitement that lifts the spirit, and hopefully this will be that little magic we conjure up in the architecture.
“…a haven for people to be themselves
and to express themselves
What does the design of Ikigai embody?
I’m trying to create a sanctuary, a haven for people to be themselves and to express themselves. It is also a refuge for people to shut down from the world and if possible, shut their minds too.
The colour scheme is very muted. The exterior is grey, almost black, with dark tinted glass curtain walling. Internally, we have different shades of grey, a variety of granite, and also different types of wood. We try to push the architectural expression to achieve something unique and different.
What’s your ikigai?
My design philosophy is about distillation but at the same time, to provide a practical living space for the homeowners. It is much in line with the modernists’ theory of Form follows Function, but with a dash of magic thrown in.
IKIGAI OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Ikigai consists of one five-story building with a total of sixteen exclusive residential units. The development includes a swimming pool, a gymnasium, a children’s pool, an outdoor shower, bicycle parking, and a garden pavilion.
The Ikigai Condo Development enjoys an excellent location in the heart of the Novena District. Transportation is convenient, with the Novena MRT and the CTE Expressway close. There are ample retail, dining, banking, and dining options at Novena MRT’s four malls, namely Novena Square, Square 2, Velocity@Novena, and United Square Mall. Newton Food Centre, Balestier Food Centre, and Pek Kio Food Centre are all within walking distance for a more local experience.
Families with children will appreciate the development’s high quality and quantity of daycare and educational institutions. Several prominent schools include Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse@Novena, EtonHouse Pre-School Newton, Little Woods Montessori Pre-School, St Joseph’s Institution Junior, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior), Hong Wen School, and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School.
Families can spend time together at nature parks such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Kallang Riverside Park, Fort Canning Park, and Gardens By The Bay. At the National Museum of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, ArtScience Museum, and Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay, immerse yourself in heritage and cultural experiences.
IKIGAI provides a range of unit sizes and floorplan layouts, ranging from a one-bedroom plus study (603 square feet) to a three-bedroom plus study room penthouse (1,915 sqft).
IKIGAI Residences is really competitively priced. With superior imported fixtures and finishes (TOTO, Grohe, Liebherr, Bosch), as well as a Smart Home System, purchasers can expect exceptional value.
With its central location, proximity to facilities, and convenient access to public transportation, Ikigai also provides a great respite from the hectic city lifestyle, thanks to its distinctive design concept and optimal placement away from the major Moulmein Road. Owners can foresee healthy long-term capital appreciation as the Novena Area continues to develop into Singapore’s Premier Medical Hub.
Ikigai is situated a 7-minute walk from Novena MRT Station, one stop from Newton MRT which connects the North-South Line and the Downtown Line. Novena MRT is a short ride away from the bustling city centre and the Central Business District at the heart of Singapore. The Novena neighbourhood is a hive of activity, with the integrated world-class Novena Medical Hub and malls like United Square, Velocity, and Novena Square in the vicinity. Not far from Evelyn Newton, is the vibrant Orchard Road, less than 10 minutes away.
The Novena/Newton area in which Ikigai sits is an educational hotspot, which includes a host of reputable schools like St. Joseph’s Institution Junior just a 3-minute walk away, Anglo-Chinese School, Global Indian International Campus, Raffles Institution and many others.
IKIGAI PROJECTION INFORMATION . FACT SHEET
| Project Name: | IKIGAI |
|---|---|
| District: | 11 |
| Developer: | Opulent Development Pte. Ltd. |
| Address: | 38 Shrewsbury Road |
| Tenure: | Freehold |
| Site Area: | 1,028.1 sqm / 11,065.44sqft |
| Type of Development: | Private Residential Development |
| No. Of Units: | 16 Residential Units |
| No. of Blocks/Storeys: | 1 Block of 5 Storey Residential Development with Swimming Pool and Communal Facilities |
| No. Of Carparks: | 13 carpark lots and 1 accessible lots (incl 1 EV charging lot) |
| Plot Ratio: | 1.5 |
| Architect: | ipli Architects |
| Landscape Consultant: | Nyee Phoe Flower Garden Pte. Ltd. |
| Main Contractor: | Sheng Yue Construction Pte. Ltd. |
| C&S Consultant: | Bureau Veritas Buildings & Infrastructure Pte. Ltd. |
| M&E Consultant: | PTA Consultant Pte. Ltd. |
| Quantity Surveyor: | PMS Associates |
| Interior Designer: | ipli Architects |
| Facilities: | Swimming Pool, Gym, Kids' Pool, Pavilion, Outdoor Shower |
| Developer Licence: | C1405 |
| Project Account No.: | Hong Leong Finance Limited for Project A/C No. 101-3003902-8 of Opulent Development Pte. Ltd. |
| Expected Date of TOP: | 10 May 2026 (Non-Committal Target: Oct 2023) |
| Expected Date of Legal Completion: | 10-May-28 |
LIVING with purpose
to let brightness eclipse shadows
Simplicity extends into Ikigai’s interior in a minimalist touch that combines the timeless elegance of Japanese aesthetics with the modern flair of Scandinavian design. The hybrid style creates art and nature for a balanced and perfect blend of function and form.
The similarities in design sensibilities of the two styles can be traced back to 150 years ago when ties between Japan and Scandinavia, especially Denmark, began in trade and cultural exchanges. While they are on the opposite sides of the globe, both value simplicity and functionality, sustainability and a love of natural materials like wood, as well as a deep respect for craftsmanship. Traces of Japanese influence are seen in today’s Danish ceramics, furniture, architecture and minimalism, as is the case for Danish elements in Japanese art and aesthetics.
The crossover harmonises the Scandi notion of ‘hygge’, (cosiness) and Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’, (beauty in imperfection), using a plethora of natural materials, muted colours, clean lines with well-curated furnishings to create a calming atmosphere to unwind.
LOVING what you do,
to do good and well,
through thick and thin
| Type | Area(Sqft/Sqm) (low) | Area(Sqft/Sqm) (high) | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom + Study | 603 | 635 | 7 |
| 2 Bedroom + Study Premium | 1,087 | 1,087 | 3 |
| 2 Bedroom Premium | 969 | 969 | 3 |
| 3 Bedroom + Study Penthouse | 1,915 | 1,915 | 1 |
| 3 Bedroom Penthouse | 1,496 | 1,571 | 2 |
IKIGAI SITE PLAN
1st Floor
1. Car Park Lots
2. Electric Vehicle Charging
3. Bicycle Park
4. Letterbox
5. Sheltered Pavilion
6. Lift Lobby
7. Gym
8. Toilets (Handicap)
9. Outdoor Shower
10. Swimming Pool
11. Kids Pool
12. Bin Point
13. Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Room
14. Consumer Switch Room (CSR)
Roof Top
15. Common Area
IKIGAI CONDO PRICING . UNIT TYPES
Click on the Unit Type to see floor plans
| No. of Rooms | Unit Type | Sqm | Sqft | No. of Units | Stack | Price Min. | Price Max. |
| 1 Bedroom + Study | A1 | 56 | 603 | 3 | 04 | $1,352,800 | $1,352,800 |
| A2 | 59 | 635 | 4 | 03 | $1,411,700 | $1,430,700 | |
| 2 Bedroom + Study Premium | B2 | 101 | 1,087 | 3 | 01 | $2,482,350 | $2,658,100 |
| 2 Bedroom Premium | B1 | 90 | 969 | 3 | 02 | $2,220,150 | $2,375,000 |
| 3 Bedroom + Study Penthouse | C2-PH | 178 | 1,916 | 1 | 01 | $4,113,200 | $4,113,200 |
| 3 Bedroom Penthouse | C1-PH | 139 | 1,496 | 1 | 02 | $3,217,760 | $3,217,760 |
| C3-PH | 146 | 1,571 | 1 | 04 | $3,376,100 | $3,376,100 |
(All prices for Ikigai displayed here are for NPS and are for reference purposes. Prices are subject to change from time to time without prior notice. This webpage cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions and/or dispute.)
Floor areas stated includes any Voids, Patios, Balconies, Terraces, A/C Ledges.
- Property with a FREEHOLD title
- Developed under the reputable Opulent Development Pte. Ltd.
- Great accessibility in the prime location in District 11
- MRT stations within the nearby area include Novena MRT, and Expressway CTE
- Different renowned schools in close proximity such as Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse@Novena, EtonHouse Pre-School Newton, Little Woods Montessori Pre-School, St Joseph’s Institution Junior, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)
- Shop and dine within the nearby establishments like Novena Square, Square 2, Velocity@Novena, and United Square Mall
- Offers an array of varying units that fits your chosen lifestyle
- Units are furnished with modern home items for maximum convenience
- Equipped with essential facilities for a satisfying residential experience
- District 10 provides a calm and relaxing vibe.
- Equipped with modern appliances, a stunning layout, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Ikigai Condo by Opulent Development Pte. Ltd
Ikigai is an upcoming boutique condominium located on Shrewsbury Road in District 11. Ikigai features a collection of 16 spacious and luxurious residences, with one to three bedrooms. Developed by Opulent Development Pte. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Prime Developments Pte. Ltd. The project's location in the heart of the city and the tranquility of Shrewsbury Road exudes an atmosphere of spiritual invigoration for seekers, reinforced by a number of places of worship along the road. Neighborhood development is quite popular for homebuyers and real estate investors thanks to its strategic location, reasonable prices, close proximity to many famous educational institutions, utilities and development potential of projects. judgment in the future. The information below will introduce the basic points about the investor of this apartment. Grab your chance to live in a luxurious and comfortable home.
Prime Developments Pte. Ltd
Our Philosophy
We are here to create body of work with a high degree of artistry, beauty and city building. We focused on refine experience by embody the relationship of our creation with the environment and through celebrate the tradition of craft and materiality. We have projects in every scale from micro to macro level including luxury residential, commercials, hotels, retail and offices. We are practice working towards the goal of bringing seemingly disparate elements together, in an attempt to make meaningful collaboration to our building. Every one of those collaborations has pushed our practice in a certain direction.
It is our pleasure to provide you with the latest news about Ikigai Condo, we will update details as soon as possible and bring readers the hottest news about the condominium. Sign up below and have an exclusive showflat preview of the luxury that the condo has to offer!
Ikigai Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Opulent Development Pte. Ltd.
10 May 2026 (Non-Committal Target: Oct 2023)
IKIGAI sales gallery is located at Offsite. Viewing / presentation is by appointment basis only. For more information on appointment booking, please contact us via the following:
- Developer Hotline: +65 61003055
- SMS/Whatsapp to: +65 92229919
38 Shrewsbury Rd, Singapore 307818
FREEHOLD
16 Units - Unit Mix as follows:
| Type | Size Area (sqft) | No. of Units |
| 1 Bedroom + Study | 603 - 635 | 7 |
| 2 Bedroom + Study Premium | 1,087 | 3 |
| 2 Bedroom Premium | 969 | 3 |
| 3 Bedroom + Study Penthouse | 1,453 | 1 |
| 3 Bedroom Penthouse | 1,184 - 1,335 | 2 |
| Total | 16 | |
| Type | Size Area (sqft) | No. of Units |
| 1 Bedroom + Study | 603 - 635 | 7 |
| 2 Bedroom + Study Premium | 1,087 | 3 |
| 2 Bedroom Premium | 969 | 3 |
| 3 Bedroom + Study Penthouse | 1,453 | 1 |
| 3 Bedroom Penthouse | 1,184 - 1,335 | 2 |
| Total | 16 | |
You can view and download the floor plans and site plan < here >
Indicative Selling Prices are available < here >
- St. Joseph's Institution Junior (0.18km)
- Farrer Park Primary School (0.75km)
- Balestier Hill Primary School (0.92km)
- Northlight School (0.96km)
- Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) - Winstedt Road (1.16km)
- Hong Wen School (1.23km)
- Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) (1.28km)
- Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) - Barker Road (1.32km)
- St. Margaret's Primary School (1.6km)
- CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) (1.66km)
- Bendemeer Secondary School (1.7km)
- Stamford Primary School (1.99km)
- Pei Chun Public School (2km)
- NS20 Novena (0.46km)
- NE8 Farrer Park (0.98km)
We want you to have a happy and cosy home, that's why we're here.
Whether you are an investor or for own stay, IKIGAI will provide the right address for good return on investment.
IKIGAI OFFICIAL WEBSITE
SHOWFLAT VIEWING
We’d love to hear from you. If you have a quick question or want to visit our showflat, feel free to call, email or use the contact form to the right. We can’t wait to hear from you soon!