Keppel Land is the first developer in Singapore to utilize Oculus Rift technology to create 360-degree immersive virtual reality (VR) show suites for its Highline Residences property. These two digitally rendered suites complement the three existing physical show suites at the Highline Residences showroom in Singapore.

The new VR platform, a collaboration between Keppel Land and visualisation firm VMW Group, features virtual tours of these new unit layouts. It also allows for a virtual exploration of key landmarks in the trendy Tiong Bahru neighborhood where Highline Residences is located.

Through this platform, visitors can experience 360-degree virtual immersion, where advanced displays, optics, high refresh rates, and low-persistence displays create a new level of visual fidelity and a wider field of view.

Foo lists the advantages of creating a virtual reality experience.

Albert Foo, General Manager of Marketing at Keppel Land, explained that using VR is more cost-effective than constructing a new physical show suite. Additionally, it offers advantages such as portability, easy editing, and faster creation time.

He stated, “Aligned with our brand philosophy of ‘Thinking Unboxed,’ Keppel Land continuously seeks innovative ways to enhance our customers’ experience. By utilizing Oculus Rift VR technology, we can now present various configurations and apartment types without physically building them. This is a more practical solution, particularly in cities like Singapore where land is limited. This ‘portable’ technology also allows us to connect with overseas customers more efficiently.”

Lee lists the advantage of the Oculus Rift.

Foo highlighted that building a physical suite would require permits, construction, and a timeframe of six months or more. In contrast, the virtual versions were completed within two months.

Lee Hon Kit, Managing Director of VMW, stated, “Each VR show suite was meticulously crafted to reflect the exact dimensions of the unbuilt units. It’s also integrated with a unit plan overlay for easy navigation. Users will experience a comprehensive view, including high-end finishes and fittings. Future iterations of the technology will allow users to customize materials and fittings for their potential homes.”
 
“It’s not about being first to market,” Foo emphasized. “The goal of show suites is to give our customers a tangible sense of the development, a clear picture of the final apartment.”

While Keppel Land has explored augmented and virtual reality before, the company didn’t find the experience immersive enough until trying the Oculus Rift VR headsets four months ago. “We couldn’t distinguish between real-life and computer-generated images,” he said. “After testing, we believe the experience is genuinely immersive. You can no longer tell what’s real and what’s not.”

No detail too small.

Foo emphasized that authenticity was paramount for the project, with four iterations needed to ensure even details like the toilet paper looked incredibly realistic.

Looking ahead, he envisions both physical and virtual show suites being offered. He noted that requests to modify decor or layout are more easily accommodated in a virtual setting.

Highline Residences encompasses 500 homes, ranging from one to four-bedroom units, dual-key apartments, and penthouses. These are spread across three residential towers and four low-rise blocks. By the end of September 2016, roughly 88% of the 320 units initially launched had been sold.

Keppel Land has two virtual reality walkthrough stations with swivel chairs for ease of exploration. Prospective customers can wear the Oculus Rift headset and navigate with the help of a handheld one-button cursor control. The images delivered to the left and right eyes can be viewed on dual screens. Lee stands behind a volunteer to explain how the walkthroughs work.

Keppel Land is renowned for its diverse portfolio, which includes residential developments and investment-grade commercial properties. Their core markets are Singapore and China, with Indonesia and Vietnam as emerging markets. The company has a pipeline of approximately 70,000 homes in Singapore and abroad. They are the name behind prominent office spaces such as Marina Bay Financial Centre, Ocean Financial Centre, and One Raffles Quay.

The showroom also boasts an interactive video board with a three-panel display that allows visitors to explore landmarks, shopping, dining and transport options in the neighbourhood where Highline Residences is located. Landmarks can be tapped on for deep-dives.

The showroom also boasts an interactive video board with a three-panel display that allows visitors to explore landmarks, shopping, dining and transport options in the neighbourhood where Highline Residences is located.

Interested parties are welcome to experience the virtual show suites at the Highline Residence Sales Gallery at Kim Tian Road (entrance located roughly across from Block 123). The gallery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, starting October 15th.

A bedroom in one of the physical show suites. There are a lot of textures to digitise.

Hashtags: #HighlineResidences, #ThinkingUnboxed

*Off-plan properties are those which do not yet have a physical representation, and are only available as plans.