Parkroyal On Pickering, Singapore Hotel and Office Building, Singaporean Architecture, Architect

Parkroyal On Pickering, Singapore

Southeast Asian Architecture Development – design by WOHA architects

RIBA International Awards 2016 Longlist – 10 May 2016

3 Jan 2014

This is one of our picks from
Buildings of 2013 : Architecture of the Year
e-architect’s selection of key architectural developments posted on the site in the last year

2 May 2013

Parkroyal Hotel and Offices

Design: WOHA

Location: Upper Pickering Street, Singapore

Parkroyal On Pickering

Designed as a hotel and office in a garden, the project at Upper Pickering Street is a study of how we can not only conserve our greenery in a built-up high-rise city centre but multiply it in a manner that is architecturally striking, integrated and sustainable.

photo : Patrick Bingham-Hall

Located in central Singapore, the site is at a junction between the CBD and the colorful districts of Chinatown and Clark Quay, and faces Hong Lim Park. A contoured podium responds to the street scale, drawing inspiration from a combination of landscaped bonsai arrangements that are modelled, chiselled and spliced to mimic natural landscapes and mountain rock formations as well as that of the contoured padi fields of Asia. These contours are precast concrete elements of modular radii, allowing the complex, sculptural podium to be put together from a basic ‘kit of parts’.

photo : Patrick Bingham-Hall

On the ground the contours create dramatic outdoor plazas and gardens which flow seamlessly into the interiors. Greenery from the park is drawn up in the form of planted valleys, gullies and waterfalls. The landscaping also conceal openings to the above ground carparking while allowing in air and natural light. The top of the podium is a lush landscaped terrace housing the development’s recreational facilities, with infinity edge pools opening up unobstructed views of the city. Birdcage cabanas perched over the waters add interest and delight.

photos : Patrick Bingham-Hall

The crisp and streamlined tower blocks harmonize with surrounding high-rise office buildings. They are attenuated into an open-sided courtyard configuration, breaking down the ‘wall of buildings’ effect and maximizing views and daylighting into the building. Blue and green glass create a patina that recall the waters of Singapore River adjacent. Lofty 4 storey sky gardens bring lush greenery directly to the rooms and breaks down the scale of the building. Corridors, lobbies and common washrooms are designed as garden spaces with stepping stones, planting and water features which create an alluring resort ambiance with natural light and fresh air, instead of being 24-hour energy guzzling air conditioned spaces. Tall overhangs work together with leafy foliage to screen these spaces from the weather and direct sun.

photos : Patrick Bingham-Hall

A total of 15,000m2 of skygardens, reflecting pools, waterfalls, planter terraces and green walls were designed; this is double the site area or equivalent to the footprint of Hong Lim Park! A diverse variety of species ranging from shade trees, tall palms, flowering plants, leafy shrubs and overhanging creepers come together to create a lush tropical setting that is attractive not only to the people but also to insects and birds, extending the green areas from Hong Lim Park and encouraging bio-diversity in the city.

photos : Patrick Bingham-Hall

These landscapes are designed to be self-sustaining and rely minimally on precious resources. Rainwater collected from upper floors irrigate planters on the lower floors by gravity supplemented by non-potable recycled Newater, which will also be used for all water features. Photovoltaic cell arrays on the roof will power grow lamps and softscape lighting, making these Singapore’s and perhaps the world’s first Zero Energy Skygardens!

photos : Patrick Bingham-Hall

This project is awarded Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum, the nation’s highest environmental certification. The hotel officially opened in January 2013.

Parkroyal On Pickering – Building Information

Project Title: PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore
Project Location: 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289

Project Dates:
Design Inception: Dec 2007
Start of Construction: Dec 2009
Soft Opening: January 2013

Project Cost: S$ 137 million

Project Size:
Gross Floor Area: 29,811.54 sqm
Plot Area: 6,958.9 sqm

Architects & Interior Design: WOHA

Project Team: Wong Mun Summ, Richard Hassell, Donovan Soon, Sim Choon Heok, Toh Hua Jack, Bernard Lee, Amber Dar Wagh, Mappaudang Ridwan Saleh, Evelyn Ng, John Paul Gonzalez, Josephine Isip, Goh Kai Shien, Luu Dieu Khanh, Tan Szue Hann, Alen Low, Pham Sing Yeong, Vanessa Ong, Novita Johana, Andre Kumar Alexander

Client: UOL Group Limited
Management Company: Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Civil & Structural Engr: TEP Consultants Pte Ltd
Mechanical & Electrical Engr: BECA Carter Hollings & Ferner (S. E. Asia) Pte Ltd
Quantity Surveyors: Rider Levett Bucknall LLP
Lighting Consultant: Lighting Planners Associates (S) Pte Ltd
Landscape Consultant: Tierra Design (S) Pte Ltd
Façade Consultant: Meinhardt Facade Technology (S) Pte Ltd
Greenmark Consultant: LJ Energy Pte Ltd
Acoustic Consultant: CCW Associates Pte Ltd
Signage Consultant: Design Objectives Pte Ltd
Kitchen Consultant: KI Consultant Pte Ltd
Main Contractor: Tiong Seng Contractors (Pte) Ltd

Parkroyal On Pickering information / images received from WOHA

Parkroyal On Pickering Singapore design by WOHA

Location: 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore