South Beach Towers, Singapore

The north tower is a multi-tenant office building for high-profile companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Expedia, Sanofi and Lego. With more than 62,000 m 2 of Grade A office space, the building is also equipped with a trading floor for tenants from the financial services industry. The space can be easily adapted to changing needs thanks to features such as knockout panels in the floor, which allow for internal stairs to be installed for easy access between floors. At the same time, the column-free floorplate maximises space for tenants.

A key challenge was to transform this former military site, which was inaccessible to the public, into a new mixed-use development that includes a hotel, offices, residential units, shops and restaurants where people can live, work and play. The ground floor now has direct access to the street to facilitate movement of occupants and visitors, and with links to major transport hubs, including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) that is directly connected to the building, it is easy to get around, a feature tenants highly appreciate.

An environmental canopy bridging the two buildings protects pedestrians from the sun and rain and this green spine, also creates a microclimate to provide a comfortable outdoor environment for occupants to relax in, even during the warmest hours of the day. In a tropical climate like Singapore, this is an extremely attractive feature. With their impressive views, sky gardens on the 11th, 21st and 33rd floors, provide companies with pleasant break-out spaces and areas for hosting events for their employees and clients.

As building services consultant on the project, WSP ensured all systems were aligned to the client’s objectives in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency. Photovoltaic cells were integrated into the canopy as a reliable way of producing electricity and reducing operating costs. Rainwater harvested from the canopy and the towers is directed to an underground holding tank, and then used for the irrigation system, as well as different water features in the public spaces. These measures ensure the reduction of water wastage to support the sustainability strategy of the project and lower operating costs.

The inclined facades collect wind to naturally ventilate the ground floors, providing fresh air within the building and reducing the need for air conditioning. The multiple sky gardens in the towers further enhance air quality for the building occupants, improving the microclimate through increased natural air circulation. Energy consumption is additionally reduced through the use of heat exchange technologies for the cooling systems throughout the buildings.

Other sustainable features include charging points for electrical vehicles, and motion sensors installed throughout the towers, in the restrooms and staircases, to help reduce energy wastage.

WSP provided air conditioning, mechanical ventilation, electrical, plumbing, sanitation, gas, fire protection, and extra-low voltage (ELV) services, and lift systems. We helped achieve the client’s goal within time and budget through a multi-tender strategy.

The towers’ environmental design and green technology granted them several globally recognised certifications: the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award 2012 for Commercial and a BCA Green Mark Platinum Award 2012 for Residential, a testament to Singapore’s ‘city in a garden’ vision.