Singapore, Republic of Singapore
“Our design weaves together nature, heritage, connections to transit, luxury living, healthy workplaces, and lively public spaces into a thriving hub for the community.”
“Singapore is an incredible canvas to do this, with its excellent quality of life, an abundance of green space and diversity of cultures,” states SOM Design Principal Nic Medrano.
SOM and DCA Architects have unveiled new plans for a supertall skyscraper in Singapore for East Asian firm Perennial Holdings Private Limited, which features a 305m stepped structure rising from a plant-filled base with a series of voids along the facade that was designed to resemble a “bamboo forest.”
The 63-story skyscraper, when completed in 2028, will be the city’s tallest surpassing Guoco Tower currently being the tallest standing at 283.7 meters.
“8 Shenton Way will be the newest landmark on the Singapore skyline – a next-generation tower for the city,” said SOM consulting partner Mustafa Abadan.
Despite its dense population, Singapore opts for a more low-rise approach when compared to other major cities in the region such as Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Located between the Central Business District and Marina Bay sections of Singapore, the new tower looks to offer offices, public spaces, luxury residences, retail, and a hotel with over 1.6 million square feet of floor space, integrating dynamic “live, work, and play” elements.
Greenery extends into the interiors—which consist of wood, terracotta, and stone—with plants chosen specifically to attract birds and butterflies.
Nature and sustainability are said to be the main driving forces, with materials chosen to minimize carbon emissions, from the zero-waste manufacturing of terracotta materials to the use of engineered bamboo.
The studio also added that engineered bamboo will be used for some aspects of the construction, though no specific details were given.
For convenience, the tower will be connected to Singapore’s subterranean pedestrian network which includes access to MRT stations.
Post-pandemic features will also be incorporated including contactless tech, antimicrobial materials, and adaptable interior spaces.
The design details a curved pedestal for the skyscraper covered in vertical louvres and stylised fans.
Pagoda-like glass-and-wood-clad structures that will host public amenities protrude from the pedestal.
Structurally, high-efficiency glazing and concrete will be used, and SOM said that the concrete will contain a certain amount of “recyclable aggregates.”
In total, the design includes more than 10,000 square meters of elevated, public green space—exceeding the entire footprint of the site.
Seven landscaped terraces are spread throughout the height of the skyscraper, some available to guests of the hotel planned for the structure and some for the residents of the apartments.
The lobby will funnel inhabitants into a multi-story atrium.
Wood, terracotta and stone are used for the interior program, and the lobby space will also have a reflecting pool.
Project: 8 Shenton Way
Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Architects of Record: DCA Architects Pte. Ltd.
Client: East Asian firm Perennial Holdings Private Limited