In the proposal presented by the team at Eric Parry Architects, a captivating vision emerges at One North Singapore, combining distinctive architectural aesthetics with a commitment to improving public space. The cornerstone of this effort is the creation of an iconic headquarters building boasting state-of-the-art laboratories and office spaces, referred to as the R&D Headquarters.
This architectural gem distinguishes itself with its fluid and organic design, featuring a distinctive element: tiered landscape terraces that imbue each office level with a garden-like atmosphere. Furthermore, the structure is enveloped in elegant ribbons of glass, offering a panoramic 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Courtesy of Eric Parry Arquitectos
One of the distinctive features of this innovative project is its ecological focus. The building has earned the prestigious Green Mark Gold Plus certification, primarily due to its energy-efficient design. It ingeniously harnesses the potential of the tropical climate by incorporating passive cooling mechanisms through the implementation of continuous 2-meter projecting fins on each office floor.
These terracotta fins serve multiple purposes, including providing shade to the facade, thereby reducing solar heat gain and minimizing glare. Additionally, they act as a protective shield against the occasional tropical downpours of the region. It is noteworthy that these fins are manufactured with a commitment to sustainability, devoid of aggressive pollutants and fully recyclable.
Upon entering the building, one is greeted by a central public passage that seamlessly connects with the adjacent public park. This passage is flanked by steel structural columns that mimic the form of trees, creating a welcoming and harmonious environment. The south-facing main entrance facade is adorned with naturally anodized curved aluminum panels, forming a gentle sculpture reminiscent of a pebble. The result is a structure that appears to gracefully hover above the landscape, providing an immersive ground-level experience that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings.
Courtesy of Eric Parry Arquitectos
In line with the broader goals of this visionary project, the landscape design has been meticulously crafted to promote biodiversity in various ecosystems, habitats, and biomes. Notably, the initiative actively supports butterfly conservation through habitat enhancement and strategic planting. The project has also significantly increased the tree density on the site by 70%.
By building upon Singapore’s reputation as a “Green City,” this effort charts a clear path for the future of tropical office architecture, setting a precedent for sustainable and harmonious urban development.
Eric Parry Architects is a renowned architectural firm based in London, United Kingdom. Eric Parry, the founder of the firm, is an accomplished architect known for his innovative and contemporary designs.The practice has gained international recognition for its work on a wide range of projects, including commercial buildings, residential developments, cultural institutions, and urban regeneration initiatives.
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