Keppel Ltd. (Keppel) is pleased to announce the completion of Keppel South Central, its flagship commercial tower located in the heart of Tanjong Pagar and at the gateway to the Greater Southern Waterfront. The 33-storey commercial tower has attained its Temporary Occupation Permit and secured a leading financial services group as its first anchor tenant. With this, nearly 50% of the office space and retail units at Keppel South Central are either committed or being actively negotiated.
Mr Louis Lim, CEO, Real Estate of Keppel, said, “Keppel South Central, with its state-of-the-art technologies, super low energy design and 24/7 facilities, sets a new benchmark for modern workspaces in Singapore.
“We are pleased to welcome our first anchor tenant who will experience this next-generation smart building designed for the talents of tomorrow. We have also garnered strong interest from prospective tenants including major multinational corporations in the technology, finance and professional services sectors, who are attracted to the building’s flexible and innovative urban space solutions. We are confident that Keppel South Central will support our tenants and businesses in their pursuit of greater productivity and sustainability. We look forward to welcoming our tenants, who are expected to move into their new spaces progressively from June.”
A Smart, Sustainable Hub for the Talents of Tomorrow
Keppel South Central is located along Hoe Chiang Road and is a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT station and the upcoming Prince Edward Road MRT station, which is set to open on the Circle Line in 2026. The office tower will be one of the key drivers in the rejuvenation of Tanjong Pagar through its premium workspaces and placemaking activities, which support the Singapore Government’s vision to transform the Central Business District into a dynamic, mixed-use hub where people can live, work and play.
Designed by global architecture and design firm NBBJ, Keppel South Central offers approximately 650,000 square feet of technology-forward, super low-energy spaces. The building is a showcase of Keppel’s expertise in driving Sustainable Urban Renewal, featuring advanced green solutions such as high-performance facade systems that minimise solar heat gain, smart building management systems and the use of renewable energy. In addition, Keppel also offers best-in-class end-to-end solutions such as pre-fitted spaces and customised fitted spaces. With these sustainable features, technologies and services, Keppel South Central supports tenants in meeting their space requirements and sustainability goals.
With floor-to-ceiling heights of 3.2 metres, the building provides open, expansive, Grade-A workspaces that enhance comfort and creativity. To further support productivity and connectivity, Keppel South Central is 5G-enabled and fitted with leading-edge technology, including facial recognition access, smart lighting and micro-zoned air-conditioning systems in designated areas that cater for 24/7 business operations. Additionally, collaborations with leading AI solution providers are being explored to potentially implement features that will enable Keppel South Central to become an AI-ready building for its tenants in the future. Tenants can also enjoy a plethora of retail offerings and facilities such as a swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, a sky terrace with panoramic views, a social kitchen for collaborative activities, as well as end-of-trip facilities for cyclists and joggers.
In recognition of its myriad innovative and green features, Keppel South Central has garnered the Building and Construction Authority’s BCA Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification. The building has also received the WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Platinum certifications from the global digital connectivity rating scheme, WiredScore, for its top-of-the-line digital infrastructure. Keppel South Central is also WELL Core Pre-certified for its design that prioritises occupant health, well-being and productivity under the globally recognised WELL Building Standard.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image2-5.png11481188Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-02-18 11:00:002025-02-18 14:33:48Keppel South Central Completes Construction and Welcomes First Anchor Tenant
Serpentine is delighted to announce that Bangladeshi architect and educator Marina Tabassum and her firm, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), was selected to design the 2025 Pavilion, titled A Capsule in Time. Marina Tabassum’s Pavilion was unveiled to the public at Serpentine South on 6 June 2025 with Goldman Sachs supporting the annual project for the 11th consecutive year.
This unique and ambitious commission, which began in 2000 with Dame Zaha Hadid, has presented the first UK structures by some of the most significant names and emerging talents in international architecture. Throughout its history, the Serpentine Pavilion has grown into a highly anticipated showcase for emerging talent. The Pavilion has evolved over the years as a participatory public and artistic platform for Serpentine’s experimental, interdisciplinary, community and education programmes.
Marina Tabassum Architects, which was founded following Tabassum’s ten-year partnership with URBANA in 2005, has completed architectural projects that are socially, politically and ecologically engaged. In addition to buildings sited in the city of Dhaka, its peripheries, and across Bangladesh, MTA’s practice extends to researching environmental degradation within Bangladesh, a country that is particularly vulnerable and facing the impacts of climate change.
The studio also focuses on architecture’s role in addressing living conditions for marginalised individuals in the region with the aim to uplift the environmental and living conditions of the people they collaborate with as demonstrated by their celebrated Khudi Bari [Small House] (2020–ongoing). These modular structures were developed in 2020 for those living on the sand beds of the rivers Jamuna, Meghna and Teesta with the ability to be easily disassembled and moved when necessary.
Celebrated for her work that seeks to establish an architectural language that is contemporary while rooted and engaging with place, climate, context, culture and history, Tabassum’s design will resonate with Serpentine South and aims to prompt a dialogue between the permanent and the ephemeral nature of the commission.
The 2025 Pavilion is elongated in the north-south direction and features a central court that aligns with Serpentine South’s bell tower. Inspired by the tradition of park-going and arched garden canopies that filter soft daylight through green foliage, the sculptural quality of the Pavilion is composed of four wooden capsule forms with a translucent façade that diffuses and dapples light when infiltrating the space. Central to Tabassum’s design is a kinetic element where one of the capsule forms can move and connect, transforming the Pavilion into a new space.
Emphasising the sensory and spiritual possibilities of architecture through scale and the interplay of light and shadow, Tabassum’s design also draws on the history and architectural language of Shamiyana tents or awnings of South Asia. Similarly kinetic in their function, these structures are made up of an external fabric supported by bamboo poles and are commonly erected for outdoor gatherings and celebrations. The openness of Tabassum’s Pavilion welcomes the possibilities of unifying visitors through conversations and connections, live programmes and public convenings.
Marina Tabassum, Architect, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) said: “We are thrilled to be selected as the architect of this year’s Serpentine Pavilion. When conceiving our design, we reflected on the transient nature of the commission which appears to us as a capsule of memory and time. The relationship between time and architecture is intriguing: between permanence and impermanence, of birth, age and ruin; architecture aspires to outlive time. Architecture is a tool to live behind legacies, fulfilling the inherent human desire for continuity beyond life. The Serpentine Pavilion offers a unique platform under the summer sun to unite as people rich in diversity. The stage is set, and the seats are placed. We envision various events and encounters taking place in this versatile space that unifies people through conversations and connections.”
Throughout the Summer and until October, the Serpentine Pavilion 2025 will become a platform for Serpentine’s live and events programme. It will feature Park Nights, the interdisciplinary platform for live encounters in music, film, theatre, dance, literature, philosophy, fashion and technology. Each year’s commissions respond to the unique architecture of the Pavilion, inviting audiences to experience the activated space.
Tabassum’s Pavilion will kickstart the 25th year of this historic commission and continue Dame Zaha Hadid’s ethos of pushing the boundaries of architecture. In her words: ‘There should be no end to experimentation’, and Tabassum’s Pavilion will exemplify this credo. This year, Serpentine will host a programme of events to reflect on the commission, its history and its future.
This year’s Pavilion selection was made by Serpentine CEO Bettina Korek; Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist; Director of Construction and Special Projects Julie Burnell; Exhibitions Curator Chris Bayley; Curator at Large, Architecture and Site-specific Projects Natalia Grabowska; and Assistant Exhibitions Curator Alexa Chow, together with advisors Sou Fujimoto and David Glover.
In June, Serpentine will publish a catalogue to accompany the Pavilion. Designed by Wolfe Hall, it will bring together new and insightful contributions from the fields of architecture, art and poetry. Generously illustrated in colour throughout, it also features an extensive conversation between Marina Tabassum and Serpentine’s Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist. The Pavilion is supported by Goldman Sachs.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image1-4.png6721200developerdeveloper2025-02-10 11:00:442025-02-07 05:01:32Marina Tabassum Designs the 2025 Pavilion at Serpentine South
Habitat Property, Hong Kong’s award-winning specialist in unique luxury properties, is thrilled to announce the details of its latest project, the Stanley House Project. After more than four years of careful planning, the Stanley House Project is now ready for construction. Victoria Allan, Founder and Managing Director of Habitat Property, has secured permits and approvals, sparing buyers the time, expense, and effort required to navigate this intricate process. Located on Stanley Link Road overlooking Tai Tam Bay and just minutes from the golden sands of Stanley Beach, this ambitious residential development will be a once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity.
Personally owned and curated by Victoria, the Stanley House Project comprises an iconic waterfront site with approved architectural plans in place, allowing prospective buyers to build their luxurious dream complex. With nothing like this available on the market, the complex will be perched above a five-vehicle carpark and will span over 3,269 square feet of internal living space, and also features a sea-facing swimming pool, a spacious terrace of 2,420 square feet and a roof terrace of 357 square feet.
The Apex of Waterfront Design
As envisioned by Victoria and renowned Australian Interior Design and Architecture studio K.P.D.O., the Stanley House Project represents the pinnacle of luxury waterfront living, prioritising the marriage of sophistication, comfort and security. Each of the three levels with full sea views and impressive 3.5-metre ceilings, all connected by an indoor lift. The integrated living and dining areas will organically engage with the home’s 2,777 square feet exterior space, and the elevated swimming pool will blend effortlessly with Tai Tam Bay, offering complete privacy. The Stanley House Project will be the epitome of bespoke coastal living at its finest.
The Stanley House Project is the culmination of Victoria’s long-term vision to create a singular luxurious residential experience. It is ultimately a labour of love, demonstrating her property foresight and architectural acumen. Leveraging knowledge gleaned from over two decades as one of Hong Kong’s leading property professionals, Victoria purchased her own home on one of the plots in 2010. Eight years later, she acquired the adjacent plot to combine the two. Securing the permits for the consolidation, proposed complex and approvals for a pool, terrace, and land lease modification took over four years.
After acquiring the consolidated site with a GFA (Gross Floor Area) of 4,359 square feet, the new owner can either retain or demolish the existing structures. From there, the new owner can build their own dream home or utilise the existing plans of the Stanley House Project for a three-level complex envisaged by Victoria in partnership with one of Australia’s most esteemed architects, K.P.D.O.
The architecture captures and distils the very best elements of Australian coastal living, representing a major departure from the typical Hong Kong home. Having undertaken an S16 planning application to relax the site coverage to 33 percent, the design features a rare lateral living space spanning nearly 60 feet, directly facing the sea view, that will open seamlessly to 2,420 square feet of external terrace and entertaining area with a private pool and BBQ area. These plans maximise the plot’s gross floor area, the superb Southside location, and Stanley’s sophisticated lifestyle.
“As a long-time resident of the Southside, I’ve always dreamed of creating a truly exceptional beachfront property that captures the essence of this beautiful coastline. ‘Stanley House Project’ is the realisation of that dream, a labour of love meticulously planned and designed to offer an unparalleled luxury experience. This is more than just a complex; it’s a legacy, a testament to timeless elegance and refined taste,” said Victoria Allan, Founder and Managing Director of Habitat Property.
The site has a guide price of HK$238 million which includes a fully paid land premium. In addition, Habitat Property has provided an estimate of HK$45 million for the demolition of the current buildings and construction of the Stanley House Project, which would take approximately two years. Habitat Property will serve as one of the sales brokerages of the property on the 30 Stanley Link Road site.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image2-3.png5221200developerdeveloper2025-01-28 11:00:222025-01-27 03:21:51Stanley House Project: A Coastal Living Dream Realised
In the bustling heart of Bangkok’s prestigious Convent-Sathorn area, Proud Real Estate Plc. introduces Romm Convent, a beacon of luxury wellness living designed for the discerning urbanite. Amidst a thriving residential market buoyed by global above-average yields, Romm Convent emerges as a rare gem, offering an exclusive investment opportunity in one of the city’s most desirable locations.
Ms Proudputh Liptapanlop, Executive Director of the SET-listed Proud Real Estate Plc., discusses the vision behind this pioneering project, “Home is redefined as a space for interactions, where luxury transcends traditional craftsmanship to embrace the vital access to urban green space. In today’s era of land scarcity, creating a breathable, healthy environment is paramount.”
A Historical Perspective
Bangkok, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, has undergone significant transformations since the 1980s when rural-urban migration spurred by industrialisation led to a wave of suburbanisation. Yet, despite the outward expansion, the city’s core areas, particularly around Lumpini Park which covers Silom, Sathorn, Chidlom, Langsuan, Rajdamri, and the initial section of Rama IV Roads, have remained vibrant hubs of development. These districts are renowned for their 5-star hotels, upscale shopping malls, foreign embassies, and Grade A office towers.
As Bangkok continues to expand, its super core CBD centred around Lumpini Park remains a focal point of major development. According to data compiled by Proud Real Estate Plc., about 30 projects, primarily mixed-use, have been developed in this area over the past few years, representing a multi-billion-dollar investment. This includes significant megaprojects like the US$3.2 billion One Bangkok and the US$1.37 billion Dusit Central Park. These developments not only reinforce Bangkok’s status as a world-class city but also highlight its ongoing transformation and urban sprawl, maintaining the inner city’s pivotal role in the national and regional economic landscape.
Rise of the Super Core CBD
Recent data from Proud Real Estate Plc. indicates a bustling period of development in the super core CBD, with approximately 30 projects developed in the last few years. Noteworthy developments include the US$3.2 billion One Bangkok, a ‘city within a city’ offering a dynamic mix of retail, hotel, office, and residential spaces, and the US$1.37 billion Dusit Central Park which has reintroduced the legendary Dusit Thani Hotel alongside new office and retail spaces.
A Synthesis of Luxury and Wellness
Romm Convent distinguishes itself with a ‘biological design’ concept, which enhances natural air circulation and reduces heat, ensuring a refreshing living environment. This design is on track to receive Fitwel certification by Q1/2025, highlighting the project’s commitment to health and wellness. The development features The Sky Retreat, a luxurious three-story area offering a variety of state-of-the-art amenities designed to cater to all lifestyles.
With only 175 units and just eight units per floor, Romm Convent prioritises privacy and exclusivity. The residences range from a two-bedroom plus Balcony Suite (118 square metres) to a four-bedroom duplex penthouse (470 square metres), each offering spacious and versatile living environments with panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline. These residences are optimally priced, reflecting their exceptional value and anticipated rental yields of 5-6 percent.
Wellness and Convenience at Your Doorstep
Residents of Romm Convent benefit from comprehensive on-site wellness services provided through collaborations with leading health institutions like BEDEE by BDMS and BNH Hospital. This holistic approach to wellness ensures that every aspect of residents’ health and well-being is catered to, from preventive care to health promotion. With VVIP special privileges, they are eligible to access to BNH loyal heritage lounge supervised by an A-List medical team and receive up to 20 percent discount when using services at the country’s first private BNH Hospital in a short walk.
Strategic Location and Investment Potential
The Convent-Sathorn area remains a focal point for growth and investment, driven by a tourism boom, Bangkok’s position as a health and wellness destination, and its strategic geopolitical importance. The influx of expatriates and digital nomads has further fueled demand for upscale residential properties in the area.
Despite the general trend towards suburbanisation, Bangkok’s CBD continues to be the epicentre of economic activity and urban development. The latest study by Thailand’s Real Estate Information Center reaffirmed the economically centralised development of Bangkok’s CBD, showing a total of 138 mixed-use projects with a gross floor area of 56 million sqm across greater Bangkok in the first half of 2024 alone, with about 90 percent located in the inner city. REIC estimates that around 15 million sqm of mixed-use supplies will be added to the market over the next five years.
Ms Proudputh concludes, “No matter how much Bangkok expands, the city center remains crucial for employment, quality of life, wealth creation, and access to a sustainable urban ecosystem. Romm Convent embodies our philosophy at Proud Real Estate – ALL IS WELL – through an experience-based approach enriched by the unique character of the area.”
Romm Convent is not just a residence; it’s a lifestyle choice for those seeking luxury, privacy, wellness, and a sound investment in Bangkok’s dynamic real estate market.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image1-12.png8001200developerdeveloper2025-01-24 11:00:502025-01-27 02:24:53Proud Real Estate Unveils Romm Convent Luxury Wellness Residences in Bangkok’s CBD
From trees that grow into homes to urban structures embedded with bacteria and fungi, the concept of living architecture is reshaping sustainable design. Mitchell Joachim, co-founder of Terreform ONE shares how the Fab Tree Hab concept is creating cities that harmonise with nature.
The traditional approach to architecture treats buildings as static entities, meant to withstand change rather than adapt to it. Yet, as cities grapple with climate change and environmental degradation, the need for buildings that are both resilient and regenerative has never been greater. Terreform ONE, a nonprofit design and research group, has pioneered the concept of “living architecture” — buildings constructed not only with sustainable materials but with living organisms that interact dynamically with their environment.
Reimagining Construction
The idea of “growing buildings” came from a desire to redefine how urban spaces interact with their natural surroundings. Traditional construction is resource-intensive, leaving a significant environmental footprint that remains static once completed. Terreform ONE’s vision, however, goes beyond sustainability to create structures that live and grow, evolving with their environments.
These living buildings embody a new symbiosis between architecture and ecology, where buildings actively contribute to their surroundings rather than detract from them. By using organic materials and even living organisms, Terreform ONE is advancing architecture that can adapt, heal, and thrive alongside nature.
Designing a Home That Grows and Breathes
Terreform ONE’s Fab Tree Hab concept represents a radical approach to biotech and computational architecture. Instead of relying on traditional building materials, Fab Tree Hab envisions homes created from living trees, sculpted over time to form the structure’s framework. This groundbreaking project integrates architecture with ecology, aiming to create dwellings that are both homes and ecosystems.
Creating a living structure from trees presented many challenges, from managing unpredictable growth patterns to ensuring the structure’s stability as it evolves over decades. Unlike traditional materials, trees grow according to natural rhythms and respond to environmental conditions, which require extensive collaboration with biologists and botanists to understand and guide this growth. By drawing on expertise across fields, Terreform ONE devised ways to manage growth patterns, maintain structural integrity, and even incorporate openings for windows and doors — all while preserving the living essence of the structure.
Challenging Perceptions of Static Design
The notion of living architecture shifts our understanding of buildings as unchanging entities. Traditional architecture has largely focused on permanence and stability, yet living buildings are designed to adapt and evolve.
By integrating organic elements into architectural frameworks, these structures respond to environmental stimuli and human interaction. Living architecture treats buildings as ecosystems, capable of contributing to their surroundings in real-time, whether by improving air quality or absorbing excess carbon dioxide.
This approach redefines what it means for a building to be sustainable, suggesting a model that is not merely neutral but actively beneficial. Living architecture invites us to consider buildings as parts of a larger, interconnected urban ecosystem — one where adaptation and regeneration are central to design.
Living Organisms in Functional Urban Spaces
Integrating living organisms into urban structures transforms them from isolated entities into functional parts of a building’s ecosystem. Plants, fungi, and microbial systems play key roles in regulating indoor air quality, insulating buildings, and even managing waste. By incorporating these organisms, buildings can become self-regulating and self-sustaining, reducing energy demands and creating healthier indoor environments.
For example, green walls and rooftop ecosystems serve as natural insulators, enhancing temperature regulation and reducing energy consumption. Fungi and microbial systems help decompose waste and filter water, fostering closed-loop systems within the building. The result is a building that not only provides shelter but also supports biodiversity, absorbs pollutants and interacts harmoniously with its environment.
Breakthroughs in Biodesign
The field of biodesign has seen significant advancements that make projects like the Fab Tree Hab feasible. Innovations in plant grafting techniques, synthetic biology, and biomaterials have been instrumental in designing structures that incorporate living organisms. Enhanced grafting methods allow architects to sculpt trees and plants into specific shapes, forming functional and aesthetically pleasing living frameworks.
Synthetic biology also plays a crucial role by enabling the development of plants with enhanced resilience and adaptability to urban conditions. Moreover, biomaterials like mycelium-based composites and bacterial cellulose offer sustainable, self-repairing alternatives to conventional materials. Each of these breakthroughs brings us closer to a future where living architecture can become a practical and scalable approach to urban design.
Biodesign and Climate Resilience
As cities face mounting pressures from climate change, biodesign offers a promising avenue for resilience. By embedding living organisms into urban infrastructure, buildings can actively respond to environmental changes. Green walls and rooftop ecosystems, for instance, can mitigate urban heat, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality, addressing some of the most urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Biodesigned structures contribute to carbon sequestration and promote biodiversity, creating urban environments that are better prepared for climate extremes. By making buildings that are adaptive and regenerative, biodesign enables cities to become more resilient to environmental stressors, transforming urban infrastructure into active participants in climate adaptation.
From Carbon Emitters to Carbon Sinks
Cities are traditionally viewed as major carbon emitters, yet ecological urbanism offers a way to transform urban areas into carbon sinks. By integrating green infrastructure like urban forests and bioengineered materials, ecological urbanism encourages cities to become centers of carbon capture. Biomaterials such as mycelium and algae not only sequester carbon during production but continue to absorb carbon dioxide over their lifespan, creating a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.
Additionally, enhancing green spaces and integrating urban forests provide natural carbon-capturing systems. Ecological urbanism also emphasises waste recycling, turning organic waste into compost that supports plant growth and soil health. By adopting regenerative design principles, cities can become allies in combating climate change, shifting from carbon emitters to contributors of ecological resilience.
Benefits and Challenges of Living Materials
Living materials, such as mycelium and algae-based composites, offer unique advantages for sustainable architecture. These materials are biodegradable, reducing waste, and are capable of sequestering carbon, helping to minimise the carbon footprint of buildings. Living materials can also adapt to environmental conditions, providing self-healing properties that extend a structure’s lifespan.
However, incorporating living materials comes with challenges. Regular maintenance is often required to keep these organisms healthy, from watering and pruning plants to replacing decayed organic components. This need for ongoing care adds complexity to building management and may increase operational costs. Despite these challenges, the potential of living materials to create more sustainable, adaptive urban spaces makes them a valuable component of future architecture.
Living Buildings vs. Green Buildings: A Regenerative Model
While green buildings prioritise energy efficiency and reduced resource consumption, living buildings represent a more ambitious approach. By incorporating living systems that sequester carbon, support biodiversity, and regenerate ecosystems, living buildings create a net-positive environmental impact. Rather than simply minimising harm, they actively contribute to ecosystem health, making them a compelling model for the future of sustainable design.
Living buildings are not only sustainable but regenerative, transforming architecture into a force for ecological restoration. They challenge the status quo, pushing beyond green building standards to create structures that are environmentally restorative and integrated with natural systems.
Biodesign and the Future of Sustainable Architecture
As the green building market continues to grow, biodesign stands to reshape sustainable architecture. Biodesigned structures foster closed-loop systems, recycling water and waste within the building itself and reducing reliance on external resources. This regenerative approach allows for buildings that not only adapt to environmental changes but also support urban biodiversity and enhance resilience to climate fluctuations.
By moving beyond a “do less harm” philosophy, biodesign advances a vision of buildings that actively contribute to their surroundings. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in architecture, positioning buildings as active participants in ecological health rather than passive, resource-consuming entities.
Supporting Urban Biodiversity Through Ecological Urbanism
Ecological urbanism enhances urban biodiversity by incorporating natural habitats and green corridors into cityscapes. These features create ecosystems within urban areas that support diverse wildlife, from pollinators to birds, contributing to a balanced and resilient environment. Biodiversity is crucial for future cities, improving ecosystem stability, air quality, and residents’ well-being.
By fostering diverse species within cities, ecological urbanism not only enhances urban resilience to climate change but also promotes healthier, more sustainable urban living. It supports local food systems, strengthens green spaces, and ensures that cities remain vibrant, interconnected ecosystems.
The Role of Science and Technology in Advancing Living Architecture
Making living architecture a widespread reality will require continued innovation in bioengineering, synthetic biology, and bioprinting. Advances in synthetic biology could enable the creation of plants and organisms designed specifically for structural roles, such as carbon sequestration or self-repair. Additionally, genetic “building codes” embedded in these organisms could ensure they grow into desired shapes and structural patterns, adapting to environmental changes independently.
Innovations in 3D bioprinting also hold promise for creating precise, scalable living structures. With these technologies, architects could design and “print” buildings that are self-sustaining and adapted to urban conditions, bringing us closer to a future where living architecture is not just a concept but a common practice.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Living Architecture
Projects like Fab Tree Hab underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Architects provide the structural vision, while biologists and ecologists select and shape plant species for optimal growth and resilience. Environmental engineers ensure that these organic systems integrate with urban infrastructure, while geneticists work on enhancing plant growth patterns and resilience.
This blend of expertise highlights the collaborative nature of living architecture, with each discipline contributing to a holistic, viable vision of regenerative design. By bridging fields from architecture to genetic science, living architecture opens the door to a future where buildings are as dynamic and adaptive as the ecosystems they inhabit.
Living architecture is transforming how we think about cities and sustainability. By incorporating living organisms and designing buildings that grow, adapt, and regenerate, Terreform ONE and similar pioneers are charting a new course for urban resilience. As we face the dual challenges of urbanisation and climate change, the potential of living architecture to create cities that work in harmony with nature offers a hopeful and innovative path forward.
Mitchell Joachim is the co-founder of Terreform ONE and Professor of Practice at New York University. Formerly, he was an architect at the offices of Frank Gehry and I.M. Pei. He has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and fellowships with TED, Moshe Safdie, and Martin Society for Sustainability, MIT.
He was chosen by Wired magazine for “The Smart List” and selected by Rolling Stone for “The 100 People Who Are Changing America”. Mitchell co-authored four books: Design with Life: Biotech Architecture and Resilient Cities, XXL-XS: New Directions in Ecological Design, Super Cells: Building with Biology and Global Design: Elsewhere Envisioned. His design work has been exhibited at MoMA and the Venice Biennale, and Mitchell was also a speaker at the Design Futures Forum 2024 in Singapore.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image6.png9601200developerdeveloper2025-01-16 11:00:152025-01-26 23:21:12Architects of Life: How Terreform ONE’s Living Buildings Are Shaping Sustainable Cities
Chelsea Barracks, the established Belgravia neighbourhood, has unveiled the Penthouse within its new residential address 9 Mulberry Square. Designed by Susie Atkinson and priced at £44 million, the five-bedroom Penthouse boasts one of the most significant terraces in central London equipped with an ice bath and sauna. The latest property unveiled at Chelsea Barracks echoes the development’s commitment to wellness, access to outside space and unparalleled amenity offerings.
Flooded with natural light, and views over Chelsea Barracks, the surrounding Belgravia neighbourhood and the London skyline, the Penthouse spans two floors and has an enveloping terrace stretching over 333 square metres. The stand-out terrace has been carefully zoned to cater to a range of needs and lifestyles; spaces have been dedicated to wellness with hot and cold therapy, relaxation areas and a herb garden, whilst areas have been curated to provide perfect moments for outdoor entertaining complete with a bar, fire pit, BBQ and formal outdoor dining area.
An urban oasis, the outdoor area can be utilised throughout the day and seasons. The planting, carried out by Hortus Loci, introduces grasses and evergreen foliage, tempting in wildlife and creating an oasis one longs to stay in, immersed in nature and acting as an escape from the surrounding urban landscape.
Chelsea Barracks collaborated for the first time with Studio Atkinson, the London design studio and furniture makers, to design the penthouse. The interior design scheme exudes comfort and understated luxury and was inspired by the heritage, location and access to outdoor space at Chelsea Barracks. The Penthouse offers indoor-outdoor living through sliding glass doors that open out onto the terrace and the family living and formal living rooms, in particular, reflect the terrace oasis complete with floral sofas in yellow and greens covered in fabrics by Jean Monro.
These bright colours are counterbalanced with contemporary furniture and lighting and a colour scheme of cool creams and whites to create a light, fresh and modern setting. Chelsea Barracks is a microcosm of British design excellence and a destination that celebrates culture, artisanship, and creativity from leading British talent. The Penthouse champions British craftsmanship, drawing on nearby Pimlico Road suppliers such as Soane Britain. Many notable antique pieces have been sourced for the home, including a chinoiserie tall boy in the hallway bought at auction house Dreweatts in Newbury.
Buyers will also have access to The Garrison Club at Grenadier Gardens, 32,749 sq ft of amenities, that reflect the wellness-driven offerings in the Penthouse and further demonstrate how Chelsea Barracks is redefining luxury living in London’s historic centre. The amenities include a multi-use sports hall that can be used as a Championship Tennis Court and for other group sports such as pickleball, basketball or football, a 25m swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a club lounge, a business suite including private offices, boardrooms and a children’s playroom – all entirely private.
Chelsea Barracks is working with some of the UK’s leading luxury brands across the wellness, sport, health, fitness, medical and aesthetics sectors, partnering with medical specialists Effect Doctors, offering residents private paediatric and general practice appointments as well as bespoke intravenous infusions services, intramuscular boosters and holistic wellness programs, a full complimentary service offering from fitness specialists AMP as operators of The Garrison Club and responsible, cruelty-free skincare brand Wildsmith Skin, offering award-winning, luxury skincare and signature treatments. All treatments and sessions are bookable via the residents’ app.
Wellness and life longevity have always been at the very core of our ethos at Chelsea Barracks, and The Penthouse at 9 Mulberry Square celebrates our ongoing commitment to this perfectly. The first Penthouse to publicly launch at Chelsea Barracks, it boasts one of the most impressive outdoor terraces in London which we have transformed into a sky-high haven for health, wellness and relaxation – overlooking the beautiful open gardens and through to the seamlessly connected streets of Belgravia.
“Working with Studio Atkinson, we have delivered a penthouse that exudes comfort and underpins our vision to create a residence that provides the very best in luxury living and wellness. The Garrison Club at Grenadier Gardens is also just an elevator ride away – a truly exemplary health and fitness space that offers a full suite of facilities that, together with the penthouse, provides a holistic approach to a wellness-led lifestyle for residents,” says Richard Oakes, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Qatari Diar
“We were greatly inspired by the significant outdoor terrace, creating enriched zone areas and seamlessly bringing the outside in through our bespoke interiors and sourced antiques and artwork. We’ve used local and British suppliers throughout, reflecting Chelsea Barracks’ championing of artisanship and British talent,” adds Susie Atkinson, Founder of Studio Atkinson.
The Penthouse at 9 Mulberry Square costs £44 million.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image4.png197449developerdeveloper2024-12-11 11:00:472024-12-12 03:03:28Chelsea Barracks Reveals Penthouse at 9 Mulberry Square
Led by Aedas Executive Director Kelvin Hu, Aedas created the Nansha Futures Industrial Park in Guangzhou, injecting new vitality into the city’s financial development.
‘The prosperity of finance and the natural ambience intertwine harmoniously, creating a unique charm,” said Hu.
The design takes inspiration from the landscape characters and echoes the city skyline to create timeless architecture that blends Chinese and modern aesthetics. The park captures Nansha’s unique features of “mountains, rivers, sea, fields, and cities”, creating a bespoke layout to optimise spatial planning. The design sets the grassroots space in a grid-like layout, creating natural ventilation and sightseeing corridors.
The east-west axis traverses the project and links different spatial nodes. Three office towers are positioned on the south side, with their height decreasing gradually from west to east. Low-rise buildings are arranged on the north side to foster a rich and open urban waterfront public space, simultaneously maximising the overall building’s views of the river and sea.
The design introduces an innovative spatial concept to balance public buildings and private space. Above 30 metres, it embraces modern, minimalistic elements, while below features a diverse array of Lingnan-inspired details. The design also includes themed scenes through connecting corridors, fostering a lively and vibrant public space.
The design emphasises the harmony between architectural art and urban context, injecting a large number of Lingnan traditional elements. Inspired by Lingnan rattan weaving, the courtyards along with the retail streets bloom with diverse flowers and lush plants, creating an urban oasis atmosphere. Spanning east to west, the financial streets seamlessly connect the entire design, providing a pathway to green spaces, effectively linking the project with ecological leisure and the surrounding urban areas.
“Architecture focuses on human-centric design solutions to integrate experience, blending experience with future trends and industrial development. The park fosters a vibrant community that melds industry, work and life, setting a pioneering standard for emerging industrial parks in Nansha and the GBA,” Kelvin said.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image1-7.png8151200developerdeveloper2024-10-31 11:00:592024-10-30 12:38:58Nansha Futures Industrial Park Sets a New Benchmark
EDL proudly announced the grand opening of its regional headquarters in Singapore on 29 May 2024. Representing a substantial $20m investment, this new milestone marks a significant achievement for the local company since its establishment in 2002 with a small rental space and eight employees.
Today, their headquarters span over 54,000 square feet over three floors, accommodating 90 employees. The company has grown to over 250 employees across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The EDL regional headquarters is designed to be a compelling destination for visitors. Located at 17 Woodlands Terrace, the establishment is conscientiously shaped into an experience worth the journey.
From its origins in laminate for carpentry finishes, EDL has evolved into a comprehensive provider of interior materials. Today, their offerings encompass a diverse array including countertop materials, advanced wall cladding solutions, and designer accessories. This transformation is vividly showcased in the new gallery, inviting guests to discover firsthand how these materials redefine spaces with creativity and practicality.
Designed as an expression of the organisation being a sum of different parts, the headquarters is envisioned as a collective of different architectural volumes. Each business function is represented through various material applications, interlocking to symbolise the interconnectedness of their operations. The front facade unfolds like a 3D storybook, with each chapter uniquely defined yet intertwined. A central off-form concrete and metal mesh stair core, inspired by their iconic laminate catalogue, serves as an architectural beacon for the building.
The team curated and provided materials that reflected the latest trends, ensuring the gallery’s design remained at the forefront of industry standards. Close collaboration with the appointed designer ensured that these materials were seamlessly integrated, making them the focal point of the gallery and a source of inspiration for visitors.
The construction of the building spanned four years, from 2019 to 2023, including the Covid period, while the gallery took two years to complete. The team played a crucial role in shaping the design and overseeing the execution of the gallery. Their primary responsibility was curating and providing materials that formed the foundation of the gallery’s design. These materials, reflecting the latest industry trends, were intrinsic to both the aesthetic and functional appeal of the space.
Mr Richard Lim, Founder and Group CEO of EDL, shared, “EDL’s new Regional Headquarters marks a pivotal moment in our journey, symbolising our growth from a laminate supplier to a diverse ecosystem of interior solutions. Since our founding in 2002, we’ve championed the idea that beautiful spaces start with beautiful materials.”
“With this headquarters, we aimed to redefine the showroom experience, moving away from the conventional to create an immersive, imaginative space,’ Mr. Lim continued. ‘The design, with its dynamic architectural forms and storytelling narrative inspired by our materials, embodies our dedication to innovation and craftsmanship. This space not only showcases our range – from smart matt laminates to designer accessories – but also invites visitors to explore and innovate, reflecting our vision for the role materials play in the future.”
Nestled away from the bustling city centre, the new gallery space is designed to be a destination—an experience crafted to be worth the journey. Designed like a narrative unfolding in chapters, each corner of the gallery reveals its secrets and surprises, inviting visitors on a journey of exploration and inspiration. Inside the gallery, it immerses visitors in a world of creativity and innovation. Aptly named zones showcase EDL’s different materials, like the Aptico Bar, The Canopy, The Cavern, The Cabin, the Module Spa, and Viefe Studio each offer distinct experiences.
The Canopy
A serene forest retreat housing EDL’s wood decor collection, with pull-out displays showcasing laminates in full size. The space is designed for contemplation and creativity, featuring colourful tables and indoor “treehouses” that tell stories through different laminate collections. Each treehouse embodies different collections, including large formats, the latest additions, and bestsellers. Visitors can explore these “chapters” by moving between treehouses.
Light adjustment buttons are conveniently located behind each treehouse, allowing visitors to customise lighting for optimal viewing conditions. This feature ensures that samples can be evaluated under different lighting settings to aid decision-making. Additionally, visitors can view full laminate sheets, eliminating surprises during installation.
Library Space
An immersive area with over 900 choices for material selection, accommodating multiple groups and convertible for workshops and seminars with adjustable standing tables.
Spa Module
The space showcases a stunning mural made from large panels, created by fitting smaller modular tiles together perfectly on curved surfaces. Expert craftsmen carefully cut and shaped each tile to form this graphical artwork, which displays nearly the entire collection of modules, resembling a detailed jigsaw puzzle.
The gallery features upcycled materials, including Compact offcuts repurposed into an eye-catching lampshade and laminate samples crafted into suspended ornaments. A sustainable art wall, made from repurposed offcuts, and a QR code mural created from old edgebands, showcase EDL’s dedication to creative reuse.
The team envisions the new headquarters as a hub for inspiring creativity and fostering discussions on innovative interior finishes, while the gallery serves as a catalyst for creative and collaborative thinking in the world of interior design. With the opening of the building, this regional hub will serve to support EDL’s existing markets and facilitate entry into new ones, reinforcing the company’s commitment to being at the forefront of the interior finishes industry.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image3-3.png7501200developerdeveloper2024-08-30 11:00:542024-08-29 03:56:37EDL Laminates Its Legacy with Regional Headquarters and Experiential Gallery
The Built Environment Expo Asia (BEX) 2024 is gearing up for a landmark return from 4 to 6 September 2024 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. As the leading Built Environment Expo, it promises to be a dynamic hub that brings together industry professionals, thought leaders and innovative companies shaping the future of Asia’s built environment.
BEX Asia 2024 caters to the specific needs of the region’s markets, while also boasting a strong international presence. The event features dedicated pavilions like Ontario, Canada; China, and Singapore, alongside exhibitors from countries/regions including Japan, Korea, Denmark, Australia, France, Canada, Malaysia and Oman.
“BEX Asia 2024 is a timely and crucial platform for industry professionals in the region. This year’s exhibition positions itself as the leading market intelligence platform for the built environment industry that presents the transformative trends that are reshaping the region. We look forward to witnessing advancements in robotics and prefabrication technologies, alongside the continued evolution of digital design solutions,” said Yeow Hui Leng, Group Director, RX Singapore. “BEX Asia will also foster a dynamic environment where participants can forge strategic partnerships and network with the vibrant startup community — ensuring they are positioned at the forefront of building a more sustainable and resilient future for our cities.”
A Hub of Innovation
BEX Asia 2024 serves as a central platform within IBEW for industry professionals from across the region to discover a wealth of cutting-edge and market-ready solutions for all aspects of the built environment ecosystem. This year’s event will feature:
New Innovations in Action: Uncover the cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the future of the built environment. Companies such as ebm-papst, for instance, are showcasing an IoT-based solution to regulate indoor air quality and energy efficiency in real-time based on occupancy, outdoor conditions and other factors. Camfil will be highlighting the importance of proper restaurant ventilation, emphasising its benefits for health, business, and air quality management. Yitac will be launching a state-of-the-art system for ensuring optimal performance, heightened energy savings, and sustainability in air conditioning. Additionally, PestBusters will be showcasing their scientifically proven solution for eradicating termite colonies.
Experience the Future of Building with Industry Leaders: Immerse yourself in a diverse array of groundbreaking solutions from leading companies through onsite product demonstrations and successful project implementations. This includes the latest advancements that have set a new benchmark for innovative sustainability solutions, zero-emission construction equipment, fully integrated facility services, and a variety of other fields integral to the built environment sector. Explore the exhibition floor through curated delegation tours led by experts or at your own pace.
Startup Pavilions: Discover innovative construction workflow solutions from startups like Millipede. Additionally, explore the latest advancements from rising stars in robotics and automation, smart construction solutions, and green energy, as well as machine learning-based predictive analytics platforms that are supported by HKSTP, ConTech Exchange, and IES INCA.
“The built environment is evolving rapidly, demanding smarter and more efficient solutions. Digitalisation and modern technologies such as AI emerge as powerful catalysts for change, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both environmental responsibility and operational effectiveness. Daikin is passionate about leveraging these advancements by developing cutting-edge solutions for our industry partners. Events like BEX Asia 2024 provide a valuable platform to showcase these advancements and collaborate with industry leaders. We’re excited to share our vision for the future of intelligent and sustainable climate control solutions, which includes iPlant Manager and the new MARUTTO — an integrated platform that gives unprecedented control over HVAC systems, no matter where they’re at,” said Swen Tan, Senior Manager, Sustainability Lead, Daikin.
Other Key Highlights
Knowledge-sharing Opportunities: Gain insights from thought leaders and experts through informative masterclasses on the latest trends and technologies, such as “Revolutionising Building Management with Abound: The Future of Smart Solutions”, presented by Carrier and “AI in Construction: What’s Possible?” delivered by Bimage Consulting.
SGBC Seminar: Explore firsthand the innovative advancements and practical solutions shaping sustainable building practices. Attendees will also earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points while learning from industry experts at the Singapore Green Building Council’s dedicated seminar programme.
Registration for BEX Asia 2024, a cornerstone of the prestigious International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024, is now open. Visit www.bex-asia.com for more information and to register.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image1.png8001200developerdeveloper2024-08-05 11:55:242024-08-05 11:55:24Powering Innovation and Partnership in Asia’s Built Environment at BEX Asia 2024
Philippine construction company DATEM took home two major accolades at the inaugural Real Estate Asia Built Environment Awards 2024 for its Green Materials Directory (GMD), which caters for the company’s design, planning, and acquisition of suitable materials for its green building projects. It also received the first LEED version 4 Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell Development for its Makati Commerce Tower project.
The GMD has been created to address challenges in identifying materials or products that may help obtain credits, which the rise of demand for green building and sustainability efforts has brought. It has become more needed as the Philippine green building community struggled to meet international demands for green buildings due to the local products not being up to par.
In the directory’s first edition, product descriptions are written, including its green features and the credits it contributes for green building certifications. GMD is to be updated annually to count more sustainable materials and provide relevant information and awareness to its readers about the importance of sustainable construction.
It is also going to provide ample information to employees who are not working onsite about the crucial role of responsibly produced and manufactured materials. DATEM highlights the importance of its GMD in encouraging like-minded suppliers and contractors to apply sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes and operations continuously.
“By utilising environmentally friendly construction materials, applying responsible harvesting and manufacturing of raw materials, and complying with methodologies and procedures set by green building councils locally and internationally, DATEM solidifies its commitment to energy efficiency and stewardship for the environment,” the company said.
With its commitment to further green building advocacy, DATEM received the win in the Innovation in Sustainable Materials of the Year – Philippines category. Amongst the green buildings it has constructed is the Makati Commerce Tower, which has also garnered the Office Construction of the Year – Philippines category win. The 37-storey landmark along the city underpins sustainability with its innovation, futureproofing, and wellness features. Flexibility and space are also guaranteed with typical floor plates of between 2,178 and 2,252 sq. m. on high-zone floors and 2,178 sq. m. in the mid-zone.
It includes touchless technology solutions to reduce common touchpoints, energy-saving features, parking with charging points for e-vehicles, a unitised glass curtain wall façade insulated with Low-E coating for improved thermal and acoustic properties, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. The construction of the Makati Commerce Tower has utilised 55,548 cubic metres of concrete, solidifying the structure’s safety and resilient foundations. The concrete used in the project has been carefully and efficiently identified and applied to ensure the sturdiness of the structure, the safety of the building occupants, and its environmental sustainability.
This careful selection of concrete installed in the project also helped achieve LEED credits, particularly on sourcing raw materials due to its local harvesting and manufacture, as well as having pre-consumer recycled content in the form of fly ash. Based on the final construction review by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), the project was awarded points for the said credit for having complied with 49.4% of permanently installed materials based on cost. The pandemic also solidified the need for a building like Makati Commerce Tower, a structure for future-proofing office space structures, ensuring sustainability and durability, and prioritising the health and wellness of the occupants.
“The project team and developer’s collaboration responded to the importance of having a building that delivers not only commercially but also the whole being of the occupants and the surroundings,” the company said.
The Real Estate Asia Built Environment Awards is a groundbreaking celebration of outstanding achievements in construction, architecture, and interior design across Asia, as well as recognition of innovation and sustainability in the industry.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image1-6.png6751200developerdeveloper2024-07-09 11:00:462024-07-11 12:09:02DATEM Bags Two Wins at the Real Estate Asia Built Environment Awards