| Category | Institutional | Conservation & Heritage |
|---|---|
| Year | 2013 |
| Size | 9,200sqm |
Projects
Four Acres Singapore
A dialogue with site and context
Perched on top of Nepal Hill and occupying a sprawling site of 2.3ha, Four Acres Singapore, Unilever’s leadership development facility, sits among clusters of world-class research facilities and business parks in the 200ha one-north hub at Buona Vista.
Nepal Hill plays an important role as a green lung within the one-north master plan, hence it was crucial that the existing mature trees and flora were preserved as much as possible to keep the original wooded environment as it was. The U-shaped form of the training centre demonstrates respectful consciousness towards the ecology of the woodland site: the building form fits within the existing clearing, meandering around clusters of mature trees along its way and working its path around the flora. The result is a unique shape that is site-specific and respectful of the natural surroundings.
Details
The new structures – the four-storey training block and single-storey recreation block – were designed to be independent yet intertwined. The design arranged for the bold gesture of the roof form at the training centre to sweep down and extend towards the adjacent recreation block. The architectural element transits and morphs to become the canopy of a footpath, and then transforms again to become a roof when it integrates with the recreation block. Bridging the two independent buildings, the roof not only becomes a covered linkway between them but also serves as an important infrastructure for electrical and mechanical provisions between the blocks.
Conceived as an integrated experience between landscape and architecture, the project takes inspiration from the existing hilly topography and engages with nature seamlessly.
The project demonstrates a deep understanding of the local context through its modern contemporary form that evokes a truly tropical design spirit.
The project includes the conservation of ten bungalows that have been refurbished for adaptive reuse as on-site accommodation and a cafeteria.
A cluster of sculptured trees at the centre of a light shaft extends beyond the first storey and into the external garden space above.
The façade design of the new training centre pays tribute to its unique environment by incorporating colours and materials that respect the conserved bungalows. The training centre also has a full green roof which not only reduces heat gain for its interiors but also acts as a green replacement for the building’s footprint.
Throughout the space planning for the training centre, the viewing of nature was capitalised at every turn. All seminar rooms were planned with a view either to the garden or the wooded environment. The Harvard University-style amphitheatre at the second storey has been designed with an entire stretch of full-height glass windows at the back of the room. These rooms are basked in light at most times of the day, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Due to the natural topography of the site, half of the training centre’s first storey is at the subterranean level. To be consistent with the central theme and not create an introverted environment, skylights were introduced along the main interior circulation paths. A light shaft that channels natural light down to the underground level was incorporated. At the same time, a cluster of sculptured trees at the centre of the light shaft provides greenery within the space. As the trees grow and extend beyond the first storey and into the external garden space at the second storey, the line between indoors and outdoors is blurred further.
Specialist Services
Integrated services provided for this project.
AWARDS
| 2015 |
Singapore Landscape Architecture Awards (Gold) Four Acres Singapore |
|---|---|
| 2014 |
14th SIA Architectural Design Awards (Honourable Mention) Four Acres Singapore |
| 2013 |
LIAS Awards of Excellence (Gold) Four Acres Singapore |