South Beach, Singapore - The new luxurious green complex

I have to say, that I am enthralled by  the work of Foster & partners. Their holistic approach towards sustainable architecture is sublime; an absolute work of art. They are setting a benchmark for the green architects and pushing the bar for green buildings higher. They have proven that embracing a sustainable approach to architecture does not limit your creativity or hinder the  aesthetic value of it.

Foster & partners have taken on a project in Singapore, which is one of the most anticipated building projects in Singapore at the moment. The construction of this project, of 150,000 square meters, called the “South Beach” is well underway.  It is an eco complex for commercial, residential, retail purposes as well as for two high end hotels and a green link to the Esplanade MRT station of Singapore. It is going to be another gem added to the spectacular skyline of Singapore, designed to suit Singapore’s ideal of a “city in a garden” with its flora and sky gardens. It is also said to have the potential to achieve the Green Mark Platinum rating.

South Beach Singapore’s green features include a canopy resembling a concatenation of ribbon-forms filtering the direct sun light reaching the public realm at the ground level. The design of this canopy reflects the changes of use beneath it. The canopy is elevated at east and west of it span where they form vertical louvers and provide a favourable ambience for the development of plantation, which transform the towers that arise from within this canopy, into vertically linked green spaces. The orientation of the building and the slanted facades catch the prevailing winds and direct the air flow downwards to reduce the ambient temperatures of the lower level spaces.  And the facades are also fitted with photovoltaic cells to take advantage of the tropical climate of the city. The first floor of the complex is planned with internal streets augmenting the street vibrancy and the pedestrian flow.  Furthermore, a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation, geothermal heating system, chilled beams and ice storage system for cooling are used to reinforce the sustainability of the complex.

 

The opening of the complex is scheduled for 2015. It was supposed to be completed by 2012, but owing to the economical downturn, the construction was halted until the building costs eased. Well, I am very much looking forward to the completion of it to realize a firsthand experience of a green building with a platinum rating.