PARKROYAL on Pickering

Designed as a hotel and office in a garden, the project, PARKROYAL on Pickering, at Upper Pickering Street is a study of how to increase the green replacement in a highrise development in the city center and multiply it in a manner that is architecturally striking, integrated and sustainable.

PARKROYAL on Pickering Singapore

Located in central Singapore, the site is at a junction between the CBD and the colorful districts of Chinatown and Clark Quay, and faces Hong Lim Park. A contoured podium responds to the street scale, drawing inspiration from a combination of landscaped bonsai arrangements that are modelled, chiselled and spliced to mimic natural landscapes and mountain rock formations as well as that of the contoured paddy fields of Asia. These contours are precast concrete elements of modular radii, allowing the complex, sculptural podium to be put together from a basic 'kit of parts'.

At a Glance:
Project : PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore
Location : 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289
Design Inception : Dec 2007
Start of Construction : Dec 2009
Opening : January 2013
Project Cost (construction) : S$ 137 million
Gross Floor Area : 29,811.54 sqm
Plot Area : 6,958.9 sqm
Architects & Interior Design : WOHA
Client : UOL Group Limited
highrise development

On the ground the contours create dramatic outdoor plazas and gardens which flow seamlessly into the interiors. Greenery from the park is drawn up in the form of planted valleys, gullies and waterfalls. The landscaping also conceals openings to the above ground carparking while allowing in air and natural light. The top of the podium is a lush landscaped terrace housing the development's recreational facilities, with infinity edge pools opening up unobstructed views of the city. Birdcage cabanas perched over the waters add interest and delight.

Patrick Bingham Hall

The crisp and streamlined tower blocks harmonize with surrounding high-rise office buildings. They are attenuated into an open-sided courtyard configuration, breaking down the 'wall of buildings' effect and maximizing views and daylighting into the building. Blue and green glass creates a patina that recall the waters of Singapore River adjacent. Lofty 4 storey sky gardens bring lush greenery directly to the rooms and break down the scale of the building. Corridors, lobbies and common washrooms are designed as garden spaces with stepping stones, planting and water features which create an alluring resort ambience with natural light and fresh air, instead of being 24-hour energy guzzling air conditioned spaces. Tall overhangs work together with leafy foliage to screen these spaces from the weather and direct sun.

4storey sky gardens

A total of 15,000m2 of skygardens, reflecting pools, waterfalls, planter terraces and green walls were designed; this is double the site area or equivalent to the footprint of Hong Lim Park! A diverse variety of species ranging from shade trees, tall palms, flowering plants, leafy shrubs and overhanging creepers come together to create a lush tropical setting that is attractive not only to the people but also to insects and birds, extending the green areas from Hong Lim Park and encouraging bio-diversity in the city.

PARKROYAL Singapore

These landscapes are designed to be self-sustaining and rely minimally on precious resources. Rainwater collected from upper floors irrigates planters on the lower floors by gravity supplemented by non-potable recycled Newater, which will also be used for all water features. Photovoltaic cell arrays on the roof will power grow lamps and softscape lighting, making these Singapore's and perhaps the world's first Zero Energy Skygardens!

PARKROYAL Hotel Singapore

This project is awarded Singapore's Green Mark Platinum, the nation's highest environmental certification. The hotel officially opened in January 2013.