Located in the International Business Park and near the Jurong Business Hub, an area that has attracted younger firms and start-ups, the 20-year-old property has been retrofitted to better fit with the current needs. Its interior and exterior spaces was set to create solutions to the businesses’ needs and achieve maximum investment performance. In the context of current crisis, the building is open with around 50 percent of occupancy.
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR WORK AREAS
The façade was fully transformed to take advantage of the U-shaped layout and underutilised linkway that skirted the perimeter of the building. With the new façade, the architects turned the front area into a garden, through which runs a linkway that connects the drop-off point to the entrance. This is covered by shading screens; and alongside are sheltered co-working pockets.
In the lobby, the reception desk was reduced in size and moved to the side, allowing for more space to accommodate communal activities, exhibitions, product launches and networking events. A digital display was erected on the wall, as well as projectors and a sound system within the ceiling. Collaborative work clusters were created within the lobby area, ranging from formal meeting rooms and semi-enclosed pods to open work spaces. A coffee bar was also installed at the edge.
The asset enhancement project includes facilities added to the office complex such as a fitness gym, changing room and end-of-trip facilities for cyclists. These amenities cater to the active lifestyle needs of today’s workforce and provides an ideal environment for workers.
GREEN MARK CERTIFIED
In keeping with the need to connect to nature and the outdoors through design, the use of natural materials such as white oak and cork sheet were used throughout, as well as ample use of greenery. The design and sustainability led to the conferring of 2019 Green Mark Gold Plus award for existing non-residential building category.
The common areas use energy-efficient LED lights. The building is also equipped with optimised water-cooled chilled water plant with design system efficiency of 0.574 kilowatts to refrigeration tonnes (kW/RT) at operating load condition. The auto-tube condenser cleaning system can then prolong the lifespan of chillers and maintain the efficiency. The estimated energy saving is 96,596 kilowatt-hour per year, which is equal to and the estimated water saving is 510 cubic metres per year.
PROJECT DATA
Project Name: Nordic European Centre Retrofit
Location: 3, International Business Park Road, Singapore
Completion Date: January 2019
Site Area: 11,358.5 square metres
Gross Floor Area: 5000 square metres
Building Height: 7 storeys; 45.65 metres
Tenant: Nordic European Centre
Client: Ascendas Reit (a member of CapitaLand)
Architecture Firm: TA.LE Architects
Principal Architect: Tay Yanling
Interior Design Firm: TA.LE Architects
Principal Designer: Tay Yanling
Civil & Structural Engineer: Sterling C&S Consulting Engineer Pte Ltd
MEP Engineer: ICON Consulting Engineers Pte Ltd
ESD Consultant: Building System & Diagnostics Pte Ltd
Quantity Surveyor: PCG Consultants
Interior Fit-Out Contractor: Boon Tian Contractor Pte Ltd
Images: TA.LE Architects
