The project brief called for a new boutique office and the reconstruction of a pair of heritage-listed shophouses. WOHA was commissioned only after their demolition to reconstruct the shopfront （up to 7.5m depth） in accordance with Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority’s conservation and planning guidelines， and to design an entirely new， contemporary rear wing.
Patrick Bingham-Hall
As the original floor levels with their low ceiling heights were retained， the front end of the shophouses was deemed more suitable for meeting rooms， while the service end accommodated a mechanised carpark. The idea was to strategically lift up the open plan offices within the upper 4 floors where the floor plate size is maximised， higher headroom is gained， better views are enjoyed and more natural daylight is accessed from the sides. Every flat roof area is also transformed into roof gardens with the attic featuring the office’s recreational lounge from which unblocked panoramic views of Hong Lim Park and PARKROYAL on Pickering Hotel can be enjoyed.
