WOHA's parkroyal hotel features curved high rise gardens

a composition of skygardens, reflecting pools, waterfalls, planter terraces and green walls was designed by WOHA for the parkroyal hotel pickering. an expansive site located in central singapore is now occupied by 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.

street view from traffic junction
image © patrick bingham-hall (also main image)

designed as a hotel and office in a garden, the project at upper pickering street is a study of how architecture can not only conserve our greenery in a built-up high-rise city center but multiply it in a manner that is architecturally striking, integrated and sustainable. 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 modeled, chiselled and spliced to mimic natural landscapes and mountain rock formations as well as that of the contoured padi 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’.

cavernous hotel entrance and drop-off
image © patrick bingham-hall

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 conceal 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.

view from 5t h floor looking up to underside of sculpted sky terraces
image © 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 create a patina that recall the waters of singapore river adjacent. lofty 4 storey sky gardens which bring lush greenery directly to the rooms and breaks 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 ambiance 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.

swimming pool and cabanas on 5th level
image © patrick bingham-hall

(left) street view of podium carpark on 3rd and 4th floors,
cascading waterfall from infinity-edge pool with cabanas perched on the edge
(right) sculpted walls and ceiling details
images © patrick bingham-hall