WOHA's kampung admiralty wins building of the year at world architecture festival 2018

in singapore, WOHA has completed ‘kampung admiralty’, an integrated mixed-use development that unites a wealth of public facilities beneath one roof. ‘the traditional approach is for each government agency to carve out their own plot of land, resulting in several standalone buildings,’ explain the architects. ‘this one-stop integrated complex, on the other hand, maximizes land use, and is a prototype for meeting the needs of singapore’s ageing population.’

UPDATE: this project won the world building of the year 2018 award at the world architecture festival in amsterdam. ‘the judges admired the project for the way in which it dealt with the universal condition of longevity and health treatments, social housing provision, and commercial space, which enabled substantial public realm benefits,’ said paul finch, programme director of the world architecture festival. ‘this hybrid building also incorporates a huge amount of greenery (more than 100% of its footprint) in a series of layered levels which have generated welcome biodiversity.’

the precast concrete façade is divided into small blocks referred to as the ‘chocolate bar’
image by patrick bingham-hall (also main image)

as the site is tight, with a height limit of just 45 meters (148 ft), WOHA devised a diverse vertical village comprised of three ‘strata’. conceived as a ‘club sandwich’, the lower level accommodates a community plaza, with a medical center housed above. the uppermost storey features a community park with living accommodation for senior citizens. ‘the close proximity to healthcare, social, commercial and other amenities support inter-generational bonding and promote active ageing in place,’ the design team explains.

west-facing façade and community park
image by patrick bingham-hall

designed as a community living room, the ground floor plaza is capable of hosting a variety of events and programming. this outdoor space is shaded and sheltered by the storey above, meaning that activities can take place regardless of the weather or climatic conditions. on the second level, the medical center is filled with natural daylight thanks to the central courtyard. meanwhile, perimeter windows also ensure that senior patients — who are able to remain on site — feel connected to nature and to other people.

aerial view of courtyard and community park with multi-layered sky terraces
image by patrick bingham-hall

the intimately scaled rooftop park allows residents to come together to exercise, chat, or tend community farms. complementary programs such as childcare and an active aging hub (including senior care) are located side by side, bringing together citizens of different ages. a total of 104 apartments are provided in two 11-storey blocks for elderly singles or couples. strategically positioned at shared entrances, ‘buddy benches’ encourage seniors to come out of their homes and interact with their neighbors.

residents step into a green, multi-layered park as soon as they leave their apartments
image by patrick bingham-hall

seats line the contour planters around the roof top garden
image by patrick bingham-hall

the lush park is a space to socialize and be close to nature
image by patrick bingham-hall

vegetation is found throughout the design
image by patrick bingham-hall

 the ground floor plaza has been designed as a community living room
image by patrick bingham-hall

apartment views towards the landscaped terraces help seniors feel connected to nature
image by patrick bingham-hall

the tree canopy adds plenty of shade to the pathways of the landscaped terraces
image by patrick bingham-hall

aerial view capturing the building and its surrounding context
image by patrick bingham-hall

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project info:

title: kampung admiralty
location: woodlands drive 71, singapore
design inception: march 2013
piling: april 4, 2014 – october 7, 2014
start of construction: october 31, 2014
completion: 3rd quarter 2017
TOP: may 8, 2017
cost: confidential
site area: 8,981 sqm
build-up area: 53,066.49 sqm
gross floor area: 32,331.60 sqm
plot ratio: 3.60
community space: 10,030.39 sqm
community plot ratio: 1.12
efficiency: 71.79%
green plot ratio: 1.25
car parking provision: 2 basement levels, with 252 car lots, 12 motorcycle lots and 364 automated bicycle parking lots

architect and interior design: WOHA
project team: wong mun summ, richard hassell, pearl chee, goh soon kim, phua hong wei, richard kuppusamy, jonathan hopper, yang han , lau wannie, gillian hatch, kwong lay lay, zhou yubai
interior design: sofwan, john paul r gonzales
client: housing and development board
civil and structural engineer: ronnie & koh consultants pte. ltd
mechanical & electrical engineer: AECOM pte. ltd.
quantity surveyors: davis langdon KPK (singapore) pte. ltd.
landscape consultant: ramboll studio dreiseitl singapore pte. ltd.
greenmark consultant: AECOM pte. ltd.
main contractor: lum chang building contractors pte ltd

world architecture festival (WAF) is the largest, annual, international, live architectural event. it includes the biggest architectural awards programme in the world, dedicated to celebrating excellence via live presentations to an audience of high-profile delegates and international juries. WAF is a three-day event for architects and interior design professionals to celebrate, learn, exchange, and be inspired. the 2018 world architecture festival is held in amsterdam and comprises 5 key elements: the WAF awards; a thematic conference programme; an exhibition of award entries; sponsor and exhibitor stands; a series of networking/social events, as well as WAF fringe activities. INSIDE world festival of interiors runs alongside WAF, with its own awards and conference programme.