four acres singapore by DP architects marks univeler's move to asia

four acres singapore by DP architects marks univeler’s move to asia
all images courtesy of DP architects

at the heart of buona vista’s one-north development stands ‘four acres singapore’. completed in 2013 by DP architects, the leadership development and corporate university is unilever‘s first four acres location outside of england. the facility is geared towards finding and training talent, with a specific focus on emerging asian economies. as unilever moves forward, the company aims to cut their ecological footprint by half, while increasing positive social impact. thus, minimizing the building’s carbon footprint was a principal objective from the project’s inception.

north-east elevation facing the main road designed with planter strips and undulating glass

nestled within a conservation area, the site is comprised of ten historical bungalows, a four-story training center, and single-story recreation facility. the homes, located at nepal hill, preserve the historical charm of the area while adding modern functionality. all ten were refurbished; nine function as on-site accommodations, and one as a cafeteria, providing an alternative venue to seminars and discussions.

nearby, the training and recreation facilities’ unique roofline appears to peel gently from the earth. built to specifications laid out in the one-north master plan by zaha hadid architects, ‘four acres’ also mimics the undulating contours of nepal hill. the u-shaped form of the training center was designed to lay within the existing cleared environment, and meanders around clusters of mature trees and flora. 

full-height glass windows allow users to enjoy views of the greenery around the site

due to the natural topography, half of the training center’s first story is subterranean. to address the situation, skylights were introduced along the main interior paths. a cluster of trees at the center of an added underground light-shaft provides greenery to the space. as the trees grow and extend beyond the first level, the line between interior and exterior will be blurred further.

the training site was designed to intertwine with the smaller recreation block. a sweeping roofline transitions into a footpath canopy, and back to roof as it integrates with the other building. the façades of the complex pay tribute to its unique location, incorporating colors and elements that connect them not only to the environment, but to local history as well. 

the training center roof transitions across the site to connect to the recreation facility

overall the design strategy for ‘four acres’ was simple, to respect the environment that it’s sited in. views into nature were capitalized at every turn. all seminar rooms feature a view to either garden or wood areas. full-height glass windows, present in a second-story amphitheater and slightly more sensitively in training center restrooms, offer uses access to the scenery outside. as these rooms are basked in light for a majority of the day, need for artificial lighting is reduced further.

the surrounding ecological landscape creates a natural cooling effect, and the facilities’ green roof and walls greatly improve thermal insulation. solar panels and motions sensors ensure the buildings remain as environmentally friendly as possible. 

the training block envelops an inner courtyard with skylights providing natural light to the space below

nine of ten conserved bungalows were refurbished for adaptive reuse as on-site accommodation

guest rooms resonate with the architectural expression of singapore’s colonial past

furniture made from fallen trees

a skylight brings daylight to the basement

views into nature reinforce, DP architects attempt to retain a sense of place

green walls help to insulate the building

interior of the training block, basked in natural sunlight

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