founded by wong mun summ and richard hassell in 1994, WOHA is a singapore-based architectural practice that has gained global recognition for their integration of environmental and social principles at every stage of their design process. guided by the local context and culture, and above all, by the local climatic conditions, the practice has been constantly revitalizing urban environments with structures that are designed to incorporate natural ecosystems. completed earlier this year, 2019, design orchard is their latest project — a building designed to act as an incubator of emerging singaporean designers, integration a high-profile retail space at the ground level with co-working creative spaces at levels two and three.

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by darren soh

 

 

as with most of WOHA’s projects, design orchard is a green oasis in the middle of the city. to bring all this greenery into the public space, the architects have create a rooftop space, which is tiered away from the junction to form an urban amphitheater and stage along with a shaded pocket park. the collaborative spaces provide a nurturing environment for young designers to go from concept to production, market their products at the retail spaces below and showcase their designs with fashion and design events at the rooftop garden amphitheater.

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by patrick bingham-hall

 

 

designed with a clean and modern palette of concrete, glass, timber, and landscaping, the design orchard building acts as a neutral backdrop for the vibrant design and activities. raw off-form concrete walls are strategically punctured with circular openings and inset precast concrete frames to allow light, views, ventilation and even retail displays through the concrete structure without affecting structural integrity.

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by patrick bingham-hall

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by patrick bingham-hall

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by darren soh

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by patrick bingham-hall

WOHA tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by patrick bingham-hall

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by patrick bingham-hall

WOHA tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by darren soh

woha tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by darren soh

WOHA tops singapore's design orchard with a luscious green rooftop
image by darren soh

 

 

project info:

 

name: design orchard

architects: WOHA

location: 250 orchard road singapore 238905

project type: commercial
site area: 1841.4 sqm

gross floor area: 2350 sqm

design inception: oct 2016
start of construction: nov 2017
completion: jan 2019