Pan Pacific Orchard – a Skyscraper with a Green Heart
In a bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline, Singapore’s Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel stands out as a unique architectural marvel.
Named the world’s best new tall building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), this 23-storey hotel redefines urban skyscrapers with its innovative fusion of nature and sustainability. Designed by WOHA Architects, the hotel brings Singapore’s tropical landscapes to life through four distinct, green terraces, each embodying a unique environmental theme.
A “Hotel in Nature”
The Pan Pacific Orchard, which opened in June 2023, has captured the global spotlight for its biophilic design. Biophilic design is a philosophy that integrates nature with built environments, enhancing human well-being through natural elements like greenery, water, and organic patterns.
The concept of integrating natural elements within urban spaces is central to the hotel’s architecture, which CTBUH described as a “hotel in nature.”
The towering structure incorporates vast expanses of greenery, artificial lagoons, and eco-friendly features, transforming traditional high-rise architecture into a vertical green oasis.
Four Striking Terraces: A Journey Through Nature
At the heart of this iconic structure are the four terraces—each inspired by different natural elements:
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Forest Terrace
Located at the ground level, the Forest Terrace greets guests with a lobby framed by soaring trees and a cascading waterfall. A tranquil pond filled with algae contributes to the lush ambiance, creating a serene environment.
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Beach Terrace
Moving upwards, the Beach Terrace offers a sunny escape with a sandy beachfront and emerald pools. Surrounded by palm trees, it recreates the tropical feel of Singapore’s coastal environment.
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Garden Terrace
The third level introduces the Garden Terrace, where manicured lawns, fountains, and a verandah provide a peaceful retreat. This area is ideal for leisurely walks and social gatherings.
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Cloud Terrace
Sitting at the highest levels, the Cloud Terrace offers unparalleled views of the city and features a pillarless ballroom—one of the highest in Singapore. This space is a prime location for exclusive events and gatherings.
Each terrace not only serves as a leisure space for guests but also plays a functional role in cross-ventilating the building, ensuring that interiors remain cool in Singapore’s tropical climate.
Pioneering Sustainability
The Pan Pacific Orchard goes beyond aesthetics with its strong focus on sustainability.
The hotel has integrated multiple eco-friendly elements, earning it Singapore’s Green Mark Platinum certification—the nation’s highest environmental accolade. Key features include:
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Rooftop Solar Panels
These panels generate renewable energy, reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint.
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Rainwater Harvesting
Water collected from rainfall is used for irrigation across the building’s gardens.
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On-site Biodigester
This system processes food waste, minimizing the hotel’s environmental impact.
The building’s green plot ratio exceeds 300%, meaning the total amount of greenery is three times the size of the building’s footprint, further emphasizing its commitment to the environment.
Vertical Urbanism: Maximizing Space and Sustainability
CTBUH praised the Pan Pacific Orchard as a prime example of responsible vertical urbanism.
This architectural approach prioritizes maximizing urban space while incorporating environmentally sustainable elements.
In a densely populated area like Orchard Road, these green terraces and open-air spaces provide a refreshing alternative to the concrete jungle of urban skyscrapers.
Architects from WOHA emphasized that the Pan Pacific Orchard is designed not just as a building, but as a “green lung” within the city, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the quality of urban life.
By blending cutting-edge design with ecological mindfulness, the hotel honors Singapore’s legacy as a “garden city.”
Conclusion: A New Era in High-Rise Design
The Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel sets a new benchmark for skyscrapers globally, demonstrating that towering structures can coexist harmoniously with nature.
It offers a glimpse into the future of urban development, where sustainability and green living take center stage.
As Singapore continues to lead in biophilic architecture, Pan Pacific Orchard stands as a shining example of how cities can evolve without sacrificing their connection to the natural world.