An increasing number of developers in the region are exploring smart building technology and taking advantage of advances in data analysis, VR, AR and AI – often to allow for a more sustainable way of living. This year, for its Asia Property Awards Singapore, PropertyGuru introduced a new category to cater to this interest.

The ‘Best Smart Building Development’ award has two nominees: JadeScape by Qingjian Realty (Marymount) Pte Ltd and Le Quest by Qingjian Realty (BBR) Pte Ltd. The winner, along with the winners of the numerous other categories, will be announced tonight (Friday 12 October 2018) at a ceremony at Marina Bay Sands.

Jury Chairperson for the 2018 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Singapore, Lim Wenhui – a Partner at SPARK and the first female Jury Chairperson for the PropertyGuru awards – says the judges are impressed by the entries this year. Lim has been on the PropertyGuru awards jury in Singapore for four years. “The judges feel it’s important to review the categories each year to keep up with the changing needs and trends in society,” she says. A second new award category in 2018 caters to refurbishment and reconstruction – “because there are so many of these projects,” says Lim.

Smart buildings, she says, constitute an expanding yet challenging area in Singapore because of developer concerns and the circumstances of some projects. But there is growing interest and she looks forward to seeing the development of a stronger smart building culture here, as she has witnessed in China through SPARK’s projects.

Quzhou Master Plan

One such project – a master plan for a new centre in third-tier city Quzhou – incorporates smart technology to monitor everything from traffic conditions to tourist engagement and water quality. SPARK’s design concept proposes a zero-carbon island between a new high-speed rail line and the old city centre. Roads are positioned underground to allow for the more substantial preservation of the natural environment. Renewable energy production and water recycling and collection have been designed into a system of green infrastructure that supports the new buildings in the city centre. An interactive app will engage residents and tourists with insights into the natural life in the area.

Quzhou Yanjiayu – Exploration Of Art Zone

“In China, smart building technology is readily available. Its implementation is a matter of whether or not commercial developers are willing to apply it,” says Lim. In Singapore, she notes, the government has the greatest power to implement smart building technology. But that hasn’t stopped the creep of smart tech into commercial projects here. Lim notes that many developments in Singapore have already implemented technology such as voice-activated systems and community apps. She looks forward to seeing more projects here incorporating tech such as monitoring systems for energy consumption and safety.