Slated to launch in the second quarter of 2018 on Cecil Street, Frasers Tower is composed of a 38-storey office block, an adjacent three-storey retail podium and a park of its own that connects to the vicinity’s public park. “The combination of the park and the existing urban context formed the key parameters from which the design took its inspiration,” says Tan Chee Kiang, Director of DP Architects – the appointed architects who beat seven other international firms to design the development.

Lush gardens unify the towering office block and cascading retail podium. Promoting collaboration and interaction amongst tenants, four community zones are integrated within the development. They include a rooftop garden with panoramic views of the city (The Sky); a communal gathering spot within the office tower on level four (The Terrace); a F&B retail podium with a roof garden (The Oasis); and an in-house park that links to the Telok Ayer Park (The Park), generating an uplifting work-play ambience throughout the development. “The outdoor enclaves are set to encourage office tenants to work beyond their office walls, encouraging a relaxed working culture in a garden setting,” says Tan. Catering to the needs of future tenants, events such as small-scale parties or town hall gatherings can be hosted within these zones.

Responding to new working methods, DP Architects devised column-free and regularly-shaped office units that range between 20,000 square feet to 22,000 square feet, appealing to various user types, be it large multinational companies or smaller start-ups, who can customise the offices to match their needs. “Recent trends have shown that there is a growing need to provide flexibility to allow for efficient and effective spatial planning, and cater to the various workplace styles, such as co-sharing of spaces that many technology companies have adapted,” explains Tan. The flexibility of the infrastructure will also enable tenants to opt for interconnecting levels for the separation of departments or go for scalable open offices that accommodate up to 300 staff members on each storey.

Apart from the sky gardens and terraces that help mitigate urban heat naturally, the integrated greenery will be irrigated with recycled rainwater. Other environmentally-friendly features include a double-glazed façade that reinforces thermal comfort; floor-to-ceiling glass windows for maximum daylight; recycled materials used in non-structural components; energy-efficient lifts and light fittings. Furthermore, a secured bicycle parking facility will be provided with end-of-trip amenities such as lockers and shower rooms to encourage people to cycle to work.

Renderings by VMW Group, courtesy of DP Architects