The part-residential, part-office tower in Singapore was designed by UN Studio. In line with their consistent preocupation with responsive cladding systems, the ’V on Shenton’ tower has a facade that comprises several varying textures that depend on program and Singapore’s climatic conditions. Soft-edged and with a highly detailed envelope, the building communicates with the existing architecture of Singapore’s Central Business District, where the proposed building site is located.
The building breaks to create a lower scale office section – which responds to the contextual heights of similar buildings – while the residential tower rises above to distinguish itself from the neighboring buildings. The massing is lined by chamfers which give a definite edge and frame the building; this line, which appears smooth in contrast to the textured surfaces of the towers, illuminates in the evening.
Using hexagon modules, the design increases the performance of the facades with angles and shading devices that are responsive to the climatic conditions of Singapore. The whole structure becomes a complex interface of constantly changing visual and functional effects, such as colored side lighting and achieving deep texture with the volumetric balconies.
The tower features sky lobbies and a sky garden. Providing spectacular views of the city, they are an integral part of the tower’s sustainability. These lush green spaces provide a refuge from the city with the climate and vegetation naturally providing fresher, cleaner air.