Architecture

Pan Pacific Orchard Awarded World’s Best Tall Building Worldwide for Sustainable Innovation

The Pan Pacific Orchard, a striking 23-storey skyscraper located in Singapore's vibrant Orchard Road district, has recently garnered international acclaim by being awarded the title of Best Tall Building Worldwide by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) in 2024. Designed by the innovative architecture studio WOHA, this building exemplifies a pioneering approach to integrating nature into urban environments, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable high-rise structures.

The Concept of a "Hotel in Nature"

The Pan Pacific Orchard redefines conventional high-rise architecture with its emphasis on incorporating greenery throughout its structure. The building features 350 luxurious rooms and four expansive planted terraces, seamlessly merging urban luxury with an eco-friendly design ethos. These terraces are thoughtfully integrated into the building’s form and promote biodiversity, while also offering guests a unique outdoor experience amidst the urban skyline. This harmonious blend of nature and architecture creates what can be described as a “hotel in nature,” allowing visitors to enjoy lush greenery without leaving the comforts of their accommodations.

Innovative Design Recognized by CTBUH

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat awarded the Pan Pacific Orchard for its groundbreaking concept, which transforms the traditional skyscraper into a vertical green oasis. The building achieves a remarkable green plot ratio of over 300 percent, underlining its commitment to sustainability. This impressive metric not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also aligns with Singapore’s broader environmental goals, contributing positively to the city’s urban landscape.

Themed Terraces: A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Green Architecture

Completed in 2024, the Pan Pacific Orchard is divided into four distinct six-storey sections, each featuring its own themed terrace: Forest, Beach, Garden, and Cloud. These terraces are designed to offer guests immersive outdoor spaces, encouraging relaxation and connection with nature. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in reducing the building’s energy consumption through natural ventilation and shading.

The architectural design incorporates plant-covered columns at the corners of the building, which not only enhance visual appeal but also support Singapore’s biodiversity initiatives by creating additional green spaces in the urban environment. This integration of flora is more than an aesthetic choice; it functions to improve the building's efficiency and serves as part of a larger strategy to incorporate nature into the urban fabric.

A Commitment to Sustainability

The approach taken by WOHA in the design of the Pan Pacific Orchard reflects a broader vision for urban sustainability. According to Mun Summ Wong, the founding director of WOHA, "We believe in creating living buildings that are integrated with nature and the urban fabric." This philosophy is evident in the Pan Pacific Orchard, demonstrating that skyscrapers can serve dual purposes: they can function as practical spaces for living and working while simultaneously acting as environmental assets in densely populated cities.

By incorporating green terraces and emphasizing a reduction in environmental impact, the Pan Pacific Orchard aligns with Singapore’s long-term sustainability goals. This design strategy supports the city-state's commitment to eco-friendly urban development, highlighting the importance of integrating natural elements into high-rise living.

Global Recognition for Architectural Innovation

In addition to winning the prestigious title of Best Tall Building Worldwide, the Pan Pacific Orchard also claimed the accolade of Best Tall Building 100-199 Meters at the CTBUH awards. This dual recognition showcases a significant shift toward environmentally responsible skyscraper designs on a global scale.

Other notable winners at the CTBUH awards included One Za'abeel in Dubai, recognized as the Best Tall Building in the Middle East and Africa, and the Brooklyn Tower by SHoP Architects in New York City, which received accolades for being the Best Tall Building 300 Meters and Above. Among these distinguished projects, the Pan Pacific Orchard stands out due to its unique fusion of luxury hospitality and eco-conscious design.