Delivering a sustainable mixed-use precinct in Singapore’s north

Optimising circulation of pedestrians and vehicles

We collaborated with JTC and lead consultant Aedas on the masterplan, completely reimagining the original design. Roads and vehicle access were moved underground, with ramps around the perimeter allowing vehicles to descend. The underground spaces are interconnected, creating a fluid flow for movement of vehicles.

Each cluster of buildings shares a common car park and loading dock, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and maximising space.

With commercial vehicles relocated to the underground network, the ground level is dedicated to pedestrian and cyclist-friendly streets. To optimise pedestrian flow, we conducted MassMotion pedestrian simulations, using agent-based models to identify the natural movement patterns and ensure efficient circulation throughout the precinct.

Active mobility corridors facilitate walking and cycling, while abundant blue and green spaces, including catchment ponds and water gardens, enhance the environment.

Additionally, we designed the ground floors of the precinct’s buildings with open spaces and voids, transforming them into public spaces that allow people to walk through the buildings, rather than around them, optimising pedestrian flow.

Creating a sustainable estate

In collaboration with our civil and structural teams, we designed rain gardens focused on sustainable stormwater management and enhancing water quality through natural processes. Rainwater from the roof and courtyard is channelled into the rain gardens, where impurities are filtered through soil layers, and plants absorb soluble nutrients. The purified water is then collected by subsoil pipes and stored in a rainwater harvesting tank for non-potable uses, such as landscape irrigation.

We designed a shared chiller plant for the two pilot industrial buildings to enhance operational efficiency, lower operating costs, and reduce the overall carbon footprint. To predict the cooling load for both buildings, we conducted energy modelling, which enabled us to determine the necessary configuration and specifications for the chiller plant to meet the cooling demands of both buildings at optimal efficiency.

Using digital tools to optimise building design

We provided civil and structural engineering services for two key developments within the precinct: the nine-storey 1 North Coast and the eight-storey 7 North Coast.

To select the most appropriate materials for both buildings, we conducted detailed digital design studies, considering each structure’s intended use and load-bearing requirements. We determined that a steel frame would be ideal for the 1 North Coast building, as it could efficiently support the building’s load while reducing on-site labour. For the 7 North Coast building, we adopted a concrete frame using precast elements. Unlike traditional cast in-situ construction, precast elements are fabricated off-site in a controlled factory environment, making it more environmentally friendly. Excess raw materials are recycled, moulds are reused, and air quality is monitored.

To ensure a seamless connection to the future shared cooling plant, our designs included connections to utility infrastructure, including chilled water pipes.