SENTOSA FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
CENTRE TENDER
MIXED-USE, RECREATION, COMMERCIAL
SINGAPORE
SITE AREA: 2,500 SQM
GROSS FLOOR AREA: 5,000 SQM
YEAR: 2020
A technology-themed family attraction situated in lush greenery facing Palawan Beach and the sea.
The concept of integrating nature and technology stems from both the tropical forest locale and the advanced technology rides as well as the positioning of Sentosa as a lush tropical island and Singapore as an innovative experimental hub.
Nature and technology need not be ends of a spectrum. Instead of looking backwards at nature being a form of nostalgic remembrance of an earlier time before rapid urbanization formed concrete jungles for the older generation, both the younger and older generation could look forward to how nature and technology can positively transform our environments through the blurring of boundaries between nature, urban and virtual.
The building comprises three major volumes that curve and swivel to create maximum views to the surrounding features. It embraces the natural landscape around it – sea, beach, forest, and garden at different levels and allows guests to be able to enjoy the views from many vantage points.
The building form is designed to hug and frame the existing heritage trees. The heritage trees are not simply retained but provide focal points to lushly landscaped open public spaces. Vertical gardens hang from the roof canopies to camouflage the building into its green surroundings.
Terracotta is selected as the feature façade wall for its earthy tone and texture which complements them surrounding greenery, and for its durability and maintainability due to the close proximity to sea. The selection also ties back to the concept of technology and nature. Terracotta being a traditional material, is now produced with innovative techniques to bring about a cladding that comes in different shapes, textures, colours and finishes that not only captures the timeless beauty of earth but has transformed itself into a creative and modern material that is both sleek and elegant.
Situated on a sloped topography, the building is designed as interlocking terraced volumes to respect the Sentosa Ridgeline profile as well as minimize cut & fill of the ground. The terraced roofscape are curved to guide the guests visually along the roof gardens, and slanted to create meanders through multiple levels and orientations.
The terracing profile of the building with its resultant shallow depth of the building creates the perfect environment in bringing in natural daylight. The glass facades are orientated to face predominantly south to cut down on heat gain from east and west sun and are also fitted with lightweight canopies with vertical greenery to provide shading from glare.