Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel: The World’s Best New Skyscraper
The 23-storey Pan Pacific Orchard hotel, located in Singapore’s renowned shopping district, has been crowned as the world’s best new skyscraper. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon the magnificent structure by The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), a respected non-profit organisation that serves as the global authority on skyscrapers.
Award-Winning Design
- The Pan Pacific Orchard stands tall at 140 meters and officially opened its doors in June 2023.
- It not only clinched the title of the best new skyscraper but also secured three additional awards, including the best tall building between 100m and 199m in height.
- The awards were announced at a conference held in London and Paris from Sept 23 to 27, showcasing the hotel’s exceptional architectural prowess.
Responsible Vertical Urbanism
The council’s chief executive, Javier Quintana de Una, praised the Pan Pacific Orchard for embodying the essence of responsible vertical urbanism. This concept emphasizes the vertical development of urban spaces, such as skyscrapers, to maximize land use efficiently.
The hotel’s design seamlessly integrates greenery, paying homage to Singapore’s heritage while advancing sustainable urban development in a dense, urban environment.
Sustainability Features
- The Pan Pacific Orchard is committed to reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste through innovative measures.
- Solar panels power the common areas, rainwater is harvested for irrigation purposes, and food waste is processed using an on-site biodigester.
Architectural Marvel
Designed by the esteemed Woha Architects based in Singapore, the 350-room hotel’s design concept harmoniously blends the island’s four distinct environments – forest, beach, garden, and cloud – into a single breathtaking structure.
Unique Terraces
Each terrace within the hotel offers a unique experience:
- Forest Terrace: Guests are welcomed into a lobby adorned with soaring trees, creating a serene forest-like ambiance.
- Beach Terrace: Features emerald pools, a sandy “beachfront” with palm trees, providing a tropical escape within the city.
- Garden Terrace: Boasts a manicured garden, verandah, fountains, and event lawn for a tranquil outdoor experience.
- Cloud Terrace: Offers a pillarless ballroom for hosting “events in the clouds,” making it one of the highest in Singapore.
The Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel stands as a testament to innovative design, sustainability, and responsible urban development, setting new standards in the world of skyscrapers.
Analysis:
The Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel’s recognition as the world’s best new skyscraper highlights the importance of sustainable urban development and responsible vertical urbanism in modern architecture. By integrating green technologies and innovative design features, the hotel not only showcases exceptional aesthetic appeal but also sets a precedent for future construction projects to prioritize environmental consciousness and efficiency.
Furthermore, the hotel’s commitment to minimizing energy consumption, water usage, and waste serves as a model for sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. This demonstrates how businesses can adopt eco-friendly solutions without compromising on luxury or comfort for guests.
Overall, the Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel’s award-winning design and sustainability initiatives serve as an inspiration for the construction industry to prioritize environmental stewardship and social responsibility in creating iconic structures that benefit both communities and the planet.