SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse Wins ULI Asia Pacific Award for Excellence

DP Architects is pleased to announce that SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse has been selected as one of the 14 winners across seven countries for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence. Held on 28^th May in Hong Kong, the award recognises outstanding developments in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on excellence across disciplines as well as impact on the environment and communities. Envisioned as a comprehensive development that addresses its natural and social context, this recognition is a testament to SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse’s commitment to sustainable and community-centric design.

Acting as a condenser and activator for the community, SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse is the first SAFRA clubhouse located within a park and aptly embodies the core themes of nature and active living. In alignment with DPA’s Green-Well-Tech (GWT) thrust, the Clubhouse harmonises three key elements of the development – nature, fitness and community – in its spatial and design strategies that prioritise sustainability and wellness. Adopting a whole-of-carbon approach, green technologies including photovoltaic (PV) panels, high-efficiency water-cooled chiller plant and automatic zonal dimmers are integrated into the design, generating renewable energy and maximising potential energy efficiency for overall life-cycle energy savings.

Porosity of the building massing is key to the clubhouse’s connection with surrounding nature. Oriented around the central courtyard, the building’s porous layout maximises natural light and ventilation. This is complemented by the strategic placement of planters that serve to mitigate wind-driven rain penetration into the compound while allowing for the harnessing of rainwater.  The confluence of nature, community and lifestyle is elevated with spaces that connect to the surrounding greenery and pedestrianised networks. With the incorporation of nature into the clubhouse, communal spaces featuring extensive biophilic elements offer a restorative experience for visitors.

Through a holistic approach that integrates green thinking and people-centric principles, SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse fosters a closer community, promoting the health and wellbeing of users. Read the full design story in Design in Print Vol. 14.1.