Social impact hub Temasek Shophouse will open its new outdoor community space to the public on March 14, nearly six months after the official opening of the main building. The new outdoor space supports biodiversity while creating accessible spaces for environmental learning and public participation.
Located near the Dhoby Ghaut end of Orchard Road, the 6,400 sqm Temasek Shophouse is home to the Temasek Trust ecosystem and like-minded co-working partners. The launch of the outdoor space marks the completion of a multi-year transformation that conjoined four adjacent units — 16, 22, 28 and 32 Orchard Road.
“With our transformation now complete, we are better-positioned to support changemakers and deepen public engagement in social and environmental impact,” says Yvonne Tay, CEO of Temasek Shophouse. “The enhanced Temasek Shophouse will allow us to test and refine sustainable urban design concepts within a conserved heritage setting.”
Originally built in the early 1900s, the shophouses that form Temasek Shophouse were once home to heritage landmarks such as the Malayan Motors showroom and Midfilm House.
To guide the adaptive reuse of the site, Temasek Shophouse developed a holistic sustainability framework with both SJ Group’s Sustainability & Resilience Office and environmental design consultancy Atelier Ten. The latter is a member company of SJ Group, formerly known as Surbana Jurong.
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In practice, this involved “carefully retaining” the original shophouses’ architecture while retrofitting the existing structures, “significantly reducing” embodied carbon and construction waste, according to Temasek Shophouse.
Solar panels offset part of the building’s energy demand, while rainwater is harvested to reduce potable water use. A hybrid cooling system, coupled with ceiling fans and carbon dioxide sensors, continuously monitors the occupancy and indoor air quality. This allows for airflow and cooling to adjust in real time, maintaining comfort without wasting energy.
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With these features in place, Temasek Shophouse is expected to achieve up to 47% energy savings, exceeding the current Singapore Super Low Energy standard of 40% energy savings.
Temasek Shophouse is on track to become Singapore’s first heritage shophouse to achieve the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy certification.
The framework also guides the design of outdoor space. In collaboration with design firm Henning Larsen, courtyards have been reimagined as green social spaces, while mature trees on site have been preserved.
Timber from older or diseased trees have been repurposed into furniture and fixtures, reducing material waste.
Across the outdoors, fully native planting was prioritised to support biodiversity and ecological resilience. The landscape design also incorporates elements that support rainwater management, while creating usable community space.
Partnerships with corporates
The sustainability efforts are bolstered by strategic partnerships with organisations such as Sembcorp and Fullerton Fund Management.
Temasek Shophouse’s multi-year partnership with Sembcorp focuses on applying decarbonisation solutions across its premises by drawing on Sembcorp’s capabilities in renewable energy and decarbonisation.
In addition, the community farm by Fullerton Fund Management at Temasek Shophouse will engage the wider community to embrace sustainable living through greater awareness of local produce.
Through workshops, community farm tours, regular farmers’ markets and an upcoming farm-to-table experience with F&B tenant Bibik Violet featuring produce from the community farm, the public are invited to connect, learn and support local producers.
Photos: Temasek Shophouse
