Singapore’s ‘Hotel in Nature’ Receives Recognition as the World’s Best Tall Building
## Pan Pacific Orchard: An Eco-Friendly Urban Retreat in the Core of Singapore
Singapore is a city celebrated for its striking skyscrapers and innovative urban planning. Among the contemporary wonders enhancing its skyline is **Pan Pacific Orchard**, an extraordinary new hotel that has intrigued both visitors and the architectural community. Recently, Pan Pacific Orchard received the acclaimed title of **“Best Tall Building Worldwide”** from the *Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat* (CTBUH). This honor not only showcases the hotel’s exceptional aesthetics and design ingenuity but also highlights its impressive dedication to sustainability.
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### A New Chapter in Urban Design
At the core of this initiative is the imaginative vision of the Singapore-based architectural firm WOHA, recognized for their efforts to harmonize nature with high-density living. Aligning with their philosophy of creating **“living buildings,”** WOHA conceived Pan Pacific Orchard around the idea of a **“hotel in nature,”** departing from the traditional “tower on a podium” approach.
Rather than a singular vertical structure, Pan Pacific Orchard features four breathtaking **terraced sky gardens** that act as open-air, self-sustaining ecosystems. By integrating these vibrant green areas, WOHA presents a revitalized interpretation of urban architecture that connects people with nature.
Each terrace boasts unique themes—**forest, beach, garden, and cloud**—providing guests with distinctive atmospheres on various levels of the hotel. These terraces facilitate a profound interaction with nature, even amidst the bustling Orchard Road shopping district of Singapore.
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### Four Sky Terraces: An Exploration of Nature
**1. Forest Terrace:**
Situated at ground level, this verdant space is the most prominent to passersby. It showcases dense foliage and a breathtaking cascading water feature, acting as a tranquil oasis within Singapore’s urban environment. The forest terrace invites guests with immediate access to nature, establishing the mood for an immersive experience within.
**2. Beach Terrace:**
One level up, the beach terrace enchants guests with a sanctuary of peace and calm. A lagoon-style pool is framed by palm trees, presenting a tropical getaway in the heart of the city. This area embodies the spirit of a vacation, with sun-soaked lounges and welcoming waters for a refreshing escape.
**3. Garden Terrace:**
The garden terrace invites guests to wander along tastefully maintained pathways, where they can relish the beauty of various plants. This terrace also serves as an event space, making it ideal for gatherings or private moments surrounded by nature while taking in views of the Singaporean skyline.
**4. Cloud Terrace:**
On the top level, the cloud terrace provides expansive and unobstructed views of the city. Designed to evoke a sense of floating above urban life, it offers a distinctive setting for special occasions or leisurely, contemplative strolls through a peaceful landscape in the sky.
Beyond their aesthetic and functional qualities, these terraces serve a greater purpose: they aid in alleviating Singapore’s tropical warmth by improving natural ventilation and lessening reliance on mechanical cooling systems. This biophilic strategy democratizes access to nature while reinforcing the hotel’s alignment with Singapore’s sustainability objectives.
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### A Design Focused on Sustainability
The eco-friendly design of Pan Pacific Orchard permeates from its garden-laden terraces to nearly every aspect of the hotel’s infrastructure. The incorporation of greenery enhances air quality, diminishes noise pollution, and aligns with Singapore’s **”City in a Garden”** philosophy—striving for the seamless blending of nature with urban life.
Innovative climate-responsive architecture minimizes energy consumption through natural ventilation, reducing dependence on artificial cooling systems—critical in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. The building fulfills dual roles: as a sustainable entity and a luxurious hospitality venue.
“**We believe in crafting living buildings that are intertwined with nature and the urban fabric of the cities they inhabit, and Pan Pacific Orchard embodies our dedication to developing for both individuals and the planet,**” stated *Mun Summ Wong*, Founding Director of WOHA, in response to the global recognition the hotel has garnered.
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### A Comprehensive Experience at Every Level
Pan Pacific Orchard’s 347 rooms are crafted to immerse guests in the hotel’s philosophy of holistic luxury intertwined with nature. Featuring balconies overlooking the expansive gardens, the rooms are designed with the same focus on sustainability and harmony that characterizes the entire skyscraper.
While residing in one of Singapore’s most vibrant districts, guests can experience a peaceful sanctuary with views of flourishing greenery, positioning Pan Pacific Orchard as a **wellness-focused retreat** in a dense urban setting.
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### Setting the Standard for Sustainable Skyscrapers
The hotel’s recognition as the **“Best Tall Building Worldwide”** by the CTBUH underscores its noteworthy influence on transforming skyscraper design in densely populated megacities.