Park Royal Building Science Report

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PARKROYAL ON PICKERING
Location : 3 UpperPickeringStreet,Singapore 058289
Year : 2013
Architect : WOHA
Developer : Pan PacificHotel GroupsLimited
Projecttype : Commercial, Hospitality,Mixed-use,Offices
Area : 29,811 sqm
The hotel has beenawardedthe BCA GreenMark Platinumaward,the highestratingforgreenbuildings
inSingapore foritssustainable design.Itisalsothe recipientof the SolarPioneerAwardasone of the
firstinthe hospitalitysectortointroduce solar-poweredsky-gardenswithsolarcellsthatpower
landscape lighting.
PURPOSE OF BUILDING
Designedasa hotel andoffice ina garden,the projectat UpperPickeringStreetisastudyof how we can
not onlyconserve ourgreeneryinabuilt-uphigh-risecitycentre butmultiplyitina mannerthatis
architecturallystriking,integratedandsustainable.
The buildinghoststwobuildingsof differentfunctions.The EastwinghousesPARKROYALonPickering,
and the NorthWest winghousesthe AttorneyGeneralsChambersoffice.
DESIGN CONCEPT, PHILOSOPHY, INTENTION
A contouredpodium,referredtoastopographical architecture,ismimickedfromterracedplantations
(Figure 1).It issculptedtoformdramatic outdoorplazas,gardensandterraceswhichflow seamlessly
intothe interiors.The crispandstreamlinedtowerblocksharmonizewithsurroundinghigh-rise office
buildings. The snakingbandsof flutedconcrete weave throughthe lengthandbreadthof the podium
withoutinterruption,andwithoutacknowledgmentof the boundariesbetweenexteriorandinterior
(Figure 2)

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Figure 1: Topographical architecture of building.
[Takenby:Wong Yoke Lin]
Figure 2: Topographical architecture weavingthroughthe interior fromthe exteriorandvice versa.

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CERTIFICATIONS
BCA GreenMark Platinum Award (Awarded 2012)
Solar PioneerAward (Awarded2011)
GREEN DESIGN FEATURES
Extensive/vertical greenery
More than 200 percentof the total landarea isconstitutedbyskygardensandlushlandscaping. A
massive skygarden withwaterfeatures iscantileveredateveryfourthlevel betweenthe blocksof guest
rooms(Figure 3).Greeneryfromthe adjoiningparkisdrawnup the buildinginthe formof lushlyplanted
openings,crevasses,gulliesandwaterfalls,whichalsoconceal above groundcarpark (Figure 4),thus
makingthe hotel appearas one continuoussweepof urbanparkland. The interiorof the buildingalso
featuresgreenery,wherebygreenwallsare placedinareassuchas the lobby (Figure 5a) and the
separationgapbetweenhotelrooms(Figure 5b).
Figure 3: Sky gardenscantileveringateveryfourthlevel.
[Source:http://inhabitat.com/tour-the-parkroyal-hotel-singapores-amazing-sky-gardens-and-greenery-
wrapped-towers-photos/parkroyal-singapore-pool/?extend=1]

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Figure 4: Greenerycoveringthe carpark alongthe outside of the building.
[Takenby:DexterNgYou Sheng]
Figure 5a: Greenwall at lobby. Figure 5b: Greenwall at separationgaps.

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Rainwater harvesting
A rainwaterharvestingsystemisimplementedinthe building.The skygardensalsoserve aswater
catchmentsand are ‘zeroenergy’ - irrigatedbyrainwaterharvesting,withagravity-feddripsystem
(Figure 7) poweredbysolarenergyfromphotovoltaiccellsonthe roof.
Harvestedrainwaterisusedthroughout the building’swaterfeatures(Figure 6).One of the usesof the
harvestedrainwaterisforthe wateringof plantswithinthe building.The building’sinteriorwallsare
comprisedpartiallyof greenwalls.The plantsonthe greenwallsare grownonsoil beddingheld
togetherbywire mesh(Figure 7).
Small tubesare connectedtothese wire meshframestoprovide aplant-wateringsystemwhereby
dropletsof waterwill be releasedontothe soil fromtime totime tokeepthe plantswell hydratedinthe
air-conditionedenvironment(Figure7).
Figure 6: Water feature atlobbythat use harvestedrainwater.
[Takenby:Wong Yoke Lin]

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Figure 7: Plantsand soil heldbywire mesh,wateredbysmall tube withgravity-feddripsystem.
Extensive use of natural light
The E-planof the buildingmakesthe surface areaof the buildinglarger,therefore more sunlightis
broughtintothe buildingdue tothe differentanglesthatlightcanpenetrate from.Large windowsand
floor-to-ceilingglasswallsare usedtomaximize the natural lightcomingintothe building.Skylightsare
alsoplacedat each skygardento bringsunlightdowntothe lowerlevels(Figure8).
Figure 8: Skylightatcantileveredskygardens.
[Source:http://inhabitat.com/tour-the-parkroyal-hotel-singapores-amazing-sky-gardens-and-greenery-
wrapped-towers-photos/parkroyal-singapore-pool/?extend=1]

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Sun-shading
The sky gardensthat cantileveroutprovide partial sun-shadingforthe building(Figure3& 9). Refer
passive designelementsforfurtherelaboration.
Figure 9: Partial sun-shading.
[Source:http://www.lioninthewild.com/2014/01/parkroyal-on-pickering.html]
Natural ventilation
The external corridorsateveryfloorare openeduponthe side facingthe adjacentbuilding.Insteadof
usinga wall,the plantsalongthe sidesactas a boundary.Thisprovidesplentyof natural ventilation
(Figure 10).
Figure 10: Corridorwithnatural ventilation.
[Source:http://www.lioninthewild.com/2014/01/parkroyal-on-pickering.html]

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Renewable energy
Photovoltaiccells/solarpanelsare placedonthe roof to make full use of the available energysources.
Sunlightisconvertedintoelectrical energyandpowers reticulationsystemsandsoftscape lightingof the
whole building.
Cobiaz constructiontechnology
Thistechnologylowersconcrete usage andcarbonemissions,enhancingthe buildingenvelope’sthermal
performance,lightingpowerdensityandoverall energyefficiency.
Green Leases for both office tenants and hotel operators
A lease betweenalandlordandtenantof a commercial buildingwhichprovidesobligationsonboth
partiestominimize adverseenvironmental impactinareassuchas energy,waterandwaste.
Dual refuse chutes separatingrecyclable from non-recyclable waste
Recycle binsthatdifferentiatesthe recyclable andnon-recyclable rubbishare placedineveryroomfor
the guestto dispose of theirrubbishwithanenvironmental consciousmind.
Water efficientfittings
Each of the bathroomin the guestroomshave water efficientfittingstosave the usage of water.The
amountof waterdisperse canbe controlled,thussavingquiteahuge sumannually.
Automatic sensorsto regulate energyand water usage
Automaticsensorsare installedtonotonlyto regulate the amountof waterused,butalsoregulating
the energyusedinthe building.
Use of energyefficientLED and T5 type fluorescent lamps
T5 type fluorescentlampshave highefficiencyandhighoutput,ithelpstosave energyandislonglife.
EnergyefficientLEDand T5 type fluorescentlampsare usedthroughoutthe buildingtosave energyas
well asthe cost of electricity.
High efficiencyair-conditioningsystem
The hotel useshighefficiencyair-conditioningsysteminpartsof the hotel where itisnecessary.The use
of thishighefficiencyair-conditioningsystemnotonlysavesthe energyandelectricity,italso saves
quite a sumon the billsasair-consare auto-regulated.

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LOCATION MAP
Figure 11: Location map
Locatedin central Singapore,the site isata junctionbetweenthe Central BusinessDistrictandthe
districtsof ChinatownandClarke Quay,andfacesHong Lim Park (Figure 11).

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ELEVATIONS
SECTIONS
Section A-A

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Climate Data
Chart 1
Chart 1 showsthe climate summaryof Singapore duringthe year2011. The temperature inSingapore is
quite constantas itdoesnot have a rapidchange intemperature.The maximumtemperature recordedis
34 degree Celsiusandthe minimumtemperature is22degree Celsius.However,the average temperature
inSingapore isaround27 degree Celsiuswhichisclose tothe comforttemperature accordingto
Malaysian Standard 1525.

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Relative Humidity
Chart 2
Chart 2 statesaverage relative humidityof Singapore duringthe year2011. Accordingto the statistic,the
highesthumidityrecordedisabove 50km/hwhichstands75% of the average relative humidity,anditonly
takesplace at the South-Westdirection.Onthe otherhand,the lowesthumidityrecordedisbelow
10km/h whichtookup 95% of the average relative humidityforall directions.Due tothe tropical climate
of Singapore,the average relativehumidityisinbetween45% to95%, andit didnot go below 45%
accordingto the chart above.

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Wind Studies
Chart 3
The chart 3 above showsthe windfrequencyof Singapore fromthe 1st
of January to the 31st
of
December2011. Accordingto the chart, the highestwindfrequencyhappensinall directionswhichare
lessthan38 hours; the lowestwindfrequencyhappensatthe Northdirectionwhichismore than381
hours.It can be concludedthatthe windfrequency isthe highestatthe North-Eastdirectionandlowest
at the South-Westdirection.Therefore,the architectof ParkRoyal hotel designedthe buildingfacing
North-Eastfinorderto have maximumairventilation.The architectalsodesignsthe walkwaytothe
hotel roomsto be openinorderto enjoynatural air ventilation.

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SUN PATH ANALYSIS
SUN PATH 2nd
APRIL0900
Figure 11
Figure 11 shows the sun path on 2nd of April 0900. During that time, 50% of the highest floor
facing North-East is shaded and the floors below the 14th floor facing North-East side are20%
shaded. The north facing side of the building is 75% shaded due to the sun path.

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SUN PATH 2nd
APRIL1200
Figure 12
Figure 12 shows the sun path on 2nd of April 1200. During that time, the north facing side of the
building is completely shaded.

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SUN PATH 2nd
APRIL1600
Figure 13
Figure 13 shows the sun path on 2nd of April 1600. During that time, 100% of all floors facing
North-East are completely exposed to sunlight. The hotel has minimal shaded surfaces during
that time.

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SUN PATH 21st
JUNE 0900
Figure 14
Figure 14 shows the sun path on 21st of June 0900. During that time, 95% of the building
surfaces facing north are completely shaded and 40% of the surfaces facing North-East are
shaded.

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SUN PATH 21st
JUNE 1200
Figure 15
Figure 15 shows the sun path on 21st of June 1200. During that time, 97% of all floors facing
north are completely shaded and the surfaces facing North-East is 25% shaded.

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SUN PATH 21st
JUNE 1600
Figure 16
Figure 16 shows the sun path on 21st of June 1600. During that time, 100% of the surfaces
facing North-East is expose to sunlight, and 98% of the surfaces facing the north side is exposed
to sunlight.

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These sun path diagrams can be concluded that the total surface area shaded in June is higher
than in April. Due to the expose of sunlight towards the building on the North-East side, the
architect designed the building such that the open air walkways of the hotel rooms are
indented and are blocked by the 3 extruded parts of the building. During 1600, the surface of
the building facing North-East is 100% expose to sunlight. To overcome this problem, extended
garden is design at the North-East side of the building to provide extra shades to the building.

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2 Main PassiveDesign Features
a) Ventilation
- Naturally Ventilated corridors
Corridors are open and ventilated where the hotel rooms are, to promote natural ventilation.
Building is constantly ventilated, does not require much energy on air-conditioning system at
the open hallways and corridors.
Figure 17
[Source:http://www.dezeen.com/2013/10/10/parkroyal-on-pickering-by-woha]
The front facade of the buildingandthe roof gardensare facingnorth.It isprevailing inthe directionof
the wind.The hotel isdesignedinawaysuch that its orientationistoreceive more windventilation
throughoutthe building.
Figure 18
[Source: http://www.tierradesign.com.sg/project-parkroyal-hotel.php]

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Diagram 1
Plan view of hotel with direction of air ventilation

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Section A-A
Diagram 2
Showing the wind ventilation in the section of the hotel building.

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- Open roof/ Sky garden
The swimming pool at level 5 has an open roof concept. This is to promote natural ventilation
along the whole floor. No air-conditioning is used on the whole floor and this saves quite a lot
of electricity as a whole annually.
Figure 19: The openroof swimmingpool/Jacuzzi
Figure 20: The openroof swimmingdeckwhere guestwill be able toenjoythe nightviewof the city,
Hong LimPark.

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Park royal has an open roof sky garden. The function of the sky garden is as a lounge that serves
drinks to the guest. It fully depends on natural ventilation of the building. Wind mainly blows
from the north, but there are wind blowing from all directions. It keeps the sky garden cool and
ventilated. The sky roof garden itself saves a large amount of sum annually.
Figure 21
[Source: http://cosmone.com/life/destination-and-travel/parkroyal-pickering#ad-image-15]

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b) Sun shading
Park royal on Pickering has also a natural passive design feature that shades the building from
the sun. Not only does the building have features that shade some part of itself from the sun,
the neighboring context also plays a vital role in sun-shading.
As shade is cast at an urban level, by SOM’s One George Street in the morning and by public
housing blocks in the afternoon, sunscreens are unnecessary on the facade, which is plainly
rendered in a dark reflective glass intended to fade into the sky.
By itself, Park royal has also features of sun-shading. It has managed to include the use of
- Extensive greenery and natural lighting into the overall design of the hotel.
The greeneries that are found on the floors of the hotel are for sun shading purposes. It
helps to block some of the sunlight that penetrates to the walkway to the hotel rooms.
These would make the walkways bright yet sun-shaded.
The greeneries helps to absorb the sunlight and provides more oxygen along the
walkway for the guest of the hotel. A cooler walkway is achieved by planting the
greeneries along the walkway corridor.
Sketch 1.1
A sketchof the extensive
greeneriesusedbythe hotel
for sun-shadingpurposes
Sketch 1.2
A sketchof the exterior
corridorof the hotel park
royal on the groundfloor.

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- Park royal uses double glazed low-E glass.
Glass used in double glazing window for thermal insulation is known as Low E, or low-
emissivity glass. It has a transparent metallic coating that works in two ways to
economize heating energy. The dual action coating reflects heat back into the room,
whilst allowing heat and light from the sun (known as passive solar heat gain) to pass
through.
Diagram 3
The position where the sun shines upon, and the position where low-E glass are being used.
Figure 22
The natural greeneries
alongsidewaysalsoserves
to give shade tothe
corridor.

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The reasonlow-Eglassare usedonboth sides of the eastand westside istolowerthe heatgain inthe
interiorbutalsokeepingthe viewof the exteriorsurroundingcontext. The low-Eglassfunctionsto
reduce the heatfrom penetratinginfromthe exterior.
Sectionof a low-Eglassand howdoesitwork
Figure 23
The low-Eglassnot onlyreducedthe heatcapturedinthe interiorof the building,itisalsorelatively
lightandtransparent,givingasense of airy-nesstothe building.

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Summary Chart
Below is a summary of the passive design features used in the building mentioned, Park Royal
on Pickering, Singapore. The following design strategy has been used by the building to aid in
the passive design aspect (sun-shading and ventilation) of the building.
No. Building Science Aspect Design Strategy
1. Sun shading Extensive greenery and natural lighting
Double glazed low-E glass
2. Ventilation Open roof/ Sky garden
Naturally Ventilated corridors
Diagram 4
The area of passive design features used in the building.

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REFERENCES
ArchDaily,2013. PARKROYALonPickering.[online] Availableat:
http://www.archdaily.com/363164/parkroyal-on-pickering-woha-2/ [Accessed5May 2014]
Architect’sJournal,2013. GreenGiant: ParkRoyal byWOHA.[online] Availableat:
http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/green-giant-parkroyal-by-woha/8655579.article [Accessed
5 May 2014]
BetterBuildingsPartnership,NA.GreenLeases.[online] Available at:
http://www.betterbuildingspartnership.co.uk/working-groups/green-leases/ [Accessed5May 2014]
Building&ConstructionAuthority,2013. BCA GREEN MARK PLATINUMBUILDINGS (SINGAPORE).
[online] Available at: http://www.bca.gov.sg/newsroom/others/pr11092013_IGBCA.pdf [Accessed5
May 2014]
Inhabitat,2014. Tour the PARKROYALHotel Singapore'sSurreal SkyGardensandGreenery-Wrapped
Towers.[online] Available at: http://inhabitat.com/tour-the-parkroyal-hotel-singapores-amazing-sky-
gardens-and-greenery-wrapped-towers-photos/parkroyal-singapore-pool/?extend=1
[Accessed5May 2014].
Lionin the Wild,2014. ParkRoyal onPickering.[online] Available at:
http://www.lioninthewild.com/2014_01_01_archive.html [Accessed5May 2014]
PUB, Singapore’sNationalWaterAgency,2010. NEWater.[online] Availableat:
http://www.pub.gov.sg/water/newater/Pages/default.aspx [Accessed5May 2014].

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