Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel: World’s Best New Skyscraper

In a remarkable achievement, the Pan Pacific Orchard hotel has been named the world's best new skyscraper, emerging victorious in a prestigious competition hosted by The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Located in Singapore’s bustling shopping district, this 23-storey architectural marvel was recognized for its innovative design and sustainable practices.

At 140 meters tall, the Pan Pacific Orchard, which opened in June 2023, didn't just stop at one accolade. It also clinched three additional awards, including the title of best tall building in the category for structures between 100m and 199m. This illustrious announcement was made during a week-long conference held in London and Paris from September 23 to 27.

Javier Quintana de Una, the chief executive of CTBUH, praised the hotel, stating it “represents the best of responsible vertical urbanism today.” This concept emphasizes maximizing land use through the vertical development of urban spaces, a crucial approach in densely populated areas.

The Pan Pacific Orchard stands out not only for its impressive height but also for its commitment to sustainability. The hotel incorporates lush greenery throughout its design, paying homage to Singapore's reputation as a "City in a Garden." Its design harmoniously blends the island’s natural environments—forest, beach, garden, and cloud—creating an immersive experience for guests.

Guests stepping into the Forest Terrace are greeted by a breathtaking lobby adorned with towering trees. They can enjoy a unique swimming experience in emerald pools or relax on a sandy “beachfront” overlooking swaying palms in the Beach Terrace section. The Garden Terrace features a meticulously landscaped garden, while the Cloud Terrace showcases one of Singapore’s highest pillarless ballrooms, providing an exceptional venue for events that feel like they're held among the clouds.

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its energy and resource management. Solar panels electrify common areas, rainwater is harvested for irrigation, and food waste is processed using an on-site biodigester. It boasts a remarkable green plot ratio of over 300%, demonstrating its extensive landscaped areas compared to its overall footprint.

This remarkable achievement complements the environmental accolades already earned by the Pan Pacific Orchard. In 2020, it was awarded the Green Mark Platinum, Singapore's highest environmental certification, recognizing its adherence to exceptional sustainability practices.

It’s noteworthy that Asian skyscrapers performed exceptionally well at the CTBUH awards, with Malaysia’s iconic Petronas Towers receiving the Global Icon award and China’s Greenland Hangzhou Century Centre being named Asia’s best tall building.

As we look towards the future, the architecture firm Woha, which designed the Pan Pacific Orchard, is set to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable urban architecture. Known for their prior accolades, which include awards for the Kampung Admiralty and the Oasia Hotel Downtown, their visionary designs continue to set the standard for eco-friendly skyscrapers worldwide.

In a city where urban greenery is a paramount concern, the Urban Redevelopment Authority has emphasized the importance of integrating nature into urban environments. Yap Lay Bee, the group director of architecture and urban design, highlighted a national strategy of partnering with developers and architects to create buildings that incorporate vertical greenery.

The Pan Pacific Orchard hotel is not just a place to stay; it represents a visionary step into the future of urban living, combining luxury with sustainability in the heart of Singapore. Keep your eyes on this stunning skyscraper as it redefines what it means to live in harmony with nature!