Inside Singapore Airlines’ New First Class SilverKris Lounge

The Singapore Airlines lounge refurbishment called for the transformation of a flagship space within one of the world’s busiest airports, all while keeping daily operations uninterrupted.

The completed entryway marks the transition from terminal to lounge. Behind the surface lies weeks of precise coordination to replace panels within an active transit area while maintaining passenger flow.

Working within a live terminal introduced a dual challenge. Every activity had to meet the airline’s expectations while complying with airport safety and security requirements. Tight working windows for demolition and noisy works, controlled logistics, and constant coordination were essential to maintaining flow in a space that never truly sleeps.

Working Within a Live Airport Environment

Delivering the First Class SilverKris Lounge refurbishment at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 meant working within one of the world’s busiest transit hubs. Naturally every activity, from material delivery to on-site coordination, had to take place amid constant passenger movement and heightened security.

Unlike a standard interior fit-out, work in live construction environments offers no margin for disruption. With restricted access and limited working hours for noisy works, schedules were adjusted daily to align with terminal operations, ensuring continuous comfort for both travellers and staff.

Dust control, noise management, and clear hoarding layouts kept the construction invisible to the public. This sensitivity to the environment shaped how teams sequenced trades, isolated work zones, and managed communication on-site.

The Singapore Airlines project team together with Project Innovation provided constant alignment between operational and design priorities. Working alongside ONG&ONG on architecture and interiors, IMMORTAL on wayfinding, and I.EM Engineering Consultants on M&E, we ensured that every decision balanced safety and buildability. Specialist partners such as Sangster Design, Sound Zipper, and Ignesis Consultants added depth in kitchen design, acoustics, and fire safety, allowing each system to integrate seamlessly.

Managing Complex Works Within a Busy Transit Area

Executing the lounge refurbishment within Changi Airport’s operational terminal demanded foresight, sequencing, and coordination at every level. Each stage presented unique constraints that had to be resolved without halting progress.

Installing the 20-Metre Batik Wall

Cantilever scaffolding installed above Level 1 of the terminal allows for the safe replacement of glass panels, ensuring uninterrupted passenger flow and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the transit area.

The transformation began with one of the most complex elements: a 20-metre Batik Wall defining the new identity of the First Class SilverKris Lounge. To replace the existing glass panels, our team designed and installed cantilever scaffolding above the Level 1 transit area. Every component was fixed with care to allow safe removal and reinstatement of panels while maintaining uninterrupted passenger flow below. As each section of the wall was completed, affected stone finishes were carefully reinstated to their original condition, restoring the terminal’s appearance even as works progressed.

Now fully installed, the 20-metre Batik Wall stands where cantilever scaffolding once hovered above Level 1. Each glass panel was replaced in stages, revealing the final feature that defines the lounge’s identity.

Safety remained the first priority. Hoarding enclosed the area to separate works from the terminal’s activity. Installation was completed in stages to make use of limited access hours and avoid interference with airport operations.

Constructing the Bar’s Feature Ceiling and Lighting

The sculptural bar ceiling, once supported by a concealed framework of distributed loads and hidden reinforcement, now serves as the visual centrepiece.

At the centre of the lounge, the bar ceiling was designed as a sculptural feature with integrated LED lighting that traced the inner edges of concentric rings. Supporting the weight of the structure required careful load distribution and concealed reinforcement.

The engineering team constructs a support system, combining technical accuracy with aesthetic grace to elevate the guest experience.

Our engineering team conducted detailed calculations to design a support system that achieved the visual lightness intended by the designer while meeting structural integrity requirements. The result was a feature that combined technical rigour with visual impact, creating a focal point that anchors the guest experience within the space.

Integrating Bespoke Finishes and Lighting

The handcrafted crystal lighting installation now hangs from ceiling supports and plywood backing installed earlier on site. Every thread and junction was aligned to match on-site mock-ups and precise ceiling openings.

Once the core structures were secured, focus shifted to the crafted interior. Bespoke leather wall panels embroidered with Batik motifs and a handcrafted two-piece LASVIT crystal chandelier required close coordination between specialised vendors. These delicate features demanded logistical control and aesthetic precision as much as technical accuracy.

Installation was carried out on site, where our team installed ceiling supports and plywood backing with openings precisely set out for the threads that would suspend each crystal piece. The process demanded exact measurements and ongoing communication between the structural, electrical, and finishing trades to ensure alignment across all systems.

The dining area was carefully assembled around bespoke joinery and curved banquette seating. Integrated lighting was set into recessed niches to create an even, warm glow.

On-site mock-ups were used to test visual alignment, lighting quality, and material transitions before full installation. The result is a seamless hospitality fit-out that reflects both design integrity and construction precision.

Responding to Evolving Requirements

As the project progressed, a series of design refinements were introduced. These included updates to equipment, sanitary ware specifications, and space allocations. Our team assessed feasibility early and re-sequenced the programme where needed, allowing additional works to be integrated smoothly into the overall schedule. This approach ensured that finish quality and delivery timelines were maintained, reflecting the dependability we bring to building refurbishment Singapore projects in live environments.

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The successful handover of Phase 1 marked a major milestone in the Singapore Airlines lounge refurbishment at Changi Airport Terminal 2. Despite the operational complexity of working within an active terminal, construction was completed safely, on schedule, and to the high standards expected by Singapore Airlines.

The finished lounge reflects the care that defined every stage of the build. From the 20-metre Batik Wall to the crafted bar ceiling and lighting features, every detail was executed with control and consistency. These results show our ability to deliver fit-out Singapore projects that combine design sensitivity with technical expertise.

Working within such a live setting has shaped how we think about collaboration and delivery. We bring those same standards to each new project we take on. If you’re planning a build that demands both precision and reliability, let’s start a conversation.