Transforming a Major Industrial Office at Ubi Avenue to Meet Singapore’s New Standards for Sustainability

The Strategic Value of Sustainable A&A

In Singapore’s evolving commercial real estate landscape, the drive toward Green Mark Platinum certification has become a baseline for high-value assets. However, achieving this is not easy, as the challenge lies in balancing ambitious sustainability goals with minimal disturbance to ongoing operations.

Building on its Green Mark Gold certification, TCG was tasked with delivering one of APAC’s leading investment firms’ vision to elevate the building and achieve the requirements for the prestigious Green Mark Platinum tier. Beyond aesthetic improvements, we focused on holistic performance upgrades to align with the nation’s tightening environmental benchmarks. This elevation ensures the industrial office remains a future-proof asset, establishing its Green Mark achievements as merely the foundation for its new high-performance trajectory.

At Project Brilliant, we demonstrate how we navigate the tension between high-spec design ambitions and the operational realities of live environments. Project Brilliant stands as a prime example of how modernised interiors can revitalise an asset while securing its long-term sustainable future.

Engineering for Platinum

By opting for a sophisticated A&A over demolition, the project significantly reduced its carbon footprint, avoiding the massive embodied carbon emissions typically associated with new construction. This strategic decision directly aligns with the Singapore Green Building Masterplan’s focus on greening existing stock. However, elevating an existing asset to meet these stringent new standards extends beyond intent, it demanded a close collaboration between TCG and an elite group of consultants.

The Ubi Avenue entrance before the asset transformation. The replaced green glazing systems are seen here, representing the building’s original facade.

The outdoor space programmed for conversion into the outdoor patio, which now feature tiered seating, a dedicated breakout lounge. This key A&A element provides tenants with varied third spaces for flexible working.

By integrating our delivery model with the specialist expertise of Arup, Aurecon, and Woods Bagot, we were able to bridge the gap between sustainability and high-spec design. We harmonised Arup’s precision in facade works with Aurecon’s high-efficiency M&E systems and Woods Bagot’s sophisticated interior vision, demonstrating that even within the constraints of an existing structure, sustainable performance and high-end aesthetics are not mutually exclusive. In the process, we have successfully aligned the building’s performance with the rigorous criteria required to obtain the Green Mark Platinum standard.

Maintaining a live site for Project Brilliant required a systematic approach to project management. Having downtime was never an option as the facility housed specialised industrial infrastructure and high-performance collaborative workspaces. We navigated a rigorous 40-week construction programme through robust stakeholder management, orchestrating phased works and real-time coordination with tenants to ensure business-critical functions remained entirely uninterrupted.

Our management of these comprehensive additions and alterations served as the primary catalyst for positioning the project to secure the BCA Green Mark Platinum certification. As our strategic renovation met the rigorous energy-performance and structural benchmarks required by the BCA, we proved that we are able to deliver world-class green buildings without compromising commercial or operational stability.

Redefining the First Impression

A tenant’s journey into Project Brilliant begins at the revitalised main entrance. As they approach, the modern timber-clad ceiling naturally guides tenants from the driveway to the reception. Once inside the lobby, the eye is immediately drawn to a massive, floor-to-ceiling LED screen. This digital interface is integrated into bespoke wall panelling, creating a high-impact focal point that defines the building’s new corporate identity.

These additions and alterations were selected for both aesthetics and alignment with sustainable construction principles. We replaced the existing glazing systems with eco-certified timber and advanced glazing units, to improve the building’s thermal insulation and natural light efficiency.

Beyond the Lobby

The modernisation of Project Brilliant extends vertically through the building, ensuring visual continuity from the ground floor to the upper levels. We undertook the renovation of the lift lobbies from Level 1 to 7, introducing a refreshed look that mirrors the high-end finishes of the main reception. A key technical upgrade in this phase was the implementation of updated lift car identification, ensuring that tenants and visitors can navigate the seven floors with greater efficiency and ease.

We also developed hospitality-driven amenities to increase the asset's lifestyle value. We transformed an under utilised space into the café, a welcoming environment specifically programmed for both informal staff catch-ups and visitor hosting.

This internal social hub is complemented by an outdoor patio, where we installed tiered seating to create a dedicated lounge and recreation space, where tenants can take a break from their screens and enjoy some fresh air. These additions and alterations provide tenants with a variety of third spaces, helping to support modern, flexible working styles.

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This transition from Gold to Platinum demonstrates the viability of retrofitting over redevelopment. By revitalising the existing structure at Ubi Avenue, this project prioritised carbon preservation while delivering a high-performance environment that meets the nation's environmental benchmarks. This project reinforces TCG’s capacity for sophisticated, sustainable A&A works tailored for industry leaders. It represents a key milestone in our partnership with the APAC’s leading investment firm, following the completion of 18 Cross Street and the upcoming delivery of 20 Cross Street.

As Singapore moves toward its 2030 sustainability targets, the transition from legacy assets to high-performance green buildings, it demands a partner capable of managing complex A&A works within live environments. If you are looking to align your next landmark project with a team that prioritises proactive project management to translate the Singapore Green Building Masterplan into operational certainty, we invite you to explore our approach to delivering high-performance workplaces.