A Landmark in Sustainable Urban Regeneration for Singapore’s CBD
A new landmark has emerged in Singapore’s Central Business District. Benoy is proud to unveil 18 Cross—a transformative mixed-use redevelopment that redefines urban renewal through adaptive reuse, heritage integration, and sustainable design. Tasked with architecture, landscape, wayfinding, interior design, and signage, Benoy collaborated with PAG (client), DCA (local architects), and Cundall (engineers) to bring this vision to life.
A Site Rooted in the City’s Fabric
Nestled at the intersection of Cross Street and pedestrian-friendly Nankin Road, 18 Cross spans 14,000 sqm, blending the old and new: conserved heritage shophouses, a revitalized commercial podium, and a modern 15-story Grade A office tower (topped by a four-story podium). Its story extends beyond its boundaries—adjacent to 18 Cross, the Nankin Yard project (slated for completion in late 2025) will add 18 restored shophouses and six contemporary buildings, creating a connected, pedestrian-focused zone.
From Fragmentation to Cohesion: The Design Challenge
The site once faced stark limitations: an industrial-style podium that clashed with its surroundings, shophouses disconnected from retail spaces, and an unremarkable office entrance—all leading to low foot traffic and occupancy. Benoy’s redesign aimed to dissolve these barriers, creating a unified destination where heritage meets modernity, work blends with leisure, and communal spaces balance private areas.
At its core is a multi-story “heart” that weaves together diverse functions. Heritage shophouses now form a dynamic three-dimensional hub, linking Nankin Road, a cascading grand staircase, retail areas, and the adjacent MRT station—embracing transit-oriented development (TOD) principles. With 55,000 sqft of lifestyle-focused commercial spaces (cafés, restaurants) and spill-out areas along the staircase, the hub fosters community interaction, while an upper-floor business club caters to Singapore’s business needs.
Design That Honors Heritage, Embraces Innovation
“How can we breathe new life into an aging building — an eye-sore in Singapore — by redesigning its relationship with the adjacent cluster of shophouses and anchoring it within the city’s cultural fabric?” asks Gregory Kovacs, Benoy’s Chief Designer. The answer lies in strategic circulation, façade design, greenery integration, and material choices.
The podium façade echoes the human-scale rhythm of 19th-century shophouses, with references to green terracotta tiles and wooden structures. Lightweight and porous, it integrates greenery and natural ventilation for car parks while maintaining architectural consistency. At the west entrance, a bold design features the Chinese character “丰” (Fēng, meaning “abundance”), paying tribute to nearby Chinatown’s heritage.
For the office tower, a double-height entrance establishes a strong presence on Cross Street. A 20-meter green wall at the lobby drop-off introduces biophilic design, welcoming visitors with nature. Former Grade B offices are upgraded to Grade A, with floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing natural light, exposed ceilings enhancing openness, and modernized lobbies and washrooms reflecting premium standards. End-of-trip facilities (bike parking, showers, lockers) support sustainable commuting and user well-being.
Sustainability: A Core Commitment
Sustainability drives every aspect of 18 Cross. Working with Cundall, the team retrofitted and reused existing structures, reducing CO₂ emissions by over 23,000 tonnes. Optimized structural design, careful material selection, and reduced resource use minimized embodied carbon and shortened construction timelines.
Environmental efforts include energy-efficient systems, solar networks, on-site rainwater harvesting, and food waste collection—upholding circular economy principles. EV charging stations encourage low-emission mobility. Socially, the design prioritizes community connection and occupant wellness; economically, it transforms an underutilized space into a thriving hub, boosting long-term resilience.
18 Cross and Nankin Yard set a new benchmark for urban regeneration—proving that by harmonizing heritage, innovation, and sustainability, we can create spaces that enrich cities and the lives of those who inhabit them.
