Pan Pacific Orchard: Gardens in the sky

AS FAR AS GREEN HOTELS go, Pan Pacific Orchard sets a new precedent. Opened in June this year, its lush landscaping and naturally ventilated spaces are what set the 23-storey property in the Orchard Road shopping district apart from other hotels in the area.

“In collaboration with award-winning WOHA Architects, we have created a hotel that brings the diverse environments of Singapore under one roof,” says Marcel NA Holman, the hotel’s general manager and vice-president of operations for China, Indonesia, Japan and Oceania. “Our open-air lobby and numerous outdoor spaces extend the greenery of Orchard Road vertically, creating a distinct landmark along Singapore’s renowned shopping belt. This design injects new vitality into the precinct as it undergoes its green transformation.”

UOL Group and Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) first collaborated with WOHA Architects in 2012 for the highly successful PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering that featured naturally ventilated corridors and elevated gardens. In Pan Pacific Orchard that has 347 keys, more than 300 per cent of the land area is covered in greenery and water features, setting a new standard for high-rise tropical hospitality.

Garden City

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the first garden with tall tree canopies and tropical plants, a pond and a cascading waterfall in the lobby. The sight and sounds offer immediate respite from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road. They also create a pleasant backdrop to Mosella – a Mediterranean restaurant with a Peruvian twist.

Three large voids punctuate the tower’s orthogonal form. The one on the fifth storey contains the Beach Terrace, which emulates a seaside setting with an organically shaped lagoon, sandcastle-like walls and coastal plant species such as palm trees. “We see landscaping as a part of the architectural palette. The selection of plants amplifies the experience of each stratum’s theme,” highlights Phua Hong Wei, a director at WOHA Architects on the greening strategy.

Gym goers can enjoy the view of this “urban beach” while working out before heading to Pan Pacific’s signature St. Gregory spa. “For those seeking something truly special, Beach Club Loft Rooms on level five provide direct access to the Beach Terrace pool,” Holman offers a tip.

Embracing the Tropics

The void on the 11th storey contains the Garden Terrace. Here, a central lawn lined with sculptural trees, planter beds, garden seats and water features provides an ideal backdrop for intimate outdoor events. On the same floor is champagne and oyster bar Florette, where guests can partake in a curated cocktail programme inspired by the four sky gardens, or enjoy a whimsical afternoon tea served in partnership with Wedgwood.

The highest garden is on the 18th storey. Housing the Claymore Ballroom, the Cloud Terrace was designed for large-scale events such as weddings. Silver-hued landscaping, reflective pools and a perforated mirror ceiling accentuate the theme of being elevated among the clouds.

“The building’s massing is done in such a way that all the guestrooms have good views either onto the sky terraces or to the city,” adds WOHA’s Phua. “The building frames views of the differently themed sky terraces as a foreground of beach, plazas and gardens against an active city backdrop and skyline.” Balconies – a rare find in city hotels – let guests embrace the joys of outdoor living under the comfort of shade.

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Unique Experiences

Massive columns anchoring the corner of each terrace amplify the green surfaces. Wrapped in greenery, they make for impressive photographs. Also Instagram-worthy are the terraces’ mirrored ceilings that reflect the landscaping and pools to the street below.

The diversity in experiences does not stop at the outdoors. The interior design scheme at each stack corresponds to the stack it is housed in. Guestrooms facing the Beach Terrace feature timber panelling, sandy-coloured finishes and pastel-toned fabric, while those at the Garden Terrace are more sophisticated, with marble surfaces and green hues bringing in the botanical theme. Meanwhile, guestrooms facing the Cloud Terrace have silver-white colour schemes.

“(The different themes) bring variety to the amenities as they accommodate different needs and profiles; there’s something for everyone,” says Phua. For example, families will love the proximity to the Beach Terrace and business travellers might find the Garden Terrace more suited to their needs, as the Pacific Club Lounge and meeting amenities are also located on that level. “This also means that every return stay offers a fresh and different experience,” he adds.

Eco Warriors

The hotel’s design addresses the demands of the current era of travellers who are looking beyond the typical offerings of five-star hotels. “In today’s world, people are increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and social responsibility. This shift has also affected how people perceive luxury. Our hotel isn’t just about comfort and style; it’s also a testament to our strong commitment to conscious practices,” explains Holman.

This commitment to sustainability comes through in various ways – from photovoltaic panels generating clean energy and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation to a biodigester system for food waste. The abundance of greenery and water bodies around the property regulate the air quality and help mitigate the urban heat island effect. Guests are also encouraged to adopt green practices on their end, supported by in-room water dispensers and reusable bottles made from ocean-bound materials.

These are some of the features that helped the hotel to achieve a BCA Green Mark Platinum certification. Remarks Holman: “It’s our way of proving that luxury can coexist harmoniously with environmental responsibility.”