PREFABarch itectureA BCA-SIA Publication 2003 • Issue No 2

t has always been the trend forsupermodels to sport extremelyslim and tall features. The trendseems to have hit buildings too,

looking at the new developments in the New-ton area. And just like the supermodels, thesebuildings please the eye to a great degree.

The whole concept of going slender andhigh probably came about in Singapore dueto land constraints but somehow this concepthas developed into a bohemian look for thenew developments. Take for example theGreat Eastern Life Condominium (left). It hasbeen described by its architects as a “slen-der box with a series of wall planes”. Theslenderness of the structure has been instru-mental in getting over site constraints in therelatively populous district, and prefab con-struction has come to its aid to do wonders tosmoothen the operation.

Another project highlighted in this news-letter, the Lincoln Modern (right), features ahighly slender 107 m high block which is 12m at its widest and only 7 m at the narrowend. Despite being tall and narrow, the unitsare in no way restricted. The architects havefound the means to capitalise on the situa-tion by coming up with spacious units thathave that bohemian look that young couplesthese days want to live in.

Prefabricated construction goes ex-tremely well with the tall and slim conceptof the condominiums, and does not in anyway restrict the appendages that seem tosprout from these buildings. Sun shading de-vices, bay windows, ledges, fins and steelstaircases are some details that were not justeasily tackled with prefab construction, but

and SlimGoing

enhanced to precision by it.As prefabrication techniques

become more advanced, architec-tural precast concrete can be cus-tom-designed to a variety ofshapes, sizes and finishes. The twooverseas projects featured in thisissue go to great lengths to demon-strate the flexibility of prefabrica-tion, emphasizing its role as a toolthat creates unique architecturewhich cannot be achieved usinginsitu techniques.

ADVISORS: Ang Lian Aik, Technology DevelopmentDivision (BCA); Grace Cheok-Chan, TechnologyDevelopment Division (BCA); Goh Peng Thong, AlfredWong Partnership Pte Ltd (SIA); Richard Lai, ADDPArchitects (SIA); EDITOR : Punitha Govindasamy,TLM; GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Noor Hazmee, TLM

Prefab Architecture is published twice a year by theBuilding and Construction Authority (BCA), SingaporeInstitute of Architects (SIA) and Trade Link Media PteLtd (TLM). The editorial team is unable to accept anyliability for errors or omissions that may occur,although every effort has been taken to ensure that allinformation is correct at the time of going to press. Noportion of this publication may be reproduced in wholeor part without the written permission of BCA. Tocontact the editorial team, please write to:grace_cheok-chan@bca.gov.sg or call Tel: 63257588

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by Punitha Govindasamy

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Living inby Gieto Sugianto, Associate Director (design)Architects 61 Pte Ltd

planning and floor plan layout of the units.Among the series of wall planes that run par-

allel across the site from the north to the south,there were two parallel walls along the south-

he Great Eastern Life Condominiumwas conceptualised as a slender boxwith a series of wall planes during the

design process.With an ideal location in

the new bustling district atthe perimeter of the CBDarea, the Newton residentialdevelopment is situated onan elongated site thatstretches from the north tothe south and sandwichedbetween Newton Road andLincoln Road. Besides de-termining the building front-age, the narrowness of thesite facing Newton and Lin-coln Road presents a formof guidance or referencepoint in marking out the site

Precast sunshading ledges and bay windows in elevationPrecast sunshading ledges and bay windows in elevationPrecast sunshading ledges and bay windows in elevationPrecast sunshading ledges and bay windows in elevationPrecast sunshading ledges and bay windows in elevation

Style

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Site plan showing narrowness of siteSite plan showing narrowness of siteSite plan showing narrowness of siteSite plan showing narrowness of siteSite plan showing narrowness of site

west region of the site that formed the back-bone of the tower to support the entire build-ing. Along the northwest region of the site, therewere two parallel walls that formed a shortertower element, as well as the front facade.

The solid attachment walls at the northwestfaçade was deliberately expressed as a discon-tinuity by carrying through and engaging thestructural columns which was part of the façadefrom the 21st storey to the roof top. The centreof the building façade was cladded with glasscurtain walls to distinguish the function and thelocation of theliving room ofthe units signifi-cantly. The glasscladding in theliving room wasfurther ex-panded andwrapped aroundand intersectedwith the struc-ture fin wall inorder to create aunique and distinguished dialogue of solidityand transparency.

The essence of the design, however, lies notin the formal play of elements, skilful as it is,but in the delightfully sequenced spaces andthe views to be experienced from each unit type.

The environmental deck boasts a lush andgreen environment, which is interspersed withthe water body, water streams and other areasfor social activities.

Furthermore, all traffic activities are located

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The essence of the design,however, lies not in the

formal play of elements skilfulas it is, but in the delightfully

sequenced spaces and theviews to be experienced from

each unit type.

SlenderSlenderSlenderSlenderSlenderelevation ofelevation ofelevation ofelevation ofelevation ofthe towerthe towerthe towerthe towerthe towerviewed fromviewed fromviewed fromviewed fromviewed fromNewtonNewtonNewtonNewtonNewtonRoadRoadRoadRoadRoad

LayeringLayeringLayeringLayeringLayeringeffects of theeffects of theeffects of theeffects of theeffects of theprecastprecastprecastprecastprecastcomponents,components,components,components,components,curtain wallcurtain wallcurtain wallcurtain wallcurtain walland glassand glassand glassand glassand glasssunscreensunscreensunscreensunscreensunscreen

Installation in progress - precast facade, plank and household shelterInstallation in progress - precast facade, plank and household shelterInstallation in progress - precast facade, plank and household shelterInstallation in progress - precast facade, plank and household shelterInstallation in progress - precast facade, plank and household shelter

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below ground level to restrict noise lev-els and traffic to that level.

The densely populated area sur-rounding the site coupled with the hotelnext door posed a great challenge to thedesign team. The precast method wasadopted to meet the stringentbuildability requirements and construc-tion time, as well as overcome the siteconstraints.

The designs of floor plates were lim-ited to two typical plates whereby a re-adjustment of the non load-bearing wallcould create a combination of 4 unittypes. This allowed the flexibility to cre-ate sufficient modules and critical massto construct the building using a precastsystem without changing the basic struc-ture and modulation.

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Creating a display of layering effectCreating a display of layering effectCreating a display of layering effectCreating a display of layering effectCreating a display of layering effect

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PROJECTTEAMClient : Great Eastern Life Assurance Pte LtdArchitect : Architects 61 Pte LtdStructural Engineer : Meinhardt (Singapore) Pte LtdM&E Engineer: Squire Mech (Pte) LtdProject Manager : Davis Langdon & Seah Singapore (PM) Pte LtdMain Contractor : Shimizu CorporationPrecaster : Fermold Pte LtdLandscape Architect : Sitetectonix Pte LtdInterior Design : ID 61 Pte Ltd

The possibilities of designing with a precastsystem in residential developments are endless.In order to implement a successful precast sys-tem, good co-ordination, construction method andsite management from the early design stageproved essential.

The planning and coordination include earlyconfirmation of unit types and providing suffi-cient number of each unit type in relation to theoverall unit numbers.

The modular system chosen enabled the effi-cient coordination of the building elements withthe M&E works which were subsequently inter-phased with interior works. As for the externalfaçade, the vertical and horizontal precast com-ponents also had to be coordinated in advance.Architectural features such as the sun shadingdevice, bay windows and ledges which enhancethe character of the building were precast toachieve higher construction quality. Precastingalso ensured the elements were extruded pre-cisely to the designer’s desire.

Achieving flatness of the wall through precast wallAchieving flatness of the wall through precast wallAchieving flatness of the wall through precast wallAchieving flatness of the wall through precast wallAchieving flatness of the wall through precast wallsystemsystemsystemsystemsystem

Enclosing the towers to allow internal dry trades to proceed earlyEnclosing the towers to allow internal dry trades to proceed earlyEnclosing the towers to allow internal dry trades to proceed earlyEnclosing the towers to allow internal dry trades to proceed earlyEnclosing the towers to allow internal dry trades to proceed early

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nspired by the great Le Corbusier’s two-storey proto-type dwelling from the Immeubles-Villas project of1922, the Lincoln Modern located at Lincoln Road is

a 30-storey condominium in the form of 56, split-level, apart-ments, studios and penthouses.

The 1922 project which was subsequently displayed inthe Esprit Nouveau Pavilion at the Paris 1925 exhibitioni

showed drawings of the dwelling in its possible contexts, bothas a stacked unit and as a detached suburban villa. The inte-rior of Le Corbusier’s pavilion developed the idea of spatialoverlaps, with the upper floor as a gallery overlooking themain living space.

Several of SCDA’s individual house projects have adopteda similar plan and section. As for the Lincoln Modern, theseideas are applied to a high-rise residential project in the samemanner that Le Corbusier used a double-height living roomwith a single-height bedroom zone in the Unité d’Habitationin Marseilles which was completed in 1952.ii

Unlike the Unité, where the interlocking apartments runacross the building, in the Lincoln Modern, the section isrotated through 90 degrees so that it is evident behind the

THE LINCOLNby SCDA Architects

An overall view of the 30-storey buildingAn overall view of the 30-storey buildingAn overall view of the 30-storey buildingAn overall view of the 30-storey buildingAn overall view of the 30-storey building

Stainless steel feature wall at the main Stainless steel feature wall at the main Stainless steel feature wall at the main Stainless steel feature wall at the main Stainless steel feature wall at the main

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entryentryentryentryentry

Shear walls in the longitudinal axis painted grey, whileShear walls in the longitudinal axis painted grey, whileShear walls in the longitudinal axis painted grey, whileShear walls in the longitudinal axis painted grey, whileShear walls in the longitudinal axis painted grey, whileshear walls in the lateral axis are highlighted in whiteshear walls in the lateral axis are highlighted in whiteshear walls in the lateral axis are highlighted in whiteshear walls in the lateral axis are highlighted in whiteshear walls in the lateral axis are highlighted in whiteand orangeand orangeand orangeand orangeand orange

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fixed glass curtain walling and becomes part of the façadeexpression. A three-storey module is repeated on both theeast facing and west facing elevations. This strategy allowsfor maximum efficiency as it reduces the amount of corridorand lobby area.

Also, while Le Corbusier adopted a language of reinforcedboard-marked concrete (béton brut) for the Marseilles project,SCDA’s language emphasises transparency with the use ofcurtain walling. For climatic control purposes double glaz-ing is used with low-E glass and vertical, aluminium brisesoleil attached to the floor slabs, which in turn project 1.6 min front of the glass façade.

Slender blockDue to the site configuration and setback requirements,

the design of the 30-storey building resulted in a highly slen-der 107 m high block which is 12 m at its widest and only 7 mat the narrow end. In keeping with the architectural expres-sion of planes, the structural design of the building featuresreinforced concrete shear walls in both the long and short di-rection of the building and the use of flat plate for floors.

MODERN

Detail of sunshading vertical fins and deep horizontal ledges to demarcateDetail of sunshading vertical fins and deep horizontal ledges to demarcateDetail of sunshading vertical fins and deep horizontal ledges to demarcateDetail of sunshading vertical fins and deep horizontal ledges to demarcateDetail of sunshading vertical fins and deep horizontal ledges to demarcateeach 3 - storey layereach 3 - storey layereach 3 - storey layereach 3 - storey layereach 3 - storey layer

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Curtain wallAs the building predominantly faced

the east and west, a system of verticaland horizontal sun-shading fins andledges were incorporated into the cur-tain wall design to reduce the heat loadon the building. These fins and ledgeswere strategically placed to enhance thevolumes of the interlocking apartments.Deep ledges demarcate the 3-storeylayer that make up the tower block whileshallow fins and ledges articulate theinterlocking of the units within the 3-storey layer.

The heavy cantilevered horizontalledges could be fixed to either the cur-tain wall system or to the floor slab. Thelatter option was taken as it would notrequire the increase in mullion size tocarry the weight of the sun-shades. Theconnection to the slab was through thespandrel panel located at the slab line.

For early enclosure, the curtain wallpanels were installed concurrently as themain building structure works progressed

to allow savings in time so that interior finishing works could begin once thecurtain wall was installed.

Although the façade design appears to be highly articulated, each sec-tion of the curtain-wall and sun-shading device was assembled from a li-brary of standardised components. As a result, a modified curtain wall sys-

The main entryThe main entryThe main entryThe main entryThe main entrylift lobby withlift lobby withlift lobby withlift lobby withlift lobby withstainless steelstainless steelstainless steelstainless steelstainless steelfeature wallfeature wallfeature wallfeature wallfeature wall

PROJECTTEAMClient : Tabosca Pte LtdArchitect : SCDA ArchitectsStructural Engineer : Web StructuresM & E Engineer : Bescon Consulting Engineers Pte LtdQuantity Surveyor : Davis Langdon & Seah Singapore Pte LtdMain Contractor : Multiplex Constructions Pte LtdLandscape Designer : Tierra DesignInterior Designer : SCDA Architects

Expression of planes at roof level and wrapping of main staircase inExpression of planes at roof level and wrapping of main staircase inExpression of planes at roof level and wrapping of main staircase inExpression of planes at roof level and wrapping of main staircase inExpression of planes at roof level and wrapping of main staircase inaluminium screenaluminium screenaluminium screenaluminium screenaluminium screen

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tem was adopted. Each panel of the curtain wall could bepre-glazed and preassembled off–site. These pre-assem-bled panels were brought to site and hoisted onto the floorsand slotted between top and bottom channels which werefixed to every floor slab. The sun-shading ledges and verti-cal fins were installed only towards the end of constructionto minimise damage.

Steel StaircaseThe external steel staircases in addition to serving as

the fire escape staircases also double as architectural fea-tures of the building. The main staircase is wrapped withan aluminium screen and resembles a lantern when lit atnight, drawing one’s view of the skyline to the building.

The steel staircase and screen spans the entire 30 sto-reys and is thus very repetitive in nature. The major com-ponents that make up the entire feature are the steel struc-ture, the railing system, the aluminium louvre system andthe lighting system.

The steel structure was designed as a ‘Vierendeel’ trusssystem that is cantilevered and supported only by thestructure wall. With careful planning, the staircase wasbroken up into modules that could easily be assembledon site. The size of the modules was also determined bythe size of the galvanising tanks and the maximum sizefor transportation by trailer.

Shop drawings and a series of off-site mockups wererequired to ensure that on-site assembly of the railings,lights and screen progressed smoothly. Special attentionwas paid to the details of the connection between themodules for a seamless look.

The prefabricated modules were transported to siteon trailers and hoisted into place by the tower crane. Theframes were bolted to the wall from the bottom up. Theinstallation of the railings and lights followed started oncethe stair structure reached the 15th storey. To avoid dam-age from falling debris, the aluminium louvres were alsoinstalled only when the structure was completed.

Similar to the curtain wall system, prefabrication mini-mised the amount of on-site work required for the stair-case. It also reduced the need to store material on siteand this allowed for external works to progress soonerwithout interference.

References

i Arts Council of Great Britain, Le Corbusier: Architect of theCentury, Exhibition Catalogue, Hayward Gallery, London,1987.ii Lim, Vincent, “Corbusien Precedence: The Lincoln Modern”,SPACE 2001/01, Singapore, Feb/Mar 2001. (48-54 pp)

ne of the most innovative buildings inAustralia is the Acton Peninsula Alli-ance project constructed on the Acton

Peninsula in Canberra. It consists of two newfacilities - The National Museum of Australiaand the Australian Institute of Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Studies.

This prominent development on the ActonPeninsula is a highly attractive addition to Can-berra’s landscape and cultural life and a longawaited national cultural institution. It has gar-nered many prestigious awards for its distinc-tive architecture and landscape conceptsthrough the use of concrete.

The creative application of precast concreteas a form, structure and display of artwork wasmomentous both structurally andarchitecturally. As the buildings are complex,the precast components were challenging for theprecast manufacturer to draw and to produce.The project architect, Howard Raggart, com-mented on the construction technology philoso-phy as “something to dream about - surfaces,structures and services in one seamless file,emailed for manufacture to arrive in easy to as-semble components. Complex surfaces are un-folded, transforming facade construction into akind of giant dressmaking.”

Canberra’s beautiful Museum

The stunning facade comprises 260 wallpanels with a profiled surface designed in threedimensional graphics by the architect. The 1200mm wide panels were up to 13 m in height andvaried in weight from 1 to over 10 tonnes. Thegeometry was complicated in some instancesby the panels leaning outwards as well as tilt-ing sideways. The facade profile was transferredto the moulds for precast production directlyfrom the architect’s CAD CAM generated filesand shop drawings.The precast panelswere cast face-downin concrete and steelmoulds and left off-form for painting onsite. Prestressedhollowcore panelswere used to cladpart of the Gallery ofAboriginal Australiasection of the Mu-seum. These panelswere left smooth forpainting on site.

The key peopleinvolved with thedesign and con-

The National Museum of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in CanberraThe National Museum of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in CanberraThe National Museum of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in CanberraThe National Museum of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in CanberraThe National Museum of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in CanberraPhoto : George Serras, NMAPhoto : George Serras, NMAPhoto : George Serras, NMAPhoto : George Serras, NMAPhoto : George Serras, NMA

O

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Computer-patternedComputer-patternedComputer-patternedComputer-patternedComputer-patternedconcrete mould used forconcrete mould used forconcrete mould used forconcrete mould used forconcrete mould used forthe façade panels on thethe façade panels on thethe façade panels on thethe façade panels on thethe façade panels on theNational Museum,National Museum,National Museum,National Museum,National Museum,CanberraCanberraCanberraCanberraCanberraImages courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Photocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall Australia

Deep profiled pattern onDeep profiled pattern onDeep profiled pattern onDeep profiled pattern onDeep profiled pattern onthe exposed face ofthe exposed face ofthe exposed face ofthe exposed face ofthe exposed face ofprecast wallprecast wallprecast wallprecast wallprecast wallImages courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Photocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall Australia

PROJECTTEAMClient : Department of Communica-tion Information Technology and theArtsArchitect : Ashton RaggattMcDougall – Robert Peck von HartelTrethowanDesign and Build Team : ActionPeninsula AlliancePrecast Manufacturer : RescreteIndustries Pty LtdAcknowledgements : NationalMuseum of Australia, NationalPrecast Concrete AssociationAustralia, Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd,Photocall Australia

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Typical precast facade ofTypical precast facade ofTypical precast facade ofTypical precast facade ofTypical precast facade ofthe Museumthe Museumthe Museumthe Museumthe MuseumImages courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Images courtesy of :Photocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall AustraliaPhotocall Australia

tectural expression. The computer gener-ated 3-D profiles and computer controlledcutting technology used enable the trans-lation of architectural ideas into reality toa far greater extent than ever.

struction of this landmark project were de-lighted with the role that precast hadplayed. The techniques used to draw andmanufacture the facade panels on thisproject open up a whole new area of archi-

The National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula, beside Lake BurleyThe National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula, beside Lake BurleyThe National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula, beside Lake BurleyThe National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula, beside Lake BurleyThe National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula, beside Lake BurleyGriffin. Photo : George Serras, NMAGriffin. Photo : George Serras, NMAGriffin. Photo : George Serras, NMAGriffin. Photo : George Serras, NMAGriffin. Photo : George Serras, NMA

he design for theScience and HealthB u i l d i n g ,

Joondalup Campus at theEdith Cowan University (ECU)by Jones Coulter Young ofPerth, was the result of an in-tensive value management as-sessment undertaken duringthe design process.

The results included the se-lection of external concreteprecast panels with a lime-stone-coloured concrete skinas the external finish requiringno painting or ongoing main-tenance. The limestone colourwas consistent with other off-form concrete elements suchas beams and columns of theexisting surrounding campusbuildings. All panels werelightly sandblasted to removesheen off the face giving aslightly matt effect. They werethen sealed with an anti-graf-fiti and waterproofing agent inthe precast yard.

The concrete mix incorpo-rated a blend of naturally oc-curring granite (as quarried)

and cream coloured ce-ment. No additional oxidesfor colouring were used.The mix was plasticised toimprove workability, sur-face finish and curing timedemands. Colour consist-ency was a high priority, es-pecially due to the panelsbeing fabricated over aseven-month period frommid-summer (dry and hot)to late winter (wet andcold).

The three-storey, con-crete-framed building withprecast concrete plankfloor system has elementsthroughout selected fortheir cost effectiveness andspeed of construction. Allthe curved precast panels(except for two 40 tonnepanels) were designed toweigh a maximum of ten-tonnes for ease of transport-ing to the site. Assemblingthe modular system was arelatively straightforwardexercise, as the buildingwas designed as a kit of

Curvedcoloured

precastfacade

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Curved coloured precast concreteCurved coloured precast concreteCurved coloured precast concreteCurved coloured precast concreteCurved coloured precast concretefacadefacadefacadefacadefacade

Interior view of the buildingInterior view of the buildingInterior view of the buildingInterior view of the buildingInterior view of the building

The Science and Health Building,The Science and Health Building,The Science and Health Building,The Science and Health Building,The Science and Health Building,Edith Cowan University, WesternEdith Cowan University, WesternEdith Cowan University, WesternEdith Cowan University, WesternEdith Cowan University, WesternAustraliaAustraliaAustraliaAustraliaAustralia

parts with all precast and self-coloured elementsmanufactured and sealed off-site.

The north and south facing blocks incorporateconcrete sunshades or brise soleil to assist in pas-sive thermal control, while the western wings havea series of amorphous and shell-like precast pan-els which give oblique and unusual vision into a

Fresh assembly of shapes andFresh assembly of shapes andFresh assembly of shapes andFresh assembly of shapes andFresh assembly of shapes andopenings in precast concrete wallopenings in precast concrete wallopenings in precast concrete wallopenings in precast concrete wallopenings in precast concrete wall

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generally tame and conventional campus context.The richness of the forms are in the fresh assem-bly of shapes and openings, which are mouldedPlasticine-like in an overall engaging composition.It was indeed proof that the use of precast con-crete panels has few limitations when it comes tocreative expression.

PROJECTTEAMClient: Edith Cowan University, Western AustraliaArchitect : Jones Coulter YoungStructural Consultant : Ove Arup & PartnersBuilder : Cooper & OxleyPrecaster : John Holland Pre-castAcknowledgements : Cement and ConcreteAssociation (C&CAA), Elisabetta Guj, Paul Jones,Jones Coulter Yong, John Holland Pre-cast.This article first appeared in C&CAA Journal, MixVolume 9 Dec 2001

hao Tse Ann & Partners Pte Ltd provides architectural services from de-sign to contract implementation and construction supervision. The projectsundertaken by the company includes hotels, residential and commercial

developments, as well as industrial and institutional/religious buildings.Prestigious five-star hotel projects include Shangri-la, Mandarin and Sedona

Hotels. It has also been involved in overseas projects in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thai-land, Myanmar, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China and Turkey. The firm has also de-signed several projects using precast systems for condominiums and hi-tech indus-trial buildings.

It has adopted the precast system not just to replace the cast-in-situ method, butas a total concept in design and an integrated building system. It gives equal priori-ties to aesthetics and buildability. From the inception of planning and design, theteam always coordinates with other consultants such as civil and structural or me-chanical and electrical engineers, main contractor and specialist precasters.

Architectural layouts are fine-tuned to suit functional aspects and various precastcomponents. Odd corners due to columns and beams will be eliminated as far aspossible to create a neat and clean-cut design as well as a user-friendly space. Allprecast components are carefully examined in consideration of all factors includinglogistics, on-site and off-site precast yard and transportation.

Park Green at Sengkang is one of the projects which has adopted the total designconcept and integrated building system. It was one of the two projects Mr Mah BowTan, the Minister for National Development visited to review the progress of the gov-ernment’s efforts to promote better buildability and precast in the building industry.

Total design concept

Contact:Chao Tse Ann & Partners Pte Ltd

Tel : 6732 4343Fax : 6733 9793

Email : ctaparch@singnet.com.sg

and integrated building system

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E-Centre @ Redhill features a predominantlyE-Centre @ Redhill features a predominantlyE-Centre @ Redhill features a predominantlyE-Centre @ Redhill features a predominantlyE-Centre @ Redhill features a predominantlyprecast structure, walls and other components.precast structure, walls and other components.precast structure, walls and other components.precast structure, walls and other components.precast structure, walls and other components.

PC ExternalWall

PC Planter

PC Balcony

Full HeightWindow

PC Bay Window

Park Green at Sengkang (above and below) features dual objectives - a contemporary clean-cut design as well as high buildability (below)Park Green at Sengkang (above and below) features dual objectives - a contemporary clean-cut design as well as high buildability (below)Park Green at Sengkang (above and below) features dual objectives - a contemporary clean-cut design as well as high buildability (below)Park Green at Sengkang (above and below) features dual objectives - a contemporary clean-cut design as well as high buildability (below)Park Green at Sengkang (above and below) features dual objectives - a contemporary clean-cut design as well as high buildability (below)

recast Technology Pte Ltd, formedin June 1999, believes in takingmore than a traditional precaster’s

approach to succeed in an increasingly com-petitive market, which explains the company’sstrategy to introduce new innovative productsand technologies at competitive prices.

Its innovation includes pre-finished archi-tectural concrete. It has the production tech-niques and quality control measures to ensurea high level of consistency in its products. Itcan offer a wide range of surface finishes whichinclude polished, honed, acid etched, sandblasted and textured surfaces in a variety ofcolours. Its gray concrete products include cus-tom made structural and non-structural com-

Contact:Precast Technology Pte LtdTel. 62768066Fax. 62769066Email : precast@cyberway.com.sg

Innovative precast solutions

ponents commonly used inSingapore’s construction in-dustry.

Precast Technology’s pro-duction plant, certified to ISO9000, occupies seventeen hec-tares of land at TanjongPinang, Indonesia. Six hec-tares have been developedwith the necessary facilitiesand administrative supportsuch as casting bed, storagespace and worker’s dormitory.As it is located along thecoastal line, it is easy to shipprecast components to Singa-pore.

As Tanjong Pinang itselfhas a reliable source of differ-ent aggregates, clean water

and inexpensive workers, Precast Technology can be highly cost com-petitive in Singapore.

With its main office located in Singapore and having highly compe-tent technical and marketing teams in association with external advis-ers, Precast Technology provides high standard of services.

Its projects include Wintech Centre at Ubi Road 1, E-Centre at BukitMerah, basement car-park extension for UWC and Casablanca Condo-minium (under construction).

E-Centre, a recently completed building, was constructed usingprecast structural components, as well as pre-finished polished precastfaçades.

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... the forerunner in Precast Technology

Contact:Meinhardt (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Tel: 65-6273 5255Fax: 65-6274 0788

Email: msplsg@meinhardt.com.sg

eading international consulting company Meinhardt, prin-cipally provides multi-disciplinary integrated engineeringservices delivered seamlessly under one roof in the areas of

civil, structural, façade, mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, transpor-tation, marine, infrastructure and related engineering disciplines. Spe-cialist in-house units in precast technology, geotechnical and façadeengineering support its core engineering services. The result is anintegrated approach empowered to improve the building process. TheGroup also provides principal consultancy, project management andplanning services related to engineering.

Precast Technology, a specialist divisionwithin Meinhardt (Singapore) Pte Ltd is setup to meet the demand of the constructionindustry today. Meinhardt is a fore-runner inthe field of precast technology and is one ofthe few companies in the region which hasextensive track record and expertise inprecast design. Its in-house engineers aretrained in all aspects of precast design.

Meinhardt has designed some BCA awardwinning projects using precast technology,such as the Centennial Tower, Millenia Tower,Conrad International, Gurkha Camp andSTMicroelectronics Wafer Fab, to name buta few. The successful use of a precast struc-tural system in Centennial Tower hasachieved a record four day floor cycle timein high-rise construction.

17-Storey Casablanca Condominium,17-Storey Casablanca Condominium,17-Storey Casablanca Condominium,17-Storey Casablanca Condominium,17-Storey Casablanca Condominium,SingaporeSingaporeSingaporeSingaporeSingapore

Sengkang HDB (1550 unit apartments),Sengkang HDB (1550 unit apartments),Sengkang HDB (1550 unit apartments),Sengkang HDB (1550 unit apartments),Sengkang HDB (1550 unit apartments),SingaporeSingaporeSingaporeSingaporeSingapore

42-Storey Millenia Tower, 37-Storey42-Storey Millenia Tower, 37-Storey42-Storey Millenia Tower, 37-Storey42-Storey Millenia Tower, 37-Storey42-Storey Millenia Tower, 37-StoreyCentennial Tower & 32-Storey ConradCentennial Tower & 32-Storey ConradCentennial Tower & 32-Storey ConradCentennial Tower & 32-Storey ConradCentennial Tower & 32-Storey ConradInternational, SingaporeInternational, SingaporeInternational, SingaporeInternational, SingaporeInternational, Singapore

STMicroelectronics Wafer Fab, SingaporeSTMicroelectronics Wafer Fab, SingaporeSTMicroelectronics Wafer Fab, SingaporeSTMicroelectronics Wafer Fab, SingaporeSTMicroelectronics Wafer Fab, Singapore

2003 • Issue No 216

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67-storey Gilarmi67-storey Gilarmi67-storey Gilarmi67-storey Gilarmi67-storey GilarmiTower, ManilaTower, ManilaTower, ManilaTower, ManilaTower, Manila

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30-storey GE Life30-storey GE Life30-storey GE Life30-storey GE Life30-storey GE LifeCondominiumCondominiumCondominiumCondominiumCondominium

The full range of precast engineeringservices provided by Meinhardt includeprecast system feasibility study, evalua-tion of components and cranage, designof steel moulds and hoisting system, de-tailed design and integration of the wholeprecast system, architecture façade de-sign, detailing of joint and connection de-tails, and production of shop-drawings.