Discover what makes DUO Tower – with its distinctive honeycomb facade – an iconic part of Singapore’s landscape.
Completed and launched in 2018, the iconic DUO development comprises two towers – a 49-storey residential tower (DUO Residences), and a 39-storey office tower (DUO Tower) housing Grade ‘A’ office spaces as well as a five-star hotel. Both these towers also share ground-floor amenities (DUO Galleria) that include F&B and retail outlets.
But beyond its residential and commercial spaces, as well as its proximity to Singapore’s Civic & Cultural District, what makes DUO such an iconic part of Singapore’s architectural landscape? And what tidbits about the development did we uncover?
“Green” Features and Design
Designed by renowned German architect Ole Scheeren of Büro Ole Scheeren, DUO received Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Award for its energy-efficient offices and retail podium, as well as the BCA Green Mark Award of Excellence for its hotel and residential spaces. Both of these awards were the result of environmentally friendly features that were incorporated during the project’s design and development.
One of these features is the use of double-glazed, low-emission glass which increases thermal efficiency and performance. Another is the use of energy-efficient LED lights in the development’s underground car park. Other “green” features include heat pumps for hot water generation in hotel guest rooms, heat pipe technology to recover heat from toilet exhausts, and rainwater harvesting.
Additionally, 100% of the greenery that was removed or affected by the construction of the project has been replaced by landscaped areas on the ground level, as well as roofscapes and terraced areas on higher floors.
More than just an element of the development’s distinctive design, DUO’s honeycomb facade also plays an important part in energy conservation – protecting the building and occupants from heat and glare without disrupting views of Singapore’s southern coastline.
Location and Amenities
Centrally located in the Bugis area, DUO is a five to ten-minute drive from the CBD, Orchard Road (Singapore’s prime shopping district), the Marina Bay Sands, as well as the Marina Bay Financial Centre. If you need to catch a flight, Changi airport is just a 20-minute car ride via the East Coast Parkway (expressway).
Head down to DUO’s basement, and you’ll find yourself less than a five-minute walk away from the Bugis Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train station which is situated at the confluence of two train lines – the East-West Line and the Downtown Line.
Besides its connectivity, DUO’s proximity to Bugis Junction, Bugis+, Haji Lane, Arab Street, and Kampong Glam (Gelam) means that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to lunchtime spots, an afternoon cuppa, or after-work drinks. And if you’d like a view with your drinks, Mr Stork – Andaz’s 39th floor rooftop bar – will give you a 360-degree view of the surrounding area whilst you indulge in your favourite tipple.
Besides the abundance of food and beverage options, the district is also home to the Singapore Night Festival – an annual affair which sees the area transformed by colourful projections on buildings, as well as a range of festive pop-up events and exhibitions.
But if history, culture, and design is your cup of tea, the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum (SAM), National Design Centre, and Peranakan Museum are all situated within the district.
Singapore Night Festival light installation at the National Museum of Singapore (Image credit: Singapore Night Festival)
All in all, SPECTRUM’s location in the iconic DUO Tower, its transport connectivity, the wide range of food and beverage options, as well as the area’s abundant sights and sounds make it the perfect spot for anyone looking to set up an office in a co-working space.
Reach out to us now to arrange a tour of our space and experience it for yourself!