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Steel curves, smart systems, green innovations: How award-winning CBD icon blends striking design with features ready for the future of work
Developed by Keppel and constructed by Obayashi Singapore, Keppel South Central has earned the Project of the Year accolade by the Building and Construction Authority for combining bold architecture with tech-enabled, sustainable spaces
Just minutes from Tanjong Pagar MRT station, Keppel South Central offers a mix of work and lifestyle spaces in the Central Business District, plus end-of-trip facilities.
PHOTO: KEPPEL
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A swimming pool, two sky terraces, a 24/7 gym and even a rooftop restaurant – the latest skyscraper in Tanjong Pagar is built with more than just work in mind.
Completed early this year, Keppel South Central
For instance, smart lighting, solar panels and energy-efficient cooling systems help shrink its carbon footprint.
Each floor is also 5G-enabled, providing high-speed connectivity for tenants, while artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as facial recognition access, support smarter security and building operations.
It is this combination of design, innovation and sustainability that earned Keppel South Central the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Project of the Year award in 2025 – a recognition reserved for developments pushing boundaries in construction and design.
Keppel South Central’s smart, green features have attracted global tenants such as Manulife Financial Advisers, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore, and Gurin Energy.
PHOTO: KEPPEL
Keppel South Central was developed by Keppel Obayashi Singapore
Says Mr Albert Foo, managing director for property development and operations (Singapore) at Keppel’s real estate division: “Keppel South Central exemplifies Keppel’s commitment to developing thoughtful, future-ready workplaces. An AI-enabled building, it seamlessly integrates advanced digital infrastructure, wellness-centric features and sustainable design to support today’s flexible and hybrid workstyles.”
At ground level, the sculptural steel facade of Keppel South Central bends to form a canopy, providing shade to the public plaza.
PHOTO: OBAYASHI SINGAPORE
Keppel South Central scored ticks in four metrics, namely health and well-being, resilience, intelligence and maintainability. For that, it has also met the BCA Green Mark Platinum (Super Low Energy) certification.
It is also internationally recognised, with WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Platinum certifications for its digital connectivity and smart-building features, and a Well Core pre-certification for prioritising occupant health and well-being.
The building incorporates a suite of sustainability features to help lower energy consumption. These include solar panels, smart lighting, and the channelling of residual cool air from offices to the ground level to create a more comfortable “chilled floor” effect for visitors.
There are also high-efficiency chillers, and a micro-zoned air-conditioning system that allows tenants to cool only specific areas instead of entire floors.
“This not only offers greater flexibility but also promotes energy efficiency and cost savings, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern workforces who prioritise both sustainability and convenience,” says Mr Foo.
Altogether, these systems save about 6.2 million kWh of energy a year, roughly the amount used by 1,300 households.
The smart and green features are a big draw for global businesses across industries seeking future-ready workplaces. Among the committed tenants are Manulife Financial Advisers Pte Ltd, the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore, and Gurin Energy.
Retail and wellness operators have also signed up for leases in the building, including F&B outlets such as The Public Izakaya Nitengo and Hachi, 22 Grams, Luli Tea and Fun Toast, and gym operator 24/7 Fitness.
Clever engineering behind the flowing facade
Apart from its high-tech and eco features, the exterior of the building is also noteworthy.
Instead of a typical rectangular block, all sides of Keppel South Central’s steel exterior splay and twist outwards to form a distinctive silhouette.
On the east side, the flowing “veil” bends dramatically into a canopy at the ground level, creating the shaded public square.
The steel “veil skirts” have a spiral twist reminiscent not of hard metal but soft, flowing fabric. Besides the unique aesthetic, the facade is also designed to reduce solar heat gain in the building.
For builder Obayashi Singapore – the firm behind architectural icons such as Jewel Changi Airport and Duo – constructing the skyscraper was a novel technical challenge.
After all, steel is known for its strength – not its sculptural qualities.
Engineers designed the building’s facade with a lighter steel composite skeleton, which reduced the building’s weight and allowed for a faster build.
PHOTO: OBAYASHI SINGAPORE
Explains the firm’s director and senior general manager, Mr Patrick Chia: “The canopy columns were required to be as thick as 60mm. Twisting such large steel elements is uncommon and unconventional.”
With its trusted contractors, Obayashi Singapore was able to customise the columns and design a careful assembly process, ensuring the complex structure could be executed safely and precisely.
Obayashi Singapore also deployed time-saving solutions, including drones for faster inspections and a custom-built robot that helped maintain a clean and safe site for workers.
It trialled innovative tools to track carbon emissions and took deliberate steps to reduce construction waste – all underscoring the firm’s commitment to sustainability.
“This project challenged us to think differently and build smarter,” says Mr Patrick Chia. “We’re proud to help shape another iconic part of Singapore’s skyline.”
The two companies have previously worked on two other prominent office buildings, One Raffles Quay and Ocean Financial Centre, both of which have garnered international recognition for their design and building excellence.
Two lush, nature-inspired sky terraces provide green sanctuaries high above the city for workday breaks and informal meetings.
PHOTO: KEPPEL
One Raffles Quay was conferred the renowned Fiabci Prix D’Excellence Award, while Ocean Financial Centre is the first high-rise development in South-east Asia to achieve the US Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum rating. It also received the BCA Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification in 2025.
It is therefore no surprise Keppel reprised its collaboration with Obayashi for the third time.
Explains Mr Foo: “Over the years, we have built a strong and collaborative partnership with Obayashi, grounded in mutual trust and a shared commitment to excellence.
“Our projects have been successful because we are aligned on key priorities: safety, quality, and a customer-centric mindset. Obayashi’s consistent professionalism, technical expertise and proactive problem-solving approach have also contributed to smooth project execution and reinforced the strength of our partnership.”
Learn more about Keppel South Central Keppel Obayashi Singapore
