Launch of Temasek Shophouse – new social impact hub for philanthropic activities

Singapore’s Temasek recently launched a 25,000 sq ft co-working hub set up in Orchard Road for social enterprises. The event was officiated by Singapore’s Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Surbana Jurong provided multidisciplinary consultancy services for this project, including architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, civil and structural engineering, quantity surveying, site survey as well as sustainability and resiliency solutions.

Named Temasek Shophouse, it is a one-stop shared services hub for social enterprises to collaborate and create social impact in Singapore. Made up of five shophouses, the building has been newly redesigned to create modern office and lounge areas that will be able to hold 120 guests. It is also awarded Green Mark GoldPLUS Award by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority.

The challenges faced by the team are in the design and construction stages as the development is a historical 91-year-old gazetted building and any addition & alteration works must align to the conservation guidelines. In addition, good logistics planning is required as the building is situated along the busy Orchard Road during construction stage.

Singapore’s Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who officiated at the launch, said Temasek Shophouse will help to build up a social culture of wanting to do good by raising awareness, building networks and promoting active social citizenship.