One of Singapore’s leading integrated engineering and construction companies, Samwoh Corporation, has opened its new headquarters. Named Samwoh Smart Hub, it is the first positive energy industrial building in the country.
As a home-grown enterprise, Samwoh has played a pivotal role in Singapore’s infrastructure development for close to 50 years. The company continues to lead the charge for transformation in the industry by championing the application of sustainable construction materials and innovative digital technologies that will shape the future of built environment.
“The completion of Samwoh Smart Hub is Samwoh walking the talk in our sustainability journey. When we conceptualised our new home, we aimed to provide a fruitful learning ground for many built environment and energy professionals; a platform to showcase and inspire others in the drive towards greater sustainability among our built environment community,” said Eric Soh, CEO of Samwoh.
“We also expect the Hub to deliver real benefits to Singapore by lowering carbon emissions, supporting the development of the Sungei Kadut Eco-District, and serving as a centre for the innovation of more sustainable construction materials and environmental technologies. At Samwoh, we continue to be passionate about building a liveable and sustainable Singapore for future generations.”
According to Samwoh, the Samwoh Smart Hub is achieving energy surplus of about 25%. Atop its roof, there are about 2,600 solar panels which potentially can power about 300 HDB four-room flats a month. The new facility also houses the company’s latest asphalt production plant, which is said to be 15% more energy efficient than conventional plants and can achieve carbon abatement of 1,220 t of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to taking 265 cars off roads each year.
Located in the emerging Sungei Kadut Eco-District, the Samwoh Smart Hub features people-centric and collaborative work spaces for Samwoh’s employees. The building is also home to the pioneering Samwoh Innovation Centre – the largest R&D centre in Singapore’s construction industry – where the company’s innovative recycled construction materials are developed and tested.
The Samwoh Research & Innovation team has successfully developed several first-of-its-kind sustainable products such as low carbon asphalt pavements, Eco-Green concrete, waste water treatment technology, and is currently trialling the use of processed plastic waste to produce asphalt.
In addition to adopting state-of-the-art technologies to bring down energy consumption, the Samwoh Smart Hub was constructed using various types of recycled construction materials. Repurposed sedimentary rocks from the Jurong Rock Cavern were also used to build certain areas of the hub.
The opening ceremony of Samwoh Smart Hub took place on 6 December 2022, graced by guest of honour Heng Swee Keat, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies.
