Martin No. 38 by Kerry Hill Architects is a masterfully executed case study in concrete and aluminium architecture in the tropics. As a contemporary mixed use development on the fringe of the Singapore CBD, the project introduces high quality next-generation ‘low carbon’ living spaces supported by a clever program mix of amenities for professionals in a global city context.

A variety of apartment types, distributed in 15 and 9 story volumes, with open layouts maximizing flexible use of space, are dispersed in an intelligent manner to take advantage of breezes, sun, views and existing mature tropical vegetation. An understated yet iconic building skin composed from dynamic operable sunscreens, results in a constantly changing appearance. Competent use of appropriate passive systems such as correct orientation for maximizing daylight and natural ventilation (not easy in Singapore to minimize the need for air-conditioning!) contributes to low carbon emissions.

With this project, Kerry Hill Architects has made a significant contribution to contemporary low carbon living in a modern Asian metropolis.