PLP Architecture's Park Nova: Singapore's Green Tower with Undulating Balconies

Park Nova, a 21-storey residential tower by London-based PLP Architecture, introduces a new model for biophilic high-rise living in Singapore. Commissioned by Hong Kong and Macau developers Shun Tak Holdings, the building features 54 residences, each with deep planted private terraces. The undulating floor-plates, inspired by the site's history as a nutmeg orchard, shift orientation floor to floor, creating a unique silhouette and ensuring no two apartments are identical. Projecting balconies reduce solar radiation by approximately 70%, allowing for clear glazing throughout. The project required complex dialogues with planning authorities to secure approval for varying balcony depths, a first for residential construction in Singapore at this scale. 35 plant species were grown off-site and tested before installation, with ongoing maintenance handled by gondolas. PLP partner Tina Qiu emphasizes that greenery is woven into domestic life, reshaping high-rise living. Park Nova follows precedents by local studios like WOHA and Thomas Heatherwick's Eden, reflecting Singapore's evolving architectural approach towards integrating nature.