When our client acquired 112 Robinson Road for over $200 million, they saw more than a property investment — they saw potential. The 14-storey commercial building, located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, was ready for a new chapter. What followed was a complex, full-scale transformation that brought new life to an aging structure while keeping its operations running in one of the city’s busiest areas.
The Vision: Reimagining a Landmark
The scope of work was extensive: addition and alteration works to the façade of the first three levels, along with common area interior upgrades from the 1st to 14th storey. But beyond the plans and permits, the project was about turning a decades-old building into a modern workplace that could stand proudly in the CBD skyline once again.
Working in the Heart of the City
Renovating along Robinson Road came with its own set of challenges. The façade works demanded precision and creative problem-solving. With a bus lane running directly beside the building, daytime works were nearly impossible so construction moved to midnight.
Every night, teams worked against the clock, carefully coordinating equipment access and deliveries within narrow time windows. Hoarding systems were installed to protect tenants from noise and dust, and by sunrise, everything was cleaned and reset so that business could resume as usual.
Precision in Every Detail
Inside, the transformation was just as demanding. The lift lobbies received a complete overhaul featuring Alucobond aluminium panels — precision-manufactured in Switzerland and custom-curved to create a seamless, sophisticated aesthetic across all 14 storey lift lobbies.
One of the most technically intricate tasks involved coring through 40-year-old reinforced concrete walls. Each opening required close coordination with structural consultants to maintain the building’s integrity while installing new 2-hour fire-rated glass t maintain safety standards while achieving aesthetic and visibility goals.
Craftsmanship and Material Quality
At 112 Robinson Road, every surface was carefully designed, using high quality, globally sourced materials:
- Dekton Ultra-Compact Stone from Spain: Installed at the Level 1 main lobby, each slab weighed approximately 140 kilograms and required six skilled tilers for precise installation. Due to the material’s exceptional hardness, all cuts were pre-fabricated at the factory to ensure clean and accurate edges. Read More
- Greek White Ari Venato Marble: Used across the Level 1 lobby reception counter, five-footway water pond, and low wall, was crafted from solid marble blocks in Greece. Each piece was meticulously cut and prepared before being shipped to Singapore.
- Flat Moss Wall from Italy and Reindeer Moss from Finland: Behind the lobby counter, preserved moss installations add a touch of natural texture and warmth to the modern design.
- Maritaka Stone from Brazil: Used for the external walkway, this distinctive natural stone was selected and approved by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for use, reflecting the project’s focus on quality and compliance.
Building Around People
Working within a live building required more than technical expertise — it demanded empathy. Every stage of work was scheduled after hours, with teams ensuring that by morning, tenants returned to spotless common areas. Communication and coordination became the foundation of the project, keeping businesses running smoothly amid the noise and dust of construction.
The Water Feature
Perhaps the most visually striking addition was the new water feature pond — a reinforced concrete structure finished with premium marble. Integrating new water and pump systems within an existing framework was no easy feat, but the result was worth it. Today, the tranquil sound of flowing water welcomes tenants and visitors, softening the pace of the surrounding city.
The Result: A Building Renewed
The renovation of 112 Robinson Road brought new life to a building that has long been part of Singapore’s CBD. Despite the challenges of working within a live, high-traffic environment, the team successfully delivered a modern, functional space that respects the building’s original structure while meeting today’s standards for quality and design.
