Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development & Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration (centre) was the Guest-of-Honour at the topping out ceremony of the Avenue South Residence. (From left) Mr Jonathan Eu (CEO, Singapore Land Group), Mr Allan Tan (Managing Director, United Tec Construction), Mr Liam Wee Sin (CEO, UOL Group CEO), Mr Desmond Lee (Minister for National Development & Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration), and Mr Kelvin Wong (CEO, Building and Construction Authority). (Photo: Ministry of National Development)
With twin towers each standing 192m-high, Avenue South Residence, located on the doorstep of the Greater Southern Waterfront, is the tallest prefabricated, pre-finished volumetric construction (PPVC) residential building in the world. It is less a record to beat, and more a testament to the opportunities that come with pushing the boundaries in building construction.
On 25 February 2022, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development & Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, was the Guest-of-Honour at the topping out ceremony for the 1,074-unit development, which also includes five low-rise conservation blocks. The last of 3,000 free-standing volumetric apartment modules complete with internal finishes, fixtures and fittings had previously been set in place atop the 56-storey development.
“Avenue South Residence is an example of what we can achieve when we take bold steps and push the limits of convention.”
– Jonathan Eu, CEO
PPVC was one of the first 35 key technologies identified in the Building and Construction Authority’s construction productivity research and development (R&D) roadmap — and for good reason too.
Similar to Clement Canopy and Clavon, where Singapore Land Group also adopted PPVC, Avenue South Residence has benefited from the use of the technology. With pre-finished modules built in a factory before being transported to be assembled at the construction site, construction productivity for the development increased by 40% compared with conventional methods. This, even when faced with disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notably, the increase in productivity is accompanied by improved quality control since the modules are built in a controlled environment. On-site, pollution and noise are also reduced, leading to better working conditions for construction workers. Disturbances to those living and working nearby were also minimised.
Jonathan Eu, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Land Group says, “Avenue South Residence is an example of what we can achieve when we take bold steps and push the limits of convention. This spirit of innovation is a big part of SingLand’s DNA and the success of this project spurs us on to continue seeking new and sustainable solutions for our developments.”
Avenue South Residence is a joint venture by UOL Group Limited, Singapore Land Group and Kheng Leong Company. It is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2023.