Distinctive architecture interlacing fitness and nature

SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse in Singapore

published in sb magazine 1/2025 

SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Clubhouse (SAFRA@CCK) is envisioned as a one-stop weekend hang-out for SAFRA members and their families. Representing the exuberance and vivacity of nature within the surrounding neighbourhood, the building seeks to harmonize with the park through complementary design, injecting new life into existing park activities. SAFRA@CCK offers multiple avenues for sports and fitness activities under its roof, such as a 6-lane Olympic lap pool, a gym on the highest elevation that affords views of the surrounding greenery, and a Wellness Street comprising of naturally ventilated green assemblage of wellness facilities that have multipurpose functions. The facility was designed by DP Architects in collaboration with its specialist arms DP Engineers (Structure), DP Green and DP Sustainable Design.

The architecture of SAFRA@CCK expresses itself with exuber­ant, distinctive forms that recall and inspire fitness – from bold super-scaled trusses to the precast pigmented concrete bulwark frontage symbolizing unity and strength. Yet beneath its robust exterior, it hosts a dynamic community of nature and people, flowing in through a central spine from the park. The result is a seamless interlace of nature and fitness that reinvigorates the neighbourhood and revives the community spirit.

From inception, the arrangement of massing and programs is guided not only by internal logic concerning hierarchy and purpose but also by external factors such as visual accessibility and spatial interconnection. The location of the clubhouse within a park is capitalized upon as its design philosophy focused on creating porous public spaces that seamlessly integrate the surrounding greenery into the architectural fabric. This intentional orientation of the architecture towards the park draws in nature and activities from the surroundings, creating a verdant central courtyard that brings the outdoors inside.