JANGHO Powers The Reserve Project in Singapore to Win the 2025 SIA Design Award

The Reserve project in Singapore, constructed by JANGHO, has been awarded the 2025 Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) Design Award. The project incorporates ultra-thin natural onyx veneer laminated within double-glazed units, giving a former industrial building a distinctive new façade and transforming it into a contemporary urban landmark.

▲ 2025 SIA Design Award and Client Commendation Letter

Through high-precision digital scanning and advanced book-matching techniques, JANGHO achieved full-surface installation using only six original onyx slabs. The 4-millimetre onyx veneers present a seamless visual continuity, resembling the veining of a single monolithic stone.

By day, the façade reflects warm golden hues; by night, the building becomes a radiant “gemstone beacon,” achieving a perfect fusion of architectural functionality and artistic expression.

▲ Night View of The Reserve Project

Construction Challenges

——Crafting Architectural Art with Millimeter Precision

Transforming such avant-garde design into reality demanded exceptional technical execution. Based on this situation, JANGHO successfully tackled four major engineering challenges:

• Ⅰ. Seamless Book-Matching Technology of Onyx Slab

▲ Onyx Slab Layout

The book-matching technology applied in onyx façade is the soul of the project and its greatest technical challenge. Architects and stone consultants spent months digitally scanning, mapping, and laying out every slab. Multiple rounds of digital layout refinement were conducted, comparing fine differences in colour, translucency, and veining to ensure uninterrupted visual flow across the building façade. This exquisite craftsmanship is essential for maximizing material utilization and achieving the architect’s vision of a seamless natural stone façade.

▲ Book-matching Façade Elevation

•  Ⅱ. “Zero-Tolerance” Unitized Curtain Wall System

▲ Installation of the Onyx Curtain Wall

Although designed as a unitized curtain wall system, the installation precision required far exceeded industry norms. Because every onyx slab had unique veining and required perfect continuity, the tolerance for post-installation replacement was nearly zero. Each unit had to be hoisted, aligned, and fixed with the precision of a finely tuned instrument, where even the slightest deviation could disrupt the façade’s overall continuity. JANGHO’s meticulous execution embodied the highest standards of zero-defect installation.

• Ⅲ. Limited-Space Hoisting of Curved Glass Units

▲ Curved Glass Units at the Cylindrical Entrance Lobby

The cylindrical entrance lobby features large, heavy, curved glass units, significantly increasing installation complexity. All lifting and positioning had to occur from inside the building, posing stringent demands on operating space, coordination efficiency, and safety control. Therefore, JANGHO developed a custom hoisting strategy and, through expert handling, completed the high-precision installation within extremely confined space.

• Ⅳ. Millimeter-Level Positioning for GFRC Brackets

▲ Installation Inside the Main Vault

The glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) curtain wall inside the main vault required bracket positioning accurate to the millimeter. The confined and fully enclosed working environment further amplified construction complexity. To ensure the progress of the project schedule, JANGHO deployed two installation teams, two automobile cranes, and four boom lifts to operate in a tightly coordinated sequence. Behind this effort lay rigorous planning, precise resource allocation, and comprehensive safety management, collectively ensuring efficient and safe project delivery.

From a raw natural stone to a new city landmark; from a bold architectural concept to an engineering achievement, The Reserve project in Singapore stands as a crystallization of the synergy of design aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. It’s also an embodiment of the “pursuit of excellence and make perfection more perfect” spirit.

Looking ahead, JANGHO will continue to demonstrate the craftsmanship and innovation, and create more remarkable and iconic works around the world!