The Link at 896 has historically been a recognisable building in the Bukit Timah area. It has undergone several transformations, from a car showroom to a kitchen appliances centre to an office building. These transformations have helped it remain a vital part of the neighbourhood. Repositioning its trade mix and revitalising its dated office-like interiors and facade was essential to ensure it stayed relevant with the community.

We have developed a modern and elegant interior design concept for The Link at 896, extending this approach to the facade design. Our goal is to take a holistic and unified approach to enhance the overall building experience, carefully integrating every design element to maintain clarity and flow.

The interior features soft edges, geometric patterns, and interwoven details to create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. Modern, minimal columns and void edges will be complemented by simple and refined ceiling finishes.

Integrating indoor gardens throughout the development will foster a deeper connection to nature and transform the building into a biophilic community oasis.

A community-centric approach was taken to develop The Link at 896 into a placemaking destination. Enhancing the internal spaces can help to better accommodate a diverse mix of tenants.

We integrated various designated areas for social interaction to encourage engagement – making visitors feel more welcome and inclined to spend more time in the development.

Furthermore, we activated previously underutilised spaces, such as the rooftop deck, to increase foot traffic through unique areas for relaxation and communal gatherings.

The existing horizontal program stacking layout lacked integration and cohesiveness. As such, the solution was to design a grand atrium with light wells and new openings which channel natural light into the building and encourage natural ventilation.

Light wells illuminate the space and establish visual connections between different levels, fostering a sense of openness and continuity across the floors. This design element created stronger vertical connectivity throughout the development.

The new facade proposal needed a simple and timeless design solution to blend with the elegant and muted interiors proposed for the building.

Removing the existing curtain wall cladding simplifies and refreshes the primary facade. It will be replaced by grand architectural frames, and an urban scale gesture in the Dunearn Road context. These frames will create an elegant architectural rhythm and language.

Additionally, a cohesive mix of metallic detailing and feature lighting helps accentuate The Link at 896’s sleek, modern, and dynamic visual.

Its strategic location also prompted the idea of having larger displays on the new facade that can improve branding and advertising opportunities.

Upon AEI completion, The Link at 896 will become a vibrant lifestyle destination with its own unique identity – fostering a strong sense of place for the immediate community and beyond.

By combining biophilic design, modern finishes, and seamless spatial connectivity, the building will redefine its role as a hub for social and commercial activities.