Inspiring innovation at Dyson’s repurposed global headquarters
St James Power Station is the site of many engineering firsts. Established a century ago, it was the first municipal power station in Singapore and one of the first industrial buildings of its kind in Southeast Asia. The legacy of innovation continues as Dyson reinvents a historic national monument as its new global HQ. People and ideas power future growth in this Singapore office design for Dyson.
Key highlights
Repurposing the building for Dyson's research, development and operations teams.
A campus-like masterplan that respects the existing heritage architecture.
Delivering a sustainable and human-centred workplace.
Creating a sense of purpose and architectural identity through design.
In a building originally designed for machines, the team‘s focus was to help Dyson reinvent it for people. In doing so, it was essential to have a functional and inspiring space. A space to support the research, development and operations teams to work, meet and collaborate.
At the heart of this Singapore office design for Dyson is the former Turbine Hall. A dramatic four-storey industrial space. Inspired by the quadrangles of academic campuses, this central space serves as a circulation hub, connecting all areas. An inner retreat for agile working and a community space for people to meet and connect.
Adapting an old industrial building into a campus for innovation meant tackling many design challenges. We needed to seamlessly incorporate workspaces, laboratories and social spaces. Designing improved acoustics and integrating technology for modern workplace functions was essential. We addressed the diverse needs of different teams by offering a range of alternative work points and spaces. These include break-out areas for team collaboration and quieter library zones for focus.
Healthy materials address wellness while advancing Dyson’s carbon net-zero goals. Engineered to a Green Mark Platinum standard, the design leverages smart building technologies, energy reduction strategies and resource stewardship programs.
Creating a sense of purpose and architectural identity within the campus, materials offer context and meaning. Concrete flooring and black metal speak of the building’s past. While technical materials like polycarbonate, metal mesh and mirrored cladding announce its new future.
The striking metal staircase celebrates craftmanship and echoes the building’s industrial past. Employees enter the Turbine Hall as they head to work. Here they are greeted with a symbolic reminder of the buildings new revitalised purpose – to spark design and technology innovation.