Benoy is delighted to announce the launch of 18 Cross, a transformative milestone in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District. The mixed-use redevelopment exemplifies the power of adaptive reuse, heritage integration, and sustainable urban regeneration. Benoy was proud to deliver architecture, landscape architecture, wayfinding, interior design and signage for the scheme.
A Landmark Evolution
Situated at the intersection of Cross Street and the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Nankin Road, 18 Cross redefines the potential of urban renewal in Singapore’s CBD. This landmark project seamlessly weaves together conserved heritage shophouses, a revitalised commercial podium, and a modern Grade A office tower — creating a rich blend of past, present, and future.
Reimagining a dynamic urban hub
Formerly known as Cross Street Exchange, 18 Cross showcases the transformative potential of adaptive reuse design. Working closely together with PAG (client), DCA (local architects), and Cundall (engineers), Benoy has transformed the 14,000-sqm site into a sustainable commercial and lifestyle hub that blends historical preservation with contemporary urban design.
Opened in early 2025, 18 Cross comprises a four-story podium and a 15-story Grade A office tower, that seamlessly integrates with the shophouses of Nanking Yard
Adjacent to 18 Cross, the Nankin Yard urban renewal project is slated for competition in late 2025. It will bring an exciting fusion of 18 heritage shophouses with six modern additions, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone rich in connectivity and charm.
Transforming fragmentation into synergy
Despite its prime location, the original site faced numerous challenges. The almost industrial-looking podium façade did not connect with its intricate surroundings, the shophouses were disjointed from the retail podium, and the arrival into the office tower was hardly visible — resulting in low visitor numbers and low occupancy rates.
The redesign aimed to overcome these barriers, redefining the site as a cohesive, vibrant mixed-use destination that reflects Singapore’s dynamic urban identity. By interweaving old and new, work and play, communal and private, 18 Cross and Nankin Yard sets a benchmark for future regeneration projects, addressing social, environmental, and economic sustainability as interconnected goals.
Benoy’s vision: A unified urban experience
Central to the redevelopment is a multi-story “heart,” where spaces of different functions and scales converge. The redesign transformed a cluster of shophouses into a lively, three-dimensional hub, linking Nankin Road at street level, a cascading grand staircase, retail areas, and the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) station below — enhancing transit-oriented development (TOD) principles.
With 55,000 sqft of lifestyle-driven commercial spaces, including cafés and restaurants, the development exudes vibrancy. Spill-out areas along the grand staircase foster community interaction and social engagement, while a state-of-the-art business club on the upper floors caters to Singapore’s business landscape.
“How can we breathe new life into an aging building — an eye-sore in Singapore — by redesigning its relationship with the adjacent cluster of shophouses and anchoring it within the city’s cultural fabric?” asks Gregory Kovacs, Chief Designer at Benoy, “This project presents a response that employs a combination of strategic circulation plan, façade articulation, the integration of greenery, and material expression.”
Dong Chen, Partner, Structural Engineering at Cundall states:
“By strategically retrofitting and reusing the existing structure along with the architectural proposal, we’ve been able to save over 23,000 tCO₂ from being released into the atmosphere. Through optimised structural design and careful material selection, our team minimised embodied carbon, reduced resource consumption, and shortened the construction schedule — resulting in a more efficient, sustainable, and future-ready solution.”
A redefined façade: Gateway to prosperity
The reimaged podium façade extends the human-scale rhythm of 19th-century shophouses.
Drawing inspiration from heritage elements, the façade materials reference green terracotta tiles and wooden structures, paying homage to traditional shophouses.
A lightweight, porous façade its dynamic façade language seamlessly integrates green elements and natural ventilation for the car parks while maintaining architectural consistency across the building.
At the west entrance, a bold façade design incorporates the Chinese character 丰 (Fēng) —symbolising abundance —as a tribute to the nearby Chinatown’s rich heritage. This thoughtful integration celebrates cultural history while embracing modernity, offering a true gateway to prosperity.
Revolutionising office spaces
A double-height space has been created to mark the entrance and establishes a strong architectural presence on Cross Street for the office tower.
At the lobby drop-off, a 20-meter-long green wall introduces biophilic design principles, bringing nature into the urban setting, offering a refreshing welcome to tenants and visitors.
The former Grade B office spaces have been upgraded to Grade A standards, integrating modern workplace strategies that prioritise natural light, spatial openness, and energy efficiency. New floor-to-ceiling windows maximise daylight penetration, while exposed ceilings create a sense of openness and height.
All lobbies, washrooms, and common areas have been modernised to reflect premium office environments that align with Singapore’s sustainable real estate trends.
The transformation prioritises not only aesthetics but also user convenience and well-being. End-of-trip (EOT) facilities—such as bike parking, showers, and lockers — are designed to support commuters throughout their journey, promoting sustainable transportation and healthier lifestyles. These forward-thinking amenities foster wellness while reducing environmental impact.
Sustainability at the core
At 18 Cross, sustainability drives a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible development. In collaboration with Cundall, the project seamlessly integrates environmental, social, and economic sustainability through innovative design.
Environmental sustainability
The project minimises its environmental impact with energy-efficient systems and a solar energy network that reduces reliance on conventional power. By retrofitting and repurposing existing structures prevent over 23,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, significantly lowering its carbon footprint. Sustainable resource management, including on-site rainwater harvesting and food waste collection, reinforces circular economy principles. EV charging stations further support sustainable mobility, encouraging the adoption of low-emission transportation.
Social sustainability
Social sustainability is central to 18 Cross. With WELL Platinum certification, the development prioritises occupant well-being, offering End-of-Trip (EOT) facilities that promote active commuting and a healthier urban lifestyle. A thoughtful balance of heritage preservation and modern innovation enhances cultural continuity and urban vibrancy.
Economic sustainability
Economic sustainability is built on long-term resilience and cost efficiency. Energy-efficient operations reduce costs, while Green Mark Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications increase asset value, attracting environmentally conscious tenants and investors. By transforming an underutilised space into a thriving, sustainable hub, the project drives economic revitalization and urban regeneration.
18 Cross sets a new benchmark for sustainable development, demonstrating how adaptive reuse, innovation, and responsible design create a more resilient and livable future.
Learn more at: https://www.benoy.com/projects/18-cross/
