The Reserve

A GLISTENING MODERN MONOLITH THE RESERVE, CHANGI, SINGAPORE “Gold is the money of kings, silver is the money of gentlemen, barter is the money of peasants – but debt is the money of slaves.” Norm Franz, Money & Wealth in the New Millenium The Reserve is a glistening modern monolith that alludes to the robustness of precious commodities and the transparency inherent in the distributed financial technologies of the future. Conceived as a series of dualities to intrigue; the onyx stone fortress exudes luminescent luxury inside and out through a deft use of light. At dusk, The Reserve evolves into a glowing beacon a hint at what lies within. Once inside, initial darkness gives way to reveal an intimate, terracotta-hued reception lobby as pupils dilate – umbral, if not for the warm lustre of daylight filtering through the onyx. Beyond the reception, labyrinthine corridors lined with a succession of sultry interiors wrap around the mysterious core of the building. Visitors are drawn within to a dark, cavernous space where dramatic shafts of light illuminate a vast array of precious metal to disclose the building’s secret – The World’s Highest Capacity Vault. Within the vault, sits a suspended meeting pod that overlooks the glistening sea of precious metals, the meeting pod glazed in crystal clear glass walls provide a new paranormal perspective of wealth protection. This elevated experience completes the iconic building leaving a perpetual impression to all who have visited the facility. ADAPTING FOR TOMORROW The Reserve's strategic choice to repurpose an existing logistics facility instead of embarking on new construction represents a significant step towards sustainability. By avoiding the substantial emissions typically associated with new building projects, a major contributor to the global carbon footprint, the Reserve sets a commendable precedent for sustainable development. Solar panels installed on the rooftop, along with associated batteries, efficiently generate electricity to fulfill operational needs and illuminate the facade, markedly reducing dependence on Singapore's predominantly natural gas-powered grid. This embrace of renewable energy not only bolsters the facility's environmental credentials but also enhances its energy independence. Furthermore, the facility's robust onyx facade serves a dual function. Acting as a secondary insulating layer, it provides effective sunshade, reduces cooling demands, and mitigates noise for occupants. Innovative design elements within the facade incorporate glass infused with stone, resulting in a natural golden hue when sunlight filters through. As night falls, energy-efficient LED lights discreetly positioned behind the glass emit a gentle golden glow, consuming only a fraction of the solar energy generated. Through these comprehensive upgrades, the structure not only meets but surpasses Singapore's regulatory and sustainability standards, aiming to secure Green Mark certification while standing as a beacon of architectural innovation and environmental stewardship.