Bird Paradise in Mandai Wildlife Reserve awarded SITES Silver
Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC and GBCI, recently visited the Mandai Wildlife Reserve to present the SITES Silver certification and tour Bird Paradise with the project team. The award recognises the park’s landscape performance and the long-term commitment by Mandai Wildlife Group and its partners to conservation, sustainability and exceptional guest experience.
SITES evaluates how landscapes perform across water, soil, habitat, materials, governance and community benefits. Bird Paradise met rigorous criteria while creating a richly immersive experience for visitors and world-class habitats for birds.
Atelier Ten has supported Mandai Wildlife Group since 2014 on its sustainability strategy, from masterplan to operations. As a trusted adviser to the client and design team, our work included climate and outdoor comfort studies, water saving and reuse, materials guidance, certification pathways, and measurement and verification so outcomes can be tracked over time.
Designing for Singapore’s climate
Singapore’s conditions set clear priorities: shade, airflow and all-weather resilience. We shaped roofs, decks and planting around prevailing breezes and deep canopy to lower radiant heat, then targeted cooling only where people gather. Heavy rain informed drainage, raised walkways and covered links, while careful night lighting protected the precinct’s edge. Detailing and maintenance access were selected for durability and easy cleaning in high humidity, with vector control and water quality designed in from day one.
Designing for Singapore’s climate
- Holistic water management supported by two dedicated water recycling facilities to treat wastewater into high-quality recycled water suitable for non-potable use. These facilities are expected to support 21% of the precinct’s water needs for the long term; one plant is located within Bird Paradise
- Solar PV on rooftops in support of Mandai Wildlife Group’s goal to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030
- Internal electric fleets, including shuttle bus services that move visitors to and from nearby train stations
- Thermal comfort analysis, including future-climate scenarios, to improve outdoor comfort through shade, orientation and ventilation
- A 50 m buffer zone established along Bird Paradise’s perimeter that connects to the Mandai Wildlife Bridge which helps facilitate safe wildlife movement
- Salvaging site timber repurposed intobenches and bird perches to reduce waste
The result is a resilient park where comfort, conservation and resource stewardship sit side by side. This outcome reflects a sustained, collaborative effort with Mandai Wildlife Group, RSP and Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl. The certification adds to the park’s other awards, including its LEAF Platinum certification and BCA Green Mark Platinum award for Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove.
Representatives from GBCI and Mandai Wildlife Group at the entrance of Bird Paradise
Aerial shot of Bird Paradise located at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Explore more: Visit the MWG Environmental Sustainability site for more images and further details about Sustainability at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.