An award-winning workplace hub that transforms an existing space into a collaborative environment designed to encourage connection, creativity, and new ways of working.

Client: Sentosa Development Corporation

Main Contractor: Aspacio Design Associates

Sector: Institutional

Location: Sentosa, Singapore

The Discovery Den Workplace Hub at Sentosa represents a new approach to workplace design, transforming an existing space into a flexible environment that encourages collaboration, interaction, and employee engagement.

Recognised under the SG Mark Spatial Design category, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design and adaptive reuse can redefine workplace environments by creating spaces that respond to evolving organisational needs while enhancing user experience.

The project involved the conversion of a former kitchen space into a multi-functional workplace hub featuring areas for meetings, informal gatherings, cultural activities, and focused work. Inspired by Sentosa’s identity, the design incorporates elements that reflect the island’s character while creating a contemporary workplace environment that encourages connection and collaboration.

We were appointed as the Consultant Quantity Surveyor to provide quantity surveying, cost management, and contract administration services throughout the project lifecycle. Our role focused on maintaining cost control, providing commercial guidance, and ensuring that the project objectives were achieved within the approved requirements.

The transformation of an existing space into an award-winning workplace environment required careful coordination between design aspirations, technical requirements, and commercial considerations. With unique design features and specialised workplace elements incorporated into the project, detailed cost planning was essential to evaluate design decisions and maintain financial control throughout the development process.

Through cost assessments, tender evaluation, and ongoing commercial reviews,we kept continuous coordination between the client, consultants, and contractors to manage design developments, changes, and construction requirements.

The Discovery Den demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse in creating meaningful workplace environments while making effective use of existing spaces. It was designed to provide a flexible setting that accommodates different workplace activities, from collaborative discussions and team gatherings to individual focused work.

Also, by integrating adaptable layouts and multi-purpose areas, the workplace hub creates an environment that can evolve alongside changing operational needs. The project also reflects a growing focus on sustainable workplace design by extending the usefulness of an existing space while incorporating thoughtful solutions that enhance functionality and user experience.

Our team provided comprehensive quantity surveying and commercial consultancy services throughout the project lifecycle. Each day we worked  closely with the client, consultants, and contractors, we endorsed the project through structured cost management, procurement assistance, and contractual oversight to help ensure effective project delivery.

Our services included:

Quantity surveying

Cost planning and cost management

Cost estimation and reporting

Procurement and tender support

Contract administration

Variation assessment and valuation

Commercial advisory services

As a workplace project with distinctive design requirements, effective commercial management was essential to balance creativity, functionality, and budget considerations. Through detailed cost planning, tender analysis, budget monitoring, and assessment of design developments, we were able to   provide greater cost certainty throughout the project.

Additionally, our approach enabled stakeholders to evaluate options effectively while maintaining alignment with project objectives. During construction, we provided contract administration and variation assessment services to ensure changes were properly reviewed, documented, and managed. This helped maintain transparency and effective financial control throughout the project lifecycle.

So, by combining technical quantity surveying expertise with practical commercial advice, we contributed to the successful realisation of an innovative workplace environment.

The completed Discovery Den at Sentosa showcases how adaptive reuse and purposeful design can transform an existing space into an engaging workplace destination. As it’s recognised by SG Mark for its spatial design excellence, the project features the importance of creating environments that encourage collaboration, creativity, and connection while responding to the changing needs of modern workplaces.

Through close collaboration among the client, consultants, and contractors, Discovery Den demonstrates how thoughtful planning, innovative design, and effective cost management work together to create a workplace that delivers lasting value.