The Sail @Marina Bay

Location
Singapore, Singapore
Delivery
2008
Client
City Developments
Architect
NBBJ / Meinhardt Thailand Ltd
Contractor
Dragages Singapore

A landmark residential development redefining Singapore's skyline

Dragages Singapore, a subsidiary of Bouygues Bâtiment International, delivered The Sail @ Marina Bay, an iconic twin-tower residential development that has become one of Singapore's most recognisable architectural landmarks.

Inspired by the image of two sails rising above Marina Bay, the project combines elegant architectural lines with advanced engineering solutions to create a high-rise residential complex accommodating more than 1,000 apartments in the heart of Singapore's financial district. Designed to offer a premium urban lifestyle, the development integrates extensive resident amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pools and exclusive tennis courts set within a landscaped rooftop environment.

Beyond its architectural identity, the project represented a major technical challenge. Complex ground conditions required the implementation of deep barrette foundations reaching up to 70 metres, carefully designed around existing metro and pedestrian tunnels located directly beneath the towers. The superstructure was engineered to withstand both significant wind loads and earthquakes reaching intensity 8 on the modified Mercalli scale.

Des gratte-ciel modernes à Singapour s'illuminent sous un ciel crépusculaire au-dessus d'un terrain verdoyant.

1,111
appartements
80,000
m² glass façade
14,000
steel structure
70
m Deep barrette foundation

Complex engineering and high-performance façade execution

One of the project's most significant challenges emerged during construction when the specialist subcontractor responsible for the 80,000 m² glazed façade encountered financial collapse. To maintain delivery commitments, Dragages Singapore rapidly internalised the façade production process, integrating it directly into its own operations and construction schedule without extending completion deadlines.

The façade itself was a major technical achievement, following the complex curved geometry of the sail-shaped towers while ensuring both structural performance and visual consistency across the development. Combined with the extensive use of steel and advanced civil engineering methods, the project demonstrates Dragages Singapore's ability to successfully deliver technically demanding high-rise developments under challenging conditions.

Today, The Sail @ Marina Bay stands as a flagship example of Singapore's vertical urban development and reflects the Group's expertise in delivering large-scale residential towers combining engineering performance, architectural ambition and premium living environments.