Precision Steel Fabrication for the New Futura Curtain Wall Structure, Singapore

Precision Steel Fabrication for the New Futura Curtain Wall Structure, Singapore
Executing a Complex Curtain Wall Steel Scop in a Signature SOM‑Designed Luxury High‑Rise

ZHM is pleased to present a technical summary of our completed role in the New Futura development – a landmark luxury condominium tower complex in Singapore’s prestigious Orchard Road district. As a subcontractor for the curtain wall steel structure of this project, we provided a full turnkey service from shop drawing detailing through fabrication, surface treatment, logistics, and technical support for on‑site installation.

Project Background

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), New Futura comprises two 36‑storey residential towers linked by a harmonious architectural language of flowing arcs and curved lines. The development contains 124 exclusive units, including two‑ to five‑bedroom apartments and duplex penthouses with double‑height ceilings. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the façade integrates green building principles, with the steel support system playing a critical role in realising the building’s distinctive curved envelope.

For this high‑profile project, ZHM was entrusted with the fabrication and supply of the entire curtain wall steel substructure – a total of 878 tonnes of high‑rise steel components. All products have been successfully designed, manufactured, delivered, and installed, fully meeting Singapore’s stringent building codes and the exacting quality requirements of SOM’s design.

Our Scope of Work

The curtain wall steel structure for New Futura serves as the primary load‑bearing and alignment skeleton for the glazed façade system. Our scope included:

✧Shop detail engineering – converting architectural and structural drawings into fabrication‑level drawings with full weld mapping and assembly sequences.
✧Steel profile cutting, bending, and rolling – producing curved sections to match the tower’s complex organic geometry.
✧Precision welding – complying with AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code (Steel) . All welders were certified, and non‑destructive testing (NDT) – including ultrasonic (UT) and magnetic particle (MT) – was performed on critical joints.
✧Hot‑dip galvanizing – exceeding ASTM A123 / ISO 1461 standards to provide corrosion protection for Singapore’s tropical marine environment.
✧Prefabrication into modular units – reducing on‑site assembly time and improving quality control.
✧Overseeing pilot installation – our engineers provided on‑site guidance during initial fixing to ensure alignment with the main structure.

Technical Highlights

1. Curved Steel Elements for Façade Expression

The signature feature of New Futura is its series of fluid, sweeping arcs. To achieve this without compromising structural integrity, we employed CNC profile bending and hot‑rolled curved channels. Key components included:

✧Curved box columns and sills for window spandrels
✧Arched transoms and million connectors
✧Radius‑formed brackets to support sloping glass panels

All curved parts were checked on a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) against 3D BIM models to guarantee ±2mm tolerance over 6m spans.

2. High‑Rise Specific Considerations

Working on a 36‑storey building required careful attention to:

✧Connection detailing – Slotted holes and adjustable brackets accommodated building drift and thermal movement.
✧Modular weight control – Each prefabricated frame was limited to 1.2 tonnes for easy hoisting by tower cranes.
✧Interface with main structure – Embed plates and anchor bolts were cast‑in by the main contractor to our precise layout drawings.

3. Material and Coating

All steel used was S355JR grade (equivalent to BS EN 10025), offering excellent weldability and impact resistance. After fabrication and welding, every component underwent:

✧Abrasive blasting to Sa 2.5 (ISO 8501‑1)
✧Hot‑dip galvanizing – minimum 85µm coating thickness
✧Top‑coating (on exposed visible parts) – polyester powder coating to match SOM’s colour specifications

This duplex coating system ensures a design life of over 25 years with minimal maintenance.

4. Quality Assurance & Standards

Our manufacturing process was audited against ISO 9001:2015. Specific project‑level compliance included:

✧Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) requirements for façade structural components.
✧AWS D1.1 – all welding procedures (WPS) and welder performance qualifications (WPQ) submitted and approved.
✧Traceability – each major component marked with a unique ID linking back to material certificates (MTC) and NDT reports.

Installation Support and Outcome

ZHM delivered the 878 tonnes in eight batches over four months, synchronised with the tower’s construction schedule. Our team provided:

✧Detailed assembly drawings with step‑by‑step erection sequences
✧On‑site technical liaison to resolve any interface issues
✧Inspection reports (visual, weld NDT, galvanizing thickness) in digital format for the main contractor’s quality records

The completed curtain wall steel structure is now fully integrated into both towers. It has successfully passed all load tests and façade deflection checks, contributing to a building that stands as a new icon on Singapore’s skyline.

Conclusion

The New Futura project demonstrates ZHM Metal Engineering’s capability to handle complex, high‑rise curtain wall steelwork for world‑class architectural designs. By combining precision fabrication, rigorous quality control, and collaborative technical support, we delivered a 878‑tonne structure that turns SOM’s curved vision into a durable, buildable reality.

For engineers and developers seeking a reliable partner for custom steel façade systems, high‑rise steel substructures, or architectural curved steelwork, ZHM offers proven experience in Singapore’s demanding market.

Contact: ZHM Metal Engineering Co., Ltd.

Specialists in Precision Steel Fabrication for Curtain Wall and Façade Structures

1 High Rise Facade Curtain Wall Steel Works

2 Singapore luxury condos steel curtain wall structure

3 SOM design curved steel facade modular erection

4 two 36 storey luxury towers precision fabrication

6-elevated-arched-transoms-million-connectors

7 Landmark Luxury Condominium Tower Complex Structures

8 Fabrication Supply Entire Curtain Wall Steel Substructures

9 Curved box columns sills window spandrels

Why ZHM Huawu Metal Precision Steel Fabrication for the High Rise Building Curtain Wall Structure?

Reliable and Customized Designs	Cutting Edge Designing Process	Free Online Price System	Easy Bolt-by-number Assembly
Over Two Decades of Experience	Value For Money	Unmatched in Quality and Craftmanship	Excellent Customer Service

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