Reimagining heritage: Architects reflect on the future of sustainable design at V-ZUG

Kicking off the panel, Neiderberger shed light on V-ZUG’s holistic and deeply considered approach to sustainability, which integrates environmental, social and economic pillars. “As a company, we don’t strive solely for profit—we aim to balance these three dimensions with people, planet, and profile,” he shared.

He went on to emphasise that sustainability at V-ZUG extends far beyond the end-product. “It’s not just about the products we manufacture; how we manufacture them is equally important,” he added, underscoring the brand’s commitment to responsible production processes that align with its core values.

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Thean offered a thoughtful perspective on sustainability, drawing from her recent holiday home project nestled in Khao Yai, Thailand. Reflecting on the delicate relationship between architecture and nature, she emphasised the importance of giving back to the land on which we build—remarking that “architecture is not just about building, but part of a larger ecosystem.” Guided by this philosophy, her team prioritised the use of locally sourced materials and collaborated with regional artisans to honour the site’s cultural and ecological context.

To rehabilitate the overgrown 50-acre landscape, nearly 400 mature trees—spanning more than 80 native species—were carefully introduced to re-establish the area’s indigenous biodiversity. “We don’t just try to design with less, but also with legacy in mind,” she shared.

She explained that the vision was for the home to grow old gracefully with its surroundings, becoming not just sustainable, but symbiotic and enduring.

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Goy echoed the sentiment, drawing on her experience restoring the Danish Seamen’s Church on Pender Road. She began by sharing two aspects that have always captivated her as an architect: the stories embedded in each project—narratives that lend soul and specificity to a space—and the craftsmanship that brings those stories to life.

Delving into the church’s layered history, she spoke about how the building came to be through the efforts of the prominent Tan family—descendants of Tan Tock Seng—alongside key dignitaries of the time, including members of Thai royalty, who collectively commissioned its construction. It was, as she described, a project steeped in heritage, collaboration, and meaning.

Tan offered poignant reflections from his work on the Gallop Extension at the Botanic Gardens, which has since been transformed into a vibrant community heritage site. “Conservation is not just about making good the old buildings,” he noted. “It is about landscaping.” This includes conserving the single saga tree that stands behind the two colonial houses that he and his team painstakingly conserved. 

His remarks offered a more expansive take on heritage, one that sees the surrounding environment not just as context, but as part of the story, where conservation includes the land’s living memory.

As the evening transitioned into cocktails and conversation, guests mingle over zero-waste canapés and a creamy pea risotto, lovingly prepared by V-ZUG Gourmet Academy chefs Joel Ow and Kelysa Lee. Every bite was a considered as the conversation—proof that taste and thoughtfulness can, and should, go hand in hand.

Tatler Homes Singapore and V-ZUG’s 2025 edition reminded us that sustainability is not a checklist—it’s a mindset. From adaptive reuse to cross-cultural storytelling, the night made one thing clear: good design doesn’t just look forward. It looks around. It listens. And above all, it remembers the past and applies the lesson for the future.

Click through the gallery below to see more of what went down at the event.

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