How does it feel to step into the world's FIRST building made of 100% recycled material?

Thanks to Cuifen, my partner and I got to visit Samwoh— a building that is the first of its kind in this region which uses 100% recycled concrete aggregate back in 2010. This is a significant breakthrough in the construction industry because, 6 years on, the building is still strong and fine. Let's take a walk through Samwoh eco-green and find out who they are, what they do and why we should be proud of them! To excite you further, we got to see real bombs (but they were inert) used to demolish buildings. COOL MUCH!

Inert explosives — used to blast buildings for collection of material

Aside from explosive devices, we were introduced to the core business of Samwoh — mainly construction of roads and buildings. Their history goes a long, long way....

Once upon a time, in 1975, three lorry drivers decided to open a transport and logistics company. Their business started developing in the 1980s when it secured a few sizeable transportation and logistics projects from the Housing and Development Board and also the Public Works Department. It was through their business acumen that they decided to invest in an asphalt batching plant and expanded on its asphalt premix supplying and laying services.

How Samwoh's innovation produced colourful printed pavements and high performance roads

We went to so many different sections and various floors — that I kind of forgot which one came first.

A walk down memory lane

We also had a preview of their laboratory — full of material testing. One can't help but to notice the dust-filled air with strong chemical smells. However, I am very impressed that Samwoh is continuously trying to innovate and create sustainable products. In other words, creating a mix of materials that can incorporate both recycled and new materials.

There were too much technical information — which would be better for those who have studied material science or building and construction.

Testing the durability of each material

Huge machines take up a large amount of space in each room — and their function varies from ensuring that the material is durable to heat, resistance and weight. 

The red part shows the reclaimed areas of Singapore

We also had a preview of the ground underneath our roads — each layer serves a very good purpose. 

What's beneath our road?

Processed reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP)

A very good host - sharing about the various types of cement

Different graded courses

The story goes that the highest floor of Samwoh's building is made up of 100% fully recycled material— and this is also where the founders / CEO sits. They were confident enough to prove that the building was 100% safe. Hopefully, more buildings can be constructed with recycled materials in future.

Unprocessed construction and demolition waste

Thanks Cuifen and the host from Samwoh for such an eventful day! :)

Samwoh Corporation

Address: 25E Sungei Kadut Street 1, Singapore 729333
Phone: 6269 7288