The Sky Range Story
Introduction
Nestled on the edge of the National Service Resort and Country Club (NSRCC) Changi, the Sky Range stands as Southeast Asia’s inaugural elevated driving range. Commanding a breathtaking and panoramic view overlooking the coastal views of Changi Beach, the Sky Range is more than a range, it epitomises innovation stemming from challenge.
We take you on a trip down memory lane to give you a glimpse of how the Sky Range was conceived and developed. Due to the expansion of Changi Airport and proposed road works, a parcel of our land (nine holes of our 18 holes) had to be returned to the State to make way for Changi Airport's expansion. Undeterred, NSRCC rose to the challenge.
As the land return was carried out in phases, a plot of remnant land from the previous golf course was allocated for the building of a temporary driving range. This temporary land would serve our members until the plot is returned to the State in early 2020.
The quest for a permanent driving range beyond 2020 was underway for some time. Based on a typical driving range site, a 4ha land space is a luxury we did not have. Studies undertaken on various projects in the United States and South Korea underscored that a suspended driving range offered a possible engineering notion. However, each of these projects was unique, leaving us to conceive a plan to innovate and tailor the version.
NSRCC optimised the remaining nine-hole golf course and introducing the 'Sky Range', also branded as the 'Driving Range' as golfers "drive" the ball into the hole.
We navigated several challenges, namely, what is up in the air, and what is down underground. The airspace at our site is subject to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s (CAAS) flight safety control, and the building had to comply with CAAS's stringent height restrictions.
With the height limit imposed, the existing netting layout was curated to maximise its ceiling height, and also to enable the gravity pull to work optimally. The deep tunnel sewer system beneath the ground posed restrictions on the breadth and width of the building. As the building is nestled adjacent to a path for fire engine access, the second storey had to be a height of 9.5m to enable access for heavy-duty emergency vehicles. With the elevation of the driving range, balls hit from the elevated tee boxes descend by gravity, channelled through a hydraulic gutter system, and distributed by pressurised air tubes, exemplifying its mechanical engineering ingenuity.
As the building had to be built over existing facilities still in operation, the primary concern was the disruption and safety to the existing occupants. National Service Resort & Country Club (NSRCC) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) ensured that all safety measures were assessed and implemented prior to the commencement of work.
Challenges Faced & Tackled
The planning and construction of such a sizeable structure came with a handful of challenges in its design details.
To achieve a 220m ball-driving distance for a full length range, the new structure of the building had to be erected above an existing structure with supporting beams to lift the long-spanning netting.
All six sides of the range are tightly confined by both physical and/or regulatory requirements. The east wing of the structure runs parallel along the canal, with the west and south sides limited by the entrance of the Clubhouse. The northern boundaries of the structure are cut off by the golf course.
A deep tunnel sewerage system nearby curtailed the boundary underground. The airspace was subject to stringent controls for flight path safety requirements due to its proximity to Changi Airport, as advised by CAAS.
These considerations required stringent site preparation and control in the initial stages of construction. The construction phase was likewise challenging, as a vast majority of the car park remained open for use. Caution and vigilance were integral during the process to ensure that the construction did not pose a danger to anyone.
One of the key concerns was ball collection. Without solid ground, vehicle collection was not possible. Gravity pull and hydraulic floor offered the next best solution, being cost-effective and reliable. It took several revisions to finally arrive at a customised design to ensure that the ball collection system functioned well.
To reduce the overall height of the bottom netting, the first segment of the netting was dipped further to bring down the entire level of the netting. The 15 per cent gradient at the second segment was directed to the middle of the gutter, which will then leverage the flow of water to carry the golf balls to the building. Upon reaching the building, the golf balls will be cleaned and transported up to the different practice bays via pressure tubes.
The user experience of the driving range is paramount. NSRCC was committed to ensuring that the overall look and feel of the driving range is seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of the resort’s theme. Fire-resistant materials were covered by brick and cement finishing to achieve this.
The installation of comfortable seats, free WiFi and USB ports to enhance the convenience of our members, along with the pleasant treat of a 360-degree panoramic view of our Clubhouse and the seafront of Changi Beach from our rooftop bar.
Following a protracted 18-month journey, with guidance from the Redevelopment Committee and General Committee, NSRCC unveiled our brand-new Sky Range in 2019, providing members and guests with a platform to practice their swing in unique settings.
This monumental structure stands tall within the premises of the Changi Clubhouse as the latest addition to the NSRCC. The Sky Range is a dedicated project by the NSRCC in collaboration with DSTA, which managed the programme to construct the maiden suspended driving range in Southeast Asia, with golf ball netting built over existing buildings and the car park.
Today, the Sky Range welcomes members and guests to practice their swings amid the breeze and birdcalls, where sky and nature meet the fairway.