Green Architecture in Singapore

[Kenzo76]

Hello everyone,

Green buildings are sprouting up worldwide with new ways in designing habitats and buildings with numerous designers and architects taking sustainable and environmentally concepts into their designs and ideas.
Lets look into the developments of sustainable buildings here locally in Singapore and the ideas behind them.

How many green buildings can you identify in Singapore?

Let start the ball rolling:

Completed projects:
1. National Library by Ken Yeang
2. Fusionopolis by the late Kisho Kurokawa
3. BCA Academy

In Construction/ Planned
1. Solaris Building (Soilbuild) Designed by Ken Yeang
2. South Beach by Norman Foster

Proposed/Planning :
1. EDITT Tower by Ken Yeang

[y2koh]

Completed:
1. Republic Polytechnic by Fumihiko Maki
2. City Square Mall by Ong & Ong
3. ITE College West by DP Architects

Under Construction:
1. Treetops@Punggol by Surbana Intl Consultants
2. Khoo Teck Phuat Hospital by CPG Consultants

[Cliff]

most new buildings here are environmentally friendly to a certain aspect, because they have to get greenmark certification!

Sophia Residence and Goodwood Recidences both have platinum awards.

[redstone]

Am I the only one who thinks that green and sustainable design is getting overrated?

[Kenzo76]

y2koh, thanks for your input.
The designs of the buildings at Republic Polytechnic by Fumiko Maki are stunning and there are touches of minimalism along the lines of modern Japanese architecture.

Cliff, Your answers is one of them. Another new offspring is the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) which will spearhead an industry-led initiative to promote green building designs and practices here in Singapore.
Here is a link: http://www.sgbc.sg/index.php/green/about/mission/

In our tropical climate, there is the opportunity to see if the technologies being explored towards buildings like Solaris at one north would garner concrete results of sustainability hence there is still so much to explore in this area of architecture.

Buildings would begin to take on new shapes and designs.

Here are some new notable contributions:

Jurong General Hospital by Ong & Ong (Competition)
Cleantech One by Surbana Consultants (To be completed end-2011)

[Kenzo76]

Business world goes green
World Architecture News.com
Tuesday 02 Mar 2010

Designs for Singapore’s first eco business park revealed
Plans for Singapore’s first eco business park have been unveiled by JTC Corporation and the Economic Development Board (EDB). The 50-hectare CleanTech Park will be situated next to the Nanyang Technological University on Nanyang Ave. Once completed, the business park will house a working population of 20,000.

Part of the $1 billion Singapore Sustainable Blueprint announced last year, CleanTech Park will be home to forward-looking corporations that have embraced environmental sustainability as a means to differentiate their business. The development will also push the boundaries of green sustainability, serving as a large-scale integrated ‘living laboratory’ for testbedding and demonstration of system-level clean technology solutions.

The eco business park will be located on a large greenfield site which has a natural undulating terrain and matured greenery with natural streams running through it. In drawing up the masterplan, a strong emphasis was placed on finding a long term sustainable balance between the development’s commercial needs and the site’s natural biodiversity.

Mr Manohar Khiatani, CEO of JTC Corporation, said: “As an infrastructural solutions provider, JTC has always placed priority on developing innovative and sustainable real estate solutions to meet the needs of our customers operating in resource-challenged Singapore. CleanTech Park will serve as an icon for the development and application of clean technologies and we shall strive to push the envelope but in a practical and cost effective way. Environmental sustainability will be the natural direction that businesses must take moving forward. CleanTech Park will be emblematic of how businesses can achieve both economic vibrancy and environmental sustainability; functioning in harmony with nature.”

The development of CleanTech Park will be carried out in 3 phases over 20 years. The first phase of the project - the development of the infrastructure within CleanTech Park - will commence in July 2010, and will be finished in 2018. CleanTech Park is expected to create 20,000 jobs and draw some $2.5 billion worth of investments in buildings when it is completed in 2030.

[Kenzo76]

Singapore’s Utopian Vision of 21st Century Air Conditioning Nears Completion

March 26th, 2010 by Susan Kraemer

Ken Yeang has worked for 30 years in many of his projects to realize his vision of the eco skyscraper, in which the natural world is much more comprehensively interwoven into the structure of large commercial buildings than now. His latest, to be completed this year is the culmination of that vision, and it’s in an equally ambitious and Utopian setting.
The site, Fusionopolis, is an entirely self-contained township that makes it possible to live and work within walking distance in a natural green setting. The master-planned site encompasses both intensive office park development and high-rise living in an ecologically sensitive zero carbon footprint design. Yeang’s philosophy? “I’m not pro skyscrapers, but if we have to have them, then let’s make them green. If we shy away from them, then other people will continue to build them as they are at present”.

It combines the best of the low carbon footprint lifestyle of living in an 11th century village, yet makes possible the 21st-century urban live-work two-career lifestyle of the future. And it is in that setting that the 15 story Solaris building at Fusionopolis 2B in Singapore, will house an array of of creative media and online businesses.

The refreshingly looped white louvers over the windows moderate the tropical temperature of Singapore, while maintaining both a futuristic and yet nature-based organic look, almost like layers of calcium on shells.

The most extraordinary element is the astonishing 90,000 square feet of vegetation that winds up in a continuous 10 foot wide spiral for a mile, from the ground to the roof. This creates a mile-long micro-ecosystem – much more so than if each floor had its own separate green roof. It makes it possible for all of the components of the local eco system at ground level to climb what is virtually an artificial hillside of vegetation to cool the interior.

The sheer scale of this use of “nature’s utilities” for cooling and air conditioning is the most ambitious of its green building elements.
For its human inhabitants, trying to work in a tropical climate while not adding too much to the world’s carbon footprint, the building will save up to $700,000 a year in both water and energy costs, because the spiral of vegetation outside will absorb heat that would otherwise go into the building.
The ecosystem created is integral to the structure, and provides a series of semi-public, landscaped spaces for the building’s tenants, making their office environment both healthier and more connected to the natural world.
It is separated from the structure’s less organic systems. A waterproof masonry bed isolates it safely from the rest of the structure’s less organic systems. The ramp will be supplied with water from the building’s rainwater collection for irrigation.
At 90,000 square feet, the green spiralled hillside next to the skyscraper actually comprises more square footage than is displaced by the building itself (75,000). As such, in terms of displaced environmental footprint, it is a net-below-zero building!

Source: GreenSourceConstruction

[redstone]

Green archi is overrated

[y2koh]

I won't say it's overrated, but I agree that there are better ways things could be done. The main issue is that increasingly developers and even architecture firms are using the "GREEN" branding to market themselves, when actually they are not exactly that "green" or sustainable at all. Of course that doesn't mean that all projects are such. There are still projects that are genuinely environment friendly, and does make a difference in energy and water consumption. But we will have to think much bigger that that if we truly want to save the environment.

Take the property and real estate market for example, the entire practice of how developments are used as investments and the mindless building and supply to meet the demands of investors is totally not green. Imagine the amount of resources and materials wasted even when just 1% of the property are bought and left empty so that investors and sell at a higher price in the future? Even if the buildings are green, they are still wasteful and unsustainable.

I think when we are talking about being truly green and sustainable, we should look at the cradle-to-cradle movement and try to work out how the entire architecture and real estate market can be driven such that we can ensure sustainable development in the future. Brownfield site development is one of the ways, en-bloc developments should make full use of existing structures if they are sturdy and safe. Materials should be recycled and additional materials introduced should be 100% recyclable. Consumer energy usage should be reduced by eliminating the need of air-conditioning and daytime lighting. Planting a few plants on the facade does not make a building green. Development of entire urban areas should be easily accessible by public transport in a TOD model to reduce need for automobiles. These are some but not all of what we can do to be more sustainable and environmentally responsible.

[Kenzo76]

y2koh, those are valuable inputs. I agree with your last paragrah that if we start to think holistically about architectural designs in the 21st century and to quote Dr. Ken Yeang's vision of 'Bioclimatic' buildings, then green architecture is only in its infancy and there is much potential to make our buildings on earth sustainable and environmentally responsible.

We owe our planet a great deal in terms of the relentless scavenging of resource and the over building of our cities with tons of raw materials extracted.
If the rate of progress is to continue for the next 50 years, then it will be just a huge urban sprawl, nothing more.

I feel no more inspired than reading into ideas of buildings and concept from architects such as Dr.Ken Yeang. His ideas and concept for sustainable building enclaves designed into our natural environment holds great hopes for future cities.

Our national library building in Bras Basah is a fair testament to how buildings should be built in the future, with its climatic features built in, making it so naturally a part of that enclave in the city. Its designed just so that its meant to be a part of that environment. It just blends in seamlessly and beautifully.

[Ragini]

I have always been interested in architecture and my uncle is a consultant too, so I always had that pull. Anyway, I recently saw him work on a project where he changed the old air conditioning in an even older commercial building to brand new air conditioners. When I heard of this cup called the Emerson Cup 2010, I urged him to apply for it, and I am very very hopeful that he might win the trophy. Has anyone else applied? Also, can you please post on the emerson cup 2010’s FB Wall voting for my uncle’s project? Thanks!

Heres the link - http://facebook.com/TheEmersonCup

[FlowFlow]

Originally Posted by redstone

Green archi is overrated

You are not alone in that thinking. I think Frank Gehry said that as well too. He said something about LEED systems about having many unnecessary items. And also what y2koh said about developers throwing around the word "green architecture" too often in their projects. It gives them the license to charge more. I like Ken Yeang's concepts, I'm hoping to see skyscrapers done that way later on - not just the random green garden in some floor. Real green architecture isn't just planting trees.

[redstone]

Originally Posted by FlowFlow

You are not alone in that thinking. I think Frank Gehry said that as well too. He said something about LEED systems about having many unnecessary items. And also what y2koh said about developers throwing around the word "green architecture" too often in their projects. It gives them the license to charge more. I like Ken Yeang's concepts, I'm hoping to see skyscrapers done that way later on - not just the random green garden in some floor. Real green architecture isn't just planting trees.

Now most of the projects brand themeselves as green or eco projects, like City Square.

But using extensive technologies to "green" a building, like waterharvesting, etc which might use up more electricity than what it is meant to save...?

One project I remember from my school days was the RWE Tower in Essen, Germany. This example uses a very complex mechanism to naturally ventilate the building thru a double skin facade. Which I feel is pointless.

[redstone]

Example in SG, the building of NTU ADM. The building has a huge green roof. Green? Might be?

But combined with sheer glass facade? NO!!!!

Just install some sunshades and it would be much more efficient!

http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/01/23/...-in-singapore/

[y2koh]

The green roof on SADM was really meant to be an accessible space on the roof for students to enjoy, given that green architecture was not so much caught up during the time it was designed. But of course it does work with green concepts coming in. The facade on the other hand was fitted with low-E glass (you can see with the heavy tint) to reduce heat gain. Sun shading works well only for facades facing certain directions, with some facade benefiting more with vertical sun-shading and horizontal sun-shading for others. For a free-form building like SADM it would have altered the look completely. The downside of forgoing sunshading and using low-E glass is the heavy tint, and high costs of the glass. IMO sun shading works better for naturally ventilated spaces, together with good cross-ventilation. For buildings that uses HVAC, a combination of using high-tech facade systems and extremely efficient cooling systems would be preferred.

Of course, the best situation is to forgo conventional HVAC systems altogether, and even changing our lifestyles. There really is no limitations when you start to think how we can really change the way we work and live to reduce our carbon footprint, and how much we can really reduce in terms of the way we waste energy and the amount of space we occupy at any point in time.

[redstone]

You've got a point. Had learned some things from this thread. Wonder how many other architects are on this forum.

[Samoa22200]

Originally Posted by redstone

Am I the only one who thinks that green and sustainable design is getting overrated?

Yes,I think you are the only one
__________________

[SingaporeCity]

At least 6,500 buildings need retrofitting to reach green building target
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...080885/1/.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/video/index.php

SINGAPORE : The Singapore Green Building Council estimates that at least 6,500 buildings here need to be retrofitted over the next 20 years.

This will enable Singapore to reach its target of "greening" at least 80 per cent of its buildings by 2030.

Several green ideas are being exhibited at the third Build Eco Xpo, a three-day event that focuses on green practices in building, design and technology. The event is being held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

One idea involves the use of titanium dioxide coating solution to treat panels of glass.

Titanium dioxide is a chemical commonly found in sunblock, paint and ink. When exposed to sunlight, it prevents water from staining, and allows dirt to be washed away easily by rain water.

It also helps to oxidise dirt, and that means buildings can keep themselves clean in sunlight.

Another green application showcased is plastic sheets which emit light. It is made possible with technology that allows light emitting materials to be printed directly on materials such as plastic and paper.

Dr Albert Lu, a senior scientist at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, said: "The target future applications would include aesthetic or ambient lighting, flexible signages, and in the longer term, even for general lighting, because this promises very good energy efficiency as well as minimum heat generation."

While these ideas will help new buildings be greener, the Building and Construction Authority is also helping older buildings to be more energy efficient.

Singapore currently has 500 green buildings and this forms 8 per cent of the building stock.

So far, some 10 existing buildings are in the midst of retrofitting.

For them, the benefits go beyond saving the environment and being energy efficient.

The president of the Singapore Green Building Council, Lee Chuan Seng, said: "What we have found so far is that when you retrofit a building, some of the building owners are now reaping savings of half a million dollars, S$1 million a year."

Most retrofitting processes typically involve improving the air-conditioning and lighting systems, lifts and the facade. - CNA/ms

[SingaporeCity]

Green Individual Award to be introduced later this year
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...080879/1/.html

SINGAPORE : A new award for green building professionals will be introduced later this year.

The Green Individual Award is to recognise the contributions of professionals and individuals who have been leading the green building movement in Singapore.

Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim made this announcement at the opening of the World Green International Congress on Monday.

The World Green International Congress is held in conjunction with the Singapore Green Building Week, and Building Eco Xpo Asia, a trade event for the green building industry.

Dr Yaacob said with the rise of the green building movement, there will be demand for green building professionals to support the greening of the built environment.

Singapore would need to train about 18,000 to 20,000 green collar professionals over the next 10 years in the development, design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings.

The award is a collaborative effort between the Building and Construction Authority and the Singapore Green Building Council.

It will be open for nomination next month.

- CNA/al

[SingaporeCity]

NUS offers 'green degree'
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking...ry_589599.html

IN A sign that environmental issues are gaining importance here, a new undergraduate programme in environmental studies will be launched by the National University of Singapore (NUS) in the latter half of next year.

Fifty to 100 students will get to enrol in this four-year direct honours programme - the first new undergraduate course to be introduced by NUS in five years - and graduate with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree.

The programme, which aims to produce what are called 'green-collar workers', will comprise two years of a broad-based curriculum with modules in subjects such as law, chemistry and geography, before offering specialisations in the final two years. The two available options are currently Environmental Biology and Environmental Geography.

Speaking to about 360 NUS staff, students and other invited guests at the school's annual State of the University address held yesterday, NUS president Tan Chorh Chuan said the new programme is an example of how the 105-year-old institution is creating 'highly multi-disciplinary courses' to make its education offerings more flexible.

Besides the new course, Professor Tan also announced that the university is 'in advanced discussions' to set up an NUS research institute in Suzhou Industrial Park.

The institute, which will pursue research in areas such as finance, water and environmental sustainability, will also support NUS and Singapore start-ups in the Chinese market and offer some training opportunities for Chinese students.