THE GREEN ISSUE
GETTING IT RIGHT FROM THE START INDUSTRY DP ARCHITECTS RANKED
SEVENTH IN WA100
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CASE STUDIES 36 BTRD ZERO ENERGY BUILDING REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC SUTD NUS UTOWN
www.dpa.com.sg
GREEN DNA
IN DEPTH
MICA (P) 008/10/2011
IN DETAIL
VOLUME 3 NUMBER 1 2012 SINGAPORE
Volume 3 Number 1, 2012, Singapore
CONTENTS Letter from the Guest Editor The latest happenings in DP
Dear Readers, In 2005, BCA initiated the Green Mark scheme; that year, our projects National Library and Nanyang Polytechnic were awarded GM Platinum, its highest rating. As was the climate and sensibility of the times, a big part of sustainability design efforts was motivated by regulatory compliance. But as we progressed, the tangible benefits of going green became more apparent. A well-designed, environmentally sustainable building means savings for clients; green awards and recognition are good for business; and working for the greater good of the environment instills a sense of pride in our profession. Since then we have been pushing steadily towards making green thinking an integral part of our practice. Implementing sustainable design strategies right from the start as part of the project objectives, rather than as an added service, became a priority. In 2009, an engineering company focused on energy-efficiency was established within the DP Group to better integrate with DP’s architectural services. Around the same time, our in-house Environmentally Sustainable Design unit (ESD) grew into a full-fledged department made up of architects, Green Mark professionals, building scientists and engineers. With the formation of DP Engineers (DPE), the creative and technical processes of architecture, sustainable design and engineering are assimilated and streamlined. Joining this fraternity is landscape and arborist consultancy DP Green which opened its doors in July 2010. With environmental conservation and sustainability as its guiding principle, DP Green completes our portfolio of design capabilities. Our green achievements include the completion of the first Zero Energy Building in South East Asia, winning the BCI Green Design and BCA Built Environment Leadership awards, and designing the first Green Mark Platinum park, River Safari. Beyond the pursuit of Green Mark, we have now moved ahead to be one of the first architecture firms in Singapore to offer a truly integrated sustainable design process.
Monograph Highlights DPA’s Key Works Directorial Appointments in DP Malaysia
Short takes on new & notable projects
01 Seef Lusail 02 I12 Katong 03 Double Bay Residences 04 Paya Lebar Square 05 The Clementi Mall 06 M3M Merlin 07 Khaya & Angsana Residential Colleges 08 Haihe Huading 09 Xinzhong Guangchang 10 School of Science and Technology 11 Fulong Century Centre
Design Solutions
Green DNA Getting it Right from the Start Singapore Institute of Technology at Singapore Polytechnic
Featured projects
36 BTrd Zero Energy Building Republic Polytechnic Singapore University of Technology and Design NUS UTown
Awards, events & news
DPA Ventures into Myanmar From 2D Drafting to 3D Information Modelling DP Architects Ranked Seventh in WA100 Urban Transformations Seminar BCI Asia Top Ten Architects Green City Planning Seminar
Chan Hui Min Nartano Lim Collin Anderson Toh Bee Ping Vivian Choy
DESIGN IN PRINT TEAM
Graphics
Writing
Editorial
Francis Lee, CEO, DP Architects
DP personalities
Interview with Goh Yong Ping & Lee Boon Woei
Loh Yew Cheng Lek Noonchoo Fu Tingting
Additional contributors: Jackie Poh, Jaye Tan, Laura Smagin, Mandy Too, Michael Wahjudi, Shruti Pilare
Celebration of past projects
Singapore Aviation Academy, 1992
Cover photo: Daylighting performance study of a classroom
| The latest happenings in DP
DIRECTORIAL APPOINTMENTS IN DP MALAYSIA
A monograph covering DP Architects’ significant works since its founding in 1967 was published in January this year. The book, part of the well-known Master Architect Series, features chapters on the urban transformation of regions within Singapore, including the Marina Bay area and Orchard Road, as well as chapters on foreign projects in Asia and the Middle East, including The Dubai Mall – the world’s largest mall and one of the world’s most visited buildings. Major works-in-progress are also highlighted. The monograph is the first of three books on the works of DP Architects to be published this year.
master planning
| Short takes on new & notable projects
02 I12 Katong Singapore
01 Seef Lusail Lusail, Qatar
Seef Lusail is a mixed-use development, occupying a land area of 60ha, located at Lusail, Qatar. Set along a 2.3km waterfront promenade, Seef Lusail is planned as a round-the-clock playground that brings together retail malls, hotels, residences and recreational attractions. Design emphasis is placed on creating an environment that reflect and complement Qatar’s traditions and values. The design process takes into account numerous environmentally sustainable principles. The master plan is designed to integrate with key infrastructural features that enhance the sustainability of its buildings, such as district cooling, pneumatic waste collection and park-and-ride systems. A proposed climatecontrolled pedestrian network connects the buildings to the LRT stations and the waterfront promenade. Rigorous environmental analysis will be carried out to ensure that thermal comfort in the pedestrian network can be achieved all year round with minimal energy consumption.
retail
MONOGRAPH HIGHLIGHTS DPA’S KEY WORKS
Mr Hoo Chuen Piew and Mr Yeoh Tok Jew have been appointed directors of DP Architects Sdn Bhd with effect from 1 January 2012. Hoo and Yeoh have acquired invaluable experience in the region and boast indelible track records in organisational management. Prior to this appointment, Hoo was heading key projects in DP’s Singapore office while Yeoh, functioning between Singapore and Malaysia, was overseeing operations in Johor Bahru. Their appointment marks a new phase in the firm’s development.
Situated at the junction of Joo Chiat and East Coast Roads, the design of I12 Katong references the locale’s Peranakan heritage. The former solid mass has been replaced with a modern glass façade along East Coast Road. The introduction of outdoor dining terraces along the Joo Chiat Road elevation continues the famous food belt and encourages interaction between the street and the interior. The Joo Chiat Road façade takes on the rhythm of existing Peranakan shophouses. The façade transits at the road junction into a transparent volume, highlighted with strips of abstract imprints of Peranakan tiles, before it meets the modern clean frontage along East Coast Road. DP 01
Short takes on new & notable projects
residential
|
04 Paya Lebar Square
Singapore
Double Bay Residences is located within walking distance to Simei MRT Station. It consists of 646 apartments in 14 blocks of 12 and 13 storeys with a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom and penthouse units. Six shop units beside the main entrance create a street-like vibrancy. The apartment blocks adopt two façade treatments to break the monotony of a large development. The blocks are arranged to form two main courtyards which accommodate the sprawling landscaping and facilities. The natural slope of the site inspired landscaping features like the cantilevered spa pools and water walls.
06
05
The Clementi Mall Singapore
retail
Double Bay Residences
The Clementi Mall is part of a mixed-use development consisting of a retail podium, HDB residence blocks, a Town Council office and a bus interchange. An MRT station links to the third storey of the mall. The mall’s carcass and facade were designed and built by HDB while DP Architects planned the internal layout and articulated the spaces to complement the unique building profile. The interior design emphasises efficient circulation and visual connectivity, optimising commercial spaces with a distinctive experience on each level. The triplevolume elliptical atrium is a key element in the mall’s identity. The contemporary interior architectural language and the connectivity of voids enhance the mall’s vibrancy.
M3M Merlin Gurgaon, India
residential
03
mixed development
Singapore
Strategically located at Paya Lebar MRT Interchange, Paya Lebar Square is a 13-storey office and retail development. The retail spaces on the lower floors capitalise on the traffic from the public transportation network and the new pedestrian mall along the Eunos 8 boundary. Proposed outdoor-facing spaces and alfresco refreshment areas add to the street vibrancy. A central atrium with skylight provides visual connectivity between retail floors. A high volume trellis structure covering the second storey roof terrace signifies a grand entrance for the retail podium. The office block, separated from the retail podium by car parking spaces on the second and third storey, has a dark glass façade with horizontal aluminium sun-shading fins to create a clean and contemporary look.
institutional
Located in Gurgaon, India, the development features ten inward-facing towers arranged along the site’s perimeter, making the lush landscaping the focal point of the condominium. The design of the apartment blocks is driven by the concept of terraced gardens. Each tower has a communal landscaped terrace overlooking the development’s garden-like setting, allowing residents to reconnect with nature in this bustling industrial city. Every living room is oriented to optimise the view of the landscape. Green viewing decks on top of each car drop-off provide private gathering space. The clubhouse’s geometrical design creates a sheltered area for amenities including the music room, hall area, game room, meditation room and mini theatre.
07
Khaya & Angsana Residential Colleges Singapore
The design concept of Khaya and Angsana Residential Colleges is inspired by the traditional Southeast Asian house with deep roof overhangs that provide for cool verandah spaces. Architectural elements of ventilation blocks, louvred monsoon windows, framed glazing with vertical accents, a unifying baton railing and a deep canopy over the podium are kit-of-parts used to create a strong visual identity. Adapted from the traditional system of residential colleges in Oxford and Cambridge Universities, each college houses undergraduates, graduate tutors and faculty members in a live, learn and play setting. The project has been rated Green Mark GoldPlus.
09
DP GREEN
Xingzhong Guangchang Zhongshan, China
Set in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, the historic birth place of Dr Sun Yat Sen, a 1km long waterfront promenade is planned as part of a new mixed office and retail development. Revitalising the Jijiang river, the promenade features cantilevered viewing decks, timber boardwalks, and retail kiosks amid pockets of greenery and conserved trees. A landing dock pavilion welcomes river-bound patrons. Central to this promenade and located between two retail malls, a dancing jet musical fountain sets the stage for a ferris wheel which offers a panoramic view of the river and the distant hills where Fufeng Pagoda, built in 1608, stands.
08
landscape
landscape
DP Green, an associate company of DP Architects, offers full landscape and arborist consultancy services. Addressing the needs for environmental conservation and sustainability, DP Green takes a fresh aesthetical and artisanal approach in creating works that fuse various design disciplines harmoniously. The company has recently been conferred a Skyrise Greenery award for myVillage at Serangoon Garden.
Haihe Huading Tianjin, China
landscape
10 School of
Science and Technology Singapore
With an emphasis on applied learning, the School of Science and Technology brings diverse, educational themes to various outdoor courts between the teaching blocks. Students and visitors are greeted upon arrival by a ‘green’ media wall; beyond lies the SST Plaza, a ‘forested’ courtyard. Other courtyards hold the Bioswale Rain Garden, Eco-Aquatic Garden and Weed & Wildflower Garden. A grassed amphitheatre addresses the corner road junction and serves as a secondary entrance. A specialised rooftop horticultural garden is laid-out in polygonal planting beds for study and experimentation.
landscape
The Haihe Huading development in Tianjin commands a prominent location at the bend of Haihe river. The development comprises a retail podium with hotel and residential towers. The river-facing streetscape garden is given an eye-catching ‘retail barcode’ layout comprising low clipped hedges interspersed with lawns that graduate into a hardscape of stone to meet the colonnaded façade of the podium. The view to the shopfronts is unobstructed while the low hedges allow porosity and visual connectivity to the river side.
11
Fulong Century Centre Xiamen, China
Fulong Century Centre, with its distinctive chevron curtainwalling, is set to become an arresting 135m high landmark along the prime waterfront skyline of Xiamen. A Welcome Plaza raised on pilotis allows visual and physical continuity to the seafront. Linear bands of stone paving, interspersed with clipped hedges and solid stone blocks, accentuate this continuity with its interplay of elements. A central 16m high water cascade lends a dynamic expression to the entrance lobby. Reflective pools in the Waterfront Garden and floor-mounted strip lighting animate the seafront setting. DP 03
|
Design solutions
GREEN DNA
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IS A BASIC EXPECTATION IN THE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION. DP ARCHITECTS TAKES IT FURTHER BY DERIVING A GREEN DESIGN PROCESS THAT IS UNIQUELY DPA Team Members: (from left) Li Qiaoyan Reza Motamedi Kia Lee Boon Woei Jaye Tan Shruti Pilare Michael Wahjudi Chan Hui Min
Architecture design is moving from aesthetically-motivated iconic forms to performance-focused ones. With improved technology, where the performance of a building design can be tested and measured, environmental efficiency now drives the design of buildings.
or checking off an item list for green certification. Neither is it about harvesting renewable energy. It is about getting design fundamentals right. And doing so requires a pragmatic way of designing steered by an integrated, iterative process and supported by intelligent simulations, without which is just guesswork.
The ESD team ensures that the development of the green building system goes hand in hand with the overall concept design of the building
The firm’s Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) department comprises architects, environmental engineers and building scientists who work closely with the design architects, enabling them to develop an environmentally and socially responsive built environment that will help mitigate its carbon footprint, as well as overall energy and water demands.
DPA’s green objective is supported by the formation of sister company DP Engineers (DPE). The ESD team takes on the role of design integrator in communicating the essence of the passive design features to benefit the active building engineering solutions. Working together in a holistic and synergetic approach, the ESD team and DPE enhance the sustainable design process and ensure that the most energy efficient mechanical and engineering solutions are integrated into its environmental designs.
Since DP Architects’ (DPA) founding in 1967, the firm has been guided by a deep concern for the built environment. This concern is now institutionalised in its practice. DP Architects’ objective is to make green design part of the firm’s DNA and take the green design process further than other industry leaders.
The ESD team ensures that the development of the green building system goes hand in hand with the overall concept design of the building; it runs computer simulations and environmental analyses to assist architects in exploring ecofriendly building designs or assess existing buildings with the intention of lowering operation costs. While it is possible for the same role to be fulfilled by an external consultant team, there is the clear advantage of rapport and timeliness by
In the words of prominent Singapore architect and co-founder of DP Architects William S W Lim, “The future is challenging… What is important now is responding to the climatic crisis – in energy, in recycling or better, upcycling, and of course creating a definition for the current ubiquitous buzzword for all things green and good: sustainability. Not just environmentally, but also equitable economically and socially.”
The DPA green design process is not about adding fancy green trimmings for green’s sake
integrating the ESD team with the design team in the same. This integration is key to DPA’s green design process.
DPE
Project Design Team
ESD
Green Building Design
1 ESD department and design architects identify the environmental Iterative & Integrative Process
constraints and strengths of a site so that passive and active design options could be explored. Using computer simulation, ESD department tests and verifies the performance of various design options.
2 ESD department shares and deliberates the findings from these
studies with the architects. The perfect scheme on paper may not be ideal when applied to a specific site. Multiple reviews and workshops are conducted until all design conflicts are resolved and the best solutions under the circumstances are identified. This collective process is necessary to optimise the building performance, and an iterative process such as this is best achieved in-house.
3 ESD department and DPE take on M&E design to deliver active
building systems that harmonise with the environment. The synergy between these building services helps to mitigate conflicting factors. Architects and engineers are able to justify their designs with the performance of the building.
Consolidating the creative and implementation processes, DP Engineers works hand in hand with the ESD department to realise the most energy-efficient design Mechanical and electrical designs count for a big part of the score on a building’s green report card. The successful technical implementation of sustainable architecture designs is a process that requires close collaboration between building professionals; a successful collaboration in turn requires a deep understanding that is best evolved internally. The driving force behind DPE’s M&E designs is energy-efficiency. A green sensibility lies at the heart of DPE’s innovative and pragmatic engineering design, setting the company apart from other building engineering consultancies. DPE and DPA, in particular its ESD department, have a close working relationship, bonded by mutual respect
and appreciation of the creative and engineering processes. The integrated environment ensures that sustainable design solutions are fully coordinated and methodically implemented. Design reviews are conducted frequently with the architecture and sustainable design consultants so that designs and data are presented on a timely basis at various phases of work. Feedback is continuous and proposals are adopted promptly. Continual evaluations also ensure that recommendations from all consultants are coordinated and implemented. The adoption of BIM (Building Information Modelling) also provides for smooth design integration and coordination where clashes are electronically detected, avoiding timely and costly site errors. The BIM process offers DPE
the opportunity to conduct complex engineering and energy analyses to validate design options, provide feedback on the energy implications of architectural design scenarios and achieve a high performance building that is economical to operate and beneficial to the well-being of its occupants. DPE recognises that, only when effectively integrated with the architect’s design intent, can building engineering solutions be highly energy-efficient and, at the same time, enhance the functions it is meant to fulfil.
DP 05
|
Design solutions
Building owners and developers are targeting beyond the basic Green Mark certification and pushing for environmentally friendly designs and technologies for a more sustainable built environment. Sharing the same intent and working closely with these stakeholders, DP Architects has been named by Building and Construction Authority as one of five leading architecture firms with the highest number of Green Mark Platinum and GoldPlus projects. 05
Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa
12
11
National Library Building
24
Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa
25
06
Connexion (Farrer Park Mediplex)
09
ITE College West
Nanyang Polytechnic
07
CREATE facility
29
Resorts World Sentosa
40
Residence@Evelyn
NUHS Tower Block
22
The Maritime Experiential Museum, Resorts World Sentosa
30
Cinnamon & Tembusu Residential Colleges, NUS UTown
39
Elliot at the East Coast
33
OUE Bayfront
BCA Green Mark Platinum Award
BCA Green Mark GoldPlus Award
BCA Green Mark Gold Award
Non-Residential Building
Non-Residential Building
Non-Residential Building
01 Singapore Institute of Technology (Republic Polytechnic Campus)
17 Singapore Sports Hub 18 Infinite Studios
30 Cinnamon & Tembusu Residential Colleges, NUS UTown
02 EduSports, NUS UTown
19 Khaya & Angsana Residential Colleges, NUS UTown
31 Singapore Institute of Management Extension Building
20 Crockfords Tower (Maxims Residences), Resorts World Sentosa
32 Tanglin Trust School
04 Singapore University of Technology and Design 05 Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa
21 Hotel Michael, Resorts World Sentosa
Residential Building
03 Carlton City Hotel (Tanjong Pagar)
06 Connexion (Farrer Park Mediplex)
22 The Maritime Experiential Museum, Resorts World Sentosa
33 OUE Bayfront
34 St Thomas Walk Condominium 35 Waterfront Gold
07 CREATE facility 08 Zero Energy Building @ BCA Academy
23 Festive Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa
09 ITE College West
24 Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa
10 Republic Polytechnic
25 NUHS Tower Block
36 Skyline Residences 37 The Equinox (China) 38 76 Shenton 39 Elliot at the East Coast
11 National Library Building
Residential Building 40 Residence@Evelyn
12 Nanyang Polytechnic
26 Paterson Collection
Residential Building
27 Ken Bangsar (Malaysia)
13 368 Thomson District 14 H2O Residences 15 36 BTrd
28 National University of Singapore University Town
Parks (New Category)
29 Resorts World Sentosa
16 River Safari DP 07
|
Design solutions
GETTING IT RIGHT FROM THE START The ESD department uses computer simulation as a highlydeveloped green tool to predict and raise the green quotient of a building before construction begins. With simulation, the department ‘walks through’ possible green design strategies with the architects. The efficacy of these strategies is measured and the performance of a building quantified so that the best design is achieved for a project.
AIR-FLOW MODELLING
Axonometric view showing vortex
Air-flow analysis shows how wind affects a building and its surroundings on a given site. It informs designers how to make the building more permeable to wind so that users do not experience the stuffiness caused by still air. It also brings costsavings to building owners by reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning. Windy
Before: In this case study, still air isn’t the problem. The building form ‘traps’ wind and creates a vortex when the wind is strong. The whirlwind effect can cause disturbances like flying of papers and slamming of doors.
Calm
After: The architects re-designed the building façade by adding a perforated screen. Tests were done at different levels of perforation to reduce the vortex effect. The final façade design features a mesh screen.
Option 1
Option 2
ENERGY MODELLING The process measures the energy performance of passive design strategies before they are implemented so that architects and engineers can apply what is best for the building. Energy modelling enables the designers to evaluate the energy performance of different building services to obtain the best solution in terms of energy efficiency and return on investment. Study: Different strategies (options 1 & 2) are proposed for the same site and analysed at the early design stage; the results are compared to determine which design will yield the optimum energy efficiency for the project. The building performance is also quantified to facilitate green rating assessment. Result: Test results show concrete figures on energy consumption for each of the designs. With these figures, architects decide conclusively on the design with the best performance. The energy performance study thus constitutes one of the factors in the final shape and look of the building.
Option 1: Annual Carbon Emissions
Option 2: Annual Carbon Emissions
metric tons / year 1000
metric tons / year 1000
Energy Use 800
800 Energy Use
Net CO2 600
600
400
400 Energy Generation Potential
200 0
0 -200
-400
-400
Monthly Electricity Consumption
Monthly Electricity Consumption
kWh 250.000
kWh 250.000
200.000
200.000
150.000
150.000
100.000
100.000
50.000
50.000 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Simulated Electricity (kWh)
Jun
Energy Generation Potential
200
-200
0
Net CO2
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
SOLAR MODELLING Solar radiation study analyses how much heat is gained from the sun. Depending on the size and shape of the building, as well as the nature of its sun-exposed area, the amount of heat gained can vary largely. This study helps designers to decide how best to design their building envelope to ensure owners need not spend excessively on air-conditioning later on.
Hot
Daylighting and glare study shows how natural light is transmitted through openings in a building. It helps designers decide the opacity of certain walls, as well as the placement and sizes of windows so that the building will have pleasant ambient lighting.
Cool
Before: The skylight design with transparent glazing causes too much glare.
After: The design architect juxtaposes transparent glass with aluminium panels, thereby reducing glare and creating an attractive pattern.
Solar incidence calculation measures the movement of the sun across a site throughout the year to help designers make fundamental design decisions such as which direction to orientate the building, what kind of shape and form is appropriate, and where to locate specific building functions which might be affected by the sun. Bright
Dim
Before: A proposed tower design is studied and analysis results show that the building shell receives and absorbs too much heat for users to be comfortable.
Before: A closer study of a classroom shows that light is concentrated near the windows and not enough light penetrates into the room for those sitting near the inside wall.
After: The shape of the building was changed to cast shadow and deflect heat. A different material was proposed for the faรงade. A heavily-insulated material is used on the side where heat gain is most intense. Another test is performed showing that heat gain is reduced considerably.
After: The designer introduces light shelves to counter this problem. Light shelves bounce light deeper into the classroom, providing a better naturally-lit environment and reducing the use of artificial lighting and the cost of energy usage. DP 09
|
Design solutions
SINGAPORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
AT SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC
Taking cues from the environment, the distributed campus of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) at Singapore Polytechnic and the polytechnic’s new sports hall were designed to perform efficiently and responsibly. Computer simulations were carried out at the concept design stage to determine the best passive design strategies for the site and during review sessions to improve and test the effectiveness of these strategies. The project is expected to receive BCA’s Green Mark Platinum rating.
Cross section showing central atrium
WIND ANALYSIS The SIT building is oriented to harness the prevailing winds from the northeast, southeast and south. This allows for the generous provision of naturally ventilated study areas. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies ensure thermal comfort. The central atrium is oriented such that its openings face the prevailing wind directions. The size of the atrium is determined by air-flow and daylighting analyses for natural ventilation and daylighting considerations.
N
High wind frequency
W
Daylighting study of atrium
E
S
Low wind frequency
YEAR: 2016 Left: Roof plan of Singapore Institute of Technology (Singapore Polytechnic campus)
|
AREA: 24,100 SQM
|
SINGAPORE
SUNPATH ANALYSIS
GLARE CONTROL
The understanding of the sun’s path over the development enabled the designer to orientate the classrooms to avoid direct sun radiation. East and West facades are zoned for non air-conditioned areas such as corridors, staircases and toilets. A linear building form allows for an optimal thermal performance.
Glare control analysis ensures that the façade design reduces glare while bringing in an optimal amount of daylight. Sun-shading devices like deep overhangs, recesses and performance glazing are implemented.
DAYLIGHTING ANALYSIS Rooms which require daylight for productivity are designed with appropriate façade openings and room depth to achieve an ideal natural brightness. The clerestories of the Sports Hall take advantage of daylight along the perimeter zones of the sports hall. The use of daylight helps to reduce lighting energy consumption. Dim
Bright
SHADOW ANALYSIS Shading effects of the buildings enable outdoor activities to be carried out in the Central Plaza at desired times of the day.
DP 11
|
Featured projects
DP Architects’ track record for environmentally sustainable design spans developments of varying scales and scopes. Design in Print picks five projects that exhibit DPA’s green DNA in their design – a private house, a zero energy building, two schools and a 248,000sqm district – and looks at their key sustainable design strategies.
36BTRD THE GREEN HOUSE EFFECT
Completed in March 2011, 36BTrd was the first landed house in Singapore to be rated Green Mark Platinum Named after its address 36 Boon Teck Road, the project was an exceptional opportunity to develop a typology for a sustainable landed house in the tropics. The homeowners – green advocates who have since opened the house for industry and school visits – made this possible. The challenge was to show that contemporary green living with modern conveniences, good sanitation and creature comforts is easier to achieve than most people think. The look of the house – the openness and the timber-and-steel aesthetics – was shaped by passive design principles and the use of recycled and recyclable materials. The living, dining and bed rooms were designed for maximum cross ventilation and daylighting so that occupants can enjoy comfortable breeze and a good amount of natural light throughout the day. The choice of steel and timber was a direct result of choosing materials that are recycled or recyclable. Steel was chosen for the superstructure such as columns, beams and the metal composite flooring for its reusability and ease of construction. The timber floor was assembled from offcuts rejected for their varied wood grains. Even the furniture was made from discarded trees felled from other developments. Indoor air-conditioning in the tropics is, to many, a necessity that requires energy to power. It is almost impossible to expect Singaporeans to not have an air-conditioning unit in their home regardless of how passively-designed the house is. To push for a self-sustaining residence, solar panels for air-conditioning were installed and double up as a skylight roof. Solar thermal collectors to power a DC hot water heater were also installed. With these measures, the client enjoys yearly savings of approximately $7,500 in energy and water usage, and carbon emission is reduced by an estimated five tonnes per year.
Landscaping Trees and vertical climbers shade the building envelope. Added greenery lowers ambient temperature. The roof was designed to naturally irrigate rainwater to planter areas.
CASE STUDIES IN GREEN DESIGN
YEAR: 2010 Passive Design Building planning and fenestration design encourage natural ventilation and cross ventilation. Internal walls are mainly replaced by full-height sliding panels to promote airflow and prevent water penetration during rainy seasons.
Renewable Resources & Energy Efficiency Systems Hybrid DC air-conditioning harnesses solar energy through photovoltaic panels. Solar thermal collectors power a DC hot water heater.
The upper floor and balcony act as overhangs to reduce interior heat gain.
A solar charging unit was installed for electric bicycles. Passers-by are welcome to charge small electronics and experience for themselves the potential of solar energy.
The central stairwell functions like a traditional air well – warm air escapes through the solar-panelled skylight roof, distributing more cool air and daylight throughout the elongated terrace house.
|
AREA: 280 SQM
|
SINGAPORE
All artificial lights are energy-efficient LEDs.
Sustainable Construction The steel framework and lightweight metal composite floor that make up the superstructure are fully recyclable and reduced the use of concrete and cement. Only recycled concrete aggregates and green cement were used. Reclaimed timber was used for flooring and felled trees were recycled as furniture such as the large dining table and vanity tops. External finishes with high solar reflectance index lower the urban heat island effect.
DP 13
|
Featured projects
ZERO ENERGY BUILDING
Solar-Assisted Stack Ventilation The system uses heated air to induce ventilation in the school hall and classrooms. Heat builds up in the ducts below the metal surface and, due to the buoyancy effect, the air will rise and flow out of the chimney. This creates a negative pressure in the classrooms, inducing cooler air from outside to enter.
AT BCA ACADEMY
One year after its opening, Zero Energy Building at BCA academy achieved its target of net zero energy consumption The Zero Energy Building (ZEB) was conceived as an experiment to explore future energy use strategies in tropical climates and develop green education programmes. An existing three-storey building at the BCA Academy was converted to an energy self-sufficient school that achieves net zero energy consumption through passive design supplemented by active systems. ZEB opened its doors in October 2009. One year on, the building achieved its target of net zero energy consumption. The monthly surplus energy – fiscally equivalent to the electricity bill for 52 five-room HDB flats (Sustainable Architecture Issue One, 2011) – is distributed to the rest of the academy. Passive systems were first implemented to reduce the building’s power consumption. These were then supplemented by intelligent active systems that require minimal dependence on natural
resources. The project produces all of its energy needs by means of solar power. Passive design moderates the building’s solar heat gain and natural ventilation through green walls, a green roof, shading devices, low-emissivity glass, solar film coatings and composite wall panels. Meanwhile, mirror ducts and a system of light shelves, pipes and tubes carry natural daylight deep into the building’s spaces, and an exhaust system channels hot air from each level through the building’s walls and roof to be dispelled by an exhaust chimney. A Building Management System functions as an active feedback mechanism, monitoring real-time continuous data streams to maintain user comfort and minimise power usage. Photovoltaic panels generate 100% clean renewable energy; excess power is distributed to the BCA Academy campus or into the city grid.
Photos courtesy of Building and Construction Authority
Ventilation 1. Displacement Ventilation: Air is supplied through diffusers on the raised floor. The cooler new air spreads over the floor uniformly due to gravity and the warmer air rises towards the ceiling, resulting in a continuous displacement of air in the room. 2. Personalised Ventilation: An individual cool fresh air supply duct at each work station improves the air quality for the occupant. The surrounding ambient temperature can then be set slightly higher to reduce the air-conditioning load.
Shading System Various shading devices minimise solar heat gain without compromising daylighting and natural ventilation. Green innovations such as light shelves and solar panels integrated with the sun-shading devices institute multi-function green building technology.
YEAR: 2009
|
Light Pipes A vertical pipe in the roof invites natural sunlight into the interior space. Light pipes have less surface area and hence are more efficient than skylights as less energy escapes from the interior.
AREA: 3,026 SQM
|
SINGAPORE
Photovoltaic Technology 1. Grid-tied solar panel systems: Surplus power generated by grid-tied systems is distributed to the rest of BCA Academy before any excess is supplied back to the grid. If insufficient power is produced, the grid will provide for the building. 2. Standalone solar panels: These panels were installed and integrated into building features such as sunshade, covered walkways and railings. They provide power directly to specific functions in ZEB such as the visitor centre solar-charging kiosk.
Mirror Ducts Mirror ducts made of highly reflective material channel daylight through horizontal reflective ducts in the false ceiling which then exits through ceiling apertures above the user, allowing considerable energy saving.
Light Shelves Light shelves reflect natural daylight deep into the interior to reduce the use of artificial lighting. A ceiling material as reflective as the light shelves enhances efficiency.
Green Roof & Green Walls The green roof lowers the temperature from direct radiation heat gain. Green walls reduce heat transfer from the building envelope into the interior. Temperature sensors monitor both surface and ambient temperature.
DP 15
|
Featured projects Site Ecology Existing site contours were preserved to maintain the integrity of the topography. The landscape design blends with the existing surrounding greenery. Public spaces were planned around natural elements. The Lawn effectively replaces the greenery displaced by the campus’ footprint.
Sustainable Materials & Construction Environmentally friendly paints do not contribute to ozone layer depletion. Recycled components were used in building materials such as recycled nylon in carpet tiles, demolition debris in road kerbs and hardcore, and tyres in playground flooring. Prefabricated building materials using recycled products were also used in many parts of the campus including the roof of the Sports Hall and the external façades of the pools at the Lawn.
Daylight & Air Quality Daylighting studies were carried out to optimise the use of natural light for a more conducive environment and minimise electric lighting for energy savings. A series of sunken courtyards provide natural lighting to the Agora spaces. Natural ventilation studies were conducted to ensure a pleasant environment for occupants. An air purging system in the building ventilation system improves indoor air quality.
Water Efficiency & Cycle The campus uses NEWater in its highefficiency cooling tower. The use of NEWater, due to its lower mineral content, allows more efficient recycling of condenser water. A differential pressure system for the water supply enables the split pumping systems to operate more efficiently.
YEAR: 2007
|
AREA: 24,000 SQM
|
SINGAPORE
REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS IN THE PARK
Left: Aerial night view of Republic Polytechnic
Bio-Climatic Response A combination of perforated aluminium sunshades, ceramic frit glazing and precast concrete panels on east-west façades reduces solar radiation while retaining views. Shading devices on the Administration Hall façade reduce glare and direct daylight deeper into the interior. To minimise heat transfer to the Agora and urban heat island effect, the Lawn above was turfed and trees were planted. Water features, coupled with landscaping, lower the ambient temperature.
Driven by sustainable design principles, the architecture and planning of the campus has responded to the school’s educational agenda The Republic Polytechnic campus is located on a gently sloping terrain and surrounded by a regional park and dense forest. Driven by sustainable design principles, the building plan was sensitive to the natural contours of the environment, hence the concept of a ‘campus in the park’. The architecture maintains the site’s original green footprint and sloping topography while responding to the school’s educational agenda of interactive learning.
Energy Efficiency A thermal energy storage system for air-conditioning enables chillers to operate more efficiently at night and stores the chilled water for day use. A pneumatic waste conveyance system facilitates energy-efficient waste management. The Sports Hall has controls for multiple ventilation modes, allowing for an easy switch from air-conditioning to mechanical ventilation to natural ventilation. Other energy-saving features include energy-efficient lifts and escalators, solar panels to partially provide lighting and power, and motion detectors for lighting control in toilets. These systems are coordinated with the Building Management System which monitors utility usage.
The Agora and the Lawn – the former in apt reference to the ancient Greek marketplace where goods and ideas were freely exchanged – form one of the campus’ key design features, effectively extending the physical learning space beyond the conventional classroom. The Agora takes shape among a collection of gathering spaces: micro-climatic pockets of manicured courtyards and ground-level terraces responsive to the changes in the terrain. With the high ceilings, natural lighting and a view of the greenery and water elements in the landscaped courts, the design of the Agora provides a favourable environment for academic discourse. The Lawn replaces the
greenery displaced by the campus’ footprint to camouflage the bulk of the campus, while acting as a gently-inclined roof over the Agora. The plan orientation follows a north-south and east-west axis, allowing the school to take advantage of daylight and thermal efficiency as well as the shade and scenery afforded by the parkland on its east and west. Situated to minimise cutting into the site, other sustainable features include the use of high ceilings and full-height glass panel windows that allow daylight to flood the indoor spaces, reducing lighting requirements in the day. Shading devices unique to each façade also redirect light deep into the internal volume while reducing direct glare. The extensive landscaping, water features and covered walkways also help to create an inviting green campus. A series of sunken courtyards, lawns and green plazas along the main circulation routes provide visual and spatial relief within the compound. The campus is also among the first few projects in the region to use a thermal energy storage system. Other key green features include multiple ventilation modes for the sports hall, the use of photovoltaic solar energy panels for general lighting and power, and a pneumatic waste conveyance system, an uncommon feature in Singapore.
In collaboration with Maki and Associates, Japan. DP 17
|
Featured projects
SUTD SINGAPORE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN
Sustainable design principles lie at the heart of the master plan and building design of Singapore’s fourth university The development of an environmentally sustainable, pedagogically generating and economically viable campus is the central tenet of the design approach for SUTD. The strategic orientation of the buildings and the use of façade materials with integrated landscape create an ideal academic environment for users within the campus. The buildings’ orientation minimises east-west solar exposure and
harnesses northeast and southeast prevailing winds for effective natural ventilation. The blocks were planned with considerations for interblock shading and ventilation using courtyards and other activity spaces. Generous naturally ventilated and landscaped outdoor areas reduce the use of air-conditioning. On an economic level, the logistical and analytical studies and proposals from both the architectural and M&E consultants helped define maintenance costs and the life-cycle of the project. On an ecological level, the design adapts low energy and water strategies, reduction of waste production and other
innovative engineering solutions for carbon emission reduction. A holistic approach towards sustainable design was adopted, from the masterplan concept to the building design. While designing to achieve a delightful outdoor and indoor spatial experience in our tropical climate, the passive building design and energy-efficient technologies ensure that the building is at least 30.84% more energy-efficient than the typical energy performance stipulated by BCA for an institutional building.
In collaboration with UNStudio, The Netherlands
YEAR: 2014
|
AREA: 100,000 SQM (PHASE 1)
|
SINGAPORE
Solar Heat Gain vs. Daylighting Solar analysis and daylighting simulation tools were employed to achieve an ideal balance between daylighting qualities and heat gain through effective shading devices and careful selection of glass, which also accounts for noise insulation from the nearby Changi Airport. Rain protection at circulation routes was planned with rain screens as part of the holistic environmental control design.
Building Orientation for Reduced Solar Heat Gain and Wind Harvesting The first principles of passive building design helped shape and plan the building geometry and spaces where building orientation, inter-block shading as well as shading by corridors would keep the space cooling energy requirements low. The well-shaded and well-lit courtyards are connected to campus-wide circulation spaces through ‘wind corridors’ that direct prevailing winds into courtyards while providing rain shelters and rain screens at circulation routes to ensure accessibility and encourage walkability throughout the campus.
Low Urban Heat Island Effect Landscape design, with low water consuming native plant species, extends from external areas into the building fabric through pockets of planters along corridors and in the sky gardens, green terraces and roofs, thus reducing the urban heat island effect.
Environmentally Responsible Materials Non-hazardous and non-toxic materials were chosen for good indoor air quality and a healthy study environment. Green and recycled construction materials reduce negative impact on natural resources. Naturally ventilated common areas (green)
Air-conditioned or mechanically ventilated occupied spaces (blue)
Energy modelling simulation
Energy-Efficient Passive Building The campus building was passively designed to maximise the number of naturally ventilated areas, reducing dependence on air-conditioning. The proportion of non air-conditioned spaces is approximately 50%. To ensure that thermal comfort is achieved, various design optimisation was incorporated after analysis studies. Provision of energy-efficient air-conditioning plant design and practical sensors and controls ensure that the air-conditioning system is optimally operated and maintained to its potential energy efficiency throughout the building’s lifespan. DP 19
|
Featured projects
NUS UNIVERSITY TOWN A SUSTAINABLE DISTRICT FOR LIVING AND LEARNING
Site-wide sustainable design strategies were implemented to achieve a carbon-neutral campus, preserve and encourage the ecologically diverse habitat, and provide a sustainable pedagogical environment The National University of Singapore (NUS) University Town (UTown) is a modern international class campus planned along a green corridor. The project’s design redirects vehicular roads to the site perimeter and transforms the land into a network of walkways that respond to the existing topography, hydrology and vegetation. Building location and massing adapts to the lush landscape. Academic, recreational and social anchors are strung along the length of the green, drawing users to specific destinations; these nonresidential programmes also serve as a buffer to filter noises from the surrounding highway. Structures are connected by numerous variously-scaled pockets of open greenery that also serve as collection points for passive and active interaction; these lawns are overlaid by a network of circulation paths. The residential colleges are sited on the northern end of the campus and planned on a north-south orientation to avoid direct solar heat gain and designed as naturally
conditioned to embrace the outdoors. The development also hosts a Graduate Residence, an Education Resource Centre, a number of research centres including the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology and the National Research Foundation’s Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and an EduSports complex which combines education, sports and performing arts spaces. UTown has recently been conferred Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Champion 2012 award. The development also received the inaugural Green Mark District award with the second highest rating of GoldPlus. The buildings within the district undertaken by DP Architects have all received BCA’s green stamp of approval – EduSports and CREATE (with Perkins +Will, USA) were awarded Platinum, Khaya and Angsana Residential Colleges received GoldPlus rating, while Cinnamon and Tembusu Residential Colleges were rated Gold. Master plan designed in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP, USA
Tree Conservation The layout and design of the buildings were undertaken with the express intent of preserving the matured and significant trees. These trees provide shade for pedestrians and a mature canopy for wildlife, while enhancing the natural aesthetics of the environment. The trees along the site’s periphery are also preserved to act as a buffer from the surrounding roads and development.
Low Carbon Campus Carbon sequestration computation was performed with the aim of maintaining carbon neutrality before construction and after completion of campus. This exercise helped to determine the number and type of trees to be planted to replace the trees felled. Buildings oriented on the north-south axis reduce direct solar heat gain and encourage air flow porosity for natural ventilation into buildings, thereby reducing dependence on airconditioning. Shaded outdoor interactive and circulation spaces with highly reflective hardscape materials and green roofs lower urban heat island effect. Dedicated bicycle lanes, and sheltered and shaded interconnected footpaths reduce automobile dependence. Efficient vehicular ring road and minimised parking footprint further reduces carbon emission. Shuttle buses powered by compressed natural gas, a green substitute for fuel, are used as transportation within UTown. External lighting strategies and lamp selection are energy-efficient and reduce light pollution. Energy and water monitoring systems track usage and review targets.
YEAR: 2013
|
AREA: 247,800 SQM
|
SINGAPORE
KHAYA & ANGSANA RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
CINNAMON & TEMBUSU RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES
Ecologically Biodiverse Habitat Detailed biodiversity analysis was conducted and the master plan was designed to preserve the natural topography, hydrology, and vegetation of the site. Landscape strategies for ecological migration encourage the growth of natural habitat for flora and fauna within the campus. Native plant species were selected for biodiversity opportunities.
EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE TOWN GREEN
GRADUATE RESIDENCE
EDUSPORT
CREATE
DISTRICT COOLING PLANT
Other Green Features All buildings in UTown are rated Green Mark Gold, GoldPlus or Platinum.
Stormwater Management Green roofs and an ecopond serve aesthetic purposes while functioning as stormwater management features. Rain water is first filtered through green roofs to remove pollutants before being channelled for use in plant-watering and water features, or slowly released into the river and reservoir. The ecopond serves as a cleansing sedimentation pond and wetland detention pond. Bioswales lead stormwater to sedimentation ponds along roads, sidewalks, walkways and lawn areas. A rain water collection tank at the CREATE facility conserves water for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation. Slotted Kerb Water filtered through green roofs Portion of water for watering plants Remaining water for water feature
Carriageway Perforated subsoil pipes
Filter layer Transition layer Drainage layer
Overflow point
Weephole
Geotextile
NEWater is provided for general washing, irrigation and gardening, and cooling towers. A District Cooling Plant was planned at the southern end of the site to keep the generated heat and noise away from habitable areas. DCP cooling towers are cladded with green roofs and walls. Trees and shrubs reduce the impact of exhaust heat emanating from the cooling towers. Special collection bins are provided for organic waste and hazardous waste such as batteries. Horticultural waste is collected and composted. During construction, hardcore waste and milled waste were reused as road subgrade and subbase. Excavated earth served as backfill material.
Storm flow Non-perforated pipe connecting to roadside drain
Mechanical and electrical pipe trench around the perimeter minimises excavation requirements and provides flexibility for future changes and expansions, hence reducing future construction waste and disruption to vehicular road. DP 21
|
Awards, events & news
Clockwise from left: Aerial perspective of National Guest House, main entrance hall and map of Myanmar
China
India
Myanmar
Singapore
Appointed Architect of National Guest House
DP Architects Ventures into Myanmar DP Architects made its first foray into Myanmar in the middle of last year. The firm was appointed the design architect of Ruby Hall National Guest House, a convention and exhibition centre in Nay Pyi Taw, capital of Myanmar and the third largest city after Yangon and Mandalay. The project – designated as the venue for the ASEAN Summit in 2014 where Myanmar will chair the regional bloc for the first time – will help to meet the emerging city’s growing demand for business and trading facilities generated by economic expansion. The recent liberalisation of Myanmar’s economy and the installation of a new civilian government are expected to bring on a sharp increase in foreign investments. Besides the convention centre development, DP Architects is also at the inception stage of a city centre master planning project and has been approached for at least three hotel proposals.
Director Chin Thoe Chong, who is leading the National Guest House project, sees initial opportunities in infrastructure, master planning and hospitality developments. These are areas in which DP Architects, having played a role in Singapore’s urban landscape, has acquired valuable capabilities. “Our practice is varied in terms of the range of services and scale of projects. Our experiences can add value to a country that is coming out of isolation. This translates to developments which require expertise in design, planning and implementation, for example the redevelopment of the railway system,” said Chin.
While confident of Myanmar’s potential, DP Architects is cautious of diving in with both feet. The democratisation and economic transformation of a nation is a long process and uncertainties abound at this early stage. “We have taken the first few baby steps. While we would like to build a strong presence there, we are adopting a wait-and-see approach in servicing enquiries,” said Chin. “At the same time, we are observing the political, social and economic development while working on a sound business plan so that when the time comes for us to take the dive, we can be strategic.”
“Many parallels can be drawn between Singapore and Yangon. Both are tropical cities of similar size and climate. Both have a population of roughly five million and a shared legacy of colonial history. The building of Singapore and the urban development lessons learned, good and bad, can be shared,” he added.
Chin reckons it will be another quarter before the firm pushes forward. The firm hopes to progress from front end design work to project implementation and may need a more permanent presence in the longer term.
From 2D Drafting to
3D Digital Information Modelling Twelve months ago, DP Architects’ BIM (Building Information Modelling) adoption began in earnest. As an industry leader, DPA is focused on steering Singapore as it moves into BIM. To make this a reality, initiatives for staff training and recruitment of key BIM personnel were the immediate goals. Jumping forward to today, DPA has recruited some of the best international BIM implementers in Singapore who have the knowledge in both the application and processes needed to make BIM a reality. Currently, DPA is successfully utilising not only the Revit software, but the BIM process. The firm has projects at early concept massing, mass modelling, and projects producing tender documentation that are 100% BIM. DPA has recently undertaken a multi-use development that will be one of the first buildings in Singapore to be designed and built using the BIM process by all contractors and consultants. This same development will also be the first BIM facilities managed building in Singapore. As lead consultant, DPA has been driving the collaboration teams and providing the client with the desired process. DPA’s vision for the future is that all projects in 2012 be moved into the Revit platform; by 2014, all active projects are running in Revit and most are utilising BIM functionality. Within the firm, several groups have been early adopters of Revit and the BIM process. These include the Environmentally Sustainable Design department and the Documentation and Specification department. To advance the BIM adoption process, a support system has been put in place to help all Revit users and BIM modellers adjust to the new work flow and resolve issues quickly. Guiding the Singapore office are three BIM Managers spearheading the implementation plan in each of the firm’s three studios. The three are in turn supported by fourteen BIM Coordinators who assist all project teams using Revit/BIM. By ensuring all levels of the organisation are on-board, combined with the resources and in-house professional expertise, DPA has been able to make the transition from 2D drafting and design into BIM a smooth and transparent journey.
DP Architects Ranked
Seventh in World Architecture 100 DP Architects has been ranked the world’s seventh largest architecture practice in the World Architecture 100 survey. Moving up from number 13 in the 2011 ranking, DP Architects is the only Southeast Asian firm in the top ten. The ranking is compiled according to the firms’ total strength, separating registered architects from creative staff, and net fee income for the previous financial year.
Urban Transformations Seminar At URA Academy The URA Academy-organised seminar, held over two sessions on 16 and 30 March 2012, featured overseas master planning and urban design works by local firms. Focusing on design strategies and technical issues, the seminar showcases Singapore’s knowledge in planning and development. Speakers from six leading consultancies shared their professional experiences in China, India, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and South America. Associate Director Ms Chan Hui Min was the speaker for DP Architects and her presentation centred on the firm’s projects in the Middle East.
DP Architects named
BCI Asia Top Ten Architects For seven consecutive years since 2006, DP Architects has been conferred the prestigious annual BCI Asia Top Ten Architect Awards. The award honours the most commercially significant architects in Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The 2012 award ceremony for Singapore’s Top Ten was held on 4 May 2012.
Malaysian Institute of Planners
Green City Planning Seminar Associate Director Ms Chan Hui Min was one of five invited speakers at the Green City Planning 2012 seminar organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners Northern Branch. Ms Chan presented case studies in sustainable design and planning. The seminar was held in Penang on 25 February 2012. Revit model of a hotel-retail development (competition)
DP 23
|
DP personalities
An interview with
YONG BOON PING WOEI
Interview by Toh Bee Ping
IN PERSON celebrates the firm’s diversity by profiling members of the DP family. The interview is conducted as a casual conversation between individuals. Goh Yong Ping, director of DP Engineers (DPE), and Lee Boon Woei, head of DP Architects’ Environmentally Sustainable Design Department (ESD), talk to Design in Print about the integration of sustainable and M&E designs and making ‘green’ one of DP’s fundamental design tenets.
BW: I started out as a mechanical engineer and moved into green design in 2006 when I was at Surbana International Consultants. I saw sustainable design as a logical and natural component of building design and took the initiative to acquire the knowledge and skills. I became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2007. I joined DP Architects last year.
Tell us about the synergetic benefits of your collaboration. YP: The role of DPE is essentially to bridge M&E and C&S engineering with architecture design. DPE is an ESD-driven engineering consultancy. In fact, before DPE was formed, the ESD unit approached me to become a part of the team focusing on energy modelling. A big part of sustainable design is M&E implementation. The two are like partners in a marriage. BW: It’s about continuity of design, carrying on from passive to active design. Within the ESD team, there are architects and engineers who speak the languages of both disciplines. At the conceptual stage, we use simulation tools to develop passive design features with architects. These analytical data serve as critical design boundary conditions for DPE engineers to design the most efficient system. This integrated process facilitates the building to perform at design conditions.
“A big part of sustainable design is M&E implementation. The two are like partners in a marriage. ” - Yong Ping
When did you join DP? YP: I joined DP Consultants in 2008. Before that I was with Resorts World Sentosa. At the end of 2009, CEO Francis Lee approached me and Tan Yew Chai, now director (C&S) of DPE, to set up an engineering company under the DP Group. That was how DP Engineers was formed.
YP: Having this integration within the company makes it more effective than hiring an outside M&E firm. M&E plays a big role in Green Mark (BCA’s benchmark scheme for environmental design and performance). M&E engineers implement the architects’ designs at construction stage and having the two services within the same firm closes the gap between design and implementation. BW: Also, this integration complements the objectives behind BCA’s push for BIM (Building Information Modelling). The BIM process raises the level of collaboration among the different disciplines.
YP: Green savings is a real incentive for developers. Actually, sustainable design can even make money. There is a Belgian company who approaches developers or landowners and offers to design and build properties for them at no charge. The developers or landowners in turn pay the Belgian firm with savings they gain from the sustainable measures. Simply put, the firm profits directly from sustainable design.
“When a building is designed well, it does not cost more money or time to go green. The key is to optimise building performance and not to install the latest bells and whistles.” - Boon Woei Do you think sustainably-designed buildings can change users’ behaviour? BW: Yes. Working in a Green Mark Platinum building can heighten the users’ awareness of, say, the consumption of energy and water. This awareness will gradually bring about a change in behaviour.
What are the misconceptions about sustainable design? BW: The common misconceptions are higher costs, slower speed of construction and greater inconvenience due to more tests and installations. The truth is, a well-designed building does not cost more money or time to go green. YP: When I was working with Squire Mech in 1996, a client wanted to implement green measures in every aspect of the project, right down to the interior design. This was my big introduction to sustainable design. At that time, it did not seem economical with the higher cost involved. But it is now recognised that green savings made over the lifespan of a building exceed the initial costs. BW: Yes! Going green saves more. With integrated design, the ESD unit conducts lifecycle cost analysis and examines the productivity of measures at initial stages to determine the best applications for a project. With improved technology, we can estimate a building’s energy requirements and predict energy consumption before it is built. The key is to optimise building performance and not to install the latest bells and whistles.
YP: Take for instance the multi-storey carpark. Previously they were outfitted with concrete roofs, but now you see more carparks with green roofs. Not only is it more attractive, the greenery renders the environment more comfortable as it reduces the amount of heat radiated to the lots below. This raises awareness that something simple like landscaping can create a different experience.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know about. YP: Up till a couple of years ago, I had a quirk where instead of saying ‘Thank you’ or ‘Goodbye’ I would say ‘Love you’. I would say this to everyone, not just family and friends. I stopped because someone started saying it. He apparently caught the habit from me! BW: Every week, during the weekend, I would ‘disappear’ for a few hours. I do it to get away from people, from everything. For those few hours, no one will know where I am.
All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced without prior permission. DP Architects accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in Design in Print. Any opinions in Design in Print are solely those of the named authors of the article in which they appear. Unless named as author, DP Architects, Editorial Panel and other Contributors do not endorse any such views and disclaim all liability from their publication. Copyright © DP Architects Pte Ltd Printed by Also Dominie Pte Ltd L023/11/2011 MICA (P) 008/10/2011 Published by DP Architects Pte Ltd 6 Raffles Boulevard, #04-100 Marina Square, Singapore 039594 T: +65 6338 3988 F: +65 6337 9989 E: ask_corpcomm@dpa.com.sg W: www.dpa.com.sg Photo Contributors: Loh Yew Cheng & Rory Daniel. All photos are credited to the mentioned photographers unless otherwise stated.
DP 25
The design of the academy adopts the classic terra-cotta roofed colonial bungalow style of architecture sensitive to the tropical climate. The planning acknowledges the site’s natural environment and exploits the existing parkland setting and natural water features, creating a conducive environment well-suited to an educational establishment. The landscaped central court provides the primary focus within the building, serving as a visual relief from the classrooms. From both the outside and within the building, the academy feels deceptively modest in scale, nestling comfortably in its immediate neighbourhood.
Singapore Aviation Academy
1992