National University of Singapore Buildings
2023 ULI Global Awards for Excellence Winner: National University of Singapore
National University of Singapore SDE 4 and SDE 1 & 3
Work on three new or renovated buildings belonging to the former School of Design and Environment at the National University of Singapore provided designers an opportunity to create real world prototypes that have successfully demonstrated how maximum levels of sustainability can be achieved in tropical climate structures.
The project presented an opportunity for university faculty to develop and test theoretical concepts in a real world environment. Building SDE4 is Singapore’s first purpose-built net zero building, while buildings SDE1&3 serve as templates for super-low carbon adaptive reuse.
As the project flagship, SDE4 is an embodiment of clean energy design that addresses the complexities of the Singapore climate. The structure is designed to be as porous as possible so as to leverage natural ventilation. In the words of one juror: “Probably the most brilliant part of this project is the way it captures wind, enabling it to use fresh air and breezes to cool the building.”
Shading has also been used to the maximum extent. The front of the building has seen installation of new façades that incorporate a lightweight sunshade designed that echoes the aesthetics of colonial-style architecture. From a practical point of view, the façade deflects the sun on the one hand, while allowing views to the outside landscaping on the other. At the same time, construction of oversailing roofing provides a further shading element. The roof has also been covered with enough solar panel arrays to generate energy for all the building’s needs.
Work on the two adaptive reuse buildings, meanwhile, was performed at some 40 percent of the cost of rebuilding. They also now consume energy at around 40 percent of pre-renovation levels.
Perhaps the most noteworthy technological feature relates to air quality. Air conditioning is used only when needed. Although most rooms of both new and renovated buildings can be opened up to prevailing breezes, natural ventilation is augmented by use of digital controls, together with a hybrid cooling system that supplies rooms with 100 percent fresh, pre-cooled air, albeit at higher temperatures (26 degrees) and humidity levels. This is supplemented by elevated air speeds set by ceiling fans. The same system and design philosophy is now being deployed in other buildings in Singapore and the region.
In terms of general sustainability, all buildings feature a water detention system that captures rainwater runoff. This is then used either in-building for the purposes if flushing and irrigation or diverted into bio-detention basins and ultimately discharged into external drains. This is done is a controlled manner in order to avoid widespread flooding resulting from Singapore’s frequent heavy rain showers.
According to one juror: “On the sustainability side, they get some of the highest marks I have seen in terms of research – they’ve gone through so many exercises by working with their engineering department to ensure they can do this with the greatest amount of sensitivity to the environment.”
Beyond that, the buildings are also noteworthy from a design perspective. In particular, the adaptive reuse buildings aim to reimagine the interiors of the pre-existing structures in ways that blur the boundaries between places to study, work, and socialise.
Provision of community spaces for students to gather was a priority. In SDE1 and 3, the three floors of design studios have been linked by a large staircase that also serves as a social center. The staircase’s proximity to review spaces and an exhibition gallery allows the university to publicise student drawings and models to the wider architecture programme.
In addition, buildings have been designed to showcase a gradual merging of indoor/outdoor spaces, thereby improving interior spatial quality and restoring engagement with the surrounding environment.
The resulting model is highly replicable, especially given its low construction costs. Since the prototypes were completed, the same design principles have been exported into subsequent redevelopment projects elsewhere on the campus. Ultimately, the goal is for the techniques to be adopted more widely by local and international construction industries.