Set to launch later this year, The Greenhouse at Dulwich College Singapore designed by DP Architects and DP Sustainable Design contributes to Singapore’s Green Building Masterplan.
June 30th, 2023
From a ‘garden city’ to ‘city in a garden’ vision, Singapore’s push to go green extends to construction as well, with the introduction of Green Mark certification scheme in January 2005 to evaluate the environmental friendliness of infrastructure assets.
A project which has recently been awarded the Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy certification by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is The Greenhouse at Dulwich College Singapore by Education in Motion (EiM). The certification recognises the building’s exemplary performance in health, intelligence and maintainability.
Designed by award-winning architectural firm, DP Architects and its specialist arm in sustainable design, DP Sustainable Design (DPSD), The Greenhouse will be Singapore’s first net-zero international school building when it unveils later this year. The seven-storey structure aligns with EiM’s vision of pioneering education for a sustainable future and contributes to Singapore’s Green Building Masterplan, demonstrating the collective commitment to ambitious sustainability standards.
The Greenhouse’s architectural design, construction materials, and functionality contribute to its net-zero energy achievement. By leveraging extensive on-site renewable energy installations, such as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and kinetic floor tiles, the building generates more than 100 per cent energy savings, reducing approximately 216 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to powering 122 four-room HDB flats. On top of that, the kinetic floor tiles linked to a screen in the lobby shows the amount of energy that is produced when students walk across them.
Superior energy efficiency is achieved through the building’s design, incorporating light shafts and a central atrium to optimise natural light and ventilation, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting and air-conditioning systems. Highly energy-efficient technologies and IoT sensors linked to a Smart Digital Twin platform further enhance building performance and reduce energy consumption. Ang Kian Seng, Group Director of BCA’s Environmental Sustainability Group, commends The Greenhouse’s efficient operation and maintenance through building analytics and predictive maintenance.
The net-zero building prioritises resource optimisation by using sustainable materials like low-carbon concrete and recycled wood and plastic for interior design and furniture. To reduce water consumption, efficient sanitary fittings are employed, and a rainwater harvesting system collects and recycles rainwater for irrigation.
Smart indoor air quality sensors monitor and enhance the learning environment’s air quality. The building’s focus on health and well-being ensures occupants have access to nature throughout the premises, with greenery and natural elements integrated into various spaces, including the step atrium and roof garden.
An edible ‘forest’ on the roof allows students to forage for fruits and experience natural food production. Food waste will be managed through vermi-composting and an insect farm, with black soldier flies providing nutrition for fish in the pond, where the water is used for irrigation. This innovative educational exposure promotes real-world problem-solving and student engagement with the building.
In addition to The Greenhouse, EiM has released an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for the second consecutive year. This demonstrates the international education institution’s commitment to sustainable practices across its schools and operations. In fact, five schools under EiM have achieved green building certifications, and notable progress has been made in optimising ESG governance.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The American Hardwood Export Council promotes the works of next-gen designers through Discovered Singapore exhibition happening from 16 to 22 May at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
We spoke to Ketil Årdal, CEO of Danish green-tech design brand, Mater, as they unveiled the Alder collection at Milan Design Week.
For 50 years, Alspec has been a driving force in Australia’s architectural landscape. As a wholly Australian-owned company, their commitment to innovation and exceptional service has positioned them as a leading supplier of aluminium window and door systems for commercial, residential, and industrial applications.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Artificial intelligence is one of the defining issues of our time. Here are five ideas articles addressing the anxieties and possibilities of the technology in design.
An entry by MuseLAB, in The Retail Space in the 2024 INDE.Awards, takes shoppers to another planet where diamonds and great interior design make a lasting impression.
Welcome to the year of the Design Effect. This year’s theme aims to showcase the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. Join in shaping this narrative by contributing your perspective before May 3, 2024, and become a part of the Design Effect movement.