In February 2023, the National University of Singapore (NUS) completed renovations on two buildings at the School of Design and Environment (SDE). Originally constructed in 1976, the two buildings, SDE1 and 3, now feature remodeled interiors and new aluminum sunscreen exterior. The updated facade protects the building from heat gain generated by the equatorial sun and was designed in a style which evokes the formal qualities as well as functional aims of vernacular architecture in the tropics.
The facade was designed in a style which evokes the formal qualities and functional aims of vernacular architecture in the tropics.
The design of SDE1 and 3 follows precedent from SDE building 4 which was completed in 2019 and was Singapore’s first new-build, net-zero energy building. By reusing the existing structure, the project sequesters the embodied carbon of the original facility. With the application of the “deep veil” shade apparatus, solar heat gain and glare are minimized while daylight penetrates deep into the floorplate.
Initially, Dr. L’Heureux and his team intended to reconfigure and reuse the building’s original aluminum panels, however, bureaucratic red tape and logistical concerns made this difficult. Dr. Erik L’Heureux elaborated to AN that “in Singapore, the circular economy is still in its infancy, and contractors and subcontractors are reluctant to be liable for a recycled facade. The University was unwilling to absorb the recycled material’s structural and maintenance concerns, so, unfortunately, we did not get that through the approval process.”
The new facade is designed to protect the building from heat gain generated by the equatorial sun.
The new facade system was constructed using aluminum with a galvanized steel substructure. Aluminum was chosen because the facility’s existing pile caps could not bear the weight of heavier materials, such as precast concrete or brick. Aluminum also satisfied the University’s requirement for easily cleaned and durable finishes. The design team considered timber, however, local fire codes and the risk of flammability eliminated the material from consideration.
The aluminum screens were positioned in a manner which corresponds to the arrangement of the surrounding tree canopy. Screens are closed near the top of the facade and gradually open near ground level where the building receives shade from the canopy. Light shelves were included along clerestory windows to draw sunlight into the studio spaces. The original single-pane glazing was replaced by high-performance Low-E double glazing.
Daylight is allowed to penetrate deep into the floorplate.
