Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SINGAPORE
TITLE PAGE NO.
INTRODUCTION 1-4
CLIMATE ANALYSIS 11 - 13
SUN ANALYSIS 14 - 19
WIND ANALYSIS 20 - 22
THERMAL ANALYSIS 23 - 28
CONCEPT ANALYSIS 29 - 32
REFERENCES 33 - 36
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION : The Building
“ we were awe with the design and creation of green roof building”
Project: Case Study: Identifying innovative passive design strategies
Climate
1
Top
Image 1: View of the
building as occupants
walk up the stairs to
the top of the green
roof
Middle
Image 2: View of the
stairs leading up to
the open courtyard.
Entrance to the build-
ing from the courtyard
can be seen.
Bottom
Image 3: Building
and Construction
Authority Green Mark
Logo
2
Top SITE LOCATION
Image 4: Site Plan
of Nanyang This unique building is situated in Singapore, specifically in the 200-hectare Yun-
Technological nan campus, adjacent to the Jurong West district of Singapore. It is situated at
University, School of
Art, Design & Media a crossroad between Nanyang Avenue and Lien Ying Chow Drive and is flanked
by the Simtech Valley Block. The building is used mostly during the day when
the students and staffs occupy it and is left empty during the night. It is spaced
apart from nearby buildings as it houses the School of Art, Design and Media.
3
Plans, Sections ,
drawings
Image 5
Floor plan of Nanyang Technological University School of Art, Design and Media
Image 6
Cross Section of Nanyang Technological University School of Art, Design and Media
4
NATURAL AND MAN MADE FACTORS
“ Components that affecting the comforbality of the building “
Top D e n s e v o y s i a m a t re l l a g r a s s t u r f
Image 7:Photograph
of the dense The grass turf helps to absorb Singapore’s intense sun which
voysiamatrella grass decreases the temperature of the air surrounding the university.
turf
Moreover, thus eco-friendly attribute enhances the outdoor gathering
spaces of the university.
5
Top Exposed Facade
Image 8: Photograph
of the Curtain wall The facade of the building is an expansive curtain wall facades of
facade high-performance, double-glazed glass. It is longitudinally oriented
east-west and more north and south exposures.
The glass curtain walls maximizes interior daylight while minimizing
heat penetration. Double-glazed windows are windows with two
sheets of glass separated by an air tight gap. This creates an insulation
barrier and helps prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
The combination of high insulation frame, twin compression seals
and double glazed units gives a level of thermal efficiency that is
unsurpassed. Double glazing is designed to minimize heat transfer.
6
Top A l m o n d S h a p e C o u r t y a rd
Image 9: Photo-
graph of the exterior The courtyard expands access to daylight and cooling effect. It
scenery including the provides natural light into interior spaces as well as in providing cooling
courtyard
properties from the water attributes exuding a serene environment and
emanating a refreshing breeze that cools the courtyard.
7
Top R a w C o n c re t e M a t e r i a l s a n d F i n i s h e s
Image 10: Photo-
graph of the material Concrete is high energy efficient. Its thermal mass or ability helps in
that been used in absorbing and retaining heat which helps in cutting heating and cooling
the building which is
concrete and glass bills. Moreover, concrete’s reflectivity properties minimizes the affects
the produces urban heat island as it absorbs less heat and reflects
more solar radiation.
8
Top C u r v e d G re e n R o o f
Image 11: Photo-
graph of the curved The curved green roof that casts in heavily ribbed, reinforced concrete
green roof in the site which also forms the double curve layout
The green roof reduces solar gain and slows run off during Singapore’s
frequent downpour. The turfs are irrigated using rainwater collected in
the storage tank. Moisture retention materials are installed beneath the
soil helps keep the grass consistently damp that creates a surrounding
temperature that is not too hot. This helps in creating a thermal
environment that is comfortable for the occupants of the university.
9
Pictures Taken of
Site
Image 12
Panoramic View of Nanyang Technological University School of Art, Media and Design
Image 13 Image 14
User and Library Space in User and Space in the Interior Nanyang
Nanyang Technological University School of Art, Technological University School of Art, Design and
Design and Media Media.
Image 15 Image 16
Concrete Material on the wall of Staircase along Green Roof on
Nanyang Technological University School of Art, Nanyang Technological University School of Art,
Design and Media Design and Media
10
CLIMATE ANALYSIS
“The basic precedent study to analyse is the climate”
Climate Data
HUMIDITY
Climate Location
Singapore
Figure 1
Annual Relative
Humidity for Singa-
pore
TEMPERATURE
Figure 2
Annual Maximum
Temperature for
Singapore
11
Figure 3
Annual Minimum
Temperature of
Singapore
Figure 4
Average
Temperature of
Singapore
12
Temperature
13
SUN ANALYSIS
“Sources that can’t be avoid as it always shine bright on the day”
Sunpath Case Studies
Image 18
January 8th
11:15 a.m
Image 19
May 4th
11:30 a.m
14
Image 20
September 25th
12:45 p.m
Image 21
November 30th
15:00 p.m
15
During our site visit, we felt
really comfortable when we were
Benefits from Site Context inside the building and also in the
Upon completion of our research, courtyard. According to D.K Ching,
we have found out that the consultants taking advantage of the land or
took a lot of measures to design this ecology of the building is one way to
building in accordance with the natural enhance green building’s factor. Thus,
sun orientation as their idea were to the purpose of almond-shaped
build an open space university (2014). courtyard in the middle of the
Referring to the site plan, this building is building is to provide natural lighting
located in the housing area with a into the interior. Next, the consultant
proper development from the took advantage of the sun orientation
Singapore’s government. As it is by designing a green roof. According
Image 22 to Alwitra GMBH.co, the purpose of
situated far from the main city, there is
Site Plan no natural shading from the surrounding the green roof is to bring out the
Red Box : Nanyang aesthetic value of the building from
Technological building except for the location natural
Universtiy Campus vegetation. Thus, the consultants built other conventional multi - storey
this building with a proper orientation buildings, in the campus and in the city
Blue Box : House /
Residential Area by placing the facades facing north (2013). Moreover, the green roof
and south to minimize solar gain. After functions to cool the building
Black Box : Nanyang
Technological achieving the right orientation for build- environment by absorbing Singapore’s
University School intense sun and slowing runoff during
of Art, Design and ing, the facade is fixed with glass curtain
Media walls. Singapore’s downpour (2014).
16
Absorb Singapore's
Intense Sun
Building Material
which is glass curtain
that allows natural
lighting to enter the
building.
Top
Image 24
Sketches of floor
plan of the site which
shows the building
orientation.
Bottom
Image 25
Perspective sketch
of site to show the
placement of
courtyard and focus
view on the glass wall
18
Design Profile
19
WIND ANALYSIS
“The Ventilation”
Sun Path Case Studies
The sliding doors and opened windows
The northeast monsoon season, from
are also allowed the air ventilation to
December to the beginning of March,
flow throughout the building. Winds
is when north-easterly winds prevail.
are incorporated onto the roof and also
Whereas, the southwest monsoon
the courtyard to allow students to feel
season from June through September,
cooled. Moreover, the presence of wind
is when south-easterly or south-west-
helps to lower down the temperature
erly winds blow. (Figure 5) Due to the
outside while the majority of interiors
2 monsoon seasons and the location of
such as the counter area, halls, classes,
Nanyang Technology University which
studios, admission centre, and so on are
is relatively near to the sea, the amount
ventilated by using air conditioners.
and speed of wind flows are higher and
( Image 29 ). However, the air
faster compared to the other months
Top conditioning are switched off after 11pm
Image 26
and locations.(Image 27) For the
every day. It is to be eco-friendly.For
building itself, the verdant turfed roof
The courtyard of Nanyang Technology University, the
Nanyang
and the courtyard are the two spaces
wind flows helped to improve the
Technological that would be well ventilated.
University thermal comfort.
( Image 29 ).
20
Sunpath Case Studies
Figure 5
The wind diagram shows the wind speed, the wind direction in Singapore
Image 27
The google map picture showing the short distance between the sea and
Nanyang Technological University
21
Wind Symbol
Image 28
Sketch of wind movement in Nanyang Technological University
Image 29
Ventilation across Nanyang Technological Universtity School of Art, Design and Media
22
THERMAL ANALYSIS
“Comfortability”
For example, a person walking up stairs
Thermal Comfort Analysis in a cold environment whilst wearing a
coat might feel too hot, whilst someone
When people are displeased with sat still in a shirt in the same environ-
their thermal environment, not only is it ment might feel too cold.
a potential health hazard, it also impacts
on their ability to function effectively, The Health and Safety Executive
their happiness/satisfaction at work, the propose that an environment can be
likelihood they will remain a customer said to attain ‘reasonable comfort’ when
and so on. at least 80% of its dwellers are thermally
at ease. This means that thermal
BS EN ISO 7730 defines thermal comfort can be assessed simply by
comfort as ‘…that condition of mind surveying inhabitants to find out whether
which expresses satisfaction with the they are unhappy with their thermal
thermal environment. ie the condition environment.
when someone is not feeling either too
hot or too cold. At one degree above the equator,
the climate in Singapore is typically
The human thermal environment tropical; hot and humid throughout the
is not straight forward and cannot be year. The temperature usually lingers
stated in degrees. Nor can it be around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees
reasonably be defined by adequate Fahrenheit) with 75 per cent humidity.
temperature ranges. It is a personal Rainfall is slightly higher during the
experience dependent on a countless winter with a monthly average of 260
number of criteria and can be different millimeters (10 inches) and summer
from one person to another within the months averaging 170 millimeters (six
same space. and a half inches).
23
Climate proportion to
Thermal Analysis
Figure 6
Singapore Climate Graph
Figure 7
Singapore Climate table
24
Enlivened by fountains, cascad- re-oxygenating the air and removing
ing water and a “floating” performance airborne toxins, recycling nutrients, and
platform, the reflecting pond of the providing habitat for living organisms, all
building’s interior courtyard both creates of this while creating peaceful
ambience and cools a pleasant commu- environments. Therefore, green roofs do
nal area in the center. have an immediate effect on the thermal
comfort of a building.
The main green feature of
the building still remains the iconic
curved green roof. Indoor temperature reduces in
the buildings having green roofs with the
A living or green roof is a roof that increasing of the soil thickness.( Image
is substantially covered with vegetation. 31 ) There is a significant influence of
These have positive effects on buildings soil thicknesses in green roof for
by reducing the stress on the roof sur- improving the indoor temperatures in the
Top face and increasing their life, improving upper floors of buildings. However, soil
Image 30 thermal comfort and reducing noise thickness does not effect on the indoor
Zone Floor Plan of transmission inside the building, temperature in the ground floor. The
Nanyang reducing the urban heat island effect, latter is affected by the curvilinear plan
Technological
University reducing storm water runoff, form of the building,creating an
25
Windows are complex and fas-
cinating elements in the material of
opening in the center which hosts a a building. They allow light and fresh
cooling courtyard. The green roof is air and provide views that link interior
applied here on NTU, which has upper spaces with the outdoors. Unfortunately,
floors, exposed to the direct sun light windows can be a maincause of un-
throughout the day time as a passive desirable heat gain in hot weather and
element. Studies and experiments car- significant heat loss in cold weather.
ried out by professionals have shown
that the indoor thermal performance of Windows can have a severe
a green roof is better than the traditional impact on the heating and cooling loads
roofs. As a reason of aging of buildings, of a building. Up to 40% of a building’s
the absorptivity of traditional roof mate- heating energy can be lost and up to
rials increase. However, in a well main- 87% of its heat gained through win-
tained green roof, this remains same as dows. (http://www.yourhome.gov.au/
newly constructed green roof. passive-design/glazing)
Top
Image 31
The glass curtain wall is an- Improving windows’ thermal per-
sections showing air other feature which adds on to the formance reduces energy costs, green-
flow, red is warm,
blue is cool thermal comfort of NTU. house gas emissions and improves
26
Room/Area Temperature Recorded/ ˚C
Outside Main Entrance 33
• The building is oriented with its facades facing north and south to
minimize solar gain. During the day, the sun shines mostly on the green roof
from east to west.
• The rain water collection system is fitted on the green roof for
irrigation, this further keeps the coolness of the roof/inner roof area
• The rain sensors are installed on the green roof to automate the
irrigation process whereby irrigation is ceased when it rains.
28
CONCEPT ANALYSIS
“The Conclusion of Our Analysis”
Passive Solar Design
One of the main features of Nanyang Technological University that can be noticed is the exterior
glass curtain walling. It is utilizing passive solar design to help maximize natural lighting by using proper
orientation of the building and providing appropriate shading to reduce overheating.
The building is specifically orientated facing the north and south ( Picture 1 ). This is to minimize
the solar gain and heat load in the morning. The glass exterior facade allows natural views and sunlight
into the building, allowing visual exchange between indoor and outdoor spaces. This give an amazing
experience while being in the building and enjoying the surrounding at the same time.
The glasses are double-glazed to reduce heat penetration into the building, while allowing
maximum interior daylight to pass through ( Picture 2 ). It helps to reduce the temperature transfer
between exterior and interior spaces. Glass openings are also placed throughout the interior walls to
provide natural sunlight diffusing through each space. This allows continuity of lighting throughout the
building ( Picture 3 ).
Strategic window placements for rooms and toilets that are placed underground enhancenatural
lighting into the building. This allows sunlight to illuminate the spaces inside ( Picture 4 ). By adopting
this, usage of electricity is reduced to minimal. The window openings also provide natural views in be-
tween spaces ( Picture 5 ).
Another passive design feature that is adopted by the building is the green roofing system
( Picture 6 ). This feature helps to moderate the temperature of a building by reducing solar gain, and
generally improving air quality of the surrounding.
Nanyang Technological University uses the extensive green roofing system due to the depth of
growing medium used, which is up to six inches or less ( Picture 7 ). Other characteristics that define
this green roof are its lower plant diversity and plant weight. By using the extensive green roof,
maintenance and cost of the building is reduced.
Green roofmainly helps in reducing the urban heat island effect, especially during the daytime. It
insulates the building by having moisture retention materials installed beneath the soil. The thickness of
soil used directly affects the indoor temperature of the building, as increase in soil thickness helps
reduce the temperature within the building. This is effective and can clearly be seen on the upper floors
of the building ( Picture 8 ). The roof provides savings benefit on heating and cooling systems.
Besides that the grass used on the roofs collects rainwater during heavy downpour for
landscaping irrigation ( Picture 9 ). This feature also contributes in the coolness of the roof area, as it
allows the grass to be consistently damp and gives off a cooling effect. A green roof not only provides a
beautiful landscape but it also enhances air quality by trapping air pollutants and re-oxygenating the air.
29
Top
Image 33
Sketch of building
orientation.
Middle
Image 34
Sketch of
double-glazed glass.
Bottom
Image 35
Sketch of glass
openings in interior
spaces.
30
Top
Image 36
Sketch of window
placement for under-
ground lighting.
Middle
Image 37
Sketch of natural
views for under-
ground spaces.
Bottom
Image 38
Sketch of green
roofing system found
on the building.
31
Top
Image 39
Sketch of extensive
green roofing
components.
Middle
Image 40
Sketch of indoor
temperature of upper
floors.
Bottom
Image 41
Sketch of rainwater
collection through
green roofing system.
32
REFERENCE LIST
Balogh, A. (2014). What Makes Concrete a Sustainable Building Material? Retrieved May, 5, 2014
from http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/greenbuildinginformation/what_makes.html
Bruno, G. (2011). What Is the Weather & Climate of Singapore? Retrieved from USA Today: http://
traveltips.usatoday.com/weather-climate-singapore-43250.html
Ching, D.K. (2014) Green Building Illustrated, pg 32. Canada: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Jason & April Ruggles (2008). Sim City: Singapore | Jason & April Ruggles. Retrieved April 29,
2014, from http://jasonruggles.com/2009/09/15/sim-city-singapore/
Davis, M. (2012). Green Roofs at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design, and
Media. Retrieved from ARCH20: http://www.arch2o.com/green-roofs-at-nanyang-technological-
universitys-school-of-art-design-and-media-cpg-consultants/
Double Glazing- The next step to energy efficiency. (2014). Retrieved May, 5, 2014
from http://www.armadacanberra.com/double-glazed-overview.html
Exquisite Reflecting Pools fora Fluid and Tranquil Home. (2009). Retrieved May, 5, 2014
from http://www.decoist.com/2013-12-09/reflecting-pools-ideas/
Fauzi, M. A., Malek, N. A., & Othman, J. Evaluation of Green Roof System for Green Building Proj-
ects in Malaysia. International Journal of Environment, 7.Retrieved , from http://waset.org/publi-
cations/1385/evaluation-of-green-roof-system-for-green-building-projects-in-malaysia
Green Mark. (n.d.). Green Mark Buildings Directory. Retrieved from BCAGreenMark: http://www.
greenmark.sg/property-detail.php?id=464
Green Roof Benefits. (2014, January 1). . Retrieved April 24, 2014,
from http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php/about/greenroofbenefits
Kriscenski, A. (2012, July 12). A Swirling Green Roof Tops Gorgeous Nanyang Technical Univer-
sity in Singapore. . Retrieved April 27, 2014, from http://inhabitat.com/amazing-green-roof-art-
school-in-singapore/
Principles of Passive Solar Design. (2008, January 1). Green Building. Retrieved April 26, 2014,
from http://www.greenbuilding.com/knowledge-base/principles-passive-solar-design
The Six Basic Factors.(n.d). Retrieved April 28, 2014, from http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/
thermal/factors.htm
Wind Finder (n.d.). Tide calendars / prediction Singapore Changi - Windfinder. Retrieved May 4,
2014, from http://www.windfinder.com/tide/singapore_changi
33
IMAGE REFERENCE
Image 1 : retrieved by http://jasonruggles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/nanyang-technological-university.jpg
34
Image 25 : Sketched by Adila ZAAS
35
FIGURE REFERENCE
Figure 1 : Ecotech graph by Zhafri Azman
Cover page 3 : Natural and Man Made Factor Photograph taken by Adila ZAAS
36