CREATE @ NUS

Country: Singapore

Client: National Research Foundation

Architect: Perkins + Will (Design Architect) ; DP Architects (Project Architect)

Services Provided: Facade Engineering Consultancy

An integrated architectural and façade design has resulted in an extremely efficient building façade with an Envelope Thermal Transfer Value (ETTV) of 37.6 W/m2, contributing an energy savings of 9 million kWh per year. Solar panels embedded on the façade and the rooftop will also harness 300 kWh of solar power.

As an innovation hub, the Centre for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) is designed to lead the green revolution. Meinhardt collaborated with the architects in the façade design that gets its distinctive look from the sunshades and blinds. To determine the optimal façade design, the team carried out extensive technical analysis including thermal modelling.

The main façade is integrated with various shading systems and utilised sunshades coupled with light shelves and motorised internal blinds that are adjustable to maximise daylighting and reduce heat glare.

For the glass can canopy across the podium, laminated glass with a ceramic frit pattern was selected to reduce solar transmission and improve aesthetic appearance. A 15-metre tall support structure for a verdant wall provided ambient cooling and green appeal to the campus.