New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 35/01C | Page 79

Facing page, upper:In a design
where learning, linking and social
spaces run together, stairs offer
a chance for casual interactions.
Facing page lower:Where
breezes aren’t enough, a hybrid
cooling system supplies fresh,
pre-cooled air, further optimised
with traditional ceiling fans.
designed as veils – aluminium curtains that filter
sunlight and further connect to the surroundings.
And links to the outdoors are fundamental in
another way, too – the south gardens are integral to
the teachings offered by the biophillic building.
“Designed as a natural purification system, the
landscape improves water quality while encourag-
ing healthy lifestyle activities and teaching around
water,” says Lee. “Runoff from the roof and hard
scape is cleansed by passing through soil, which
removes sediments and soluble nutrients.
“Half the plants selected are native species and
most are from the southern tropics, a choice that
also provides chance for environmental education.”
Last but surely not least, SDE4 is designed to
be climate responsive with net-zero energy, thanks
largely to a range of sustainable design features
and the 1200 solar photovoltaic panels on its roof.
“SDE4 exceeds set standards of health and well-
being – creating new avenues for delivering comfort
in the tropics, embracing an innovative hybrid
cooling system that supplies rooms with 100%
fresh pre-cooled air and augments this with an
elevated air speed, generated by ceiling fans,” says
Lee. “This cool circulating air creates a comfortable
condition in a highly energy-efficient system.”
Giovanni Cossu, senior manager at the School
of Design and Environment, says the main story of
SDE4 is how to achieve net-zero through design.
“This building challenges the negative perception
of spatial quality, comfort, and cost for sustainable
buildings. SDE4 counters the argument that green
buildings cost more, as it has limited or no extra
cost compared to similar, industry-standard models.
“Preliminary results of subjective surveys com-
pleted by occupants show high user acceptance
levels of the environmental conditions offered by
the building,” says Cossu. “Thanks in part to such
occupant accolades, SDE4 speaks to multiple
audiences: occupants and users, as well as policy
makers and developers. And this generates a level
of significance that cannot be ignored.”
Long section
Short section
Project SDE4, School of Design and Environment,
Singapore
Design architect Serie + Multiply Architects
Executive architect, mechanical & electrical engineer,
civil & structural engineer, quantity surveyor Surbana
Jurong Consultants
infrastructure and urban development:Surbana Jurong
Engineering and hybrid cooling system:Transsolar
KlimaEngineering
Cladding:Steel, perforated aluminium mesh, concrete
Story by Charles Moxham
Photography by Rory Gardiner
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