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SLE

learnt about super low energy savings

60% energy savings

Zero Energy

Positive Energy

During this week, I encountered Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and discovered it to be both demanding and fun. I am excited about collaborating with others to investigate subjects such as ultra-low energy, where we will discover ways to develop environmentally friendly solutions through the use of sustainable resources, ensuring lasting advantages for the future.

Working alongside peers in project-based learning will enable us to address genuine global issues, like sustainability, and create a meaningful impact.

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Studied approaches to achieve minimal energy usage, highlighting energy-conserving designs, the integration of sustainable energy sources, and the optimization of building systems to lessen energy consumption. Implementing these approaches is crucial for fostering eco-friendly settings and lowering expenses associated with operations.

Furthermore, I became familiar with the FILA (Fact, Idea, Learning, Action) model, which has improved my ability to tackle problems by assisting in the arrangement of information, the creation of concepts, and the contemplation of insights gained.

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FILA chart
In today's lesson, we carried out a presentation focused on the Temasek Polytechnic campus using a FILA chart. This exercise was instrumental in helping me recognize essential elements, issues, and opportunities within the campus landscape. It inspired critical analysis of design and sustainability, enhancing our insight into powerful presentation techniques.

SWOT Analysis

I gained insight into SWOT analysis, which serves to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats pertinent to a specific project or environment. Our assignment is to conduct a SWOT analysis of the Temasek campus in preparation for the upcoming presentation on SWOT.

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SWOT Analysis Presentation

Conducted a SWOT analysis presentation focused on the TP campus, where I explored various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the institution.

Strengths:

Low Window-to-Wall Ratio

Strategic Window Placement

Tinted Windows

Weakness

Traffic Congestion

Limited expansion space

Opportunities

Development of More Amenities

Sustainable Initiatives

Threats

Environmental Threats

Drainage Issues

Risk of Flooding

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Site analysis

This week, our focus was on conducting a site assessment for the TP campus project, where we examined environmental factors, accessibility options, and how effectively the space can be utilized. By performing a SWOT analysis, we were able to highlight our strengths, which include collaborative environments and environmentally conscious attributes, while also recognizing challenges like congestion and limited shade. We collaborated as a team to categorize our project, making certain that each member understood their specific role in contributing effectively.

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During the makeup lesson in Week 4 of Flex Week, I dedicated my time to examining the vulnerabilities pointed out in our SWOT analysis for the South Wing. Among the major issues we pointed out were the absorption of heat due to solar radiation, inadequate plant life, and the effects of urban heat islands, which result in warmer indoor environments and an increased need for air conditioning. Furthermore, we observed problems including inadequate directional signs, noise disturbances, and ineffective room divisions in the sports hall, all of which affect the experience and safety of users.

This conversation helped me comprehend the impact of these shortcomings on both the efficiency of buildings and the comfort of their occupants. This understanding will be beneficial for suggesting enhancements to the design in later phases of the project.

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Week 5 Lesson 1 (Dulwich College Singapore)

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Week 5 Lesson 1 (Dulwich College Singapore)

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The newest facility at Dulwich College Singapore, referred to as The Greenhouse, is an innovative seven-story building aimed at reaching net-zero energy use. The construction is fully reliant on solar panels for energy, maximizes the benefits of natural light and airflow, employs a rainwater collection system for water conservation, and integrates intelligent sensors that are part of the facility's management network. This initiative is built using eco-friendly materials and incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as energy-generating fitness machines, kinetic flooring tiles, a unit for recycling plastic, and hydroponic systems for growing herbs and plants.

Image reference Source : https://www.dpa.com.sg/projects/dulwich-college/

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During this week, my attention was directed towards investigating eco-friendly materials and building techniques. I delved into the properties of green concrete, learning about its ingredients and how it is produced. Furthermore, I discovered DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly), a technique that streamlines the construction process by dividing it into smaller, more manageable parts that are produced offsite with the help of specialized software. Afterward, these elements are conveyed to the venue to ensure a safer and more effective assembly.

I explored Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) and examined how it compares to Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Although both are types of engineered wood, they have distinct structural characteristics and uses. In contrast to CLT, which consists of several layers of wood glued together at right angles, Glulam is mainly utilized for structural elements like beams and columns, while CLT is better suited for constructing walls and floors.

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Featuring a bamboo exterior that is environmentally friendly, the DBS structure utilizes a resource that renews quickly, helping to cool the building, cut down on energy usage, provide shade from the sun, and enhance airflow indoors. This tool promotes and nurtures the existence of various birds in the nearby environment.

The building's roof is covered in a white finish, which reflects sunlight and brightens the solar panels installed on both sides below, improving their capacity to capture solar energy. This approach overcomes the limitation of space that is often a concern in numerous facilities when it comes to solar panel installation.

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During this week, I concentrated on crafting my design brief, emphasizing the incorporation of eco-friendly approaches into the project. I examined the effectiveness and potential of green walls, rainwater harvesting technologies, solar panel installations, and daylighting strategies through my research. By examining various case studies, I investigated practical applications and discovered ways to modify these approaches to enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort levels.

In addition, I explored solar heat gain assessments and daylighting simulations to fine-tune the facade design and maximize the effectiveness of natural illumination. I explored the specifications of materials, focusing on Mass Engineered Timber (MET) and advanced glazing solutions, to improve sustainability efforts. As I progress, I will improve the intricate design proposal, weaving in knowledge gained from these studies for the final presentation.

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During this week, I concentrated on enhancing my slides for the Design Brief Discovery, while also performing research and analyzing case studies to assess the proposed strategies. I evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of prevailing strategies, discovering potential improvements and reimagining more efficient options.

Through an analysis of various case studies, I investigated different approaches to green walls, rainwater collection, solar energy systems, and natural lighting methods, confirming their compatibility with sustainability objectives. In the future, I plan to enhance the visuals and notes in my presentation, integrating feedback to improve my design proposal.

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I improved my Design Brief Discovery presentation by streamlining the content and emphasizing BCA Green Mark strategies that offer various advantages. Going forward, I plan to improve my annotations and simulations to reinforce my proposal.

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During this week, my attention was directed towards creating design ideas that correspond with the objectives outlined in the design brief. My strategy embraced green practices, focusing on maximizing natural illumination, airflow, and solar heat collection through thoughtful organization of spaces, building configuration, facade aesthetics, and overall site design.

I investigated the choice of eco-friendly materials to improve energy performance and the comfort of those using the space. Furthermore, I polished my initial design sketches and analyzed various case studies to bolster my design justification. In the future, I plan to incorporate simulations and additional assessments to confirm the effectiveness of my approaches.

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We were provided with time during this gathering to polish our Concept Design visuals. I concentrated on improving my design techniques by prioritizing daylight access, promoting natural airflow, and optimizing solar heat absorption through effective spatial arrangement, facade architecture, and eco-friendly material choices.

The main suggestion I got was to include triangular-shaped gardens in the design of the landscape. By implementing this plan, we can increase plant coverage, facilitate passive temperature regulation, and improve the overall look, contributing to a more comfortable outdoor environment. Going forward, I will adjust my landscaping strategies to better align with eco-friendly objectives.

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This week, I began working on the Schematic Design submission, which necessitates a digital storyboard panel in A1 landscape format. My primary goal is to create interior layouts and 3D models using Revit to accurately convey the design concept.

Primary duties consist of optimizing layout planning, creating facade aesthetics, executing analyses for sunlight and airflow patterns, and selecting green materials to improve ecological performance.

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In the meeting regarding the Concept Design Report, I gathered insights on important aspects that require enhancement. It is essential for me to incorporate BCA Green Mark (GM) standards and Universal Design concepts to improve both sustainability and accessibility.

Moreover, I will work on refining the landscape architecture and making required adjustments to the facade to elevate its environmental effectiveness. Another crucial focus will be on generating elevation illustrations for skylights to better convey daylighting techniques. As I progress, I will incorporate these changes and elevate the quality of the design report.

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Within the A1 Layout of the Schematic Design, the building's outer appearance is illustrated, featuring façade performance simulations and key analyses like Shadow & Daylight Analysis and CFD Simulation, each supplemented by in-depth descriptions and legends. The layout emphasizes inclusivity for all users, featuring spacious hallways suitable for wheelchair access and using non-reflective flooring in brightly lit spaces to reduce glare. This arrangement addresses floor designs, space utilization, and furniture layout for enhanced operational effectiveness. The selection of materials is meticulously evaluated to improve both resilience and visual attractiveness. Furthermore, where appropriate, both elevation and sectional illustrations are included.The project focuses on sustainable design aspects, featuring elements like green facades and rooftop gardens, which highlight their benefits according to simulation outcomes (for example, the use of a skywell in regions with poor natural lighting).

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The Comprehensive Life Cycle Carbon Evaluation analyzes the ecological effects of the suggested design through the SG Building Carbon Calculator, focusing on carbon measurement techniques to quantify both embodied and operational emissions, assessing thermal performance through ETTV calculations, and analyzing the long-term energy and environmental effects with LPB evaluations. These findings enhance the choice of materials, the design of the façade, and the overall energy performance, contributing to a more eco-friendly structure.

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In the course of our meeting focused on schematic design evaluation and simulations, we tackled the difficulties faced in our simulations and requested further explanation on important matters. This meeting offered important perspectives on enhancing our analysis of shadows and daylight, as well as CFD simulations and various performance assessments, guaranteeing precision and consistency with our design goals. In our conversations, we pinpointed possible enhancements and modifications required to boost the building's performance and sustainability initiatives.

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I resolved uncertainties and responded to inquiries concerning the schematic design and the essential simulations needed for the project.

Furthermore, I examined and processed the ETTV calculations to verify their precision and adherence to standards for the comprehensive design submission.

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Throughout Week 17, I committed myself to refining the comprehensive design related to my preferred focus area. After completing the schematic design phase, I improved my recommendations by applying sustainable design principles, ensuring that factors such as natural lighting, ventilation, and solar energy capture were effectively taken into account.

This week, a major responsibility of mine involved addressing uncertainties related to the intricate design phase. I gathered input and improved my strategies for spatial arrangement, exterior design, and the choice of eco-friendly materials. In addition, I dedicated my efforts to crafting interior space designs that comply with universal design standards, employing Revit to generate 3D representations and detailed schematics of my proposed layouts.

In order to back up my design rationale, I advanced in compiling the ESD analysis report. This involved executing calculations for the lighting power budget, analyzing the life cycle of materials, and determining the Envelope Thermal Transfer Value (ETTV). The evaluations yielded insights based on data that improved the design's sustainability as a whole. As the due date for submissions draws closer, I am dedicating my efforts to wrapping up my digital A1 storyboard panel, which depicts the evolution of the design from the initial site analysis to the comprehensive design phase. This presentation will thoroughly explain the reasoning behind my design decisions and eco-friendly approaches. As I progress, I intend to make certain that my work fulfills the project criteria and successfully expresses my design objectives.

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In Week 17's second lesson, I concentrated on addressing uncertainties related to the ESD analysis report that followed the first lesson. I aimed to gain a more profound insight into essential computations, such as the lighting power budget, life cycle assessment of materials, and ETTV calculation, to guarantee that my report meets the project's specifications.

By dealing with these uncertainties, I optimized my approach to applying environmentally sustainable design (ESD) concepts in my in-depth design proposal. The results of this analysis allowed me to make well-informed choices regarding facade design, spatial configuration, and the use of sustainable materials.

Going ahead, I plan to incorporate these revelations to wrap up my intricate sketches, spatial arrangements, and necessary documentation for submission.