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CREATE, located at the National University of Singapore’s new University Town, is home to a multicultural and multidisciplinary research community, further establishing Singapore as a knowledge and innovation-based economy. Arup’s holistic and passive design approach has enabled the facility to cater to the dynamic requirements and varied needs of the research groups, and to serve as a showcase of environmental sustainability in the tropics.
In developing a flexible building configuration, our team zoned areas within the facility according to usage types and ventilation requirements, such that wet laboratories are located in the low-rise wings, while the dry ones and offices are in the high-rise tower. Laboratory core spaces and corridors were also placed at the perimeter to maximise natural light into the interior. The office zones feature energy recovery, solar power systems, and chilled beams to minimise the need for energy-intensive mechanical systems.
Utilising the tropical environment, Arup’s water-efficient strategy, which includes a water treatment facility, has also reduced CREATE’s dependence on municipal water by 77% through the collection, storage, and treatment and re-use of tropical rainwater and grey water from showers and lavatories.
Green roofs will reduce stormwater runoff, as well as minimise interior heat gain and conserve energy. Other design elements and environmental strategies such as improved glazing systems, green walls, sky gardens and energy recovery and photovoltaic power systems were also implemented and is expected to save an estimated 9,000,000kWh of electricity and 66,000m3 of water, annually.
