As sustainability becomes an essential ingredient in the island nation of Singapore, the UK firm Foster + Partners is leaving no stone unturned to make good use of alternative energy sources in a new eco-complex that pushes the green envelop from top to bottom.
The complex will fill an entire city block between Singapore's Marina Centre and the Civic District with commerical, residential, retail, hotels and a 'green' link to a Mass Rapid Transit station.
All facades will be fitted with solar cells, and to help control solar gain, direct sunlight will be filtered through ribbon-like canopies.Vertical green spaces and extensive sky gardens are also important components, further greening the whole structure with natural vegetation and ambient temperature moderation.
The slanted facades are designed to catch wind and direct it downwards for natural cooling of ground floor spaces. A rainwater harvesting system, geothermal heating system, chilled beams and ceiling, and an ice storage system are further enhancements planned for the complex, which is being described as the perfect merger of elevated architecture and grounded green build thinking.
Image: Foster + Partners new green complex for Singapore
