NTU Singapore, has officially launched its eighth zero energy building, adding to its list of green developments as part of the university’s commitment to sustainability.
Named Gaia after the Greek goddess of Earth, the 6-storey development is the largest wooden building in Asia, and is a space for learning, research and innovation, where NTU students, faculty and staff can meet and connect to uncover new opportunities for collaboration and discovery.
Gaia is the eighth building project on the NTU campus that has received the Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy) – the highest award issued by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore to recognise buildings that consume as much energy as they produce. Presently, there are 16 certified zero energy buildings in the country, of which half are located on NTU grounds. This makes NTU the greenest campus in Singapore.
Two benefits occur due to this architectural design: The use of shallower beam depths for short spans creates more space below and ensures that the building stays within its height restrictions. The fully visible MET-construction is naturally aesthetic, therefore the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building services need to be concealed well . Steel connections will be embedded between load-bearing beams and columns within the timber, which adds to fire safety design as the building’s critical components are protected by an outer layer. RSP is the project architect, in association with Toyo Ito & Associates Architects, for this new development.
