Presenting an out-of-the-box approach, The Greenhouse at Dulwich College (Singapore) offers a living learning environment that is intended to nurture the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. The architectural scheme, conceived by DPA’s multidisciplinary team, achieved net-zero energy; making it the first private institutional building in Singapore to be awarded the Green Mark 2021 Platinum – Zero Energy certification by the Building and Construction Authority.

In pushing for net-zero energy outcome, site limitations became opportunities for innovation. The building’s orientation was reimagined from a conventional form, creating a tilted envelope of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) panels and introducing a ravine atrium that cuts through the centre of the building. The envelope of BIPV panels extends from the north façade to the rooftop, covering an impressive 1,300sqm and offsetting some 40% of The Greenhouse’s annual energy consumption while the remaining 60% is offset by PV installations within the campus. Simultaneously, the ravine atrium beautifully and functionally filters light deep into the interior spaces of The Greenhouse, reducing energy consumption from artificial light. Indoor heat gain is mitigated through the envelope’s frame, which acts like an umbrella to block the penetration of the sun’s rays, thereby further reducing energy consumption and contributing to the building’s net-zero energy achievement.

Biophilic elements are integrated alongside spaces for collaboration and social interaction throughout the building to provide students and teachers with a comfortable environment. This is supported by other wellbeing design strategies such as access to daylighting and natural ventilation, with the aim of improving their physical energy and moods, and enhancing learning and productivity.

AWARDS
WORLD DESIGN AWARDS \ Winner, Institutional Building Built; Sustainable Building Built, 2024
BCA AWARDS 2024 \ Project of the Year, Institutional, 2024
GREEN GOOD DESIGN® AWARD \ Winner, Green Architecture, 2024
BCI INTERIOR DESIGN AWARDS \ Merit, Commercial, 2024
BCA GREEN MARK AWARD \ Platinum Zero Energy, New Non-Residential Buildings, 2023