DP architects constructs zero energy building at BCA academy

DP architects constructs zero energy building at BCA academy
all images courtesy of DP architects

the success of DP architects‘ ‘zero energy building’ at BCA academy in spearheading environmentally sustainable design had tremendous implications on the way electricity is used in singapore for specific types of structures. this goal aims to demonstrate the feasibility of architectural projects with minimal dependence on limited resources such as fossil fuels, concurrently creating a product resilient to climate change and user comfort.

low-emissivity glass and solar film coatings to reduce solar heat gain

a building management system functions as an active feedback instrument, monitoring real-time continuous data streams to maintain user comfort and minimize power usage. this was then supplemented by intelligent active mechanisms that help the project produce all of its energy needs by means of solar power and passive design principles.

photovoltaic technology used on the roof

the facility uses heated air to induce solar-assisted stack ventilation in the school hall and classrooms. warmth accumulates in the ducts below the metal surface and, due to the buoyancy effect, the air will rise and flow out of the chimney. this creates a negative pressure, inducing cooler air from outside to enter.

solar-assisted stack ventilation using heated air to induce ventilation in the school hall and classrooms

a vertical pipe in the roof invites natural sunlight into the interior space. the components have less surface area and hence are more efficient than skylights as less energy escapes from the interior.

a vertical pipe in the roof invites natural sunlight into the interior space

standalone solar panels were installed and integrated into the framework features such as sunshade, covered walkways and railings. they provide power directly to specific functions in ZEB such as the visitor center solar-charging kiosk.

shading devices minimize solar heat gain without compromising daylighting and natural ventilation 

mirror ducts made of highly reflective material channel daylight through horizontal elements in the false ceiling, which then exits through ceiling apertures above the user, allowing considerable energy saving.

reflective mirror ducts channel daylight through horizontal elements in the false ceiling

the green roof lowers the temperature from direct radiation heat gain, while green walls reduce heat transfer from the building envelope into the interior. in addition, sensors monitor both surface and ambient temperature.

the green roof lowers the temperature from direct radiation heat gain

green walls reduce heat transfer into the interior

green walls reduce heat transfer from the building envelope into the interior

light shelves reflect natural daylight deep into the interior to reduce the use of artificial lighting. a ceiling material as reflective as the fixtures enhances efficiency.

light shelves reflect natural daylight into the interior to reduce the use of artificial lighting 

using displacement ventilation, air is supplied through diffusers on the raised floor. the cooler new air spreads over the platform uniformly due to gravity, and the warmer air rises towards the ceiling, resulting in a continuous cycle. an individual cool fresh air supply duct at each work station improves the quality for the occupant. the surrounding ambient temperature can then be set slightly higher to reduce the air-conditioning load.

an individual cool fresh air supply duct at each work station improves the air quality for the occupant

ZEB opened its doors in october 2009. one year later, the work achieved its target of net zero energy consumption. as a result, the monthly surplus energy – fiscally equivalent to the electricity bill for 52 five-room housing and development board (HDB) flats – is distributed to the rest of the institution before any excess is supplied back to the the city grid.

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