Climate change has accelerated due to carbon dioxide emissions– over 35% of annual carbon emissions result from building and construction. Many architectural companies in Singapore have already been incorporating environmentally-efficient solutions into the buildings of this city in a garden. Here are some emerging trends in sustainable architectural design.

 

Energy-efficient comfort

A well-designed building or house should be comfortable for the people using the space. Rather than choosing quick solutions, long-term and environmentally friendly solutions are the trending way to approach comfort.

Good thermal insulation in a building is essential for energy efficiency. In order to achieve highly energy-efficient buildings, thermal bridges and air infiltrations should be removed. This results in optimised temperature control, noise reduction, energy loss minimisation and even lower energy costs.

Natural ventilation not only improves air quality but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, natural ventilation is cost-effective as the natural air circulation can create healthier indoor air quality.

Water efficiency is trending amongst residential designs but may be overlooked in commercial buildings. Investing in water-saving equipment can help increase water efficiency. Water descalers and water softener systems allow your water-based machinery to last longer. These systems reduce the effects of hard water and prevent build-up, thus saving you costs and energy.

Energy efficiency is also a trending component in architectural designs. Whether they are home appliances or industrial machinery, energy-efficient alternatives can significantly reduce carbon emissions.

 

Biophilic Designs

Biophilic design is one of the most visually impressive trends in the world of sustainable architecture. It can be defined as a framework incorporating organic materials, natural light and greenery into a built environment. This architectural framework is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps reduce carbon emissions in urban areas.

In residential or commercial designs, introducing plant life into the architecture can help reduce carbon dioxide in the air, such as green roofs and walls. Using wood has also become increasingly popular in biophilic design– it is functional and has a lighter carbon footprint.

Contemporary house design architects in Singapore often incorporate biophilic elements into the home. One such example is the House of Greens by AR43 Architects, who have designed a modern green retreat that is sustainable and has a soothing psychological and physiological effect on the homeowner’s well-being.

 

Net Zero Energy Buildings

Net Zero Energy Buildings achieve a net zero energy consumption as the energy used by the building is less or equivalent to the amount of renewable energy the building generates. The World Green Building Council promotes decarbonising the built environment.

An education architecture design company in Singapore has achieved a Net Zero Energy Building with its Frontier Building located at the National University of Singapore. The canteen in NUS uses energy-efficient chiller plants and passive climate control solutions. The architects from AR43 Architects Pte Ltd have also incorporated biophilic design, such as adding green roofs and maximising natural ventilation. The building attained its Zero Energy Building title at the ASEAN Energy Awards in 2022.

 

Conclusion

These are some of the emerging trends in sustainable architectural design. Architects have a responsibility to the environment, and their design should prioritise sustainability to ensure future generations can enjoy the resources we have. AR43 Architects Pte Ltd is an architecture and interior design firm in Singapore that practises sustainability in our residential and commercial designs. Contact us for further enquiries.