SDE 1

DESIGN CONCEPT

The School of Design and Environment 1 (SDE1) is a pioneering adaptive reuse project that revitalizes a 1970s institutional building from the SJ van Embden masterplan, transforming it into a net-zero energy academic environment optimized for high comfort and sustainability. This reinvention, designed between 2015 and 2023, by Dr. Erik L’Heureux (Ar.) FAIA and his team, sets a new standard for 21st-century learning, teaching, and research, serving as an inspiring model for future students and faculty in the Department of Architecture (DOA) focused on design and sustainability.

The design establishes a distinct identity, engaging with the site’s context and climate by wrapping two interconnected blocks in a performative “deep veil” envelope. This envelope features light shelves that channel daylight deep into the interior spaces and ascending screens that filter solar radiation, ensuring natural ventilation and expansive views.

In the south block, the renovation reconfigures faculty offices, while the central courtyard is transformed into a lush jungle garden crowned by a brise soleil. Inside, advanced smart building sensors monitor and control indoor environmental quality, paired with an innovative hybrid cooling system for optimal comfort.

The building’s high-efficiency systems, including integrated photovoltaics and a solar roof, are projected to meet energy demands at 55 kWh/m²/year. This renovation exemplifies sustainable design on the equator, showcasing new architectural prototypes that elevate both environmental stewardship and architectural quality on campus.

At its core, this design solution maximizes the reuse of existing structures to achieve new spatial and performance objectives for a forward-looking academic environment, all while minimizing carbon footprint.

Design Awards

Society of Façade Engineering Awards, Project of the Year- Sustainability International (2024) by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), London, UK.

Society of Façade Engineering Awards, Project of the Year- Refurbishment International Shortlist, UK (2024)

Society of Façade Engineering Awards, Project of the Year- Sustainability International Shortlist, UK (2024)

World Architecture Festival, Shortlist, Inside Education, International (2024)

Singapore Institute of Architects Design Merit Award, Singapore (2023)

“Best of the Best” Design Award, INDE Design Awards, Australia (2021)

1st prize for “The Learning Space” Design Award, INDE Design Awards, Australia (2021)

IWIBI WELLTM Health-Safety Rating, 1st series of buildings in Singapore and 1st in the Educational Sector worldwide, USA (2021)

International Architecture Award by Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies (School and Universities), USA (2021)

Design Merit Award by The American Institute of Architects, New York State (AIANYS) for the Unbuilt category, USA (2020)

Platinum (SLE) Green Mark Award for Buildings for existing Non-Residential Building, Singapore (2019)

Design Team

Erik G. L’Heureux (Ar.) FAIA, Design Lead: Concept, Design and Detail (2015-2023),

and as Vice Dean (Special Projects) (2018-2021)

Bertrand Lasternas, Associate Director, Energy & Technology Services

Giovanni Cossu, Associate Director

with support by:

Amanda Mo, Anirudh Chandar, Astrid Mayadinta, Azizul Izwan B Roslan, Epiphanie Barli Lie, Harsh Vardhan, Iven Peh, Joel Tay, Krista Yeong, Lakshmi Menon, Lee Lip Jiang, Ng Sze Wee, Ong Chan Hao, Reuben Lim, Stephanie Kui, Stephanie Kui Hui Guat, Zeno Lee, Zuliandi Azli

CPG Consultants Pte Ltd, Executive Architects

E2000 Pte Ltd, Civil and Structural Engineers

WSP Consultancy Pte Ltd, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers

Transsolar Energietechnik GmbH, Climate Consultant [Concept Design]

IEN Consultants, Energy Consultant [Schematic Design, Design Development]

CCW Associate Pte Ltd, Acoustics Consultant

Yun Hye Hwang, SDE Special Projects with DP Green, Landscape Designers

SDE Special Projects, Interiors

Lian Soon Construction Pte Ltd, Contractors

Quants Associates, Quantity Surveyors

Administrative Team:

Lam Khee Poh, SDE Dean (2017-2021)

Ho Puay Peng, Head, Department of Architecture (2017-2023)

David Cheong, Former Vice Dean (Special Projects) (2017-2018)

Heng Chye Kiang, Former SDE Dean (2007-2017)

Nirmal Kishnani, Former Vice Dean (Special Projects) (2013-2017)

National University of Singapore, Developer

Office of Estate Development, University Campus Infrastructure, Project Manager

Special Thanks:

Florence Ling (SDE Vice Dean, Finance)

Wong Yunn Chii (HOD, DOA, 2008-2017)

SDE 1 Design Spaces and Details

Simulations