about the true nature of materials. In the case of Khan, compressive properties of bricks were utilised to optimise the construction methods.
In the context of locality, this can translate into less import and more expression of sense of place through the use of local resources. In sustainability, this understanding means more strategic material choice and use that aim to achieve best performance and spatial function. The material palette is then curated in accordance with the surrounding climate, by considering the energy use, resilience, low maintenance and recyclability.
Challenges we are facing today, such as climate change and habitat loss, are often said to be a negative consequence of our lifestyles. While this is not wrong, as a professional in the built environment industry, I am inclined to say that in many ways, the construction materials we use impact our environment in more direct ways than we ever imagine.
For instance, much of the construction materials we use in building structures are products of commercialism and driven largely by economic benefits. These materials are often imported, made in energy-guzzling, mono-product
In many ways, the construction materials we use impact our environment in more direct ways than we ever imagine.
factories. When they are eventually expressed in built forms, more often than not, they become glass towers that consume a lot of energy.
Habitat loss can also be caused by construction and development, either directly via material extraction and land clearance or indirectly via generation of waste, pollution and toxic residue that destroys habitats and contributes to ozone depletion. As such, we should seek ways to reduce the negative effects of our material choices. To put it into perspective, we could have a look at these two case studies.
PRECAST CONCRETE: ART AND TECHNOLOGY The Hive@NTU was designed to create a stack of multi-purpose rooms located near the scenic end of Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) South Spine. The eight-storey building, which houses 56 smart classrooms, is made of pods stacked into tower clusters around a central space. The grand design was
conceptualised with an integrated approach to sustainability, construction and use of materials.
The architecture was highly non- standard and non-rectilinear. To allow for variation while maintaining the standard quality across the board, we made use of the sculptural qualities of concrete and aggregates. Concrete was considered the most suitable because it is resilient to weathering, fire-resistant and has good insulation property. When infusing greenery, concrete can also double up as bedrock for a landscaped stratum.
A large part of the structure is built using precast concrete modules, which includes the core wall, the liner panels, the tilted columns, the curved façade, the internal walls with full-height glazing and window units. After these components were assembled on-site, they were finished with iron oxide pigments that blend with the concrete, hence lending them some natural, earth-
Brick arches
Image by Nagel Photography
Patterned precast concrete walls
Image by Stephan Langhans
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