We need to rethink the application of traditional materials such as concrete, timber and steel in a way that maximises natural qualities and yet remains compatible to the project sites.
walk’ that weaves through the Baiyun Mountain Hills. The brief was to create an educational and experiential walk along the hillside forest with an inclusive access and a minimal impact on the existing habitat. The solution was to use a modular steel system with a sustainable construction method.
By using the biotic design principles, we integrated nature into master plans and buildings. Our first approach was to identify the best construction system for entrance and exit, so that ramps can integrate with the built-up nature and users can gradually walk up to a 10- to 15-metre-high elevated tree-top walk.
After a few iterations, we conceptualised a concrete ‘forest roof’ structure as the entrance gateway. Once again, we use the sculptural quality of concrete with aggregates that match the overall tone of the site. For the landscape, instead of hard reinforced concrete retaining walls, we employed stacks of natural stones found on the site with bio-swales and earth drains. This was to future-proof the structure from typhoons or harsh climate. The choice of natural stones and pebbles is ideal for in-situ retaining structures and naturalistic infrastructure like drains, paths, rain gardens and bio- swales.
In designing the elevated tree-top walkways, the emphasis was on minimal disturbance to the forest below and yet, this should be able to carry a pedestrian traffic load of 30,000 visitors per day. The elevated walkways are located on a steeply sloped land, so the modular system has to be light and easily established on-site.
Galvanised steel was the most suitable choice in this context as it is light, strong, malleable and can be conveniently fabricated in modules. This was combined with well-spaced single pylons and outspreads. The deck was made of reconstructed timber and finished with bamboo fibre. Overall, the construction was swift and risks of damages could be curbed to a minimum.
In the city, we can easily use cranes to transport concrete, but on a hill the priority must be buildability and minimal impact to the natural landscape and topography. Steel may be more expensive in a flat area, but this is highly competitive on a hillslope area.
MATERIAL FOR THE FUTURE Solutions to sustainability issues in the construction industry does not necessarily mean inventing new materials. Rethinking the approach to choose and use materials will have a considerable impact in reducing both carbon footprint and material waste. In the future, there could be a wider application of sophisticated materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), transparent wood polyethylene glycol (PEG) or carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcements.
Until then, we need to focus on leveraging existing carbon-sequestering natural materials and rethinking the application of traditional materials such as concrete, timber and steel in a way that maximises natural qualities and yet remains compatible to the project sites. Creativity is a good starting point of our journey towards a more sustainable built environment sector.
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Kuan Chee Yung
Kuan Chee Yung is a Green Mark manager, advisor at Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and Board of Architects, Singapore. He has received SGBC Green Architect of the Year Award and become BCA Industry Ambassador Standing Committee for Green Mark Professional Qualification. With over 24 years of experience in the industry, Kuan has undertaken various phases of projects from design inception and development right up to contract completion. Kuan is currently Executive Vice President of CPG Signature, a subsidiary of CPG Corporation which provides multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy services and solutions. Their diverse portfolio includes township and campus master plans, public amenities and institutional buildings, industrial complexes, offices, educational and research institutions etc. The company’s key expertise lies in biophilic design, experience design and integrated digital delivery (IDD).
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