Report on Solaris - Singapore [BSC]

Location: One-north,Singapore
Design Architect: TR Hamzah&Yeang Developer:SB (Solaris) Investment P/L
Consultant Architect: CPG Corporation Consultants: Arup
Client: SB (Solaris) Investment P/L, a subsidiary of SoilBuild Group Holdings Ltd TC
Corporation
Completion year: 2011
Site Context
Fusionopolis is an integral part of the larger one-north master plan that is developed by JTC
Corporation. Together with the adjacent Biopolis and Mediapolis land parcels, the three entities
within one-north aim to become incubators for biomedical research, new media production and
high-tech software engineering development in Singapore and in South East Asia.
Building introduction
Solaris is a 15-storey green office building designed by TR Hamzah& Ken Yeang SDN BHD.
It was completed in the year of 2010, with an estimated cost of RM 300m. This green office
building is located in the Fusionopolis hub of central Singapore's one-north business park, the
vibrant focal point for the one-north. Prime objective of building Solaris is to foster entrepreneurship,
research and new discoveries in these fields. Solaris comprises two tower blocks; first tower 15
levels and second tower 9 levels. The towers are separated by a grand, naturally ventilated central
atrium and are linked by a series of sky bridges spanning through the atrium on the top floors.
This flagship project has won multiple accolades for its integrated green design which
includes BCA Green Mark Platinum Award as well as top honours at the Sky rise Greenery Awards
held by the Singapore Institute of Architects and National Parks Singapore. It also clinched a
Green Good Design Award for Architecture in 2010 - part of a series of globally recognised
conferment from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture & Design and The European
Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The main innovative feature of Solaris is the continuous 1.5m spiral landscaped terraces
that wind up to lush roof gardens. Other green features that were incorporated in this building are
green corridor with central courtyards, a unique solar shaft that helps create a day lit, and also a
naturally ventilated atrium. Other than that, this multi-tenanted facility is fitted with sun shading
devices to reduce solar heat gain and rainwater harvesters to minimise water consumption.
Design concept, Philosophy and intensions
Solaris is the Green icon of Singapore for its design concept is to achieve a “Green Eco
infrastructure” which is the balance between inorganic and organic. Solaris towers responds to its
destroyed original ecological site through its design of the spreading vegetation and landscaping
over the building with the intention of recreating a completely ecological site. Ar. Ken Yeang
desires to create habitable green spaces that benefit the environment. Ar. Ken Yeang creates
buildings which he claims, “In many ways it feels like a human made ecosystem in a tower form.”
In order to design an effective sustainable building, many considerations where taken into account
to make full use of the tropical climate of Singapore.
1

Location of Biopolis and Mediapolis land in Singapore
kkImage :( http://www.nearby.sg/location/1.297991/103.790015/Solaris_1_Fusionopolis_Walk_Singapore_138628)
Location of Solaris
Image :( http://www.nearby.sg/location/1.297991/103.790015/Solaris_1_Fusionopolis_Walk_Singapore_138628)
Location plan
Site area for Solaris: 7,734m2
2

Floor plans
Basement 1 Mezzanine (Basement layout)
Level 1 plan (Level 1 & 2 layout)
4

Level 3 plan (Level 3 to 12 layout)
Level 17
Image Source: (http://www.archello.com/en/project/solaris/1509931)
5

Elevations
Image source: (Yeang, K. (2011). Eco Architecture: the work of Ken Yeang (1. publ. ed.). West Sussex: Wiley.)
7

Section
Image source: (http://blog.japhethlim.com/index.php/2011/06/14/green-architecture-is-
underrated-a-case-study-on-solaris-by-tr-hamzah-and-ken- yeang/)
8

Singapore climate analysis
Annual temperature
One-North, Singapore’s Climate
Just 1 degree north of the equator, it quite naturally enjoys a tropical/equatorial climate. No
have clear-cut seasons like summer, spring, autumn and winter throughout the year. In Singapore,
the average temperature is between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius. Difference
between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is slightly lesser than Malaysia,
with a difference of two degree Celsius
For One-North, Singapore, the average amount of sunshine hours in Singapore is 7.6 hours.
Being different from the climate in Malaysia where the numbers of sunshine hours are mostly
constant throughout the year.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Temperature: Averageand Extreme
Absolute Max. Average Max. Average Min. Absolute Min.
6
8
7
8
9
8
8
9
9
8
6
6SUNSHINE HOURS
Hours
Source: http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/Singapore/Bishan/climate-profile.aspx
Source: http://www.holiday-weather.com/sentosa/averages/
9

Average rainfall each year is around 1500 mm and 2700 mm, slightly lower than Malaysia.
The wettest months would be during the Northeast Monsoon Season which occurs during
November to May. Besides those months, the average rainfall during the whole year is considered
relatively low. Singapore is located in Southeast Asian, characterized by a hot and humid climate.
Rainfall is almost an everyday phenomenon, even during the non-monsoon period.
The level of humidity in One-North, Singapore is often high due to the downpour. In the
morning, percentage of humidity could reach 90% and drop to a 60% during the mid-afternoon for
sunny days. The average relative humidity level in Singapore is 84.2%.
238
165
174
166
171
163
150
171
163
191
250
269
AVERAGE RAINFALL
mm
80
77
79
79
77
77
79
78
77
77
80
81
HUMIDITY
Percentage
10

The wind speed of both locations depends on the location of site. Singapore being an
island, this factor has caused irregular wind speed as throughout the year. This could be due to the
fact that, Singapore lies within 15 meters of sea level; its climate is influenced by the sea and its
geographical location.
Wind analysis
Wind rose of Singapore (year)
http://www.windfinder.com/windstatistics/singapore_changi
6 6 6 6 6 6 7 6 6 6 6 6
80 74
48
67 63
56
41
63
74
44
74
43
WIND SPEED [KM/H]
Average Maximum
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Year
Wind direction SSW SSW SSW SW NNE NNE NNE N NNE NNE SSW SSW SSW
Average Wind
speed (m/s)
4 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 3 3
Average Air
temperature(°C)
28 29 29 30 30 30 29 29 29 29 29 28 29
Source: http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/Singapore/Bishan/climate-
profile.aspx
11

Certification granted by Greenmark
Green award: BCA Green Mark Platinum Award (Awarded 2010) Rating: 97.5
Green features in Solaris also complies to the MS 1525 requirements.
Green Features:-
 Climatic-responsive façade system
 Light shaft to enhance penetration of natural lighting to the building
 Network of light sensors in stalled to reduce energy usage
12

 Naturally ventilated and day lit grand atrium
13

 Roof gardens and corner sky terraces as a thermal buffer
 Planter box design on landscaped spiral ramp
14

 Rainwater harvesting through a network of siphonic drainage systems
Image source: (SOLARIS graphic courtesy of T. R. Hamzah & Yeang Sdn. Bhd.)
15

Passive features 1: Grand Atrium & Solar Shaft
16

To be the green icon of Singapore, building designers looked detail into climatic elements
that will affect indoor comfort, heat transfer through building and also ventilation.
One of the important main features in Solaris is the grand atrium that utilizes the natural
environment by including consideration on the macroclimate of Singapore as the design strategy;
this idea has allowed a passive driven feature. The atrium connects the two building blocks and
functions as a public space where most functions will be held. The receptions and lounge in the
building is also located in the grand atrium.
This atrium design attains strive to provide ventilation effectiveness through mixed-mode
zone; the used of passive and active system. This naturally-ventilated atrium has operable slanted
louvers glass roof was adjusted through mechanical systems. It is sensor-operated thus protects
the interior from extreme weather condition and it also designed to functions as a smoke vent
during emergency situation.
17

Sun analysis on the effectiveness of the atrium design
23 September
9:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
From the sun analysis above, it was proven that the atrium designed by the architect is
effective throughout the year.
The east direction of the sun showered on the
lower tower of Solaris. Based on the diagram,
sunlight shines into the atrium and lights up
the upper floors of the higher tower.
In the afternoon, sunlight showers directly
into the atrium with most of the floors
exposed to sunlight.
The west direction of the sun showered on the
lower tower of Solaris. Based on the diagram,
sunlight shines into the atrium and lights up
the upper floors of the lower tower.
18

Hot and cold air movement throughout the building
Analysis of Grand Atrium
This slanted louvers glass roof also allows for stack effect ventilation which is well-suitable for
warm climate in Singapore. This is proved using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulator.
Stack effect ventilation draws in continuous cool air into the building at ground level as they push
out warm air through the top. This increases the thermal comfort level and improves the air flow
throughout the building. As a result, it reduces excessive use of active energy sources thus making
it a more environmental conscious building.
Stacked ventilation occurs by the difference in densities of air within an area. Internal hot air
rises up to the upper levels and escapes through opening of the ceiling. From the diagram above,
hot air escapes through the opened slanted louvers glass roof and cold air enters into the atrium
through lower openings.
In hot conditions, stack effect ventilation happens in the large volume of the atrium to
constantly cool down the atrium. This effect enhances during hot days when hot air rises rapidly
and speed up the air exchange rate creating a vertical pressure gradient within the atrium. Heat
was transmitted from the slabs of each level to the atrium and rise up by pressure to the open
louvers. Cool air comes in through the lower openings which are on the ground floor to achieve a
well ventilated microclimate.
Air movement within the atrium is vital to achieve thermal comfort for passive cooling
system. The upper ventilation area has the same size ratio as the lower ventilation openings; the
glass louvers opening compare to rain screens and the ventilation openings above the entrance
area, to ensure balance air movements within the atrium.
Based on our visit to Solaris building around 11a.m, the thermal performance and
daylighting of the atrium is comfortable and is a habitable space for activities. Atrium provides more
spaces with connection to natural ventilation and lighting which has highly reduced the energy cost
for artificial lightings and air-conditionings. It also creates a healthier and productive working
environment for the users as carbon emission is reduced
19

Image: Rain screen and ventilation opening at the entrance
Air movement through the rain screen during rainy days
Rain screens were included in the atrium entrance design to prevent entering of rain water. During
worst weather conditions such as heavy raining seasons, the louver system was closed when rain
was detected by the sensor. When atrium is enclosed the rain check opening or ventilation opening
above the entrance becomes the ventilation operator where air comes in and exchanges and goes
out through the screens. Rain screens acts as a shield to prevent rain from showing into the atrium
through wind driving rains.
This passively ventilated atrium gained points from BCA Green Mark Marking scheme. This
was because it fitted into the criteria of part 1- energy efficiency under NRB 1-8 Ventilation in
Common Areas.
20

The design element of the atrium complies with the MS 1525 requirement. Firstly, atrium of
Solaris has two openings which are the rain screens (inlet) on the ground floor and sensor
operated glass louvers (outlet) on the top of the atrium. The ratios of the inlet and outlet openings
are equal hence having a balanced air movement. Secondly, the vertical distance between the
sensors operated glass louvers and the rain screens were maximized to ensure better air flow
throughout the building.
Skylight roof over atrium
.
The naturally day lit grand atrium optimize the atrium facade design as the daylight can
penetrate into the grand atrium which helps to light up the atrium using natural lighting and also
gives a thermal comfort. The plant in the atrium acts as a screen for daylight
The office units on the sides of the atrium space were designed to allow diffused daylighting
in to the office spaces. Building envelope was carefully designed to prevent direct solar radiation.
The high translucent atrium opening and well-designed fenestrations with double grazing
properties reduces the amount of solar radiation and also allow optimum daylighting to enter into
the office spaces.
21

The size and position of the windows are designed covering 70% of floor height for each
level. In addition, the sill height of the walls is lower compared to the window which also provides
great viewing points to the atrium space.
Besides that, this day lit area is integrated with automatic electric lighting control system to
reduce the energy use for artificial lighting. From the photo above, we can prove that at least 75%
of the office units facing the atrium have minimum luminance of sunlight. This design in a result
had fulfilled green mark marking criteria of part 1- energy efficient under section NRB 1-5
Daylighting.
Psychometric Chart
Thermal comfort is a condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the environment. From
this psychometric chart of Singapore, the indoor comfort ranges from 24-32 degree Celsius. The
passively designed atrium provides a rather comfortable indoor microclimate for the users as the
absolute maximum macroclimate of Singapore reaches 39 degree Celsius.
22

Solar shaft
Image source: (http://www.greenroofs.com/images/content-TRHamzahandYeangSolaris)
Solar shaft is a diagonal cut through the office units on 15 level first towers to promote
natural lighting into the units. The units connected with the solar shaft have automatic light
sensors to control lighting and reduce energy usage.
This solar shaft was one of the innovative features designed to create positive
environmental impact. Plants was added on the south west positioned solar shaft as solar
screens to reduce heat gain into the units. With this feature this building had scored points
from the green mark marking scheme under part 1– energy efficiency of NRB 1-10 Energy
Efficient Practices & Features
The design also works as a stack well that ventilates adjacent interior spaces where it
displaces large volumes of air which satisfied the MS 1525 regulation.
23

Passive feature 2: Extensive sun-shading louvers
Image source: (http://www.greenroofs.com/projects/solaris/solaris)
24

The design of the Solaris façade was greatly influenced by the characteristics of the local
climate. Singapore has a sun-path of east-west, critical facade studies was required to achieve
design intensions.
Ecotext Solaris model:
Sun path study of Solaris on 23 September
9am 12pm 3pm
From the diagram above, we can observe that Solaris was exposed to solar radiation throughout
the day.
In relation to the buildable site area, Ar. Ken Yeang had designed a form which
comprehends solar angle. The longer portion of the form was positioned east and west which the
facades were exposed to maximum solar radiation.
Being informed by the bioclimatic design principles, passive solar system was employed to
bring natural lighting into the interior spaces of the building all year around.
To control and ensure an optimum amount of daylight penetrations into the indoor, Ar. Ken
Yeang had designed a natural ventilated exterior space along the spiral landscaped ramp. The
habitable exterior space has deep overhangs, planter box design and sun shading louvers to cool
the building façade to provide a comfortable microclimate. In addition, Solaris marks the start of
organic form in Ar. Ken Yeang’s designs.
25

Ecotect Solaris model:
Sun analysis on the effectiveness of the extensive sun-shading louvers
23 September
9am (East elevation)
12pm (Overall)
0
3pm (West elevation)
From the diagram on the left, the shadow pattern
shows that the building’s interior is well shaded by
the louvers at 9a.m.
At 12p.m. the louvers was not effective due to
direct sunlight on top of the building. Therefore
it is only shaded along the parameter of the
louvers.
From the diagram on the left, the shadow pattern
shows that the building’s interior is slightly shaded
by the louvers at 3p.m.
FLOOR SLAB
FLOOR SLAB
FLOOR SLAB
FLOOR SLAB
FLOOR SLAB
FLOOR SLAB
LOUVERS
26

Analysis of extensive sun-shading louvers
Extensive sun-shading louvers along the facade of Solaris were specially designed; the
shape and depth of the sun shading louvers were determined by proper local sun-path analysis. In
general, most buildings do not consider the sun-shading potential as it was not a part of the design
in the first place. But as the exterior façade of the Solaris are often exposed to the sunlight all year
long, sun-shading louvers help prevents unpleasant glare and overheating of the inside of the
building. The key objective of Ar. Ken Yeang was to maximize the use of natural light without the
problems of glare or excessive solar heat gain.
The sun-shading louvers are design for different sun angles as they subtend into the
building through windows in the exterior space of the building. The shading features and strategies
helped to block the excessive sunlight during the mid and late day where the sun is the most
impactful. It improved the thermal and visual comfort of the user in the building.
Well-designed solar shading system provides maximum yield of light, heat and ventilation
into the building providing a comfortable yet bright working space for the users in Solaris. During
day time, the need for artificial lighting reduces, units along the external glazed curtain wall was
installed with sensor-operated lighting system. These sensors are able to reduce energy usage for
artificial lightings and when there is a minimum detection of 500lux external luminance, artificial
lights off automatically.
27

Other than that, this passive feature of extending solar shading louvers had screened of
excessive sun light thus decreased the amount of heat transfer through the low-e double glazed
curtain walls. As a result, contributes to a lower overall External Thermal Transfer Value (ETTV) of
40 W/m2
or less.
Building fabric has important role in regulating the indoor environment. Colour selection is
critical; it affects heat absorption of the material because of emissivity. Emissivity of materials are a
concern, Ar. Ken Yeang used reflective colours to reduce absorption of thermal energy and to
protect building from overheating in extreme hot conditions.
The placements of the sunshade louvers surrounded along the building exterior were
designed in a way to screen off direct heat and glare from the sun. This sun shading louvers has a
total horizontal length exceeding 10km, thus making the shading effect more effective and
innovative. Vertical distances between the louvers are further at strategic locations to reveal high
volume entrances and sky terrace activity areas. In addition, these sun-shading louvers incorporate
with the platform of the planter box creating an interesting and unique façade design for Solaris.
The passive design of these sun-shading louvers complies with the MS 1525 requirement.
The louvers that surround the whole building prevented direct sunlight and heat as most of the
façade in Solaris is exposed to sunlight all day. The louvers are designed to minimize the amount
of sunlight into the building but sufficient enough to provide daylight to reduce the use in energy
consumption. Furthermore it helps in cooling down the interior of the building as the amounts of
sunlight exposed are reduced. Moreover the continuous layering of the louvers helps to shade
each floor in the building.
28

References
Building and Construction Authority (n.d). BCA Green Mark Platinum Building (Singapore). .
Retrieved May 8, 2014, from http://www.bca.gov.sg/newsroom/others/pr11092013_IGBCA.pdf
Building Massing | Sustainability Workshop. (n.d.). Building Massing | Sustainability Workshop.
Retrieved May 8, 2014, from http://sustainabilityworkshop.autodesk.com/buildings/building-
massing
E-Jin, F. (2012). Solaris detail @ One North. Retrieved May 4, 2014, from
http://blog.cpgcorp.com.sg/?p=2118
Lim C.L. . (2012). Thermal Comfort Guidelines and Policy. Retrieved May 8, 2014, from
http://www.hsl.com.sg/misc/thermal-comfort-guidelines-and-policy.pdf
Lyons, S. (n.d.). Solar shading applications. . Retrieved May 7, 2014, from
http://designquarterly.ca.dnnmax.com/SolarShadingApplicationVancouverOlympic.aspx
Solaris, Singapore. (n.d.). Solaris, Singapore. Retrieved May 8, 2014, from
http://www.ctbuh.org/TallBuildings/FeaturedTallBuildings/FeaturedTallBuildingArchive2012/Solaris
Singapore/tabid/3854/language/en-GB/Default.aspx
Solaris, Singapore. (n.d.). Solaris, Singapore. Retrieved May 8, 2014, from
http://www.ctbuh.org/TallBuildings/FeaturedTallBuildings/FeaturedTallBuildingArchive2012/Solaris
Singapore/tabid/3854/language/en-GB/Default.aspx
Solar Shading system. (n.d.). . Retrieved May 6, 2014, from
http://www.coltgroupamerica.com/solar-shading.html
TR Hamzah & Yeang Sdn. Bhd.. (n.d.). TR Hamzah & Yeang Sdn. Bhd.. Retrieved May 8, 2014,
from http://www.trhamzahyeang.com/project/large-buildings/solaris_01.html
Windfinder.com - Wind and weather statistic Singapore Changi. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2014,
from http://www.windfinder.com/windstatistics/singapore_changi
Book references
The Green Skyscraper (1948). The Skyscraper and Other Large Buildings. New York : Prestel
Verlag.
Yeang, K. (2011). Eco Architecture: the work of Ken Yeang (1. publ. ed.). West Sussex: Wiley.
29

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