Project Overview
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, envisioned its new eight-story Learning Hub as a showcase for modern methods of learning and teaching and a center that would foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and social awareness. The structure houses 56 smart classrooms where ‘pods’ are stacked into towers clustered around a central space, and classrooms are without corners, fronts, or backs. The unique design necessitated a transfer-free structure where angled columns form a basket-like shape to catch the cantilevered flat slabs that act as ring slabs, tying the columns back together.
The designers also wanted a façade that could be rapidly produced yet appear to have an artistic hand-made quality.
To achieve that goal, they chose precast concrete cladding panels with tailored concrete finishes and profiles that are unique to every panel. To rationalize the highly organic form, the designers used 11 column angles, 10 façade curvatures, 4 window sizes, and 1 glazing-panel width that were arranged in limitless combinations.
Precast Solution
The project is notable for being the first structure to use pigmented concrete in Singapore. To obtain approval from the Singapore Building and Construction Authority, international case studies were presented and German standards were translated into English.
Once approved, the architect, contractor, and precaster worked closely together to conceptualize, fabricate, and erect the precast concrete façade, which consisted of more than 1000 panels, each individually unique in their profiles and configurations. A waterproof sealer was applied to assure minimal maintenance, and the use of recycled aggregates helped the project attain the Green Mark Platinum Award, which is the country’s highest award for sustainability. |