A STUDY ON OPTIMAL FACADE ARRANGEMENT DESIGNS FOR AN INTEGRATED ENERGY + FOOD + WATER VERTICAL FACADE SYSTEM FOR HIGH-RISE PUBLIC HOUSING IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The call towards more compact, multi-functional building developments is one great importance, especially in the context of land-scarce Singapore. The author recognises the potential in making use of Singapore’s high-rise residential buildings, through the implementation of an integrated productive vertical façade system, to ensure efficient use of land and resource self-sufficiency. This research paper sets out to define and study a list of design parameters that are important to consider in an integrated energy, water and food vertical façade system. A number of key parameters pertaining to the Production, Performance, and Practicability of the façade system were included to ensure a holistic design. This then provided a framework to develop a series of 7 façade arrangements. The objective of which is to examine and assess them, through simulation studies, to see which combination of design parameters will provide for the most optimal facade design. After interpreting the data and simulation results, it was observed that the different arrangements resulted in significant differences between the performance (daylighting levels, porosity) and production (energy, food outputs) of the proposed vertical façade. Recommendations were then made with respect to the various design parameters. The study concluded with discussions on the overall viability of implementation of such a system to residential buildings in Singapore, and recommendations of how corridors walkways, together with the proposed integrated vertical facade system, should be considered as a good design element to be incorporated in future housing developments.