THERMA KRANJI : RAMMED EARTH IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The proposed project is a thermal therapy resort which is inspired from the sustainable characteristic of rammed earth. In the current global context, architecture is often one of a linear process and generates waste through its processes and operations. The proposed project is one, inspired from rammed earth which resources are taken from the environment for construction and returned after the operation. The site selected is in Kranji Countryside which has resources such as biomass and soil for the construction and operation of the resort. The project aims to leave minimal traces. The use of biomass with the modern pyrolysis will generate energy for the resort and at the same time capture carbon to store in the ground. The project also aims to return the construction material i.e. soil back to the site after its intended operation thus leaving the environment in very much the original state. The main architectural objective of the project is then to demonstrate the usability of rammed earth construction in Singapore. The in depth study into rammed earth as a material allowed understanding of the material in relation to the local climate. The project demonstrates the detailing, the potential of rammed earth as an architectural element in relation to Singapore. Through this it is hoped that it opened up a new realm for the use of rammed earth in Singapore and unleashed its potential as a sustainable material.