FACI ASIA PACIFIC OFFICE
Project Description
Faci’s Asia Pacific Office was a decision by the founders to erect a stand-alone building on an existing industrial site. With a desire to grow their team, the motive was to create a commercial environment for their own usage. The building had to be emblematic of their business and strategy, with a strong underlying desire to promote their sustainable corporate image. The end result was a striking 5 storey building that fulfilled these requirements and won a BCA Greenmark Gold Plus Award this year.
Project Outline
The design brief for Faci Asia Pacific’s corporate office in Singapore was derived from an intent to accommodate an expanding business and to cater for a venue for client collaborations.
The company manufactures non-toxic metal stearates and derivatives of fatty acids. Its main raw materialis palm oil. Established in Singapore on Jurong island since 2000, it has expanded its output and range of products.
The new office building was for the company’s own usage with a vision for a sustainable knowledge-based work environment. It was the company’s motive to show to their stake-holders their commitment to conducting their business in a environmentally friendly and sustainable way.
Value – Key Challenges/concerns being addressed before design creation? What is the value (of project/product completed) or potential value (of design concept) of the project/product?
The main challenge for the design of the new building was to develop an office building that would facilitate reduction in energy, water and waste and reduce environmental impact.
At the same time, it was to accommodate their current headcount and to cater for future expansion. Located in an industrial area, the building had to designed to be sensitive to the surroundings while exuding a corporate identity.
Progress
How the design gives due consideration to the betterment of the society through economy, societal, environmental. educational and other areas of impact.
Aligned with the Client’s decision to develop a sustainable office environment, we proposed a building that would be efficient in terms of its power usage, cooling requirements and water consumption.
Located in the industrial area of Jurong island, the façade was distinctive with its façade of greenery – composed of a vertical greening system from Elmich which was also certified to be fire resistant. The greenery was auto-irrigated by a computerised system to ensure effective watering schedule.
Water usage was closely monitored throughout the construction process. The building was to be a
Photo-voltaic cells were installed to provide power for hot water in the showers. Recycling was encouraged with the food waste to be composted. General waste was to be segregated according to paper, plastic and
LED lighting was implemented for all office areas. Motion sensors were installed for all general lighting areas including the corridor and the lobby.
Innovation
How has your project transformed and/or improved existing methods or designs to bring about greater effectiveness/efficiency?
Our Clients decided to submit the project for BCA’s evaluation for Green Mark because its bench mark was part of an internationally recognised best practice in environmental design and performance for buildings.
Based on a intensive process which started from design to construction and implementation, the building utilised methods that incorporated green practices. These include the use of sustainable products such as low-VOC paint, green label ceiling boards, water proofing, raised floor system, timber door veneers, dry wall partitions, silicon sealants and adhesives.
Human-centricity
How was the project designed for its users? Tell us more about your design has met the users’ needs
We engaged the Clients closely to understand their work practices and requirements. The first level incorporated a large canteen space for the workers’ use with attached locker and bathroom areas for convenience.
This zone was separated from the main office area and access to the lobby to the upper levels. Different front entrances to the canteen and the office area were provided. There are two staircases provided with a clear width that was generous to allow for easy access between floors.
The office areas were designed with a low-E glazing that was controlled by EETV calculations to allow for optimum air-conditioning cooling whilst allowing a measure of natural lighting. At the highest fifth level, the training and conference rooms were designed with operable doors that could be opened to combined into a larger space.
Execution
How did you carry out the project?
Tell us how the product/project was executed to fulfil the design brief, the quality of the craftsmanship as well as its technical excellence.
Based on the goal of obtaining a Green Mark Certification, we worked closely with the Clients and the consultants, including the M&E consultants Aurecon who were appointed as green mark consultants. The specification of materials from the raised floor to the pre-cast concrete car stoppers were implemented during the construction process. The main contractor and suppliers were also engaged to ensure the products fulfilled the green mark and label criteria. The final outcome was an efficient and sustainable commercial building that maximised its small footprint for its purpose. We won a BCA Green mark Gold Plus award in 2018.
