DP Architects pioneers sustainable architecture in Singapore

Harvey Lukman, associate director at DP Architects, said they are leading the charge in designing the future with purposeful sustainability.

With sustainable designs sweeping Singapore, the trends integrate passive design strategies to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining a tropical architectural identity.

One fine example is Singapore’s first net-zero International School building by DP Architects which showcases the firm’s expertise in sustainable architecture.

Harvey Lukman, associate director at DP Architects, said the building is the latest addition to the rise of biophilic designs that have been seen in the city state the past decade. It is based on the concept that integrates lush greenery, sky gardens, and terraces into buildings.

“With greater emphasis on sustainable design, we are seeing a modern interpretation of our tropical architectural roots through the use of passive design strategies such as cross ventilation, ceiling fans, and deep overhangs,” Lukman told the Singapore Business Review.

Such an approach not only promotes energy efficiency but also creates harmonious interactions between built environments and nature.

Lukman said this generation has a growing awareness of the importance of conservation and adaptive reuse, especially in Singapore.

So, these sustainable approaches are to rejuvenate old buildings, giving them a new lease of life without tearing them down, thus reducing embodied carbon.

“This practice not only contributes to sustainability but also preserves our social values heritage as diversity added layers to the city’s fabric,” Lukman said.

He also shed light on DP Architects’ holistic approach to sustainability through their “Attributes of Purposeful Design” matrix.

This innovative tool assesses environmental, social, and economic values in projects, ensuring that sustainability outcomes take precedence. Lukman asserts, “We prioritize sustainability outcomes over other considerations in three key categories: people, value, and environment.”

Meanwhile, as climate concerns escalate, the increased adoption of clean energy sources like solar power has been observed.

For Lukman, the exploration of solar and other energy harvesting technologies is still in its infancy and anticipates further innovations that will reshape architectural design.

“Solar panels impact our roofscape design, merging conservation and sustainability,” he said, noting how these will be part of the demand when designing smart buildings.

To keep up with this rising trend of providing smart building solutions and digital tools, DP Architects has partnered to develop a groundbreaking proptech marketplace, Spaceworks.

“Spaceworks facilitates the integration and implementation of digital solutions in building projects, enabling building owners to provide digital services to tenants and monitor energy usage,” Lukman explained.

This advancement bridges the gap between design and performance, giving clients a tangible preview of their building’s functionality.

Collaboration, of course, is key in addressing challenges clients face, particularly navigating regulatory requirements and design timelines.

As such, DP Architects has established typology groups and a compliance department to liaise with agencies and create design solutions that overcome obstacles.

“Collaboration with clients, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies is crucial to challenge boundaries, discover new possibilities, and achieve creative solutions,” Lukman said.

At the end of the day, their drive is for a future of sustainable excellence in what better place than Singapore’s architectural landscape.

DP Architects, Lukman said, considers itself to be leading the charge in purposeful sustainable design.

It rides on the commitment to holistic sustainability, marrying environmental consciousness with social and economic responsibility.

With initiatives like Spaceworks and an emphasis on collaboration, Lukman is confident that DP Architects is shaping a future where innovation and sustainability coexist seamlessly.

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