Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) has officially opened what it says is the largest wooden building in all of Asia.
The six-storey development, the university’s eighth zero-energy building, has been named ‘Gaia’, after the Greek goddess of Earth.
It incorporates space for learning, research, and innovation; where NTU students, faculty, and staff “can meet and connect to uncover new opportunities for collaboration and discovery”.
It contains a 170-seat auditorium, 12 lecture theatres, 13 seminar rooms, as well as additional classrooms.
The 43,500 sq. m. structure features open areas, air wells, and terraces to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation.
Gaia is the eighth building project on the NTU campus that has received the Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy), the highest award issued by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore to recognise buildings that consume as much energy as they produce.
There are currently 16 certified zero-energy buildings in the country, of which half are located on NTU grounds.
The launch ceremony was attended by the minister for Education, Chan Chun Sing, and NTU president Professor Ho Teck Hua.
Among those present were NTU Pro-Chancellor Ms Jennie Chua, Chair, NTU board of trustees, Goh Swee Chen, other board members, university partners, and industry collaborators.
Image: Nanyang Technological University Singapore’s new ‘Gaia’ building, said to be the largest wooden building in Asia. Credit: Nanyang Technological University Singapore
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