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Heatherwick Studio Designs its First District in Japan

28 November, 2023/in Architecture, Design, News/by Editor

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A new district in the heart of Tokyo designed by Heatherwick Studio has been opened by the Prime Minister of Japan. The project, known as Azabudai Hills, is the culmination of a thirty-year regeneration process steered by Mori Building Co. Ltd., one of Japan’s leading urban landscape developers.

The new neighbourhood is made up of residential buildings, retail spaces, a school, two temples, art galleries, offices and restaurants, all set within 2.4km2 of green, publicly accessible landscape. Heatherwick Studio is the lead architect of the public realm and podium-level architecture. The design encourages purposeful connections between commuters, residents and the public, and the 8.1-hectare district is filled with trees, flowers and water features. Meandering routes and walkable rooftop slopes invite exploration and informal gatherings.

Thomas Heatherwick, Founder of Heatherwick Studio, said, “We were inspired to create a district that connects with people’s emotions in a different way. By combining cultural and social facilities with an extraordinary three-dimensional, explorable, landscape, it’s been possible to offer visitors and the local community somewhere to connect with each other and enjoy open green public spaces. This is a joyful and unique public place for Tokyo, designed to be cherished for many years.”

Tokyo is a juxtaposition of old and new architecture, with large and small buildings pressed up against each other. The design celebrates this rich mixture of layers and all the variety and intensity of the city. Residents and visitors can come together and be inspired by a new landscape that includes extensive public gardens, a central square and The Cloud event space. It is now one of Tokyo’s greenest urban areas and continues Mori Building Company’s commitment to creating garden cities where the landscape simultaneously supports nature and people.

Throughout the 30-year regeneration of this site, Mori Building Co. collaborated with over 300 residents and businesses to bring the district to life. Over 90% of the original tenants and businesses have now chosen to return to the new district. Azabudai Hills is also on track to become one of the world’s largest sites to receive the preliminary WELL certification, the highest-level LEED Neighbourhood Development certification for mixed-use developments, and LEED’s BD+C (Building Design/Core and Shell Development) certification.

As part of the development, Heatherwick Studio has designed its first school, The British School of Tokyo. At 15,000 sqm, this is the largest international school in the heart of the city. The design takes full advantage of the local climate with a seamless flow of outdoor learning and recreational spaces spread across eight levels, where students and teachers can enjoy working.

Neil Hubbard, partner and Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio said, “Over the last 10 years, we have tried to get under the skin of what makes something distinctively Tokyo, whilst at the same time adding something new that’s fresh and soft to its modern built environment. We wanted to create vistas full of variety and intrigue and spaces to explore. It’s a confluence of different families of design all brought together in one place. I can’t wait to watch people explore it.”

An estimated 25 to 30 million people will visit this new public district every year.

Getting the Most Out of Dual SACI and Concrete Sealer Systems

27 November, 2023/in Construction/by Editor

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When performing a concrete repair or routine sealer application, is there any benefit to adding a surface-applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI) underneath? Will the combination enhance protection or undermine the whole system? Cortec ® looks at these issues and suggests how contractors can get the most out of their dual SACI waterproofing system.

Why use concrete waterproofing?

Sealers, waterproofing membranes, and other moisture barrier coatings are a common part of concrete maintenance and repair. Their chief purpose is to block or seal the surface so that moisture, chlorides, and carbonation cannot seep into concrete pores. This slows down the deterioration process and helps the concrete last longer. Common places to find epoxy or urethane coatings, methyl methacrylate sealers, or other waterproofing membranes on concrete are parking ramps and industrial buildings—especially those in the chemical processing industry.

What are the benefits of SACIs?

Treating concrete with SACIs before applying a coating, sealer, or traffic membrane adds an additional level of corrosion protection. MCI ® -2020 contains the highest corrosion inhibitor concentration among SACIs on the market and is therefore the most efficient choice for this application.

Migrating corrosion inhibitors in MCI ® -2020 penetrate concrete pores and are attracted to metal surfaces to form a molecular layer that actively inhibits the corrosion reaction. This second line of defence is especially important if the physical barrier or coating fails, allowing water and corrosives to seep in and be trapped on the concrete surface. The presence of SACIs in the concrete can help mitigate the corrosion reaction.

How to ensure proper adhesion

While both sealers and SACIs can play a role in concrete protection, there is sometimes a concern for adhesion between layers when applying multiple products to a concrete substrate. If adhesion fails, the effectiveness of the applied system is jeopardized, leaving concrete exposed to water and other contaminants.

Fortunately, the solution is as simple as proper application. Waiting 24 hours after applying MCI® -2020 gives more time for the corrosion inhibitors to work their way into the concrete pores, away from the surface. Subsequent rinsing with water removes any residual and leaves behind a clean surface for coating or waterproofing application.

Testing according to ASTM D7234 has confirmed the compatibility of several traffic coatings and membranes with MCI ® -2020, and in some cases, a water rinse was not needed to maintain adhesion.

Get the most out of your surface-applied system

The application of water repellents, coatings, and waterproofing membranes will remain a common practice as long as parking garages and other concrete structures remain vulnerable to corrosion. Using MCI ® SACIs is a great way to enhance routine maintenance or repairs by fortifying the concrete with Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors. Simple steps such as rinsing the surface prior to waterproofing application help contractors and building owners get the most out of their dual water-repelling, corrosion-inhibiting system to extend concrete service life.

Asia Pacific Investment Volumes Fell 22 Percent in 2023 Third Quarter

24 November, 2023/in News/by Editor

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Commercial real estate investment activity in Asia Pacific moderated 22 percent year-on-year (YoY) in the third quarter of 2023, recording the lowest quarterly figure since Q2 2010. According to data and analysis by global real estate consulting firm JLL, investment activity in Asia Pacific fell to US$21.3 billion as investments in office and retail continued to experience sharp contractions, while industrial & logistics and living & multifamily sectors remained resilient.

“Despite a strengthening return to office narrative and low vacancy rates in many markets, investors remain generally more cautious on the office sector. The high cost of debt has also exerted repricing pressures and most markets remain in price discovery mode as investors adjust their targeted returns for acquisitions. We maintain our confidence in the longer-term attractiveness and resilience of Asia Pacific’s commercial real estate but remain realistic that investors are seeking more clarity on pricing and the macroeconomy,” said Stuart Crow, CEO, Asia Pacific Capital Markets, JLL (pictured above).

Across the third quarter, China emerged as the most active market in Asia Pacific. Investment volumes bucked the downward trend and totalled US$4.7 billion, up 43% YoY from a low base, despite limited participation from overseas investors. For domestic investors and corporate occupiers, industrial & logistics and assets equipped for R&D were the primary recipients of capital. In Hong Kong, investment activity reached US$0.8 billion, up 15% YoY with most transactions consisting of small lump sum deployments involving strata-title assets for owner occupation.

Japan recorded investment volumes of US$4.1 billion, a 3% YoY growth. Industrial & logistics remained an active sector within the market, with two notable portfolio acquisitions made by domestic investors, and listed J-REITs acquired hotel portfolios amid a rapid tourism recovery and rising hotel room prices.

South Korea garnered US$4.2 billion worth of transactions, falling 35% YoY as domestic investors exhausted a large portion of their blind funds, along with shrinking office volumes caused by subdued sentiment amongst global core investors. Meanwhile, investment volumes in Australia plunged 47% YoY to US$3.8 billion. The investment market remained slow as price discovery continued amid rapid funding cost changes. Re-allocation into industrial & logistics and student housing assets took place with conviction growing in these sectors. Singapore investment volumes declined 11% to US$2 billion, with notable acquisitions in the hotels & hospitality and retail sectors.

“In the region, interest rate hike cycles are nearing their end – the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Bank of Korea are likely to conclude their monetary tightening whilst the Reserve Bank of Australia may have more work to do. Thus, regional fixed rates are now closely resembling floating rates, apart from Japan as it plans to move towards policy normalisation,” said Pamela Ambler, Head of Investor Intelligence, Asia Pacific, JLL (pictured above).

“As we approach the end of 2023, investors will weigh the elevated cost of capital against an uncertain macroeconomic environment. With the Fed’s upcoming decision on adjusting interest rates, we can also expect investment activity to pick up as the cost of debt eases.”

ABS 2023 Spotlights the Importance of a Safe and Resilient Built Environment

23 November, 2023/in Events/by Editor

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Architecture & Building Services (ABS) 2023, the region’s three-day mega expo organised by Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) to serve the built environment industry, opened on 15 November 2023 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre to industry leaders, trade visitors, and conference delegates.

The first of 11 conferences was officially opened by Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development. Mr Tan officiated the commencement of the ‘ASEAN Federation of Electrical Engineering Contractors (AFEEC) and the Federation of Asian and Pacific Electrical Contractors Association (FAPECA) Conference 2023’, themed ‘Green Technologies for Built Environment’.

In the afternoon, Guest of Honour Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of Social and Family Development, will grace the official opening of the ‘TP-SII Security Conference 2023’ themed ‘Unlocking the Power of Integration: Advancing Interoperability for the Security Sector’.

Over the next two days, ABS 2023 will continue to host major conferences’ official opening ceremonies. Guest of Honour Ms. Cheryl Chan, Member of Parliament, East Coast GRC, and Chairperson, GPC for National Development; will officially open the ‘9th International Facility & Strata Management Conference (IFSMC) 2023’ on 16 November, themed ‘Sustaining Facility Management for a Resilient Built Environment’. On the concluding day of ABS 2023, Guest of Honour Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and Ministry of Transport; will officiate the opening of the ‘WSH Forum for Waste Management Industry 2023’, themed ‘WSH Matters in Waste Management’.

The conference was expected to attract an attendance of more than 8,000 visitors, exhibitors, conference delegates, and trade professionals from Singapore and the rest of the world this year, the ABS series is regarded as the premier hub for the Built Environment industry. In its 9th edition, themed ‘Designing a Safe and Resilient Built Environment’, ABS establishes itself as the premier gathering place to facilitate a dynamic and engaging platform for interaction between buyers and sellers. The show also hosts significant domestic and global entities in the integrated Built Environment sector, emphasising architecture and design, facilities management, and safety and security.

ABS presents six co-located specialised exhibitions this year – ArchXpo 2023, Design Asia 2023, International Facility Management Expo 2023 (iFaME), Fire & Disaster Asia 2023, Safety & Security Asia 2023, and Work Safe Asia 2023.

The show is also the staging ground for 11 key conferences, symposiums, and forums, all guided by leaders and specialists in the field, alongside six distinct exhibitions. Designed to address various pressing issues in the Built Environment sector, from obstacles and resolutions to emerging trends and innovations, these conferences serve as vital channels for delegates, industry participants, and enterprises to exchange essential knowledge to drive the industry forward.

The 11 conferences under ABS 2023 were:

Wednesday, 15 November 2023

Temasek Polytechnic-SII Security Conference 2023 by Security Industry Institute (SII) • REDAS Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD) Symposium 2023
ASEAN Federation of Electrical Engineering Contractors (AFEEC) and the Federation of Asian and Pacific Electrical Contractors Associations (FAPECA) Conference 2023

Thursday, 16 November 2023

9th International Facility & Strata Management Conference (IFSMC) 2023 • 3rd ASEAN Young Architects & Designers Forum 2023
Symposium On Workplace Safety & Health By WSH Asia

Friday, 17 November 2023

WSH Forum for Waste Management Industry 2023
ASC-IBPSA Singapore Joint Seminar 2023
AWiCs Seminar 2023
Cywareness
UAP Singapore Chapter – ArchXpo Conference 2023

According to Mr Edward Liu, Group Managing Director, CEMS, “ABS 2023 is the region’s most important platform for the Built Environment industry as we embrace and address the challenges of sustainability and resilience. With a robust lineup of 11 conferences and six curated exhibitions of cutting-edge solutions, we’re setting the stage for innovation and collaboration. It’s a privilege to host such a dynamic community committed to shaping a future that is not only built to last but also designed to thrive.”

ABS 2023 was co-located with the inaugural Circular Cities Summit 1.0 (14 – 15 November 2023), to advance the concept of circular cities and to work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special emphasis on Goal 11, which is making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Photo credit: Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS)

More than 7 in 10 Construction Companies are Struggling to Implement New Technologies

21 November, 2023/in News/by Editor

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A new report by industry-leading digital construction, real estate and facilities management platform PlanRadar reveals that construction sector digitalisation has stagnated. The most startling finding is that 77% of respondents are struggling to implement new technologies, with around a quarter of companies polled (28%) saying implementation is easy or very easy.

Surveying over 1300 construction professionals across 15 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Spain, the study examined existing levels of digitalisation in the construction and real estate sector, as well as its growth prospects over the next three years.

Stuck in the analogue age

Unsurprisingly, given the implementation challenges, a high proportion of companies haven’t invested in emerging technologies like 3D printing (80%), robotics (82%) and artificial intelligence (74%). Technology fields that received the most investment were energy efficiency and renewable energy (26%), BIM (19%) and construction management software and platforms (19%). Looking at construction teams using this tech, the data suggests the sector has a long way to go in terms of digitalisation. Almost two-thirds of professionals have not seen a recent increase in the number of digital role hires in their companies.

Investment hotspots

The research revealed the main area of technology investment to be construction and real estate management software, with 77% of respondents saying they expect to see an increase in investment in the next three years. This correlates with the 95% of the respondents who have seen cost savings using proptech, 35% of which estimate between 10% and 30% savings. Over two-thirds of respondents also expect growth in digital solutions that support environmental commitments, regulating energy efficiency and renewable energy. Finally, reflecting its utility across various applications in construction, the Building Information Modelling methodology also stood out as a tool expected to receive significant investment, according to two-thirds of respondents.

Challenges in implementing new tech

Most (8 out of 15) of the countries surveyed consider the traditional view of stakeholders as the main challenge holding back the introduction of new technology. Perception of low return on investment came in a close second, as flagged by 17% of Australian companies, over a fifth of UK companies, 28% of those in France, and just under a quarter in Austria and Germany.

Growth prospects

Over half of respondents expect their companies to invest at least 11% more in digitalisation. The UK is aiming lower with only 46% of businesses anticipating the same level of investment, while just under a quarter of respondents predict this percentage to be more than 31%, led by Australia (39%), Hungary (27%) and Romania (30%).

Head of Sales (MENA, APAC and Central Asia) at PlanRadar Vitaly Berezka shared his thoughts on the findings, “In today’s ever-changing construction industry, adopting digital technology is not just an option, it’s a must. We’re witnessing a shift towards the future, where the integration of construction software brings unmatched efficiency, collaboration, and innovation.”

More insights from PlanRadar’s Ebook, ‘Digitalisation In the Construction and Real Estate Sector’, can be found here.

Cosentino Announces Dekton® Ukiyo Fluted Collection with Designer Claudia Afshar

20 November, 2023/in News/by Editor

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Cosentino, the global leader company in the production of sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, announces Dekton® Ukiyo, a new textured collection that features linear fluting and offers liveable luxury with the durability of Dekton®. Created in collaboration with the internationally recognised high-end interior and product designer, USA-based Claudia Afshar, the collection is available in ready-to-install fluted tiles, one of the first offerings of its kind in the industry. Its textures bring distinctive depth and dimension to any space, be it residential or commercial.

Dekton® Ukiyo is inspired by Japanese and contemporary design and celebrates the art of minimalism and embracing the present. Ukiyo in Japanese means to “live in the moment” and the Dekton® collection is designed to awaken the senses and evoke a feeling of wellness by achieving a beautiful, calm state in the space. It embodies a rich palette of sensations, showcasing a geometric yet smooth structure that creates harmonious designs both inside and outside.

“Playing with texture is timeless, and it is so important in all materials, not just fabric,” said Claudia Afshar. “I have always been inspired by the materials found in nature and making the spaces I design as comfortable, warm and authentic as possible. Ukiyo is calming yet simplistic, and the colourways and fluting are romantic, but also contemporary and masculine to achieve balance.”

Specially designed for vertical cladding application, Dekton® Ukiyo will be available in a matte finish and two fluting options: GV2 with groves set 25 mm apart and measuring 5mm wide and 3 mm deep; and GV3 with groves set 11 mm apart and are 4mm wide and deep. Both will come in tile size 17.7 inches by 118 inches (450 mm x 3000 mm). To launch the Ukiyo offering, Afshar hand-selected five existing Dekton® colourways: Bromo, Kreta, Nacre, Umber, and Rem to provide a comprehensive colour palette to work independently and together.

Dekton® products are full life cycle carbon neutral and were selected for the collection due to their sustainable properties and high-performance capabilities. Dekton® Ukiyo is ideal for a virtually limitless range of vertical applications ranging from facades and fireplaces to custom furniture and so much more.

“Every day I strive to think outside the box in order to create something unique, yet special for each project. This collaboration offers just that and I am so thankful to the entire Cosentino team for bringing this collection to the market” said Afshar.

Dekton® Ukiyo Colourways

Bromo offers a dark grey shade, inspired by homogeneous metamorphic rocks such as slate. Subtle, faded graphics, a carefully-created texture and a natural aesthetic define this evocative colour, perfect for any type of environment.
Kreta is inspired by classic cement floors, with calm movement. The design is even and controlled, although it provides darker or lighter areas depending on the density of the pattern. Its matte texture and grey tone combine with any type of material and make it suitable for diverse applications.
Nacre boasts movement that engages all senses – the trowel marks that bring the colour to life, and the subtle interplay of light and shadow that accompanies every inch of the design. The touch delights with a silky finish as the fingers run over the different reliefs and scattered gradients. A pleasure for its high decorative and emotional value.
Umber features a timeless, rebellious colour with its own personality and a special charisma. The terracotta is warm and very attached to the Earth and closely connected to nature.
Rem provides intricate design, with brown and grey veining and hints of gold. Its fine veining under a subtle grain offers the ultimate in natural sensitivity.

The Ukiyo collection is available for viewing at Cosentino City Singapore, located at 5 Straits View, Marina One The Heart (West Tower), #01-16/17, Singapore 018935.

GuocoLand Wins Top Honours at Three Major Award Ceremonies

15 November, 2023/in Awards, News/by Editor

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At The Edge Singapore Billion Dollar Club Awards held recently, GuocoLand Limited was named the Overall Sector Winner for the Real Estate Companies category. The Billion Dollar Club honours the best and most valuable companies listed on the Singapore Exchange with at least S$1 billion in market capitalisation.

The title of The Edge Singapore Billion Dollar Club’s Overall Sector Winner is awarded to companies based on the following evaluation components:

Returns to shareholders over three years;
Growth in profit after tax over three years;
Weighted return on equity over three years; and
ESG score based on ESG risk rating score as provided by Morningstar Sustainalytics.

In addition, GuocoLand won a total of fourteen awards and took top honours at Singapore’s two major real estate industry awards – including its third consecutive year as Top Developer at the 7th EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards 2023 and the Best Developer at the 13th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2023.

GuocoLand’s latest integrated development, Lentor Modern, emerged as one of the biggest winners with a haul of 10 wins across both awards. The development received three wins at the 13th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2023 (“APA 2023”) on 27 October 2023, namely Best Integrated Development, Best Private Condo Development and Best Private Condo Architectural Design. For its commitment to sustainability in the built environment, GuocoLand was also conferred the Special Recognition in Sustainable Design and Construction and Special Recognition in ESG awards for the third year.

At the 7th EdgeProp Singapore Excellence Awards 2023 (“EPEA 2023”) held on 6 October 2023, Lentor Modern clinched seven awards, including Top Development, Landscape Excellence, Design Excellence, Sustainability Excellence, Innovation Excellence, Marketing Excellence, and Showflat Excellence in the Mixed-use (Uncompleted) category.

Mr Cheng Hsing Yao, Group Chief Executive Officer of GuocoLand, said, “In the twin engines of our development and investment businesses, we always focus on the experience of our customers. In conceptualising our products and services, we also look at emerging trends, so that they can be future relevant. We are very honoured to be conferred these awards.”

Numerous Accolades for Lentor Modern Set the Bar for Lentor Hills Estate

Lentor Modern, the first and only integrated mixed-use development in the Lentor Hills Estate, is spearheading the transformation of the neighbourhood. Surrounded by greenery, the development bridges nature with modern conveniences. When completed, it will have a wide selection of retail offerings, including a 12,000 sq ft supermarket and 10,000 sq ft childcare centre, and direct access to the Lentor MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Designed by ADDP Architects and Ortus Design as landscape architect, the development boasts unique features such as a Flex Room within the 2- to 4-bedroom units, which provide adaptable spaces to cater to various living needs and an abundance of shared amenities that support a live-work-play lifestyle.

Ms Dora Chng, Director (Residential), GuocoLand, said, “Lentor Modern is our third project in the ‘Modern’ series, and the recognition it has received from both buyers and our industry peers affirms our team’s capabilities to conceptualise and design quality residential and integrated developments that meet the needs of residents, tenants and visitors. Lentor Modern will be pivotal in the transformation of the Lentor Hills estate, and will create lasting value for the community and enhance the residents’ quality of life.”

Johnson Controls to Unveil Pioneering Sustainable Solutions at WETEX 2023

14 November, 2023/in Events, News/by Editor

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Johnson Controls the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announced recently its participation at the 23rd Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), the region’s largest Sustainability & Clean Energy Technology Exhibition, hosted by the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With nearly 140 years of innovation, Johnson Controls will use this platform to unveil an array of groundbreaking sustainable solutions that redefine the future of building technology.

Scheduled from 15 to 17 November, WETEX 2023 is a key gathering for leading sustainable technology companies worldwide, providing a unique opportunity for Johnson Controls to present innovations and underscore its commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly building solutions.

Mohammad Khalid, vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls Middle East & Africa said: “At WETEX 2023, we aim to showcase our vision of creating environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced spaces. We are committed to transforming the environments where we live and work with innovative as well as sustainable solutions to deliver a new era of autonomous buildings. Our participation in the event underscores our dedication to a greener world.”

Key highlights at WETEX 2023 include:

During WETEX 2023, Johnson Controls will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of energy and sustainable solutions, which includes:
OpenBlue Services: Johnson Controls’ comprehensive digital offering paves the way for efficient, intelligent, and environmentally responsible building management.
HVAC Solutions: Advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems designed for enhanced comfort and energy efficiency.
Metasys Building Automation System: Cutting-edge technology optimizes building performance and
Cooling as a Service (CaaS): A pioneering approach to cooling solutions that align with sustainability goals.
Energy Efficiency and Air Quality Systems: Innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Fire Suppression Capabilities: State-of-the-art fire suppression systems for building safety.

Johnson Controls’ participation at WETEX 2023 underscores its leadership in delivering holistic solutions for sustainable, smart, and healthy buildings. As the global leader in this space, the company is eager to collaborate with industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to address today’s sustainability challenges.

Visitors to WETEX 2023 can gain valuable insights into the future of sustainable building technology and interact with Johnson Controls’ experts to understand how these solutions positively impact the environment, businesses, and communities. WETEX is hosted annually under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

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Bentley Systems Announces Seequent’s Acquisition of Geothermal Simulation Leader Flow State Solutions

13 November, 2023/in News, Product/by Editor

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Bentley Systems, Incorporated recently announced that Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, has signed an agreement to acquire Flow State Solutions, an industry leader in geothermal simulation software. The move further solidifies Seequent’s position as the most comprehensive subsurface software provider for the geothermal industry.

Flow State Solutions’ geothermal reservoir, wellbore, and surface network simulation software helps project developers and operators better understand geothermal resources for asset development and optimisation and improved well performance. Combining Flow State Solutions’ Volsung portfolio with Seequent’s capabilities creates the most robust end-to-end solution for reservoir analysis available. Detailed models of the subsurface built in Leapfrog Energy can be utilised in Flow State Solutions’ simulation environment to build a full picture of a geothermal asset.

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Geothermal industry leaders are already utilising both solutions to better understand their resources. Simon Webbison, Vice President, Exploration and Resource Management, Ormat Technologies Inc., said, “Ormat Technologies is one of the largest and most active geothermal companies globally, and we are delighted to see the combination of Seequent and Flow State Solutions software capabilities through this acquisition. We already use both companies’ software to better understand our geothermal assets and predict performance, and we are looking forward to working with the joint team to continue driving our success.

Graham Grant, CEO, Seequent, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Flow State Solutions team to Seequent. Geothermal has the potential to help solve the world’s biggest energy challenges. With this acquisition, Seequent’s best-in-class subsurface analysis software enables a full understanding of geothermal asset performance.”

Flow State Solutions co-founder Jonathon Clearwater, who joins Seequent as Technical Domain Expert, Reservoir Engineering, said, “We are excited to join Seequent’s energy team. By combining Seequent’s expertise and our technical capability in geothermal modeling, we are looking forward to making a significant contribution to the renewable energy transition through improved management of natural resources.”

Launch of the Built Environment Innovation Hub @ BCA Braddell Campus

2 November, 2023/in News/by Editor

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Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development recently unveiled the Built Environment Innovation Hub (BEIH) at the Building and Construction Authority’s Braddell Campus. The opening of the BEIH was attended by more than 200 built environment professionals, research partners and innovators, celebrating a significant milestone in Singapore’s Built Environment transformation journey.

Connect: Hub for Collaboration

The BEIH is envisioned to be a collaborative space to connect like-minded individuals, showcase innovative technologies and ideas, and transfer knowledge to accelerate the transformation of the Built Environment (BE). One use of the space is for it to be a “living laboratory”, allowing collaborators to be co-located on the same campus, so as to be able to conduct research, test-bed and refine in-demand BE solutions in a real world environment.

For example, BCA, in partnership with key collaborators from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Kajima Corporation and Surbana Jurong, are experimenting with a novel approach in cooling office spaces that achieved 55% reduction in cooling energy based on a two-week proof-of-concept experiment. By leveraging and maximising the use of natural ventilation, together with traditional cooling methods such as fans and air-conditioning, a network of sensors provide real-time monitoring of parameters.

These include outdoor weather conditions, indoor air quality, temperature, noise and occupancy levels, aiding the cooling system to recognise the ideal conditions to maximise the use of natural ventilation. This helps to reduce reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning, saving energy while yet maintaining thermal comfort.

Besides being a living laboratory for research, the BEIH can bring stakeholders together to uncover more about the latest in technology through exchange and networking sessions. Started in October 2022, these curated sessions with technology themes aligned with the Built Environment Industry Transformation Map (BE ITM) have brought together more than 300 local and international stakeholders, industry partners and solution providers across the BE value chain to connect, showcase and deliberate how innovative BE solutions can be readily deployed in our region.

In addition, initiatives such as the Built Environment Accelerate-to-Market Programme (BEAMP) continue to bring together innovators and BE firms in developing technology solutions to address real-world challenges in the built environment. This bridges the gap between solution development and market adoption. To date, BEAMP has supported partnerships with more than 60 corporates, startups and SMEs, resulting in the development of 44 innovative Built Environment solutions.

Building on the success of previous editions of BEAMP, the fifth cycle of BEAMP will be launched in the first quarter of 2024 with the continued support of Enterprise Singapore and JTC. The programme will provide additional support for companies to conduct small-scale commercial trials to gain early market traction and build track records to bolster their chances of commercialisation in the wider industry. The support for projects that require accelerated development will also be increased from $30,000 to $50,000.

Catalyst for Knowledge and Skills Transfer

Successful technology deployment requires knowledge and learning to be transferred seamlessly to BE professionals. Earlier this year, BCA announced the appointment of BCA Academy as the dedicated Continuing Education and Training (CET) Centre for the Built Environment sector.

The CET Centre will prioritise deepening in-demand skills and broadening knowledge in emerging areas. To complement existing bespoke leadership training, BCA will build competencies towards enterprise development to better drive value chain transformation. Additionally, BCA Academy will also be launching five new SkillsFuture Career Transition Programmes (SCTPs) aligned to the BE ITM. These programmes, which include Digital Delivery, Sustainable Design, Computational Design, Smart and Sustainable Facility Management and Integrated Project Management Delivery, aim to help mid-careerists, transit and pivot into the BE sector and help firms build up their talent pipeline.

With the new facilities, the BCA Braddell Campus has initiated a campus-wide digitalisation plan to make learning more engaging, interactive and immersive. It has gone beyond traditional classroom experience and leveraged technology-enabled learning tools and platforms. For example, BCA along with Serl.io are developing an AI Driven Mixed Reality Experiential Learning Platform (AMRAS) that leverages technology such as HoloLens. The tool simulates real-world scenarios utilising 3D animated objects to engage adult learners to react or interact in situations that stimulate real life experiences. This immersive tool enhances knowledge retention and confidence, benefitting training in areas such as lift maintenance, pipefitting and plumbing.

Showcase: Exemplifying Innovation and Technology through BEIH

Finally, the BEIH underscores the industry’s commitment to transformation and progress, in line with our ambitions outlined in the refreshed BE ITM. Guests at the BEIH launch were treated to tours of two new Green Mark certified3 buildings at the BCA Braddell Campus:

(1) a 7-storey mid-rise Zero Energy Building (ZEB); and
(2) a 16-storey high-rise Super Low Energy Building (SLEB). These two buildings are a showcase of innovative construction methods, sustainable materials, integrated digital planning and smart building systems. These buildings achieved remarkable construction productivity improvements of 15% through the use of integrated planning and design and productive building methods. The cutting-edge green features will help to realise energy savings exceeding 46%.