An iconic green landmark in the heart of Singapore is winning accolades for its environmentally friendly design
Singapore’s latest green waterfront icon, Marina Barrage, was the recipient of the 2009 Green Mark Platinum Infrastructure Award, the top award at the annual BCA Awards organised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Introduced for the first time in 2009, the Green Mark for Infrastructure category aims to promote and recognise environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices and features in infrastructure projects.
Built across the 350-metre-wide mouth of the Marina Channel, Marina Barrage has created Marina Reservoir - Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. With a catchment area of 10,000 hectares – one-sixth the size of Singapore – the Marina catchment is the island’s largest and most urbanised catchment. Together, with two other new reservoirs, the Marina Reservoir will increase Singapore’s water catchment from half to two-thirds of the country’s land area.
Marina Barrage is a result of Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s vision nearly two decades ago, when he envisaged damming the mouth of the Marina Channel to create a freshwater reservoir. With the barrage in place, the Marina Basin will turn into a body of freshwater through natural flushing in one or two years. The freshwater will then be treated using advanced membrane technology before consumption.
The Barrage has three distinct benefits: it creates a freshwater lake to boost Singapore’s water supply; it acts as a tidal barrier to prevent flooding in low-lying city areas; and it keeps water level consistent, offering a venue for recreational activities in the heart of the city.
Marina Barrage is managed by Singapore’s National Water Agency, PUB. “During the planning process, green principles were applied to all aspects ranging from the design and construction to the operation of the barrage to ensure that energy and water were efficiently utilised and that waste generated was minimised,” said Mr Khoo Teng Chye, PUB’s Chief Executive.
Key green features of Marina Barrage include its iconic green roof – a large rooftop garden which uses 100 per cent recycled plastics and eco-friendly drainage cells, and acts as natural heat insulation for the building. Double-glazed glass panels also reduce heat penetration, while the Solar Park, one of the largest collections of solar panels - 405 in total – currently in operation in Singapore, generates about 50 per cent of the daytime electricity needed for indoor lighting and power points at the barrage. A rainwater collection system harnesses rainwater to meet irrigation requirements, and to effectively reduce water consumption, water-efficient fixtures such as waterless urinals and waterefficient taps have been installed in the restrooms.
In addition to being a showcase of urban water sustainability, Marina Barrage exemplifies the national water agency’s commitment towards the environment. Since its opening, Marina Barrage has had more than 700,000 visitors and has played host to more than 200 local and international events.
Contact
PUB – Singapore’s National Water Agency
Ph: (65) 6284 6600
Web: www.pub.gov.sg
Project Particulars
Concept & Management: PUB (Singapore’s National Water Agency)
Architect: Architects Team 3
Structure & Building Services: SKM Singapore
Main Contractor: Koh Brothers Building & Civil Engineering
Contractor
VersiCell® Drainage Modules: Elmich Australia
