At the National University of Singapore, the existing School of Design and Environment Buildings 1 and 3 (SDE13) were transformed into net-zero energy buildings that redefine tropical comfort. Carbon Transformations explores how adaptive reuse, climate-responsive design, and hybrid cooling have created exceptional indoor environmental quality and thermal comfort in a tropical climate — while dramatically reducing both embodied and operational carbon emissions.
The video outlines the early design process for developing adaptive-reuse strategies for the existing structure. It was produced as part of Wolfgang’s teaching on tropical climate design during his sabbatical as a visiting professor at the Department of Architecture at NUS, Singapore, in the academic year 2024/2025.
Supported by the National University in Singapore
Film Credits
Directed by: Sara Kessling
Production: Wolfgang Kessling
Script, Narrator, Images, Graphics: Wolfgang Kessling
Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, Recording: Sara Kessling
Guest: Erik L’Heureux
Disclaimer
The film’s narrative reflects the author’s personal view of the project’s beginnings and the transformation of SDE1 and SDE3.
Copyright Notice
© 2025, Wolfgang Kessling, Transsolar, Germany and Department of Architecture, National University Singapore – All Rights Reserved